hey guitardists

[FrostGiant]

I really want to play with one of those Line 6 Variaxes. (They're guitar modelers like the POD is an amp modeler). I don't think I'd buy one though. I think they run about $1000.

 

[ImNoPuppie]

i think even if they cost $200 i'd skip that, did you look at the picture?

 

[FrostGiant]

A really cool thing about the Variax is that you can pan each string seperately. You can really get some cool shit going on with that. If I could find one for $500 I'd buy it. I really could care less what it looks like.

 

[exciar28]

yes, Variax looks like a toy guitar shit but I think the features are incredible. I wanna play one of that too. but LINE6 should be more prudent about the design

 

[mindspell]

I wonder how well those work, as well as this:

http://www.lightwave-systems.com

The LightWave technology utilizes optoelectronics to "see" the vibration of the string, enhancing the strings' true voice by eliminating the magnetic influence or "pull" on the metal strings. As a non-contact sensor, optics do not interact with the movement of the string. Instead, they provide a flat, even response throughout the tonal spectrum of the vibrating string, producing a sonic foundation that accurately represents the instrument and the musician. This neutrality allows the string to vibrate naturally and the result is the most powerful and responsive method of string transduction ever developed, and a sound advantage for today's music.
The optical pickup is a proprietary type of transducer which utilizes an infrared emitter and an array of photodetectors for each string. The emitter casts a shadow of the string onto the photodetectors. As the string vibrates, the size and shape of the shadow changes accordingly and modulates a current which passes through the photodetectors. This current is the basis of an analog electrical signal which represents an accurate depiction of the vibrating string.

LightWave Systems' optical pickup starts with one optical transducer assembly for each string of the instrument. The monolithic bridge design features an optical block that allows for pickup adjustment independent of the string saddle. Each monolith is made out of a moldable, sonically-ideal material known as GraphTech, and provides an unprecedented level of mechanical isolation for enhanced instrument performance.