U2start.com | U2 & Guitar Gear: Q & A

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979For the "Vertigo" video, Edge was totin' his 1972 walnut finish Telecaster Custom. Custom's have a humbucker in the neck position.
[image]

Edge seemed to have a brief "love affair" with this guitar but has turned to other Tele's since then. He also used this at the 2003 46664 show, playing it on Long Walk To Freedom.

From the moment I've seen that guitar earlier this evening I've thought "I've seen that before". I've searched my whole photos collection (a hell of work it's been) and eventually located the thing, on my "Elevation Tour Pictures" folder. No guess which show is it from, date, photographer...

That Custom Telecaster seems very very similar to this thing:

Which of course I don't know what the hell is. I'd think it's a semi-accoustic Gibson but the neck seems to be Rickenbaker or so

Any ideas guys?

anstratdubh1979

17 years

Originally posted by LikeASong[..]From the moment I've seen that guitar earlier this evening I've thought "I've seen that before". I've searched my whole photos collection (a hell of work it's been) and eventually located the thing, on my "Elevation Tour Pictures" folder. No guess which show is it from, date, photographer...

That Custom Telecaster seems very very similar to this thing:
[image]

Which of course I don't know what the hell is. I'd think it's a semi-accoustic Gibson but the neck seems to be Rickenbaker or so Any ideas guys?

I'm pretty certain that The Edge didn't use the Fender Telecaster Custom during the Elevation tour. I'd be interested in seeing the picture that you are referring.

As for the silver sparkle guitar that The Edge used for Love and Peace

(and a few times for The Fly - as seen in U2:3D)... that is a Line 6 Variax 700 acoustic. It digitally models various vintage acoustic 6 and 12 string gutiars as well as banjo, mandolin...

Also Edge used a black one with the red vertigo circles for The Fly most nights.

With a simple twist of the MODEL SELECT knob, you'll hear a diverse range of instruments from no-frills workhorses to the upper echelons of collectibility. And a few exotic oddities that most of us don't even know how to tune, much less play. With the Variax® Acoustic, you won't get the vintage patina or the strangely erotic musty case smell, but you won't have to deal with the neck re-sets and cracked tops either. Instead, you get only the very best part: the sound.

Variax Models Based On*:

1941 Martin® 5-17 [info]

1946 Martin® 000-28 [info]

1960 Martin® D-21 [info]

1954 Gibson® J45® [info]

1951 Gibson® SJ®-200 [info]

1933 Selmer® Maccaferri [info]

1951 D'Angelico New Yorker [info]
1958 Manuel Velazquez [info]
1973 Guild® F412 [info]
1935 Stella® Auditorium [info]
1939 National Reso-Phonic Style "O" [info]
1937 Dobro® Model 27 [info]
Gibson® Mastertone [info]
Mandola [info]
Japanese Shamisen [info]
Indian Sitar [info]

Volume
Push it toward the Model Select knob to get louder. Pretend to push it away from the Model Select knob when people ask you to turn down.

Mic Position
The top slider (the one furthest away from you when you hold the guitar) allows you to alter the position of the modeled microphone. Here’s a simple way to remember how it works: As you move the slider closer to the soundhole (away from the Model Select knob), the Mic Position is also getting closer to the soundhole. Some of the instruments modeled in the Variax Acoustic don't have a soundhole, but the control will work similarly for these instruments. When the slider is close to the Model Select knob, the strings (and upper frequencies) are emphasized; when the slider is close to the soundhole, the body (and lower frequencies) are emphasized.

Compressor
The bottom slider allows you to change the level of compression. A compressor usually has a lot of controls to adjust, but we take care of all the complicated stuff for you. Just push the slider toward the Model Select knob for more compression, and away from the knob for less.

Model Select
The Model Select knob has several functions. First of all, it allows you to choose the active instrument model. Rotate the knob to choose from the 16 Variax Acoustic models. The name visible in the slot is the active model. The LED will help you see the name on dark stages, or in the closet if you are very shy.

The Model Select knob also lets you engage the Instant Alternate Tuning function. With a quick press on the knob, the LED will change from green to red. Now, none of the notes are where you thought they were! To learn the method to our madness, check out the next section, Instant Alternate Tunings. But wait, there’s more: The Model Select knob also lets you save any customizations you have carried out. More on that in the upcoming Saving Custom Guitar Setups.

Many guitarists, especially acoustic guitarists, play in tunings other than the familiar EADGBE. Rather than deal with the hassles of retuning during a performance or transporting multiple guitars, wouldn’t it be great to have a guitar that could retune itself automatically? We thought so, too, so we included this function on the Variax Acoustic.

Of course, this magic is performed on the output signal only. The physical strings are unchanged…and you’re still responsible for being in tune. For the most pleasant experience, you’ll want to have your amplified signal loud enough to drown out the sound of the physical strings. You should keep in mind that the retuning is relative to the actual strings. If you tune the actual strings of the Variax Acoustic to something besides EADGBE, and apply one of the tuning presets, you're going to get some unexpected, though not necessarily unmusical, results.

We made it easy to get to some of the most commonly used alternate tunings. First, enter the Alternate Tuning Set-Up mode with a quick double press on the model select knob. The LED will flash red-green-red-green to let you know you are in this mode. With the bottom (COMPRESSOR) slider all the way down, choose the tuning you want with the top (MIC) slider.

Simple and intuitive Volume and Mic Position/Tone Shaping controls

Instant access to preset and custom altered tunings

Thin and comfortable mahogany body with spruce top

Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard and pearl snowflake position markers

24 medium profile frets

25 1/2" scale length

17" fingerboard radius
Standard 1/4" guitar output jack
Digital I/O jack for Vetta™ II connectivity
Included direct box provides power plus 1/4" standard guitar and XLR balanced outputs
Can also be powered by on-board batteries or Line 6's Vetta II amplifier
Includes custom 1/4" TRS cable
Custom-fitted heavy duty gig bag
Available in Natural, Black and Sunburst finish

What is Variax Acoustic 700?
Variax® Acoustic is the world's first acoustic modeling guitar. It offers the user a selection of 16 richly detailed acoustic instrument sounds, phenomenal feedback-resistance, unique and intuitive tone-shaping options, and instant access to altered tunings.

Is the Variax Acoustic 700 a MIDI guitar?
No, the Variax Acoustic is a real guitar. All of the sounds start with the actual string vibrations of the instrument itself. Our proprietary modeling process shapes the raw string signal to replicate the sounds of the modeled instruments.

Does Variax Acoustic work with only Line 6 amps?
The Variax Acoustic’s output can be sent direct to a PA, recording device, or any standard acoustic amplifier.

Where is the Variax Acoustic 700 made?
The Variax Acoustic was designed entirely by Line 6, by experienced luthiers and engineers. The Variax Acoustic is manufactured in Korea, by a manufacturer with many years of experience building high-quality guitars for some of the most respected brands in the industry.

How much does it cost?
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail List price is $1679.99. Actual retail prices may vary. This price includes the Power Supply/Direct Box, custom TRS (stereo) cable, and a heavy-duty custom-fitted gig bag.

What's up with the footswitch?
The amazingly warm and detailed models of the Variax Acoustic 700 sound best when amplified by a full-range system, so we include the XPS to give you the option to send these sounds a 1⁄4” input amplifier or an XLR input amplifier, mixer, or recording device. The XPS also provides power to the Variax Acoustic.

What's up with the extra jack?
This connector allows for connection to the “Variax Input” on Line 6 products like the Vetta™ II (and, at a later date, Variax Workbench). It also allows for future software upgrades.

Can I use rechargeable batteries in my Variax Acoustic 700?
Yes, but they won’t last as long as alkaline batteries.

How long will six AA batteries last?
Fresh AA alkalines will last 10-12 hours, under normal conditions.

How long will a 9-volt battery last?
An alkaline 9V will generally last 1-2 hours, so it is best thought of as a backup for other power options.

Can I use the Variax Acoustic 700 with a wireless system?
Yes, though you will have to use battery power to operate the Variax Acoustic.

Will the XPS pedal recharge batteries in the Variax Acoustic 700?
No, the XPS provides power to operate the Variax, but will not recharge the batteries loaded in the battery compartment.

What type of cables do I need to use for my Variax Acoustic 700?
The TRS (stereo) cable needed to connect the Variax Acoustic to the XPS is included. You can use any standard 1⁄4” TS (mono) or XLR (mic) cable to connect the XPS to an amp or mixer, or simply use a standard 1⁄4” cable to connect the Variax Acoustic to an amp or mixer when on battery power.

What type of strings come with the Variax Acoustic 700?
Standard .012” gauge bronze acoustic guitar strings.

What happens if I use different strings?
The variation in sound from using different strings on the Variax Acoustic is similar to the effect of changing to a different gauge or type of strings on a traditional acoustic guitar.

What accessories come with the Variax Acoustic 700?
The Variax Acoustic comes with a custom gig bag, the XPS direct box/power supply, and a 1⁄4” TRS cable.

How well does the Variax Acoustic 700 "track"?
Since the Variax Acoustic works by processing the signal from the actual vibrating strings, tracking is generally never an issue. You may find that some models, like the 12-strings, do not respond well to certain techniques.

For more information on the Variax acoustic...
http://www.line6.com/variaxacoustic/

anstratdubh1979

17 years

Originally posted by LikeASong[..]OK,so only colour/painting differences, not pickups or strings or anything differences? Right. Thanks once again!

PS. I prefer Ash. And you?

Differences between the guitars in question are the finish, the body wood,(which affect tone), the body finish, the fretboard compostion (which does affect tone some)..

...that said the pickups are similar, the strings are uncertain as The Edge doesn't use just one brand of strings (he's been using some Ernie Ball and some DR) and he's also used some varying gauge of strings...

So it IS more than just paint and visual difference.

haytrain

17 years

Jeff, how many pictures of U2 do you have on your computer!?!? I'm guessing a lot.

anstratdubh1979

17 years

Originally posted by haytrainJeff, how many pictures of U2 do you have on your computer!?!? I'm guessing a lot.

How many? God knows! Plus there are all the pics on my work computer too... it's ridiculous.

But I love the band... and pictures are good illustrative tools when discussing gear too. See, there IS a real reason... sort of.

thechicken

17 years

Has anyone ever tried these line 6 things? they look to be amazing instruments. LIke if you had every kind of guitar, amp and effects on one guitar only.

anstratdubh1979

17 years

Originally posted by thechickenHas anyone ever tried these line 6 things? they look to be amazing instruments. LIke if you had every kind of guitar, amp and effects on one guitar only.

Not necessarliy the amps and effects in one but... the guitar can cover a lot of ground.

I guested on "In Gods Country" with The Joshua Tree (a tribute band from LA) a few years ago. Chas has a Variax acoustic (that he recovered in Edge used/Edge approved silver sparkle)

I enjoyed playing the guitar. Plays great. No feedback issues, like one can get with traditional acoustic (live).

While Edge did use the silver Line 6 Variax 700 for "Love and Peace (or Else!)" during shows, it was actually recorded with a Gibson J200 acoustic ran through some of his effects. Needless to say, live that could have been a nightmare with feedback.

Legend has it, some of the main bits of Discotheque were an acoustic (which one is unsure, possibly a Taylor) played through his rack of effects (including the Love Tone Big Cheese fuzz and the Love Tone Meatball envelope filter).

haytrain

17 years

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979[..]

How many? God knows! Plus there are all the pics on my work computer too... it's ridiculous.

But I love the band... and pictures are good illustrative tools when discussing gear too. See, there IS a real reason... sort of.

I'm not faulting you. It's just amazing.

haytrain

17 years

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979

I guested on "In Gods Country" with The Joshua Tree (a tribute band from LA) a few years ago. Chas has a Variax acoustic (that he recovered in Edge used/Edge approved silver sparkle)

Legend has it, some of the main bits of Discotheque were an acoustic (which one is unsure, possibly a Taylor) played through his rack of effects (including the Love Tone Big Cheese fuzz and the Love Tone Meatball envelope filter).

Interesting. Didn't know that about Discotheque.

On another note, how good is "The Joshua Tree?" Thinking about checking them out next time they play...in my area.

anstratdubh1979

17 years

Originally posted by haytrain[..]

Interesting. Didn't know that about Discotheque.

On another note, how good is "The Joshua Tree?" Thinking about checking them out next time they play...in my area.

"The Joshua Tree" are quite good. Nice lads and great at playing U2 songs. I was honored to be asked to play a tune with them. They play in LA, Orange Couty, San Diego and they've been playing about once a month in Las Vegas.

Now if only THE EDGE and U2 would have me play a tune with them - then I could die happy.

Well, unless I fecked up the tune, then I'd die embarassed but happy - sort of.

On the east coast, I recommend The Unforgettable Fire, from NY. They are great. And their Edge - Mick - is one cool dude and great guitar player.

LikeASong

17 years

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979I'm pretty certain that The Edge didn't use the Fender Telecaster Custom during the Elevation tour. I'd be interested in seeing the picture that you are referring.

As for the silver sparkle guitar that The Edge used for Love and Peace
[image]
(and a few times for The Fly - as seen in U2:3D)... that is a Line 6 Variax 700 acoustic. It digitally models various vintage acoustic 6 and 12 string gutiars as well as banjo, mandolin...

Also Edge used a black one with the red vertigo circles for The Fly most nights.
[image]

For more information on the Variax acoustic...

Well, I will surely dissapoint you, but the picture I posted WAS the photo I referred to. I had it stored on a generic Elevation Tour folder (even tho it looks very Vertigo like, and the rack behind The Edge seems to be that rack seen on the American legs on the stage). Sorry for the confusing post. I tried to say that from the moment I saw that Custom Tele I knew I had seen something similar before. And the Variax has the exact same shape, the same body. Sorry

By the way, that guitar, the Variax Accoustic.. Well it looks fuckin and freakin awesome.

LikeASong

17 years

Originally posted by anstratdubh1979"The Joshua Tree" are quite good. Nice lads and great at playing U2 songs. I was honored to be asked to play a tune with them. They play in LA, Orange Couty, San Diego and they've been playing about once a month in Las Vegas.

Do they play very very like U2 or they try to improve or modify slightly the songs? For example Kane modified a bit Acrobat and With Or Without You on that cover album of them.

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