March 29, 2010
TylerVariax Designed by James Tyler
This very interesting - a guitar that can reproduce the sounds of an entire collection of 25 vintage electric and acoustic instruments, as well as a dozen custom tunings.
Line 6 already have the orginal Variax modeling guitar, but when I found out the new one has James Taylor behind it, my interest went up an extra 20 notches. The reason being that James Taylor is well known as one of the best guitar builders on the planet. When these two companies partner together for a new Variax guitar, I am expecting the result to be something incredible.
However, these guitars will likely be quite expensive, so I don't think everyone will run out and get a Tyler Variax right away. Another interesting thing to note though, is that there is a new "budget Variax" coming too! This guitar will be made by a company called "World" and I've heard they make great products, and the price for those will be $1099 - $1299.
These guitars will be available some time this summer I believe. I can't wait to try one! See the official press release below.
PRESS RELEASE
FRANKFURT, Germany – March 24, 2010 – Line 6, Inc. (line6.com), the industry leader in digital modeling technology for music-creation products, announced today the next generation of Variax® modeling guitars: Variax Designed by James Tyler. This new line of guitars is designed to deliver the feel of the finest boutique instruments and the optimal tonal performance of Line 6 guitar modeling technology.
Through patented Line 6 guitar modeling technology, Variax guitars can reproduce the sounds of an entire collection of 25 vintage electric and acoustic instruments, and a dozen custom tunings. The modeled instruments include solid-body, semi-hollow guitars and hollow-body electrics with a variety of pickup configurations, six- and twelve-string acoustics, and other guitar-related instruments including a resonator, banjo, and an electric sitar.
This new line of guitars will be available in three styles. Each one reflects the innovative designs of James Tyler in each curve, component and control. Acclaimed for his attention to detail in making custom, hand-crafted instruments for the most discerning players, James Tyler has designed guitars for the world's most respected guitarists and sought-after session players including Steve Lukather, Michael Landau and Dan Huff.
In a launch as creative as the instruments are innovative, Line 6 will be chronicling in real-time the design and development of the new guitars. At www.TylerVariax.com, the public is invited to participate firsthand in the evolution of these groundbreaking instruments.
Each Variax Designed by James Tyler will ship Summer, 2010.
About Line 6, Inc.
Based in Calabasas, California, Line 6 is a leading manufacturer of guitars, amplifiers, effects, effect processors, and recording interfaces. Line 6 is world renowned for its studio- and stage-standard gear featuring its patented amp and effect modeling and digital wireless technologies. Line 6 invented digital guitar amp modeling technology in 1996, and is currently the #1 maker of guitar amplifiers. Its award-winning products are used by musicians worldwide and have been featured on countless platinum and Grammy® award-winning titles. Line 6 is distributed in over 60 countries with operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. For more information, visit www.line6.com.