Add a Variax to your GK13 guitar with RackVax

Started by Elantric-fgn, July 12, 2009, 08:13:50 PM

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Elantric-fgn

QuoteTo me, the DF neck is requiring some adaptation,

same here - its not my first choice - I typically play warmouth strat, or 50's vintage neck profiles. I first became aware of assymetrical neck profiles on MusicMan guitars - I'm told Gibson was inspired by the Tobias Bass necks when designing the Dark Fire Neck .
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

rackvax-fgn

#26
Hey everyone!

I'm very sorry for the late reply. We have been very busy working on getting RackVax ready for production and had not realized this thread was going strong. Thank you all for your interest.

As Elantric mentioned, he is going to be reviewing the product and I look forward to hearing his thoughts. We should be able to provide him with a unit within the next 2 weeks.

The release date for RackVax is on target for August 30th. The units should be showing up in our online store around that time, but those who wish to have their existing Variax guitar converted into a RackVax may be able to get one much sooner.

I will answer any questions you may have. Just post here or send them through our website.

Get ready to rack-and-roll!
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

photonutalan1-fgn

Welcome, Rackvax! Your product is most intriguing I look forward to Elantric's review!

Johnnyurq-fgn

Welcome to the forum RackVax.

I am certainly interested in your product as I have owned a couple of Variax guitars but couldn't get on with the neck. Using it with the Dark Fire is really appealing.

Do you have a UK price and availability so I can save my pennies after buying the DF and get me a RackVax.

Thanks in advance.


Johnny

shawnb-fgn

#29
Quote from:  simont on July 14, 2009, 11:10:39 AM
Compatibility
Quote13-pin (DIN-13) guitar input compatible with industry-standard hex / divided pickups (Roland GK series internal or external pickups, Graph Tech Ghost pickup system, RMC PolyDrive system, Yamaha G1D pickups, Fender Roland-ready Stratocaster, Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul w/ breakout box, Ibanez RG1520GK, Parker Fly Mojo MIDI, Brian Moore iGuitar, Godin Multiac, Carvin synth access guitars)

they neglected to mention the RIP to GK13 pin Cable  ;D ;D ;D

:-X

Looks like they've fixed that...   Current quote:

13-pin (DIN-13) guitar input compatible with industry-standard hex / divided pickups (Roland GK series internal or external pickups, Graph Tech Ghost pickup system, RMC PolyDrive system, Yamaha G1D pickups, Fender Roland-ready Stratocaster, Gibson Dark Fire Les Paul w/ RIP-to-GK-13 cable, Ibanez RG1520GK, Parker Fly Mojo MIDI, Brian Moore iGuitar, Godin Synth Access & Multiac line, Carvin synth access guitars).

So I still need to build that &*(&#!!  cable.   

So I've gone from woodshop (my Lincoln Logs to fix the Piezo feedback) to electrician (to use the hex out) since buying the DF!

Dogmatic attachment to the supposed merits of a particular structure hinders the search for an appropriate structure.
- Fripp

MCK-fgn

Quote from:  shawnb on July 22, 2009, 09:12:15 PM
So I've gone from woodshop (my Lincoln Logs to fix the Piezo feedback) to electrician (to use the hex out) since buying the DF!

We're all in it together. Don't worry about it.  ;D ;D ;D
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

rackvax-fgn

#31
Not to worry guys, maybe we can work something out and offer the RIP->GK-13 cables in our online store. That way you can truly put down your soldering irons and get back to playing!
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

Sympodius

Time is not now; space is not here;
thoughts are not existence; and life not always clear ...


Gibson SG Voodoo (Serial: 00294552)
Gibson Les Paul Dark Fire (Serial: DF 0683)

photonutalan1-fgn


aliensporebomb-fgn

Oh boy oh boy.

Take this (well loved 12 year old guitar):



Then, add this (recently added wonderbox):



Then add a US-20.

And then add a Rackvax.

I could be doing the same stuff gear-wise as Adrian Belew at a fraction of the price! 

Of course, the Rackvax isn't cheap and I just finished paying for the VG. 

BUT, I'm very intrigued.

I never liked the Variax guitars because, well, sorry to those who love them but it had all of
the appeal of a Guitar Hero controller aesthetically.

I also like the fact that all I have to do here is AUGMENT my existing setup, not throw away
everything I've spent DECADES perfecting.

Great idea!


chuskey-fgn

This looks very cool indeed!!!!

Out of curiosity where do you get the Variax circuitry and what's Line 6's stance on this product?  I know everyone's been begging Line 6 for kits since they launched and they've not come through yet to the general public. 

I've been using the Variax 600 for a couple of years and I love it for the features/sound.  Like everyone else I'm not too thrilled with the guitar itself.  The best thing I can say about it is that I don't get upset when it falls off the stand or gets knocked around :)  Unfortunately though I've got a Les Paul Standard and SRV Sig Strat that have been sitting on my guitar stand since I got the Variax.  So a rack version looks really promising. 

My only hold out is the lack of real time control.  I often switch pick up selections in the middle of songs to change tones, and sometimes in the middle of lead runs, so I really need that pickup selector switch.  I used to use the VG-88 and that was the thing that always bugged me.  I lost real time control of pickup selections unless I wanted to assign it to a foot controller, which is really not the solution I'm looking for. 

I applaud you for putting this product out and I can't wait to read the review!

Zipidy-fgn

Quote from:  rackvax on July 21, 2009, 06:08:46 AM
As Elantric mentioned, he is going to be reviewing the product and I look forward to hearing his thoughts. We should be able to provide him with a unit within the next 2 weeks.

Elantric, have you rec'd the RakVax yet? I'm looking forward to hearing how it compares to the VG-99.

Elantric-fgn

. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

rackvax-fgn

We're almost ready to send Elantric his unit. It's taken longer than expected to get everything together but we're working on it!  :)

I'll send some teasure shots to tide you guys over soon.

Sorry for the delay, Elantric!
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

rackvax-fgn

#39
Quote from:  chuskey on August 05, 2009, 01:37:24 PM
This looks very cool indeed!!!!

Out of curiosity where do you get the Variax circuitry and what's Line 6's stance on this product?  I know everyone's been begging Line 6 for kits since they launched and they've not come through yet to the general public. 

I've been using the Variax 600 for a couple of years and I love it for the features/sound.  Like everyone else I'm not too thrilled with the guitar itself.  The best thing I can say about it is that I don't get upset when it falls off the stand or gets knocked around :)  Unfortunately though I've got a Les Paul Standard and SRV Sig Strat that have been sitting on my guitar stand since I got the Variax.  So a rack version looks really promising. 

My only hold out is the lack of real time control.  I often switch pick up selections in the middle of songs to change tones, and sometimes in the middle of lead runs, so I really need that pickup selector switch.  I used to use the VG-88 and that was the thing that always bugged me.  I lost real time control of pickup selections unless I wanted to assign it to a foot controller, which is really not the solution I'm looking for. 

I applaud you for putting this product out and I can't wait to read the review!

I can't comment on your question, but I can tell you that there is technically no reason why you couldn't devise a method to control the RackVax with something on board your guitar instead of a programmable MIDI foot pedal. It would require a MIDI wireless transmitter and a device capable of sending MIDI messages in response to your switching.

We might even be able to custom build you a module which can be wired to a standard guitar blade or rotary switch which outputs MIDI patch change messages that will do this for you. It all depends on how badly you'd want it, because I don't think there's a big enough market to make it into a full fledged product. But it's certainly something we'd keep an open mind about.

Another way this could be done is by omitting the wireless MIDI transmitter and using the extra pins on the GK-13 connection to send the MIDI signal instead. However, this would require slight alterations to your pickup system. If you're serious about wanting this functionality with your RackVax, get in touch with us through our website.
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

rackvax-fgn

Quote from:  aliensporebomb on August 05, 2009, 01:19:49 PM
Oh boy oh boy.

Take this (well loved 12 year old guitar):



Then, add this (recently added wonderbox):



Then add a US-20.

And then add a Rackvax.

I could be doing the same stuff gear-wise as Adrian Belew at a fraction of the price! 

Of course, the Rackvax isn't cheap and I just finished paying for the VG. 

BUT, I'm very intrigued.

I never liked the Variax guitars because, well, sorry to those who love them but it had all of
the appeal of a Guitar Hero controller aesthetically.

I also like the fact that all I have to do here is AUGMENT my existing setup, not throw away
everything I've spent DECADES perfecting.

Great idea!

Oh yes, the RackVax will fit nicely into that setup. You'll be able to control everything with the FC-300 and you can even use RackVax in tandem with the VG-99 all driven by one guitar.

I'm gonna start calling you Adrian Belew Jr. ;)
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

rackvax-fgn

Here's a teaser shot as promised. Be careful that you don't drool all over your keyboard! ;)
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

rackvax-fgn

#42
chuskey (and everyone), here's another cool thing you can do with RackVax:

http://www.line6.com/news/general/840

With those apps (and the MIDI Mobilizer box) you'll be able to control it graphically with your iPod Touch or iPhone.  :)

Get out the velcro, chuskey! I believe this is a wireless (Bluetooth) solution for the iPod/iPhone which talks to a small MIDI box you can connect to the MIDI ports on your RackVax, then you can slap your iPod/iPhone on the face of your guitar for some touch screen control action!

Don't worry, I'm only kidding about the velcroing your iPod/iPhone to your guitar part. ;) Then again, maybe that would work for you...  ;D

Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

Elantric-fgn

#43
Quoteable to control it graphically with your iPod Touch or iPhone.

We Mac users can do this already control Ableton and Guitar Rig since day one with our Itouch/Iphone.
Read how here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31281.0
. . . the future ain't what it used to be . . .

rackvax-fgn

#44
Quote from:  Elantric on August 07, 2009, 07:28:53 AM
Quoteable to control it graphically with your iPod Touch or iPhone.

We Mac users can do this already control Ableton and Guitar Rig since day one with our Itouch/Iphone.
Read how here:
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31281.0

That's cool, but needs a computer and WiFi network. I like how the MIDI Mobilizer is stand-alone and talks wirelessly to the iPod/iPhone without a computer or WiFi, because that means more people would be inclined to put it into real-world use.

It's nice that they're putting Variax Workbench on the iPod/iPhone as well, so you can both control the switching and design new guitars.

The really exciting part is it will work with RackVax. ;)
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

rackvax-fgn

#45
Quote from:  Johnnyurq on July 22, 2009, 02:15:30 PM
Welcome to the forum RackVax.

I am certainly interested in your product as I have owned a couple of Variax guitars but couldn't get on with the neck. Using it with the Dark Fire is really appealing.

Do you have a UK price and availability so I can save my pennies after buying the DF and get me a RackVax.

Thanks in advance.


Johnny

Sorry I missed your question all this time, Johnny! I don't know how that happened as I thought I read the entire thread. Our site is currently the only place to obtain RackVax and payment can be made through Paypal, so whatever the exchange rate to USD is at the time you purchase is what you'd be paying.

If you're after the best deal, a custom conversion of an existing Variax guitar is most economical. You can even save shipping by sending us just the electronics assembly if you can extract it all yourself.

We may run special promotions and give out coupon codes for those who want to buy the complete unit without sending in a Variax for a conversion once it is available in our store.
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

MCK-fgn

Quote from:  rackvax on August 07, 2009, 05:59:07 PM
We may run special promotions and give out coupon codes for those who want to buy the complete unit without sending in a Variax for a conversion once it is available in our store.

Rackvax, how about a collective order discount? Clearly there are some interested folk out here and we appreciate having you amongst us openly discussing your product. One way you could support this community could be to offer a volume discount for folks from FGN who might come together and order collectively. Thinking of something like :

1 to 5 units -> Special FGN member discount x%
6 to 10 units -> Volume discount level y%
11 to 20 units -> Large volume discount level z%

etc. Just a thought. All the best.
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

rackvax-fgn

Quote from:  MCK on August 07, 2009, 08:25:51 PM
Quote from:  rackvax on August 07, 2009, 05:59:07 PM
We may run special promotions and give out coupon codes for those who want to buy the complete unit without sending in a Variax for a conversion once it is available in our store.

Rackvax, how about a collective order discount? Clearly there are some interested folk out here and we appreciate having you amongst us openly discussing your product. One way you could support this community could be to offer a volume discount for folks from FGN who might come together and order collectively. Thinking of something like :

1 to 5 units -> Special FGN member discount x%
6 to 10 units -> Volume discount level y%
11 to 20 units -> Large volume discount level z%

etc. Just a thought. All the best.

That's a nice idea and we are open to it. If there are enough interested parties from this forum, this could be arranged, and we could offer some nice discounts at each tier you've mentioned. If you can organize those interested together and get back to me around the time we're ready to release, that would be great.

We're working to get Elantric his unit for review. Stay tuned!
Introducing RackVax. Now your guitar can sound like an entire collection of guitars...
http://www.rackvax.com

MCK-fgn

Great! I'm sure we can come together if there is interest. Elantric's review will be of great value to us.
Dark Fire Initial Check Out  - Q/A
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31267.0

Caig DeOxit - Buy now before you need it !!!
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=31707.0

photonutalan1-fgn

#49
Oooh, how tempting! I presently have a Variax 700 Electric, a Variax 700 Acoustic, and a Variax 700 Bass. I love them all and play them regularly, but I'd also love to incorporate a Rackvax into the instrumental mix of my other instruments (my DF, especially)! (As an aside, those unfamiliar with the build/playing quality of the 700 series of Variax should experience one/several before drawing uninformed/unwarrented conclusions); I love and enjoy mine tremendously, and they've given me much pleasure! The 700s are a cut above; they're great instruments!!!

I'm looking forward to Elantric's review! ;D