Absolutely. The electronics are quite the same, and the modeled guitars and the controls ARE the same : Variax 500 and 700 share the same initial 1983 circuit, while Variax 300 and 600 have more integrated pots and selector but the same motherboard. So, the only differences between two physical Variax models are the woods used, presence or absence of a trem and the quality of lute-making.
Quite amazing to think that a 400$ guitar can sound like the 2000$ one . Not the same playability though.
The only thing you need to have the biggest custom shop on earth is either buy the Workbench software with its USB interface or owning a POD XT Live, POD X3 Live or Vetta II amp. In this case, it is free to download, you just need a standard USB cable to plug into your computer.
A limitation, though : you can only use the bodies, pickups, switches, pots of the 28 vintage guitars modeled, but in any combination. That is why Workbenchers use tricks like two humbuckers seried on the bridge position : it allows more "modern" soundings. Oh, I forgot : you can also create every open tuning you could think of, and have it stored (associated with a guitar) in the banks of the guitar. Alternate tuning with the speed of a switch, even EVH wouldn't have dreamt of it!
Oh, and you need a Variax, of course
The Variax 300 has just been discontinued (I think Line6 realized how stupid was the difference in price while there is so less difference in sound). I think they are preparing the next step as all Variax owners received a poll to know what we would like in a hypothetic new Variax. Well, lot of us asked for separate electronic parts ieasely transplantable into a custom made guitar, but I think they don't care.
Sure, it may be not the originals (well, two Stratocasters from the same year does not even sound the same, so how a modeled one could sound like all of them?), but it's great for a guy like me. And well, if it's OK for Steve Howe, I think I can cope with it.
This thing is ugly. Even the high level 700 is. But I found a surprisingly good neck on the 300. When I close my eyes, I can imagine this guitar is wonderful
This is why I want it in another body. Why magnetic pickups? For I prefer the look of a guitar with real pups, and that I want to have a functional guitar even if the Variax thing stop working, or if Line6 does not make a support to it anymore. This guitar will be my main one, and I want to feel good about its look too.
Well it's the case if you have the devices listed higher. When I change a sound on my POD XT Live, it changes (only if I want BTW) the modeled guitar I use. I then can choose the best sounding guitar with each sound or modeled amp. That is why I am so found of this system.
That's what the PODs Live are intended to.
By the way, I made a mistake : Jeff Miller did realize a sustainer Variax with magnetic pickups, a link you put in the Sustainer Sound thread.
Have you heard him play also? This guy is killing me : so gifted for lute-making, electronics and playing... should be forbidden.
I'm going to pay a visit to your new thread, I had noticed the new link in your signature because I am reading the monster thread at the moment, and am very moved by the human events that happened along these years. Joys, pains... life.
Sorry for my extreme enthusiasm for Line6 products, it is not the place to discuss about it, I know. But when I first heard about the guitar, a friend of mine told me : "well, it must be cool, but it's the kind of guitar you can't fall in love with". I agreed. I'm not shure about that anymore, after 8 months of cohabitation.
Best regards,
Gilles