Variax is the name of a line of guitars developed and marketed by Line 6. They differ from typical electric and acoustic guitars in that internal electronics process the sound from individual strings to model (replicate) the sound of specific guitars and other instruments. The maker claims it is the first guitar family that can emulate the tones of other notable electric and acoustic guitars. It also provides a banjo and a sitar tone. The Variax is currently available as an electric guitar, but modeling acoustic guitars and modeling electric bass guitars have been available in the past. James Tyler Variax electric guitars In 2010, Line 6 released three new models of Variax electric guitars (replacing the old models), with updated technology and bodies designed by luthier James Tyler. JTV59 is inspired by the archetypal single-cutaways and features time-tested tonewoods, Tyler-designed PAF-style alnico humbuckers and stoptail bridge. JTV69 is a classic three-pickup solid-body with alder body, vintage-style Tyler neck and custom tremolo bridge. JTV89 has a 3-piece maple neck with reverse headstock, 24-fret rosewood fingerboard and Tyler's Fast 'n' Flat neck profile. JTV89F is the same guitar with the addition of a licensed Floyd Rose locking tremolo. Each model comes in a US-made or Korean-made version. The Tyler Variax guitars all come with standard pickups as well as the electronic modeling capabilities, whereas the earlier Variaxes had no magnetic pickups. New models include the Yamaha-designed "Standard" and the Stevic Mckay (Twelve Foot Ninja) signature model "Shuriken" Electronic Models Models in all Variaxes are based on the following guitars: 1960 Fender Telecaster Custom 1968 Fender Telecaster 1968 Fender Telecaster Thinline 1959 Fender Stratocaster 1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard 1952 Gibson Les Paul "Goldtop" 1961 Gibson Les Paul Custom (3 PU) 1956 Gibson Les Paul Junior 1976 Gibson Firebird V 1955 Gibson Les Paul Special 1959 Gretsch 6120 1956 Gretsch Silver Jet 1968 Rickenbacker 360 1966 Rickenbacker 360-12 1961 Gibson ES-335 1967 Epiphone Casino 1957 Gibson ES-175 1953 Gibson Super 400 1959 Martin D-28 1970 Martin D 12-28 1967 Martin O-18 1966 Guild F212 1995 Gibson J-200 1935 Dobro Alumilite Danelectro 3021 Coral/Dano Electric Sitar Gibson Mastertone Banjo 1928 National Style 2 "Tricone" Variax electric guitars The earlier solid body Variax electric guitars made by Line 6 were available in four models: The original 500 did not have a model number when it came out in 2002, but the manufacturer relabeled it