You tune the guitar by adjusting the tune machines.
The function of a tune machine, also known as tuning machine or a machine head, is to hold the string in place and increase or decrease string tension. When you turn the tuning-key part of the tune machine, you increase or decrease the string tension and the pitch of the string accordingly. The Variax is an electric guitar made by Line6. Variax guitars are typically issued with Gotoh tuning machines. You can fit other types of tune machines to suit your preferences. You may need to slightly modify the mounting holes on the headstock to accommodate certain brands.
Instructions
1. Source your replacement tuners. There are tuners that will fit your guitar perfectly, such as Planet Waves' Auto-Trim tuners. Schaller Mini locking tuners will also fit your Variax. Locking tuners offer the benefit of keeping your string tensions stable for longer. Auto-trim tuners include a string trimmer, which snips off excess string when you fit a new string. You can purchase your tune machines from a guitar store or online. For example, the Warmoth website sells a range of guitar parts, including tune machines.
2. Attach a string-winder to the low E string tune machine. Turn the winder to loosen the string. When it is loose enough, unravel the string coil around the barrel of the tune machine and slide the string out from the bottom of the bridge. Remove the remaining strings in this way.
3. Remove the existing tune machine. Use a small Phillips screwdriver to unfasten the screws holding the tune machine mounting plate to the back of the guitar headstock. Keep the tuner backplate, tuner barrel and tuning key safe.
4. Place the replacement tune machine over the existing barrel hole, so that the barrel lines up with the hole. If the barrel doesn't fit in the hole, wrap a piece of 80-grit sandpaper around a pencil. Insert the pencil into the hole and carefully sand the inside of the barrel hole until the barrel fits.
5. Line up the tune machine over the barrel hole and press it against the headstock. Remove the tune machine and examine the headstock. If the mounting pins slot into the existing holes, there will be no indentation on the headstock. Use those holes for mounting the new machines. If they don't line up with the existing holes, use the indentation created when you pressed in the pins as a guide for drilling new mounting holes. Use a 10mm drill bit to bore new mounting holes.
6. Remove the nut and washer from the tune machine barrel. Slot the barrel of the low E tune machine into the hole, so that the mounting plate sits flush against the back of the headstock.
7. Screw in the mounting plate. Slot the nut and washer onto the other side of the barrel. Screw the thumb screw into the barrel of the tune machine.
8. Feed the new strings through the saddle, along the neck and into the hole in the center of the barrel. Tighten the tune machine to tune the string.
Tips Warnings
Use a set of brand-new strings, not the old ones.
Don't over-tighten the strings; this will cause them to snap.
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