[Stratrat]

The Variax looks like a cool guitar. Never tried one but the versatility seems like it would be fun to play with.

I'm not a big fan of the Line6 Spyder amps. I ordered one when I got back into playing and it arrived DOA - had to ship it back. I've since played a couple (and had to listen to them ev-er-y time I go into Guitar Center!), and the digital modeling sounds too harsh and over-the-top to me. IMO, the Roland Cube series or Vox AD series have a more natural sound. However, if you're into that gutted, mid-scooped thrash metal sound, that seems to be the market the Spyder amps are aimed at.

Just my .02, YMMV, etc.