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Average Price: $17,950

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$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the legendary world of Steve Vai with the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar—a masterful recreation of the iconic Evo guitar that has defined Vai's career. This exclusive instrument, one of only 100 made, is a tribute to the original design that revolutionized the guitar landscape. The JEM-EVO is not just an instrument; it's a piece of history, crafted with precision to match every nuance of Vai's cherished guitar, right down to the simulated crack at the neck joint.

The lightweight and resonant alder body offers clarity and a rich, full-bodied tone, while the signature DiMarzio Evolution pickups deliver a versatile sound palette, perfect for both soaring solos and intricate rhythms. The unique "monkey grip" cutout adds a distinctive flair, making it as visually striking as it is sonically impressive. This guitar is meticulously aged and relic'd to mirror the well-loved wear of Steve's original Evo, providing not just a sound, but an experience steeped in rock history.

For the true Vai enthusiast, each guitar is hand-signed and numbered by Steve Vai himself, offering a personal touch that enhances its value and collectability. Housed in a robust freight-duty hardshell case, your JEM-EVO is protected and ready for any gigging adventure. Whether on stage or in the studio, elevate your musical journey with this extraordinary instrument.

Key Features:

  • 1 of only 100 limited edition recreations of Steve Vai's original Evo
  • Lightweight alder body for clear, full-bodied tone
  • DiMarzio Evolution pickups (H/S/H) with 5-way switching
  • Rosewood fretboard with pearl and abalone Tree of Life inlay
  • Hand signed and numbered by Steve Vai
  • Comes with a DiMarzio DD2400 ClipLock strap
  • Includes freight-duty hardshell case for ultimate protection

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model JEM-EVO Steve Vai Signature
Finish White (Aged, Signed)
Year 2012
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Steve Vai
Body Material Alder
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family White
Finish Features Relic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez JEM
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Artist Signature

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar?

The Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar features a slim, fast-playing neck with a comfortable profile designed for technical playing and ease of access across all 24 frets.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the JEM-EVO for rock music?

The JEM-EVO's HSH pickup configuration provides a versatile range of tones, from powerful humbucker-driven distortion suitable for rock and metal to clear, articulate single-coil sounds for clean passages.

Does the Ibanez JEM-EVO Signature Guitar come with a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the JEM-EVO is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning even during extensive use of the tremolo arm for dive bombs and other techniques.

Is the Ibanez JEM-EVO suitable for advanced players?

The Ibanez JEM-EVO is tailored for advanced players, featuring high-quality components, a fast neck, and versatile pickup configuration, making it ideal for complex solos and intricate playing styles.

What is the body material of the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar?

The body of the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar is made from alder, which provides a balanced tone with a strong midrange presence, suitable for a variety of musical styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar.

Build quality

  • The neck is 56mm at the heel, which is narrower than the standard 58mm Ibanez necks made after 2005, offering a distinct feel.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Evolution bridge pickup, placed in the neck, produces a unique sound that differs from typical setups.

    Source

User experience

  • The JEM-EVO has a thinner neck compared to usual Jem models, making it more comfortable for some players.

    Source
  • The relic version of the guitar provides a worn-in feel, which some players find appealing despite general reluctance toward relic'd instruments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The neck from Steve Vai’s actual JEM EVO is currently on the real EVO, highlighting the attention to replication detail in these models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez JEM-EVO & JEM 70V

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar is a collector's dream, offering an astonishingly accurate replication of Steve Vai's original instrument, including every mark and detail. While the EVO model's craftsmanship and playability are unmatched, its high price makes it a luxury for collectors. The more affordable JEM 70V impresses with its near-identical feel and sound, making it a standout choice for players seeking Vai's signature style without breaking the bank. Despite minor finish flaws, the 70V delivers exceptional tonal performance, proving that Ibanez's Indonesian-made models can rival their Japanese counterparts.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
wrpg

c a n k

ONLY buy this guitar if you are BTEC enough to use the carry handle provided. lolololololololololololololol

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Vai uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via YouTube

"For the most part, the record that I just finished is called The Story of Light, of the guitars I used usually this is the guitar I use - probably sixty percent of the time. This is Evo, which is a Jem and most people know the story of the Jem. I have a connection to it. You know, you infuse a guitar with a personality and it's based with the secrets you tell it and the DNA from your sweat and blood, and just the relationship you have with it. I know it's a very plain looking guitar but it has a lot of emotional investment in it. So it develops a personality. I mean it's just wire and wood, but you give it this personality and this is the guitar for me. It's not even the easiest guitar to play but it sounds great. It's unison. The frequencies of the wood in the body and the neck are the same, and usually that's hard to find, but that makes the notes sing a certain way. I use this a lot. I use it heavily in the album. She goes everywhere with me. I actually sleep with her sometimes. She has both an input jack and a whammy bar." says Steve Vai about his Ibanez JEM-EVO Steve Vai Electric Guitar.

See how Yngwie Malmsteen uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Yngwie Malmsteen

Guitarist, Bassist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 4:43 Malmsteen states "...I got a guitar that Steve Vai gave me, here an old Steve... [indiscernible] very good friend of mine... And I gave him one of my guitars, we're all good friends and stuff..."

The message on the back of the guitar reads:

"To Yngwie J. you are greatness But more than that, a [indiscernible]! we had [indiscernible], ay mate? Steve G3-03"

See how Matt Skiba uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Matt Skiba

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via Twitter

In a Twitter post, Matt Skiba is seen playing the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar during a Blink-182 performance.

See how Mike Mushok uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Mike Mushok

Guitarist

Staind

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video, Mike Mushok can be seen using the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar.

See how Josh Rand uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Josh Rand

Guitarist, Bassist

Roadrunner United

...
Verified
Color/Finish: White Year: 2008

This 2008 Ibanez Jem EVO is owned by Josh Rand

Limited to 100. Built by Ibanez’s Sugi Custom Shop.

Serial: D12811 Super cool piece! Between the relic job and the little touches like tape on the pickup and sharpie near the tone knob, this guitar has mojo for days.

See how Juninho Afram uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Juninho Afram

Guitarist

Oficina G3

...
Verified via Photo

Juninho Afram can be seen with the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar in a user-uploaded photo on Uol.

See how Jan Borysewicz uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Jan Borysewicz

Guitarist, Bassist

Lady Pank

...
Verified via Photo

Jan używał tej gitary do utworu "Nana" w latach 2017-2019.

See how Nomakills uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Nomakills

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Used in the whole video.

See how Sek Loso uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Sek Loso

Singer, Guitarist

Loso

...
Verified via YouTube

Sek Loso is playing a white Ibanez Steve Vai Signature in this 1997 "Rock On Earth Project 2" Concert video.

See how Mike Duce uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Mike Duce

Guitarist

Lower Than Atlantis

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Captain Meets video mike did with Andertons Music, Mike talks about the Ibanez Jem that he purchased

See how FerrariLover uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

FerrariLover

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official video for "Endless Seconds," FerrariLover is seen playing an Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar.

See how Aria Baron uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar

Aria Baron

Guitarist

GIGI

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Aria Baron using Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar.

Album Usage

The Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez Steve Vai JEM-EVO Signature Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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