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Description

Crafted for the virtuoso in you, the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar "PIA" is a true embodiment of artistic expression and technical brilliance. This instrument is a collaboration between Ibanez and legendary guitarist Steve Vai, designed to deliver exceptional playability, tonal versatility, and striking aesthetics. Whether shredding solos or crafting complex compositions, this guitar is engineered to meet the demands of the most discerning musicians.

The JEM7V "PIA" features a DiMarzio UtoPIA pickup set, providing a rich and dynamic tonal palette that ranges from warm, creamy lows to crisp, articulate highs. The sleek, contoured body is crafted from alder, offering a balanced tone with plenty of sustain. The 5-piece maple/walnut neck ensures stability and a smooth playing experience, complemented by a rosewood fingerboard adorned with the iconic Tree of Life inlay.

A highlight for many players is the Edge tremolo bridge, delivering precise pitch modulation and excellent tuning stability. Additionally, the guitar's aesthetic is enhanced by Vai's signature monkey grip and the innovative Petal grip, which not only adds flair but also provides practical handling benefits.

Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the JEM7V "PIA" is designed to inspire creativity and elevate your performance.

Key Features:

  • DiMarzio UtoPIA pickup set
  • Alder body with a contoured design
  • 5-piece maple/walnut neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard with Tree of Life inlay
  • Edge tremolo bridge
  • Steve Vai's signature monkey grip and Petal grip
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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar "PIA".

Build quality

  • The PIA features stainless steel frets, which enhance durability and playability, a detail appreciated by owners for its long-term performance enhancement.

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  • Indonesian-made Jem 7VP models often exhibit loose components, such as the locking nut and cable jack, requiring immediate adjustment or professional setup.

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Comparisons

  • The JEM is noted for a more "metal" and punchy feel, while the PIA is described as more refined, highlighting distinct tonal differences between the two.

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  • The Jem Jr. is likened to the RG450DX, with the main differences being aesthetic features like the tree of life inlay.

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User experience

  • Owners who've played both the PIA and JEM often agree that the PIA offers a superior playing experience, with some preferring it over older JEM models.

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  • Owners report the Jem 7VP may require adjustments after purchase, like tightening loose parts, due to long transport and storage periods affecting factory setups.

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  • An owner with a collection of nine guitars, including high-end models like Gibson Les Paul and PRS SE, finds the Jem Jr. to be a standout favorite due to its playability.

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Value and pricing

  • While the PIA is seen as expensive, its price is comparable to the last Fujigen JEM models, suggesting a consistent value within its category.

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  • Some owners suggest buying a used Indonesian Jem 7VP and investing in a professional setup as a cost-effective alternative to pricier Japanese models.

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Use cases and applications

  • The PIA’s aesthetics are divisive; some see it as modern and sleek, while others prefer the vintage appeal of the JEM, indicating a subjective preference based on visual style.

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  • The PIA is noted for its versatility, being equally adept for blues and heavy rock genres, making it a versatile choice for varied musical styles.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Tightening the locking nut bolts resolves tuning issues when using the whammy bar on the Jem 7VP, highlighting the importance of initial setup checks.

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  • Some owners needed to add an extra spring to the tremolo system to maintain proper tension, suggesting potential setup adjustments for optimal performance.

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Features and functionality

  • The neck of the Jem Jr. is praised for its comfort and speed, making it suitable for quick play styles and intricate fingerwork.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A common upgrade involves replacing the stock bridge with a Gotoh 1996t for improved durability and performance.

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  • Switching to Seymour Duncan JB, Quarter Pound, and Jazz pickups can increase the guitar’s versatility and enhance tonal quality.

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Artist usage

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See how Steve Vai uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar "PIA"

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Vai

Ibanez Jem7VWH Custom "PIA" Serial #: Unknown This guitar was used by Steve for his performance at the 2002 GRAMMY Awards with Nelly Furtado. It is a Jem7VWH with some interesting modifications. It has "vintage" silver hardware. The guitar is fitted with a piezo which gives an acoustic-like resonance. The guitar has two jacks and an extra volume knob. Plugging into both jacks allows the piezo and magnetic pickups to be heard through separate amplifiers simultaneously which gives the effect of two guitarists playing electric and acoustic at the same time for a "doubled" live sound. For the performance, Steve had the trem blocked so that if he broke a string, the guitar wouldn't got out of tune. This guitar was auctioned by the GRAMMY Organization to support Music Cares. Of all the items auctioned from the 2002 Grammy Awards, this guitar fetched the highest price. The proud owner is Roland Schemers, who also was the winning bidder of Red Lace and Neville.

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 JEM7V Signature Guitar "PIA", it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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