Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,678

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Crafted to meet the exact specifications of guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar embodies the perfect blend of speed, power, and aesthetic flair. Its five-piece Wizard III neck and unique pickup configuration deliver unparalleled playability and tonal versatility, making it an indisputable choice for players looking to push their boundaries. Whether you're shredding through a high-octane solo or crafting intricate melodies, the JEM7V ensures every note resonates with clarity and intensity. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a statement.

Key Features:

  • Five-piece Wizard III neck for exceptional playability
  • Unique pickup configuration: dual humbucker/one single coil Evolution
  • Designed in collaboration with Steve Vai
  • Available with an ebony or rosewood fretboard, depending on the model year

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model JEM7V Steve Vai Signature
Finish Sparkle Blue, White
Year 1993 - 2019
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Steve Vai
Body Material Alder, Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Blue, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Fretboard Material Ebony, 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 are the standout features of the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar?

The Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V features a unique "monkey grip" handle, a floating tremolo bridge, and a versatile HSH pickup configuration, offering a wide range of tones suitable for various music styles, especially rock and metal.

Is the Ibanez JEM7V suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the JEM7V is designed with advanced players in mind, offering high-quality construction, a fast-playing neck, and versatile tonal options that cater to professional performance demands.

What type of neck profile does the Ibanez JEM7V have?

The Ibanez JEM7V features a slim and fast Wizard neck profile, which is ideal for technical playing and fast fretwork, making it a favorite among shredders and virtuosos.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez JEM7V?

The JEM7V is constructed with an alder or basswood body, a maple neck, and either an ebony or rosewood fretboard, providing a balanced tone with clear highs and a solid low end.

How does the Ibanez JEM7V's pickup configuration affect its sound?

The HSH pickup configuration offers a wide tonal palette, combining humbuckers for powerful, full-bodied tones and a single-coil for crisp, clear sounds, making it versatile for various genres.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Ibanez JEM7V Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Ibanez JEM7V Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Ibanez JEM7V Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Steve Vai Signature Guitars Overview by Sweetwater

Ibanez Steve Vai Signature Guitars Overview

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Brutally Honest Gear Reviews! #3: Ibanez JEM7V by The-Art-of-Guitar

Brutally Honest Gear Reviews! #3: Ibanez JEM7V

The-Art-of-Guitar

The-Art-of-Guitar

Video thumbnail for JEMJR. vs. JEM7V (Review and Comparison)! by The-Art-of-Guitar

JEMJR. vs. JEM7V (Review and Comparison)!

The-Art-of-Guitar

The-Art-of-Guitar

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Jem7V Steve Vai 2018, White | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Ibanez Jem7V Steve Vai 2018, White | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Ibanez JEM7V-WH (White) & Kemper Powered Profiling Amp at GAK by GAK

Ibanez JEM7V-WH (White) & Kemper Powered Profiling Amp at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Jem7V WH White Steve Vai Guitar (2004) - Up Close Video Review by Essex Recording Studios

Ibanez Jem7V WH White Steve Vai Guitar (2004) - Up Close Video Review

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for 90's Ibanez Jem7V Steve Vai Signature guitar playthough. a dream guitar!!! by Papis Guitar

90's Ibanez Jem7V Steve Vai Signature guitar playthough. a dream guitar!!!

Papis Guitar

Papis Guitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Striking design inspires creativity just by looking at it

  • Top-notch craftsmanship from Japan's premier luthiers

  • Versatile sound, perfect for ballads to shredding

  • Excellent setup, playable right out of the box

  • Exceptional pickup sound quality

  • Highly durable, lasting satisfaction over many years

  • One of the best guitar lines available

CONS

  • Higher price point may be a barrier for some

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.

Build quality

  • The Indonesian JEM7VP has been reported to arrive with loose nuts, impacting tuning stability until tightened.

    Source
  • The original Edge bridge and Gotoh tuners confirm authenticity and high build quality, distinguishing it from replicas which often cut corners on hardware.

    Source
  • The Japanese JEM7V features a unique neck construction with an extra strip of wood, a consistent design choice across Ibanez models despite aesthetic concerns.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Plugging issues were noted, requiring cable pressure adjustments to maintain a connection.

    Source
  • The Ibanez Prestige fret end method, specific to Fujigen factory builds, is a telltale sign of genuine craftsmanship, ensuring smoother playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Fresh out of the shop, the JEM7VP may need a professional setup to address initial quality control issues.

    Source
  • Owners have noted resonating issues with the G and high E strings, suggesting potential setup tweaks for optimal performance.

    Source
  • Adding an extra spring to the tremolo system can improve tuning stability and tension, especially for those experiencing initial setup issues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite being more affordable, the JEM7VP may require additional investment in setup for optimal performance.

    Source

User experience

  • It's been observed that Indonesian JEMs can greatly improve with personalized setups, potentially outperforming initial impressions.

    Source
  • A comfortable and quick neck is appreciated by many, making it suitable for both at-home noodling and more intense playing styles.

    Source
  • Due to CITES regulations in 2017, many instruments were delayed; some owners received their JEM7V months later than expected, explaining potential older stock availability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users upgraded to Gotoh 1996t bridges and Seymour Duncan JB, Quarter Pound, and Jazz pickups for improved tonal versatility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RG450DX offers similar specs to the JEM Jr, minus the aesthetic features, and is available for $50 less.

    Source
  • Rosewood fretboards replaced ebony in JEM7V models due to sourcing issues and Steve Vai’s personal preference, though ebony is reintroduced in the Premium line.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez JEM 7VWH guitar review 2002 production model

tonymckenzie.com

The Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar is lauded for its exceptional build quality and playability, particularly the Japanese model. It's praised for its fast, thin neck and robust locking tremolo system, making it ideal for rock and instrumental genres. The guitar's lightweight design and unique features, like the carved-in jack and gold-plated hardware, add to its appeal. However, its high price and the intricate modifications needed to match Vai's setup might deter some buyers. Despite these drawbacks, it earns a strong 9 out of 10 for delivering an authentic Vai sound and experience.

positive

Ibanez Jem 7vwh Review

guitarmasterclass.net

The Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar is a versatile powerhouse, offering a range of sounds from bluesy depth to cutting Strat tones, thanks to its hot Evolution pickups. The guitar feels exceptional with its thin, flat neck and superb tremolo system, making legato and octave dips a breeze. While the price may seem steep for essentially an Ibanez Prestige model with extra features, its playability, sound, and aesthetic make it worth the investment for serious players. However, consider the RG Prestige line for similar playability at a lower cost.

positive

JEM7V Steve Vai Signature Review: I love the Jem7vwh and would be fine if it was... | Ibanez | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar dazzles with a versatile sound palette and impeccable craftsmanship, earning rave reviews for its powerful performance across genres. Its fast neck and unique features, like the scalloped frets and the iconic monkey grip, add to its appeal. However, while the aesthetics and sound impress, the gold hardware's durability is questionable, with reports of wear over time. Despite this, the guitar is celebrated as a reliable workhorse and a worthy investment for serious players. The overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, marking it as a standout choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 16 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rockinbrony

*click* N o i c e

The one I own is Japanese copy. Not the real deal but works wonders

emilio_alfieri

Amazing sound, amazing power, amazing everything!!!

I own this guitar since 2005 and I think I never live without her! Her sound is brillant, from ballad to shreds. I really appreciate this guitar! Thank you Ibanez!!!! :D

Roles:
Genres:
59slp

Good enough for Vai..

A dream to play, one of my favourite guitars.

paulglover

Classic Jem

Love Jems, you may figure that out about me.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Vai uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via YouTube

"The Flo 3, which I used a lot on the record, I use a lot because it's got the sustainer and it just feels good. This whole guitar is slightly scalloped. It doesn't matter if you slightly scallop it or heavily scallop it - it's going to be the same pretty much," says Steve Vai about his Ibanez JEM-7 V WH Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar.

See how Mord Fustang uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

Mord Fustang

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

Mord Fustang tweets a picture of this Ibanez guitar with the caption, "About to play some Rocksmith…"

See how Herman Li uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

Herman Li

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

DragonForce

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this video, you can see Herman playing the Ibanez JEM Steve Vai Signature.

See how Jari Mäenpää uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

Jari Mäenpää

Singer, Guitarist

Ensiferum

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Jari is seen playing the JEM7V-WH with the pickguard and pickups replaced.

See how Shauntrack uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

Shauntrack

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Shauntrack shows and talk about his Steve Vai Signature Guitar. He says is a 2017 original JEM7V made in Japan.

See how Oliver Palotai uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

Oliver Palotai

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Kamelot

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram photo you can see his ibanez jem7v electric guitar. He says, with my first guitar i ever bought with my own money at the age of 18, after seeing Steve Vai... Also he has another photos with the same guitar.

See how The Art of Guitar uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

The Art of Guitar

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this review, he did a brutally honest review for Steve Vai Signature JEM7V.

See how Trond Holter uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

Trond Holter

Guitarist, Composer

Wig Wam

...
Verified via Photo

Trond Holter is seen using the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar in a user-uploaded photo.

See how M3RKMUS1C uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

M3RKMUS1C

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

M3RKMUS1C shows this guitar in his "My RARE Guitar Collection!" video at 0:49. He shows an old (now private) video of his back in July 2009 displaying the guitars he had at the time. This JEM7V is no longer his possession as he has sold it at an unknown point of time after the video was taken. The JEM7V had a broken string from assumingly an accident while tuning or playing it at some point before the video.

See how Alberto Rionda uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

Alberto Rionda

Guitarist, Music Producer

Avalanch

...
Verified via Photo

Alberto usaba la Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar en los primeros años con Avalanch hasta el año 2003, posteriormente en 2013 con Alquimia volvió a usarla tanto en estudio como en directo.

See how Josh Meader uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

Josh Meader

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Josh Meader uses the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar, as confirmed by his Instagram post. In the post, he thanks his father for initially gifting him the guitar for his tenth birthday and for recently refinishing it for his 21st birthday. The post also includes a history of the guitar with photos of Josh playing it at various ages.

See how Espen Bragerhaug uses Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar

Espen Bragerhaug

Singer, Guitarist

Yellowking

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: White Year: 2000s

Espen Bragerhaug is seen using an Ibanez Steve Vai JEM7V Signature Guitar in a photo shared by Temporary on Instagram, dated January 18, 2019. The caption notes Espen's exceptional guitar skills and features him playing rock guitar at a South Korean wedding.

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, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
arda_dogruoz

arda_dogruoz

Gear IQ 129

More Ibanez Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides