Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $4,100

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ibanez Universe or series was the first mass produced 7 string guitar.

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model UV7 Steve Vai Signature Universe
Finish Black
Year 1990 - 1996
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Steve Vai
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez Universe
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 7-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Artist Signature

FAQs

What makes the Ibanez Universe UV7 unique among 7-string guitars?

The Ibanez Universe UV7 is notable for being the first mass-produced 7-string electric guitar, designed in collaboration with Steve Vai. It features a distinctive HSH pickup configuration and a locking tremolo bridge, making it a versatile choice for a range of musical styles.

Is the Ibanez Universe UV7 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez Universe UV7 is ideal for advanced players seeking a high-performance 7-string guitar. Its features, such as the locking tremolo bridge and the versatile HSH pickup configuration, offer a wide range of tonal possibilities and stability for complex playing styles.

What type of music is the Ibanez Universe UV7 best suited for?

The Ibanez Universe UV7 is well-suited for rock, metal, and progressive music genres. Its 7-string design and HSH pickup configuration allow for extended range and versatility, making it a favorite among players who require both heavy riffs and intricate solos.

How does the Ibanez Universe UV7's neck profile affect playability?

The Ibanez Universe UV7 features a slim, fast-playing maple neck with a bolt-on construction, providing excellent comfort and access to all 24 frets. This design is particularly beneficial for technical players who require speed and precision.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ibanez Universe UV7?

The Ibanez Universe UV7 features a basswood body and a rosewood fretboard, with a maple neck. This combination of materials provides a balanced tone with a strong midrange presence, ideal for a variety of playing styles.

Matthew Alenius

Matthew Alenius

Can a 1991 Ibanez Universe UV7BK (Green Dot) Djent?

Video thumbnail for Can a 1991 Ibanez Universe UV7BK (Green Dot) Djent? by Matthew Alenius

Can a 1991 Ibanez Universe UV7BK (Green Dot) Djent?

Matthew Alenius

Matthew Alenius

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Universe UV7SBK (1997) Demo by Richard Watson by Richard Watson

Ibanez Universe UV7SBK (1997) Demo by Richard Watson

Richard Watson

Richard Watson

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Universe UV7.

Value and pricing

  • Owners note that $1,200 might be high for the UV7BK, suggesting $1,000 as a more competitive offer for a 1997 model.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Ibanez RGs, the UV7BK from 1997 is described as having superior sound and playability.

    Source
  • Owners often compare the Ibanez UV70P to models made in the Fujigen factory, noting the Premium series doesn't match the quality of Japanese-made guitars.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 1997 UV7BK is noted for potential oxidization issues on the back plate, though it retains high overall condition.

    Source
  • Some Premium models have been reported with poor fretwork and missing tuners, contrasting with other units that arrived in perfect condition, indicating inconsistent quality control.

    Source

User experience

  • It's highlighted that some players with larger hands find transitioning to a 7-string guitar like the UV7BK more comfortable.

    Source
  • A user noted that the UV70P fills the niche of high-value guitars without the anxiety of damaging a high-end model, although it doesn't match early production UV7 in quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • An owner observed potential intonation issues with the UV70P, suggesting careful setup is required for optimal playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The UV70P comes equipped with an Edge Zero II-7 tremolo bridge, which differs from the Lo Pro Edge found in original Universe models.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ola Englund uses Ibanez Universe UV7

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
See how Erik Rutan uses Ibanez Universe UV7

Erik Rutan

Singer, Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via Photo

Erik Rutan, notable guitarist for Death Metal band "Morbid Angel", used an Ibanez UV7PWH during the band's "Domination" era in the early 1990's. He is seen using it in the music video for 'Where The Slime Live'. (Pause at 0:38)

See how Dino Cazares uses Ibanez Universe UV7

Dino Cazares

Guitarist

Fear Factory

...
Verified via Photo

Dino Cazares plays an Ibanez UV7SBK guitar on this picture. He used it during the 'Demanufacture' and 'Obsolete' areas.

See how Jen Majura uses Ibanez Universe UV7

Jen Majura

Singer, Guitarist

Evanescence

...
Verified via Photo

In this image Jen Majura is seen holding her Ibanez Universe.

See how Kristian Niemann uses Ibanez Universe UV7

Kristian Niemann

Guitarist

Therion

...
Verified via Photo

Kristian Niemann is seen using the Ibanez Universe UV7 in a recent Instagram post where he shares a recording session for a former bandmate.

D

Danny Tunker

Guitarist

Alkaloid

...
Verified via Photo

"Recording my last few leads for Alkaloid. Here's what I used! - Danny"

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez Universe UV7, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ibanez UV777P
Ibanez UV777P Extended Range Guitars
1
Ibanez Universe UV7SBK
Ibanez Universe UV7SBK Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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