Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,271

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Unleash your creative potential with the Ibanez Universe UV777, a trailblazing instrument that redefines the boundaries of what an electric guitar can do. Crafted with the discerning input of virtuoso Steve Vai, this groundbreaking seven-string model was among the first to make its mark in standard production. Designed to cater to both the adventurous and the traditionalist, the UV777 stands out with its sleek black finish, striking mirror pickguard, and distinct pyramid inlays, lending it an unmistakable presence both on stage and in the studio.

Engineered for precision and versatility, the Ibanez Universe UV777 offers a seamless blend of style and substance. The contoured basswood body ensures comfort during long playing sessions, while the slim, fast neck promotes agile fingerwork across the extended range. This guitar is not just an instrument but a canvas for your sonic explorations, perfect for genres that demand depth and complexity. Whether you're shredding solos or crafting intricate chord progressions, the UV777 delivers a dynamic response with its high-output DiMarzio Blaze pickups.

With a heritage of innovation and a commitment to quality, the Ibanez Universe UV777 is more than just a guitar—it's a statement of artistic intent. Experience the evolution of sound with a guitar that has been a favorite of boundary-pushing musicians for decades.

Key Features:

  • Seven-string design for expanded tonal range
  • Black finish with a mirror pickguard and pyramid inlays
  • Basswood body for lightweight comfort
  • Slim neck profile for fast playability
  • High-output DiMarzio Blaze pickups for versatile sound options

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model UV777P Steve Vai Signature Universe
Finish Black
Year 1998 - 2012
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
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 kind of music is the Ibanez Universe UV777 best suited for?

The Ibanez Universe UV777 is ideal for genres like rock, metal, and progressive music due to its 7-string configuration and HSH pickup setup, providing a wide tonal range and extended low-end capabilities.

How does the locking tremolo bridge affect the playability of the Ibanez Universe UV777?

The locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez Universe UV777 allows for stable tuning even with extensive use of the whammy bar, making it great for expressive playing styles and dive-bomb effects.

Is the Ibanez Universe UV777 suitable for beginners?

The Ibanez Universe UV777 is more suited for advanced players due to its 7-string setup and specific features tailored for complex musical styles, which might be challenging for beginners to handle.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez Universe UV777?

The Ibanez Universe UV777 features a thin, flat neck profile, designed for fast playing and easy access to all 24 frets, making it comfortable for shredding and technical playing.

What are the tonal characteristics of the pickups in the Ibanez Universe UV777?

The HSH pickup configuration on the Ibanez Universe UV777 provides a versatile tonal range, with the humbuckers offering powerful, punchy tones and the single-coil delivering bright, articulate sounds.

The Guitar Pit

Ibanez Universe UV777 Guitar Review: It's got it all. No, really.

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Universe UV777 Guitar Review: It's got it all. No, really. by The Guitar Pit

Ibanez Universe UV777 Guitar Review: It's got it all. No, really.

The Guitar Pit

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Universe UV777 by J-Guitar Music Shop

Ibanez Universe UV777

J-Guitar Music Shop

J-Guitar Music Shop

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Universe UV777 - Playthrough by Hayden McCarry

Ibanez Universe UV777 - Playthrough

Hayden McCarry

Hayden McCarry

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship rivaling high-end brands like PRS and Les Paul

  • Exquisite inlays enhance visual appeal

  • Lo Pro Edge tremolo offers superior tuning stability

  • One-piece neck provides excellent playability

  • Original burgundy velvet-lined case adds a touch of luxury

  • Pickguard allows for easy pickup changes

  • Immense sound quality praised by experienced guitarists

  • Neck is remarkably straight, improving playability

  • Great frets enhance playing comfort and durability

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Universe UV777.

Mods and upgrades

  • The guitar comes with upgraded pickups, specifically the Liquifier, which is praised for achieving Dream Theater’s Petrucci-like creamy lead tones.

    Source

Build quality

  • It’s confirmed that models made in Nagano, Japan, like the 2003 version, have superior build quality compared to those made in Indonesia.

    Source
  • The UV777BK features larger frets and a slightly larger neck compared to original Universe models, enhancing its playability for some users.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A fair price for a Japanese-made Ibanez Universe UV777 is around £2000, but it's suggested to negotiate to £1800 if possible.

    Source
  • It's noted that the UV777BK can often be found for prices similar to its original 1998 release, adding to its appeal as a cost-effective choice.

    Source
  • The UV777P is considered a dream guitar for many, yet its price often reflects a premium due to its association with Steve Vai and the Universe series.

    Source

User experience

  • Concerns exist about tremolo aging, with potential forward sinking over time, especially if not maintained or stored properly.

    Source
  • Owners regard the UV777BK as one of the most affordable models in the Universe line, despite its quality and features.

    Source
  • Owners mention the pickguard scratches easily and quickly looks worn, requiring replacement for those who prefer a pristine appearance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The binding on the UV777BK is similar to that used on K7 necks, which some players appreciate for its aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • Some users compare the UV777 neck unfavorably to later models with 5-piece necks, citing improved playability in newer versions.

    Source
  • It's noted that the neck profile on the UV777 can vary by production year, with some versions being thinner than others, affecting playability preferences.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The UV777 is highlighted as a desirable choice for metal players needing a 7-string guitar, despite the availability of less expensive alternatives.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tosin Abasi uses Ibanez Universe UV777

Tosin Abasi

Guitarist

Animals as Leaders

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Verified via Classiceddieclass

Tosin Abasi has used the Ibanez Universe UV777 guitar, as highlighted in the Classiceddieclass blog.

See how Trey Azagthoth uses Ibanez Universe UV777

Trey Azagthoth

Guitarist

Morbid Angel

...
Verified via Photo

In this screenshot from a 2009 live performance by Morbid Angel, we can see Trey Azagthoth playing an Ibanez UV777. This guitar is easily recognisable because of the "Light without Heat" pyramid logo under the bridge.

See how James "Munky" Shaffer uses Ibanez Universe UV777

James "Munky" Shaffer

Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video @0:35 he says "this is actually probably the the body of this is actually is my very first universe I've been as that I bought when it first came out and I think it was 1990, yeah and it's been rebuilt so many times and you know the original the original neck on here was the disappearing pyramids you know that Steve I designed, and but you, know I sent it to Ibanez and they coated this with I had it covered in duct tape so yeah, it's been rebuilt probably ten times because I kept breaking the neck on it so they had to put this uh, we designed this this neck to reinforce the neck you know because I would I'd slip on the stage a lot and fall on the guitars and they would break or the straps would come off and you know I'd just kind of like kick them across the stage it was complete guitar abuse but yeah, this is one of the original ones and it's I've been using it for the last year or so kind of brought it back into the arsenal of of guitars so it's, it definitely a special a special guitar I think I'm going to retire it after this tour just because uh, kind of, sentimental value to it what do you tune - um this is tuned drop down a whole step so which makes the low be an A and then the e a D and so on".

See how Tobi Morelli uses Ibanez Universe UV777

Tobi Morelli

Guitarist

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Verified via YouTube

In this playthrough of Archspire's song Seven Crowns and the Oblivion Chain, Tobi Morelli can be seen using an Ibanez Universe UV777. He used this guitar extensively in Archspire's early days.

See how Elias Viljanen uses Ibanez Universe UV777

Elias Viljanen

Guitarist

Sonata Arctica

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Verified via Photo

In this photo, Elias Viljanen can be seen using his Ibanez Universe UV777. It was his main guitar until ESP made him a signature model.

See how B.C. Kochmit uses Ibanez Universe UV777

B.C. Kochmit

Guitarist

Dark New Day

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Verified via Facebook

BC Kochmit used this guitar during his tenure with Sw1tched. You can see him playing that guitar on this picture.

See how Lao Wu uses Ibanez Universe UV777

Lao Wu

Guitarist, Composer

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Verified via Photo

A swirl-finish Ibanez UV777 appears on the cover of Lao Wu's 1999 solo album, 再渡归来 (Return Again). It is said by some that Lao Wu was the first guitarist in China to play a seven-string, although it is unknown if he actually used them on any recordings or concerts. By the time this video was shot, the guitar was basically retired, its finish completely worn off over years of heavy use. It remains in Lao Wu's personal studio for sentimental reasons. Like many of Lao Wu's guitars, it is adorned with a dragon on the body.

The UV777 was among the first mass-produced seven-string electric guitars, and only a few hundred models were built according to the Ibanez wiki. At 3:24 in the aforementioned video, Lao Wu confirms the guitar's rarity, saying that people from all over the world have come to visit him in hopes of getting a glimpse of the instrument.

As evidenced by this video at 3:15 the guitar was still in Lao Wu's possession as late as 2015.

Lao Wu also has a black UV777P - an updated version of the UV777 - given to him by Ibanez during his stint as an endorsee of the company.

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 Universe UV777, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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