Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $4,400

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The UV7 is a solid body electric guitar made by Hoshino Gakki and sold under the Ibanez brand. It is part of the Universe series, the 7-string signature series of guitarist Steve Vai. It has all the usual features of a UV model: a basswood body, DiMarzio Blaze II pickups and a double locking tremolo. First year's models have an Edge 7 tremolo that was replaced in 1991 for the Lo Pro Edge 7. The color scheme of the UV7 is based on that of the JEM777V BK.

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 is the neck profile of the Ibanez UV7 BK?

The Ibanez UV7 BK features a thin, fast-playing neck profile that is ideal for shredding and technical playing, making it a favorite among advanced players, especially those who enjoy Steve Vai's style.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Ibanez UV7 BK?

The Ibanez UV7 BK has an HSH pickup configuration, providing a versatile range of tones from warm, full humbucker sounds to bright, articulate single-coil tones, suitable for rock, metal, and experimental music.

Is the Ibanez UV7 BK suitable for beginners?

While the Ibanez UV7 BK is a high-quality instrument with advanced features, it is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who can take full advantage of its seven-string capabilities and complex tonal options.

Does the Ibanez UV7 BK have a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Ibanez UV7 BK is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning and expressive vibrato effects, perfect for intricate solos and dynamic playing styles.

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

The Ibanez UV7 BK features a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, providing a balanced tone with a smooth playing experience.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Owners report that the UV7 BK has superior sound and playability compared to Ibanez RG models, even after extensive use.

    Source
  • A UV headstock fits snugly in a JEM1000 case, but touches the end, suggesting tighter dimensions compared to later UV1000C cases.

    Source
  • Owners of the RG7620 note a preference for its bubinga neck stripe over all-maple necks, citing a difference in resonance that is favored by some.

    Source
  • The AANJ neck heel on the RG7620 is preferred for better access to higher registers compared to the square heel found on some Universe models.

    Source

Build quality

  • The UV7 BK from 1997 can show signs of oxidization on metal parts like the back plate despite being in otherwise perfect condition.

    Source
  • Early models feature silver pole pieces and an Edge 7 tremolo, indicating unique hardware choices in initial production runs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A UV7 BK at $1,000 is considered a great value, especially when in perfect condition, despite being a less flashy model in the Universe series.

    Source
  • Pink Jem/UV1000 cases have become collector's items, sometimes fetching over $1,000, highlighting their rarity and value.

    Source

User experience

  • Large-handed players find transitioning from 6 to 7 strings manageable, especially when trying models like the Ibanez Universe and RG series.

    Source
  • Owners praise the RG7620 for its consistent quality, with reports of owning multiple units and rarely encountering defects, even after extensive use.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Early Universe models often came with JEM1000 cases due to the lack of dedicated Universe cases, affecting fit and protection.

    Source
  • The RG7620’s extremely flat fretboard (17" radius) is noted, with some players disliking this aspect for certain play styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • For RG7420 models, a Gotoh GE1996T-7 bridge is recommended as a direct swap to enhance shredding performance.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Petrucci uses Ibanez UV7 BK

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via Photo

John Petrucci can be seen holding this guitar in the source photograph. He also uses this guitar in the video for "Lie".

See how Wes Borland uses Ibanez UV7 BK

Wes Borland

Singer, Guitarist

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 3:19, 8:31, Wes can be seen using a previously black sanded 7 string Ibanez type guitar with green inlays and HSH pickups that used to be green. The bridge is a Lo Pro Edge 7. Judging by overall layout of the knobs, switches, and pickguard holes, I determine that this is an Ibanez UV7. The pickguard was removed and cut, and an extra switch was added between the volume knobs (top hats are missing). An extra piece of a pearl pickguard was added between the pickups.

See how Brian Welch uses Ibanez UV7 BK

Brian Welch

Singer, Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via Imgur

In this picture Brian is using his Ibanez UV7 in black.

See how Fredrik Thordendal uses Ibanez UV7 BK

Fredrik Thordendal

Guitarist

Meshuggah

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Fredrik playing his taped-up 90s Ibanez UV7 at around 2:31. This was one of Fredrik's main 7-string guitars before he switched to using 8 strings.

See how Trey Azagthoth uses Ibanez UV7 BK

Trey Azagthoth

Guitarist

Morbid Angel

...
Verified via Photo

Trey can be seen here playing on an Ibanez Universe 7-string.

See how Jack Owen uses Ibanez UV7 BK

Jack Owen

Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via YouTube

Jack brought his old Ibanez UV7, kept for recording and less touring. Seen at 0:29.

Genre Usage

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

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