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Steve Vai Signature Ibanez JEM77P Review – A Detailed Look

I recently had the chance to explore the Ibanez JEM77P Steve Vai Signature Guitar in our Victoria store. This guitar stands out with both its visual design and thoughtful craftsmanship.

A Visual Masterpiece

The Ibanez JEM77P features a limited-edition blue floral pattern on a sleek black body. The design continues up the neck with a striking blue "Tree of Life" inlay on a maple fretboard. The matching headstock, bright blue pickups, and a clear pickguard complete the cohesive look.

Built for Playability

Crafted with Steve Vai's style in mind, the JEM77P offers several features aimed at comfort and ease of playing:

• Wizard Neck: The ultra-thin neck allows for fast, comfortable play with a wider fingerboard for complex phrasing.

• 24-Fret Access: A deep cutaway and contoured back ensure easy access to all frets, ideal for solo work.

• Monkey Grip Handle: A unique aesthetic and functional feature for easy handling.

• Edge-Zero II Tremolo System: Provides tuning stability, even with extensive tremolo use.

Sound and Pickups

The JEM77P features an HSH pickup configuration with DiMarzio Gravity Storm humbuckers and an Evolution single-coil pickup:

• Bridge Pickup: Aggressive, high-output tones for lead playing.

• Neck Pickup: Warm, rich tones with excellent clarity.

• Middle Single-Coil: Bright, quacky tones suitable for cleaner passages.

This pickup setup offers a versatile sound suited for multiple genres, not just shredding.

Sound Test Impressions

I tested the guitar through an EVH 5150 Iconic 15-watt amplifier with a Strymon Timeline delay pedal. The clean tones were clear and articulate, while the overdriven tones were powerful and detailed, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Who Might Enjoy This Guitar?

Although inspired by Steve Vai’s technical style, the JEM77P is versatile enough for various genres and skill levels. Its unique design and build quality make it a great choice for both collectors and gigging musicians.

Final Thoughts

The Ibanez JEM77P balances aesthetics, playability, and tonal versatility, making it a solid choice for any guitarist looking for a standout instrument.