In 1953 Gibson enhanced their credibility by producing an electric guitar in conjunction with a leading guitarist, Les Paul. 25 years later, Japanese guitar company Ibanez transformed their reputation with the aid of leading guitarist Steve Vai in a similar manner. The result was a guitar that epitomized the 'superstrat' concept, and revitalized interest in artist-endorsed guitars. Where previous Japanese guitars had simply aped their American competitors, the Ibanez Steve Vai JEM range made its rivals look staid. The JEM's technical credentials were impeccable-the guitar was playable and versatile, with an extremely effective pickup system which Vai had developed in conjunction with the American DiMarzio company. More importantly. the guitar was flash. It boasted fluorescent fittings and inlays, while one model was decorated in the same paisley material as Vai's  favourite jacket. The instrument stressed frivolity and efficiency to equal degrees, and was consequently a huge success.

By Melanie Bradley

 

Ibanez JEM7V Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar White

Ibanez JEM77V Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar Black

Steven Siro Vai (born June 6, 1960 on Long Iceland, New York) is an American guitarist, composer and producer. First major recognition he gained from the early 1980's in the band of Frank Zappa - because of his virtuosity Frank referred to him as "stunt guitarist". Vai has long been a solo artist and is a two-time Grammy Award-winner.

Lyricist: Bob Harris. Audio Mixers: Paul Levy; Roger Curley; Martin Schwartz. Liner Note Author: Laurel Fishman. Recording information: Stucco Blue Studios; Sunset sound. Editor: Bob Stone. Photographers: John Boegehold; Jarrett Renshaw. Arrangers: Martin Schwartz; Jac Mihanovic; Chris Fazier; Bob Harris.

As the title makes plain, Where the Other Wild Things Are rounds up the performances from the 2009 Where the Wild Things Are DVD that didn't make the accompanying CD of the same name -- a whopping 12 tracks, all ...

Track Listing: Crying Machine; Audience Is Listening; Murder; Juice; Whispering A Prayer; Apples In Paradise; I'm Becoming; Beastly Rap; Earthquake Sky; Liberty; Answers; For The Love Of God;

Steve Vai remains an eclectic rogue in the world of guitar virtuosos. While his staggering chops precede him, Vai is known for favoring artistic, emotional expression over blazing six-string shredding just for its own sake. With an ensemble that includes ...

The one and only Satriani-taught and Zappa-tested virtuoso, Steve Vai, returns with his self-produced 1990 release, PASSION AND WARFARE. The album was inspired by sequential dream patterns Vai experienced earlier in his life, and results in one technically electrifying ride ...

ALIVE IN AN ULTRA WORLD was composed and recorded at concerts in various countries, reflecting elements of the traditional music of the cultures in which they were recorded. "Whispering A Prayer" was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Rock ...

This 2003 two-disc set offers up a generous sampling of Steve Vai tracks, focusing most sharply on the revered hard-rock guitarist's mid-to-late-1990s material. Highlights of the collection include "The Animal," a stomping metal number, and the emotive "For the Love ...

After the success of PASSION & WARFARE, Steve Vai fed his creative hunger by collaborating with a lineup of exceptional musicians. Released on Relativity/Epic Records, SEX & RELIGION features master drummer Terry Bozzio, Shocka Zooloo bassist T.M. Stevens, and early ...