Ibanez Universe 20th Anniversary Reissue

[@stevai6732]

I actually love how open he is to the nu-metal movement and how he's talking about Korn to a lot of people's disappointment. He's open-minded. Something a lot of musicians and people in general should think about improving on.

[@bobbyboucher-k9t]

Like you it seems

[@stevai6732]

@@bobbyboucher-k9t KEK k weirdo

[@bobbyboucher-k9t]

@@stevai6732 see you refer to insults first thing :) still love you and I was just stating a fact :) much love and rock n roll buddy :)

[@stevai6732]

@@bobbyboucher-k9t bro its a 10 year old comment and the like you thing is super weird cringe and unfunny because there's zero context and you just sound like either a weird stalker alog or there was some joke I didn't see, either way :)))))))))))))))))))))))

[@TheFapFactory]

@@bobbyboucher-k9tYou’re insane

[@giuseppemare]

I can't name one guitar player who has remained as relevant as Steve Vai and is still alive making music. Yes there are many guitarists that have left and impression on the guitar culture and some on the music culture as well but Steve is just so talented, so passionate, so loving and caring about what he does that he has survived in a way that no other guitar player ever has and I believe ever will.

[@Thaymarracho]

The way of how the painting is done is fantastic.

[@higler.]

Body is primed, any bare wood and screw holes are filled with wax, then they dip the guitar into the mixture you saw. It's water, borax, and oil base paints that float on top of the water creating swirls. Very cool indeed, and pretty easy to do but it's a crap shoot as to how the swirl will turn out so it may take multiple dips before you're satisfied.

[@rockerdrake]

"A 7-string feels just like a 7-string aaaand... a 6-string feels like a 6-string" -Steve Vai, 2010.

[@kalejoe6599]

It is now 2021 and no Ibanez universe or passion and warfare 30th Anniversary I am Sad

[@stevedunch581]

He also created the atmosphere and the planets

[@caseyjones831]

Amen

[@clintwilson6380]

Talk about moving some air!

[@SebaGTR7]

And hallucinogenic mushrooms

[@jwcorcoran9838]

"And I put green polka dots on it..because I can!". hahaha

[@phenbuz]

Just to hear the amazing PASSION AND WARFARE for background. Amazing album. Long live Universe and Steve Vai

[@B0yardigi0rn0]

I also remember being totally blown away when I heard Korn's first CD but I was lucky it happened through really loud and powerful car stereo speakers.

[@DrThrashmaster]

People forget how much vai has contributed to world of guitar... not only is he a great player he also pioneered 7 strings floating trem hsh ... so much that we take for granted.. much like Evh and his humbucker on a strat... pure genius

[@error262]

thank you Steve for making Korn what it is :)

[@vincecarpenter661]

meshuggah too!

[@Kevin.Kelly.]

Morbid Angel used it first!

[@liquor8396]

@@Kevin.Kelly. trey azagthoth!!! amazing guitarist

[@TheCleansingx]

@@Kevin.Kelly. Yea but no one outside of death metal circles knows of them.

[@Kevin.Kelly.]

TheCleansingx: Who cares. They used to! They were on MTV when you were in your diapers.

[@tsibren]

I’m so happy with my original UVBK7 and so glad you signed it! It will always be my most cherished guitar.

[@Lean540]

I own several guitars but, there is only one I will never part with under any circumstances. I bought it used in 1993 for $350.00 from a friend who decided to move to Jackson guitars. I am and always will be the proud owner of a 1991 JEM, the most versitile instrument made, in my opinion. I love it more than my luggage. Save your bones and pull the trigger. If you play, you will never experience buyers remorse. Thank you Steve, for all the music and innovation over the years!!!!!!

[@BLACKHAZARD1]

Steve Vai.. Simply One Of The Greatest Musician This Century Has Ever Known.. Thank you for sharing your talent with us sir. i respect you.

[@lodestarArtist]

Just having all those great guitars in the background tends to a delight for me.

[@TheRobTV]

this is great. Vai should do an hour long video of him just sitting with guitars and telling all sorts of guitar stories. Ideas he put in building guitars. Spinal tap moments etc... it would be really great.

[@rickyp73]

amazing craft and workmanship of this awsome ibanez reissue indeed and a mastermind behind the craft of the 7 string guitar...It absolutely rocks!!!

[@RuffisInc]

I bet Munky from Korn would be overcome with happiness if he hears Steve Vai saying that because he seems to look up to Vai even though he used the Universe for a totally different thing

[@thatnorwegianguy1986]

RuffisInc Vai would approve he loves seeing people take music into different directions.

[@marktorres1545]

It was so awesome to hear Vai shout out props to Korn

[@MrSFblack]

Steve has already met the guys from Korn so I'm sure he knows how much Munky and Head admire him

[@vincecarpenter661]

I feel like Vai should've given meshuggah some props for the none ep and destroy erase improve

[@Kevin.Kelly.]

Vstudios HD: Morbid Angel used it first

[@xkalivasx]

I play 7th string guitar since 2000 and last year i got 8th string, these guitars change the way that i play guitar. I play a lot of tapping. Thanks a lot Steve and Ibanez to give us the seven string and 8th string guitars! God bless u!

[@pez---]

I felt the same about Korn's first album...groundbreaking sound.

[@jdcsteelers498]

I was born in 98 but I was introduced to Steve Vai before I was even in kindergarten and this is like THE GUITAR for me. To be more specific the one on the cover of passion and warfare or any of the swirl finishes.

[@donniedarko444]

Very few things have changed my life in the way that ERG's have. Vai was my first as far as seven strings, when I discovered him through a friend I worked with in a restaurant back in 96. Being that I was only 15 at the time, buying a universe was out of my price range. So finally in 1999 I got a Schecter Avenger 7, and it was absolutely mind boggling. Now I own several 7's, a couple 8's, and one 9 string. All but one are Ibanez. And I just recently preordered another 8 string, which is a certain artists signature to be released soon. Vai and his trailblazing has changed the way I view and write music, I will be forever grateful.

[@WilfridRUN]

Love all that you made and still make on those incredible guitars Master Steve VAI!

[@aidencantrell8534]

Im seeing steve in a month im super excited!!!!!!! 😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄

[@BreakingNVain]

How was it?

[@aidencantrell8534]

@@BreakingNVain it was an awesome show he played the entirety of passion and warfare. then 3 years ago i got to meet him

[@HowlingWolfgang]

Agreed I love the thick chords on a 7 string. The thick chords and bass lines are incredible. The down tuning is really cool too. the extra octave possibilities is like a whole new universe

[@TaureanMixing]

It's a shame though that Vai didn't acknowledge Trey Azagthoth's (Morbid Angel) unique contributions in utilizing the 7-string, before Korn circa 1992/1993.

[@NishadGeorge]

Transcending Music I think Vai doesn't/wasn't generally digging extra deep to find metal acts using it to be aware. I'm 99% sure if we went back to '94 and put the radio on, we'd hear Korn on hundreds of times before Morbid Angel. Kind of unfortunate and a shame, like you said. But hey, at least some credit went where it was due.

[@TaureanMixing]

Nishad George Hi Nishad, absolutely agree that exposure had a lot to with it. Although in my opinion, exposure is merely a facilitator in discovery. Otherwise, I still maintain that an artist, especially one who is so proficient and such a master of their instrument such as Vai, should certainly be in tune (no pun) with other innovators.

[@MrSFblack]

Morbid Angel didn't use the 7 string until 1993's Covenant,which by that time Korn had already formed so it's hard to say MA was the first metal band using them. Besides, Steve probably hadn't even heard of them. He hadn't even heard of Korn before hearing one of their songs on the radio and immediately noticing the 7 string sound. So don't take it to heart.

[@gaylittleboy6669]

Taurean Mixing korn shits on morbed shit Angel,,,,really you need to cry about a band that only losers know? Angel haha not good enough you fucker

[@TaureanMixing]

@@MrSFblack Sorry I somehow missed this message. Actually, regardless of when they banded together, Korn FIRST utilized the 7-string on their Self-titled 1994 debut. Morbid Angel had already released Covenant by 1993.

[@frankbreuer8849]

Steve is the real deal. His love, his passion.... Sometimes I cringe, sometimes I'm laughing my fc*g a*s off (listening to the marketing mambo mambo) What really counts is though, he delivers and whether its his guitar masterclass or being a guest at Zappa plays Zappa, he is genuine and real beyond any shred of doubt.

[@theitalianstallion973]

So Steve listened to the first korn record? That’s so cool

[@lolmaomfgtfok]

Great video, amazing guitar. Keep rockin' Mr. Vai!

[@Andrino15]

64 unlikes!!!!!!!!!! WTF??? Steve is God

[@emrenazmiev1911]

dood he is more than God

[@TheChrispablo]

***** whats the problem with Korn? They have a unique sound back in the days and they introduced a new style of rock.

[@timanderson7372]

Andy Benarjee Steve is not God. Jesus is. Repent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Obey Acts 2:38

[@ConservativeGangstR]

WRONG! ADAM JONES IS GOD. STEVE IS JUST A SHOW OFF. ANYBODY THAT IS HALFWAY DECENT ON GUITAR CAN DO WHAT HE DOES.

[@alkoolblue]

Steve, seems like yesterday! What 2 great decades!!!

[@dougsteeleguitar]

I've got UV7BK, getting UV777BK next week. Awwwww yeah!!

[@blkjakk]

Hell 6 strings is hard enough!!!!

[@dougsteeleguitar]

Correct! I think 7 is the max and only Meshuggah can use 8.

[@dougsteeleguitar]

Still getting set up.

[@Kita9532]

Doug Steele animals as leaders too ;)

[@dougsteeleguitar]

Thank you father.

[@rtsoccerplayer]

wow that paint job, dipping it in that paint, its so cool!

[@bobclark2557]

I still have my Ibanez les paul custom copy I bought in 1977 for $499.00 jet black with gold accents

[@jmromero6381]

Bet it still plays GREAT.

[@jaimepizano9744]

I have a Tobacco Sunburst. I love that guitar.

[@taylormzalewski]

best one is the broken mirror/disco ball guitar with the white pickups, he used to use it during Whitesnake. I think it's the coolest one

[@skylinelife5396]

Whats the intro song?

[@Agent-nw3me]

Erotic nightmares from the album passion and warfare

[@pawewronowski4222]

This guitar is absolutely stunning!

[@vivekteega]

" How can you move your hands around 8 string ? " Answer. Fredrik Thordendal and Tosin Abasi will show you that.

[@bluemcdaniel99]

A Spanish guitar player thinks that’s light work 😂😂

[@D1CKYM1NT]

i still got the passion and warfare picture disc and the 'dipped' paintwork is still so recognisable! i wish i had one of those ibanez jems! An Icon with an Iconic guitar! what more could you ask for?

[@stratotega]

what does the pickups splitter do? connect the single coil to half of an humbucker?

[@MichaelD8393]

Yup.

[@theballyerboy]

It does exactly that

[@zakkwyldededicatedfan9733]

Alberto Perez connects you to god

[@ugmodude]

While his style is not my cuppa tea, Steve Vai deserves respect for his skills. I saw him play with Zappa twice, and his legacy is deserved for that accomplishment by itself, ntm his full canon of work.

[@tasteegold7772]

why oh why did they go back to chunky square neck joint..the paint is a reissue but the all access neck joint should have been implemented

[@andym28]

it actually makes a substantial tonal difference. makes sense given its the connection of both parts.

[@jbeTV1]

your' dedication to the art of guitar is as admirable as your' talent. Love the new dvd.

[@6672rock]

I didn't know you could put a string on the guitar that was higher than high E. I thought anything thinner than high E would be way too thin and break too easily.

[@dylanswint1795]

it would probably break incredibly easily, and not to mention the pitch of it would be insanely high... but hey there's always room for experimentation!

[@ar9v]

A guitarrist that had a high seventh string was Lenny Breau. I'm not sure if he was the first to have one (considering there are Russian 7 and 8 strings that are used in popular music), but apparently the concept was so new that he had to use fishing line as that extra A string.

[@Djarra]

Alex Gregory who is more of a neo classical guy had a seven string strat with a high G (to sound more like a violin) although I don't think it was that durable. Most people who go for a extra high string go for an A normally using a shorter scale length than the Ibanez (something closer to a Fender Mustang) which means the string isn't a tight.

[@Trey-jl9ru]

6672rock thinner strings are harder to break

[@RobJMeronek]

My technical learning part of my guitar playing really took off after I started practicing from an article by Andy Aledort in '89 and I only learned recently that he was a student of yours, so thanks Steve! P.S., most of us can barely manage 6 strings. :)

[@redrocker1055]

I like Vai and I have no doubt Ibanez makes him some fine instruments. But the newer ones I've played meant for us mere mortals are garbage. Cheap materials and finish that make them feel like 'Guitar Hero' controllers. I check out Guitar Center, guitar shops and pawn shops a couple times a month and since about 2009 the quality of the new Ibanez's has plummeted. Even the made in Japan line isn't on par with other manufactures offerings for entry level "real guitars." What a world we live in where Fender owned Jackson and Charvel have gotten better whereas Ibanez has gotten worse. Step up your game Ibanez.

[@leetattoo1976]

Disagree, I've been playing them for 30 years, and now you can get a real well made instrument for a much better price

[@jmromero6381]

I disagree. My RGs, for the money, are better than anything I've owned in the past 37 years. Put simply, I want more of them.

[@LennartIbanez]

i love those pictures with that steves 80s 90's look!

[@freddieellis8449]

I'm awful enough on 6 strings! Lol

[@ItsTheColeTrainBaby]

seems like such a chill dude. not conceited at all either. a true artist if there ever was one

[@thewickedwizard]

Jeez Steve goes on like he invented pick ups.

[@larmerguitars]

When this guitar was first released in the late 80's/early 90's, there was nothing like it that was mainstream. Sure there were 7 strings already around, but Steve Vai was one of the first guys to reall popularize it.

[@thewickedwizard]

No fender built the first electric 7 string. It's always good to research these things before posting online.

[@JRP3music]

Gretsch made one for George Van Eps in the late 30's. It was a hollow body jazz guitar. That was electric. Fender did make one prior to the Ibanez Universe. Built Ibanez made the first commercially successful solid body 7 string. Look that up!

[@Pinko_Band]

+Colin Plumb Always good to read the comment before shitting on it. He said that there were 7 strings already around, not that Ibanez built the first one. Smart ass.

[@ajporter7487]

Colin Plumb Fender Lmao

[@dave1986R]

It’s so cool of him to give the Korn guys so much admiration. Munky actually had Ibanez make him a one-of-a-kind 7-string JEM Guitar. They had to get permission from Steve Vai first and he was totally cool with it. Then Munky sent Steve a picture of it and he was so impressed by it that he wanted one of his own.

[@richarddavis8406]

George Van Epps played a 7 string guitar 30 years before Steve Vai "invented" it.

[@jwcorcoran9838]

Steve Vai never said that he invented it. Anyone who has a clue about guitar knows that too. Steve Vai's universe guitar was revolutionary, because it was the first 7 string that was commercially mass-produced.

[@jmromero6381]

JW Corcoran Agreed.

[@aitordotco]

i1.wp.com/www.classical-guitar-music.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/narciso-yepes-classical-guitar-10-strings.jpg?ssl=1

[@azrael666ethereal]

Vai decided to go for the low string as opposed to the high A. It was also one of the first solid bodies. The others were either acoustic or hollow bodied guitars appart from Lenny Breau's idea of a solid body but was with a high A like the others. The guitar never made it past the prototype stages..

[@LaZicaJeOne]

so great !!!! totally unique steve !!!!!!!

[@dafunk39]

I think Bruce Jenner took his new look from Steve!

[@dafunk39]

@wilmaman Sorry, apparently you're a Bruce fan. I didn't think any of Bruce Jenner's new fans would be watching this video. 

[@dafunk39]

@the holy father. It's Bruce.

[@dafunk39]

***** Bruce

[@dafunk39]

@ the holy father Who says I'm Christian? You're the "Holy Father". I call him Bruce because that's what his parents named him. Look it up.

[@dafunk39]

+The Holy Father. Thank you "Holy" one.

[@gearhead22996]

i have to say, the way that they paint those guitars is soo awesome

[@singedapicultor1776]

1.00000.000000.00000000 $

[@SuperGaleford]

☝🏻To the 10th power☝🏻

[@dickyp1]

i have 3 of these in my possession... strung 0.20-0.70... tuned to drop E, like a bass... awesome!!! ... not only KORN used them, Meshuggah used them too... THNX STEVE

[@chadsingleton6523]

great great freaking great guitarist, but he has some of the ugliest guitars ive ever seen

[@visionop8]

I really like my UV70P Green Dot. It plays pretty well. I'm good with that.

[@etcbyte]

That finish just looks so awesome...

[@sergeantsodom6969]

Shit, I remember this coming out as a 16 year old kid watching this over and over - wishing I'd get one of these

[@MTAlupyourass]

Steve is so awesome, seems like someone who would be like a really laid back chill highschool music teacher or something haha

[@petiethepitt]

yeah.And Gilbert,just so many amazing players it would be hard to say any one player is my fav..or label anyone as the "Best"..I think we are lucky to have so much talent to choose from.

[@bm666one]

yeah thank you steve vai for the 7-strings! i've own one of your ibanez universes and its my favorite guitar!

[@CensureAsylum]

The Locking nut: keeps the guitar in tune - the is no need for a tuning pedal. Play a whole set without re-tuning. You are a guitar hero of mine SteveVai. After having bought and learned every guitar solo in those magazines, I duscoverd SteveVai. I still love cutting heads scene from the movie with Ralph Machio "Cross Roads".

[@djzilk]

I have memorized every single note of Passion And Warfare in my head... Really!

[@sergi1dtone]

Sempre il migliore!!!Grande Steve!

[@exmortiss]

that is so awesome how its painted

[@smkonwater23]

7 string pioneer - jazz guitarist George Van Eps, I'm sure Steve knows him or about him. Of course, I thanks Steve for using the 7 string concept on Passion and Warfare, as it's one of my fav albums from him.

[@vicchavill]

Hi Mr. Vai Im a big fan of your music, and a big fan of Ibanez guitars , actually I got two Ibanez, like a fan I think it would be a good idea in order to celebrate this 20Th Anniversary make these guitars more affordable, maybe around US 1,000.00 (just a suggestion) , so more people will enjoy this beautiful guitar. Thanks for making such an amazing music

[@MrDoctorDJ]

To me it would seem odd to try the 7th string at first but once mastered, it would open new doors to experiment and create different variations of sounds to add to bass lines.

[@RobJohnsonGuitar]

My IBANEZ UNIVERSE Still plays and sounds awesome , love the neck !

[@SFBGuitar]

@TheFireball100 Naw, 7-String guitars were around long before the JEM series. My guitar instructor at Berklee played a 7-string (Summer of 1983). It was mainly a jazz thing for a long time before rock took a turn, so most 7-strings were hollow or semi-hollow jazz boxes. Bucky Pizzarelli played one for years (John Pizzarelli's dad).

[@RokDAWG1]

What a cool interview. What a humble dude.

[@diabolicallconquest]

Many people think that 7-string guitars were first used in metal music by Korn and other nu-metal bands, but this is wrong. Ibanez 7 strings were first used in Morbid Angel's 1993 album "Covenant". The songs "World of Sh*t", "Bloond on My Hands" and "God of Emptiness" in this album were recorded with Ibanez Universe UV7PWH and the tuning is set to A# standard. It is also possible to hear the sounds of Ibanez Universes in other Morbid Angel and Cannibal Corpse albums from the mid 90's. The Ibanez Universe series has a huge impact on low tune Death Metal.

[@Zakkarath]

I hope to have one .... one day.... it truly is an awesome guitar.... literally AWESOME.... When I look at it.... it invokes AWE in me.... it's magnificant....!

[@DMRCapitalHill]

6:00 wow that’s amazing! That’s tight because they were using Ibanez Universes that’s awesome

[@guitarj92]

That was a great interview. You've created such a beautiful guitar Steve! I only wish I could afford one =P

[@StrifeGuitar]

What a beautiful guitar!

[@AtomicPunk1995]

I had a dream one night that I was playing one of those guitars. Great guitar!

[@LuckySinghMusic]

Vai youre a creative genious among men. Such a great person and musician!! You deserve the career you have but hope some day i will deserve to own one of your guitars haha!

[@Alienadin]

I so want one someday! Such an epic guitar!

[@GuitarManRivera]

Nice guitar and great guitar player....this is the man.....

[@drfreshey]

@elavate7 He kind of tells you in the video what the seventh string is for. Plus, it doesn't have to be a lower string, your can also put a higher string if your into that kinda thing.

[@deathcore1239]

@mtsn well gibson currently has the 7 string V and explorers as well as a few epiphone les paul 7 strings. fender had a 7 string HSS strat and squire had the stagemaster 7 strat. but those were a lot older. i think the stagemaster was about 2002 but i could be wrong

[@JesseLeeKing]

I love the swirl on that reissue that he had

[@joesatriani1200rulez]

wow those are some good looking monsterous guitars , i would love to design my own one like that someday! :D

[@pcq8264]

your the best Steve! you're the best n very famous in my country:)

[@bandit7498]

Have you ever played a Jem? They sound incredible and feel terrific. Looks is an individual thing, but the tone can't be denied.

[@anymaryful]

that's the beauty of being a great guitarist, his means of expression is effective and cool! .. i love this guitar, very good.. lol

[@miked8075]

Thank you Steve

[@44MrOss44]

You are an Alien !!!! God bless you !!!! "Mr.Oss" from Germany .

[@EclipseAtDusk]

@Taikamya, he does actually have a fixed bridge version of the guitar.

[@robertscott3399]

I love the RG body. I once bought a 87 RG 550 was Dessert sun yellow but whom ever had before me sand the body edges to look like a fender. I did restore it to its original color though only paid 160 for it sold it for 140. But I've always wanted a jem from day one.. thought sbout getting a kit and doing a custom paint job on it.

[@JRP3music]

I love my Green Universe with the maple neck, the only one , I have never seen Steve Vai ever play? I have always wanted the swirl model. Surprisingly, It seems Steve rarely plays them? I still use mine occasionally, I currently use my Musicman Petrucci 7 strings, that have the stereo mag/piezo setup. I own 8, 7-strings now. Thanks for getting me addicted to 7- strings. Glad they are still widely used today. Now, you can get Schecter 7-strings with the sustainiac pickups now. For me, I want a Universe that has the piezo outputs.

[@firdausmukhtar]

1 of my guitar gods... freakin awesome dude..

[@6672rock]

Maybe one day soon, we'll see Steve wax poetic about the virtues of the 8-string like he does about the 7-string. I'd like to hear him use an 8-string on his next album.

[@Super360achievements]

Oh Steve Vai, always innovating!

[@WomackPhotoKCMO]

Wonderful video!

[@EddieWinebauer]

My band Chemical Castration uses 7 string guitars, and our sound is enhanced so much by the way the 7th string handles low tunings. We tune GDGCFAD, drop-G, and this tuning is barely possible with a six string.Plus you get to keep your highest string. And i wonder if Mr VAI has heard the UNIVERSE 7 on Morbid Angels "covenant" record? That was in the early 90's ,well before KORN.

[@petiethepitt]

The first Jems to have the tree of life inlay were in 88 was the 777VBK and 77FP in 89 the 777VSK,VDY,and VBK and 77FP.But Ibanez was using the vine of life in some guitars since the 60's