Steve Vai introduces the Ibanez PIA signature model

“Hey folks, Steve Vai here. Since 1987, the Ibanez JEM has enjoyed surprising success. It was designed around my idiosyncrasies as a player and my desire to have a guitar that checked off all the boxes for me. Little did we realize how many other people would find their note on this instrument. And now, after almost 35 years of the JEM, although the JEM is still in production and will perhaps be for many years to come, we felt it was time to introduce a new signature guitar that is somewhat of an evolution of the JEM, The PIA. . Ibanez and Myself could not be more pleased with the way this fine instrument has turned out.”
Learn More: www.ibanez.com

[@JTCGuitar]

"Long after I've whammied my last bar" - please never stop whammying

[@dxntblxnk4984]

That legit made me feel a bit sad, steve vai is such a great guy. One of my favorite guitarists🤧

[@Xiphos1349]

He's gonna stop whammying cause at some point he's gonna die

[@PhilosophyofGuitar]

@@Xiphos1349 We know, genius. Don't remind us. We lost too many rockstars and guitar heroes in 2020. To top this, we're still in the middle of the biggest worldwide pandemic in 100 years and if we're among the lucky ones so that we and our loved ones are not directly affected by the disease, we're virtually all suffering from its lockdown effects in at least some substantial capacity - every single one of us. I don't think we need any more reminders that people get sick and die, even larger-than-life rockstars and guitar gods. We know. Thank you. Steve Vai appears to be healthy and in great spirits, and off the powder and the bottle: the hex of musicians, especially rockstars. So let's celebrate that Steve is well and the fact that there's most likely plenty more awesome music in his brilliant mind which he craves to share with the world, including his superb brand new single "Knappsack".... And let's celebrate that there's plenty of whammying left for him to bar.

[@Xiphos1349]

@@PhilosophyofGuitar calm down lol

[@PhilosophyofGuitar]

@@Xiphos1349 I am calm dude. And nothing against you personally. But I genuinely believe your initial comment is a truism which we don't need to be reminded of in such a light right now. I'm sure you didn't mean wrong... Seeing that you posted this a year ago, the world was a different place then... But it doesn't help in the current climate. Hence why I felt that what I said needed to be expressed. I clicked on your profile and I see that you have a channel where you play guitar. I'll check it out. Music and art are a powerful medium to inspire people. So keep up the music and the metal!

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Seriously those pickups are just art. Great to see Steve still experimenting after all these years.

[@thisandthat1233]

By far the standout feature in this guitar. amazing design

[@phenixreturns]

@@thisandthat1233 totally different from the horrible js art

[@markokraljevic5743]

His wife is named as Pia, and he named his signature model as "Pia". Besides being an amazing artist he's an amazing person as well.

[@franky-161]

Let's hope he stays with Pia till his last Whammy'd Bar :)

[@ThumpingThromnambular]

Wow, he named a guitar. What an amazing person.

[@kelleyhargis9025]

Wrong! If you actually watched the video, there is a part in the beginning that states PIA = Paradise In Art. 00:06

[@otakurocklee]

@@kelleyhargis9025 Pia is his wife's name. Obviously they came up with "paradise in art" to fit with Pia's name.

[@zenon652]

I can't wait to get my hands on Pia.

[@jasonvoorheeskill]

Only Steve Vai can sell me a guitar convincingly without even playing it.

[@jackmeoff2376]

You’re right... I bought a sun dew gold one.🙂

[@notkwcly1368]

@@jackmeoff2376 How is it?

[@warnerlohse]

I’m dropping 5 k on a used one. CAD.

[@vladzubac5360]

This guitar shows the musical maturity of Steve Vai in its edges, the newly design reminescent Monkey Grip, everything...it's like a fine whisky aging and tasting smoother! God Bless you Steve Vai!

[@dankhill6851]

its more like a fine spirit quest, so beautiful you could cry

[@awogbob]

Steve Vai isnt my favorite guitarist in terms of style (I just prefer other genres) But dammit if he isn't one of the most innovative, respectable guitar players thats still invested in pushing the genre of electric guitar music. He has such a good legacy and does so many cool things! Love this man.

[@marcoabyss]

a guitar named after my ex. just like her, this guitar will cost me an arm and a leg

[@TakeTheBluePill]

The guitar is named in honor of Steve Vai's wife...did Steve get your sloppy seconds?

[@brogoram]

Lmao

[@kellylee5842]

Why would you ever pay that much for a j e m wannabe

[@Abzshred]

Nice lol

[@TheDyingScotsman]

Not his ex. He is still married to Pia

[@ryanbailey4273]

I think we can all agree that both Ibanez and Vai have created an evolution of the Jem that genuinely feels like a progression. Absolutely beautiful guitar! Congratulations, I can’t wait to get my hands on one

[@affanahmmed3081]

Whammied my last bar. Like wow

[@TrevorShredder]

Anything by Steve Vai & Ibanez is beautiful.

[@eeshsinger]

True

[@7James77]

Not only beautiful, but plays amazingly well. I've never played a guitar as good as the JEM.

[@jeffgoldblum474]

Such a beautiful instrument, this is the only blinged out guitar I'd be proud to own

[@sebastianbustios2461]

Steve Vai is a human being full of light and this guitar is simply beautiful. Period.

[@stevesalt9005]

If the guitar was a religion Steve Vai would be Jesus.

[@kronosecw]

He should release a version with all his extra mods. The trem setter, sustainer, whatever other circuitry he does. Sure it will cost a lot, but there's a niche market for limited releases

[@allanwhittick2930]

Man I wish I could afford this guitar. Oh well, another vai signature I will always lust after.

[@music-collective]

This guitar looks so wonderful. Steve, "you did it again..."

[@Maxx61]

A new "on the wall" option for 80's metalheads who are now successful lawyers and doctors. Sure is purty though.

[@V1z10n]

Can't wait for the design choice to come down the rg line, like what they did to the Evo.

[@dspencer1201]

Nothin' wrong with that!

[@senorpotato8657]

"Long after I whammied my last bar" god I hope that he lives eternally !

[@lefinlan]

It really does look special. Clearly a masterpiece thought about for years in its design...

[@arseniitrifonov9015]

This video feels kind of sad and happy at the same time... I mean, the part of it where Steve talks about "whammying his last bar" and all, it just goes to show that at the end of the day he's human just like the rest of us, not some timeless ageless guitar god. Then there's the thing about his speaking mannerisms - they've all softened out, and even his signature "Hey folks!" sounds fatherly rather than jovial. However, Steve is doing what makes him happy, and that is what matters at the end of the day. Oh, and PIA is eye-catching too.

[@gitarmats]

These guitars look amazing!

[@ThunnusAlbacares]

What a magnificent looking guitar, well done to everyone involved. Maybe one day i'll see one in the flesh. Bravo

[@sachannel6036]

Beautiful PIA guitar! I love it Steve!!

[@Yanthungbemo]

Those pickup covers look gorgeous!

[@givemeajackson]

gorgeous, and i just love listening to vai play and talk. such a great guy

[@richardfagen1186]

Iv always wanted a Jem ! This is awosum... another great guitar I'll never afford

[@tavicotavio]

Its crazy how much he experiments with his sound and guitar since 1987

[@craigfarleymusician8481]

Love this guitar. I think I’ll be purchasing one soon !

[@1974gibsonfrancesco]

Ibanez is doin allota things with this actually!! Because of their partnership with Vai here!! I tried on the neck through exotic wood versions!! Love Di Marzio!! I can say they really do get you a few types of sweet spots you get in high end vintage LP's!! That middle positions sweet spot!! Bridge at full n neck bumped up till it gives that mid EQ tone!! Really worth it, as a player!!

[@roryodwyer]

Can't understand why those treble bleed mods installed have to be engaged by pulling up on the volume knob. It was the same in the JS1000 and annoyed the hell out of me so I just installed it so that it didn't require 'engagement'. Make no difference to the tone of the guitar at full guitar volume, to my ears anyway. Ibanez must have a reason, but I bet it's not a good enough reason.

[@hunterzx77]

3:41 never hyped so much for something that simple

[@mogui8938]

Steve Vai, The Legend. Great job for Ibanez.

[@kevin7rxxx346]

Well aesthetically it is very pleasing...way to go Stevie

[@vince8081]

More Vaiest than ever. I Love it.

[@al3xj]

,,, "That's the abyss for a screw .... " 😹😹😹 this genius thank you Steve for all that you do 🙏📿

[@hibernative]

Woaw, the shot where he is standing on a pyramid was trippy. Was/is he into esoteric teachings or was that just an awesome vibe at the time?

[@koczo5857]

I like pickups in this pia this combination is looking tasty

[@basdewaardsh]

Very cool guitar... Would very much like to have one one day! Btw: the magnet back cover is very cool, but he says it is very handy when you need to change strings. Given it has a floyd rose, you do not even need to remove that back cover as you put the strings in the bridge from the top :) Maybe it is a long time ago since he changed strings himself :)

[@ludwiglanestudios]

I love how he speaks

[@icu469]

All great new features in the new Pia guitar. I especially like the inlay on the fretboard and the pickup covers. I don't really get the new yin yang cutouts. They look ok but don't really serve a purpose other than some weight relief I suppose. I'd love to try one out. I've played a Jem and really liked it.

[@z3pp9]

Beautiful!!! Magnetic cover is good idea.

[@GreenMeanie101]

I don't understand why he says you need to remove the back to change a string? It is double locking at the bridge and neck no need to remove the back plate unless changing string gauge sizes. Sounds like a sales pitch to me lol.

[@z3pp9]

@@GreenMeanie101 Yes, you are right, it is not necessary to remove the back cover when replacing strings. But sometimes it is necessary to adjust the spring tension after changing the strings.

[@veteranviper564]

I at 50 just started learning guitar and I want one of these so bad. Steve is in town tomorrow. Maybe he can drop me one off?

[@chuwy2k]

OK, I'm in love with this guitar, it's about the design and the philosophy of natural harmony that converts it into a piece of art. Now, I need to get 4K US$ ❤️🤑💵💸👋🙂🇺🇾

[@andreacaloiaro6038]

That's Vai - the staying power, but never standing still.

[@rocknrollresignation93]

That magnetic back plate is a game changer

[@pao2725]

That magnet thing is innovative af, i wish they do it for pickguards and pickups so u can switch pickups too

[@7James77]

would have a negative impact on the pickups if done with the pickguard

[@fernandopazzetti7403]

I will miss the “Jem series” but this is truly a piece of art!

[@AFN2750]

Fernando Pazzetti they are continuing the jem though...

[@ATX0705]

​@AFN2750 Not the Japanese made one unfortunately. Only the Indonesian one, unfortunately.

[@philbobaggins336]

Perfect ..incredible ..stunning ..graceful ...just a few words that come to mind ...I want one ..bad .

[@GreenMeanie101]

When he plays it more than EVO then I know it is special LOL. I love the Panther Pink.

[@fredericadda]

The guitar looks like it’s imbued with magic ... very elegant, as is Steve Vai himself

[@chordify4016]

Everything about this guy is beautiful a true artist

[@URKOVAI97]

Beautiful? Yes But I dont see a major improvement or difference. Almost the same inlay, same white aesthetics of the Jem 7v. 2 gold pickup covers and a magnet backplate. And It will cost 3000$ at least. All stock jems have the capacitor installed in the volume pot, and works fine. I don't see a reason to push-pull it, it makes more sense to split the humbucker's coil with the push-pull, that would be useful. I would have loved them to release a jem scalloped a lil bit further, from 16 to 24 for example. Experiment with fluence pickups or release the sustainer model many of us are waiting for. I see the best improvements in the contoured body and the volume been placed further from the hand. I don't see a reason to buy an almost identical guitar to the jem I already have.

[@URKOVAI97]

Oh yes and I don't know why they keep putting the original edge on almost all floating trem guitars. It's an awesome trem don't get me wrong, but IMHO the Lo pro is an improved version: ellegant, lighter, more stable and is easier to change strings on. I use it on all my guitars.

[@URKOVAI97]

HYPERS yeah as a first "pro" guitar acquisition would be nice, but way overpriced compared to used and even new Fujigen Jems on sale.

[@guitardave]

Urko Uribe it’s over $4000 apparently 😨😕 I guess I’ll be waiting for the Premium version in 12 months!

[@URKOVAI97]

Dave Turner wow no way this is gonna sell very well. Not a very clever move from Steve and Ibany... the premium version must be over 2000 then, you have pretty good options with better specs and made in japan for less money.

[@guitardave]

Urko Uribe oh, it’s actually showing as $3499 on American Musical now - the $4500 I saw must have been the MSRP. Still expensive, but not quite so bad!

[@juninhorocha1936]

essa guitar é um sonho!!!

[@arthursoares5413]

37 mil reais no mercado livre

[@IBZRG8570]

Magnetic back plate. Brilliant! This should be standard equipment on all trem equipped Ibanez guitars.

[@thedanksavatron7782]

Work of art!!! Just wish I could afford one! Maybe a Pia Jr. In the future???

[@ArnulfVonMetz1]

*A Dream Guitar* ❤🎸🔥

[@FxnWaySheGoes]

That is a thing of beauty

[@DanAloysius]

i was wondering when Mr. Vai would invoke the magic again. I'm happy he did with this!

[@jacks8nx2]

Just amazing, Ibanez happy 2020, great way to start the year. Thanks

[@systemgtr]

amazing! the ibanez pia model is beatiful fantastic!

[@BijoyKeisham]

This is the most beautiful Jem yet

[@dioimamgames]

great job Steve and Ibanez, very modern design and very steve vai look. i like it 👍

[@kidwave1]

I have #141 of the original Jem 777's! I would kill for a PIA in Sun Dew Gold!

[@jordanj9069]

Whatever the second song playing in the background is, is the best composition I’ve ever heard from him aside from perhaps Lotus Feet

[@FLOODtoFIRE]

Simply beautiful

[@singthroughyourguitar]

The design is beautiful and i love the sound. 🩷🌸😍

[@HyperspeedMedia]

Beautiful guitar... Ibanez are killing it within the last few years..

[@WildWildWeasel]

Damn, that background music is beautiful.

[@axe2rock]

Nice! Always love ibanez, Would love to try one of these

[@TheUniversalEyes]

I'll take two, one for playing and one for safe keeping.

[@KOISANX]

Attention to details 💯👌

[@Webgkil]

Discontinuing the Japanese made JEMs is a big mistake imo... As much as i adore Ibanez and Steve, i think the PIA should sit next to the JEM in the Ibanez flagship throne, and not dethrone it.

[@SamLibman]

Two holes!?!?!?!? That’s some serious innovation.

[@illlanoize23]

Sam Libman up next? THREE holes

[@TANTRUMGASM]

@@illlanoize23 what?? 3 holes?? noooo way .... THATS CRAZY

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

Seems to be happiest about the back plate lol

[@rauferv]

Still waiting for the Ibanez Pia Jr. / Miss 😊

[@Viskovitz]

so beautiful ...

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

I have those glasses but won't wear them outside!!!🤣

[@包裹-x7i]

beautiful guitar

[@nw379]

Beautiful guitar

[@russellward4624]

Some cool upgrades. Hopefully the back plate thing will become the norm on all Ibanez guitars. He’s right. The screw thing is a pain in the ass. Lol

[@wojciechsiminski]

Correct me if i am wrong, but you don't need remove backplate when changing strings in that type of bridge... And there is access window in that presented backplate with screws, if you have tremolo like in strats,so not to have unscrew them all the time... I have strong magnet on table, to catch all six at once , and i use magnet since 2005 on all my screws ;).. Pickup covers are beautiful, but dust can be annoying to clean on that surface, but it's nice piece of Art. And beside that, a nice feature to have in that grip, would be a nice hot red tail leds, like a stop lights in my Lami, to glow in nights, when i'll pull to scream that whammy jammy... cheers

[@V1z10n]

Still need to block the trem block for easier string change on floyd types.

[@rjc7289]

I'd like to see some of these design features incorporated into the standard JEM line instead of them being exclusive to the PIA model. Come to think of it, things like the magnetic back plate, coil split, body contours, etc. -- that would really give a lot of Ibanez guitars a serious kick in the ass!

[@guitardave]

The Jem 7V is currently approx £2500, and this is going to be £3500? I like it, but not that much! I’ll wait for the Premium version down the line, or maybe even get a discounted Jem 7V as the price is bound to drop now.

[@adamchaifetz5876]

Dude rocks in every way...

[@marcusgroves9658]

I'm wondering if the proximity of the back plate magnets to the pickups has any noticeable effect on the signal...

[@BillDerBerg]

Degaussing

[@marcusgroves9658]

@@BillDerBerg wouldn't that render a magnet... not a magnet?

[@WizardOfArc]

Pia is gorgeous!!

[@pedrosr2292]

She is beautifull, is PIA JR going to be a thing?

[@juanalbertocarvajalinobarl5527]

I hope so

[@luizlima6706]

I loved Ibanez , steve vai in new model of guitar ...expiration of world planet guitar...

[@CangkulanSenar5]

IBANEZ MAKE SO MANY MEMORIES? JEM ALWAYS IN MY SOUL 1987 - 2020

[@juliandelrio]

Nice guitar! Some mods really cool! I'd like to see the guitar in the stores 😊

[@sangeetsing128]

Steve Vai makes everything incredible

[@00TheAnswer00]

That magnet is a genius idea!!

[@sauicaen]

god what a beautiful guitar

[@saecculum4795]

Congrats to mr via. This is truly an evolution to the jem

[@AxelPizzi]

Love Ibanez and love Steve, wonderful instrument....guys is there any chance in the future to get new Xiphos models? Got 2 of them but it's never enough Xiphos!!

[@davidschonberger4752]

Wow. Just wow!

[@senorpotato8657]

It's so sweet of him to name it after his wife!

[@dogdaysunrise1970]

Gorgeous!

[@RosanoCallao]

this is an art piece-- very much like it's owner.

[@ulisrockstudios5418]

I love that guitar 😍

[@geezberry8889]

you dont need to access the spring cavity to change strings on a floyd. i just change one string at a time.