The Ibanez JEM—legendary virtuoso Steve Vai’s longstanding signature guitar—is one of the most recognizable models in history. With its iconic Monkey Grip body handle, sleek Wizard neck, HSH pickups and Lion’s Claw tremolo cavity, the JEM was a highly customized Superstrat catering specifically to Vai’s taste and needs. The guitar’s idiosyncrasies are actually what made it broadly appealing to the shred-hungry masses, and its contemporary relevance is a testament to the instrument’s cutting-edge design. Alongside the simultaneously released RG550, the JEM helped firmly establish Ibanez’s identity as a performance-oriented innovator in the late ’80s, and the brand hasn’t looked back since. 

Pictured: Various Ibanez JEM Headstocks

Table of Contents

The History of the Ibanez JEM
Constructing the Ibanez JEM
The Sound of the Ibanez JEM
A Guide to the Ibanez JEM
   Comparing Ibanez JEM Models
   Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar
   Ibanez JEMJRSP Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar
   Ibanez Premium UV70P Steve Vai Universe 7-String Electric Guitar
   Ibanez JEM77P Steve Vai Signature JEM Premium Series Electric Guitar
   Ibanez PIA3761 Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar
A Precious JEM in the World of Electric Guitar

The History of the Ibanez JEM

By the mid-’80s, Steve Vai was one of the biggest guitarists in the world, having recently embarked on a solo career outside of his work with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth and Alcatrazz. Inspired by Zappa’s tinkering and DIY approach to guitar modification, Vai was frequently performing surgery on his instruments outside of performing and recording. One result of his experimentation, for instance, was the famous “Green Meanie” Charvel.

At the time, Vai was courted by a handful of manufacturers offering him a signature guitar, but only Ibanez was willing to work out a truly fresh design from scratch. It was primarily based on a custom instrument built by Performance Guitar in Los Angeles, which he presented to Ibanez with notes on what he liked and didn’t like about it.

 

Pictured: Ibanez JEM77P Steve Vai Signature JEM Premium Series Electric Guitar Pickups/Controls

This guitar—from which the JEM was derived—featured 24 frets, an HSH pickup configuration, a double-locking Floyd Rose vibrato system, sharp cutaways, scalloping on frets 21–24 and a unique hole in the upper portion of the body functioning like a handle. Certain specs are also believed to be derived from Tom Anderson and Charvel electrics Vai sent, alongside his Performance custom.

Ibanez worked on a few iterations of the JEM, refining its key characteristics, including the shape of the Monkey Grip handle and the technical nuances of the Lion’s Claw floating bridge cavity. Vai fell in love with the guitar, noting that it was the perfect instrument for him, though he was uncertain how other players might receive it. “It’s kind of weird,” he quipped in a 2017 interview celebrating the JEM’s 30th anniversary.

The original JEM777—in Loch Ness Green, Shocking Pink and Desert Sun Yellow—was unveiled at the summer NAMM Show in 1987. According to Nick Sugimoto, formerly of the Fujigen factory in Japan, a large crowd gathered at the Ibanez booth in anticipation of the JEM’s reveal. Hidden underneath a black curtain, Steve Vai appeared on the small stage at the booth, pulled away the cover and picked up the JEM, stating simply, “This is my guitar.” Sugimoto remembers how, for the final two days of the show, all eyes were on Vai and the JEM: “It was as if the show was put on solely for him and his guitar.”

 

Pictured: Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar Tree of Life Fretboard Inlay

In short order, Ibanez released a limited-edition version of the new guitar kept to only 777 pieces—each signed by Vai. Mike Shimada—then president of Hoshino USA, a subsidiary of Ibanez’s parent company, Hoshino Gakki in Japan—recalls Vai saying, “I will make Ibanez #1,” after signing each limited-edition model. “I think we did it,” Shimada reflects. “The JEM has become the masterpiece for Ibanez,” Sugimoto agrees.

Ibanez and Steve Vai followed the JEM with the Universe 7-string in 1990, which became the first ever mass-produced extended-range guitar and another milestone for the brand and Vai.

For nearly 40 years, Steve Vai and Ibanez have defined high-performance electric guitars for ambitious players, starting—and continuing—with his signature JEM.

Constructing the Ibanez JEM

Functionally and aesthetically, the Ibanez JEM has been a standout electric guitar from its onset. As an amalgamation of several of Steve Vai’s modified, Superstrat-style instruments, the JEM features unique specifications catering to his needs as a player. While some of the finer points have evolved slightly over the years, the Ibanez JEM has always included the following:

• Monkey Grip Handle: This distinctive body cutout is one of the most recognizable aesthetic flourishes of the JEM. Vai thought it gave the guitar an interesting look, and he would employ it during onstage antics.
• Wizard Neck: Thin, flat Ibanez Wizard necks are known for their high-octane playability. The original JEM neck from 1987 measured 43 mm wide at the nut, 19 mm thick at the first fret and 21 mm thick at the 12th fret with a 400 mm radius. Today’s JEM77P, for instance, shaves off an additional millimeter of thickness at the first and 12th frets for unparalleled maneuverability.  
• DiMarzio Pickups: An HSH pickup configuration was of paramount importance to Vai, enabling searing bridge tones, rich neck sounds and Strat-like split-coil jangle. Current JEM offerings include Vai’s signature DiMarzio pickups on higher-end models, voiced for his inimitable playing style. At release, the JEM included DiMarzio PAF Pro humbuckers and a custom DiMarzio single coil.
• Ibanez Edge Double-Locking Tremolo & Lion’s Claw Cavity: The Edge floating tremolo system is Ibanez’s take on a Floyd Rose. Whammy-bar vibrato is a huge part of Vai’s signature sound, and he wanted the ability to pull up on the bridge to make notes go sharp. The Lion’s Claw is a deeper, per-string route underneath the bridge, facilitating a greater range of motion for wildly expressive vibrato tricks.  
• Tree of Life Fretboard Inlay: The Tree of Life fretboard inlay appeared sparingly on Ibanez guitars throughout the ’70s, with Vai first adopting it for the JEM lineup beginning in 1988. The elaborate, elegant inlay is a hallmark of his signature guitar.

 

Pictured: Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar Neck Heel Carve

The Sound of the Ibanez JEM

The Ibanez JEM is a versatilely voiced instrument suited to Steve Vai’s far-reaching sonic pursuits on the electric guitar, from his vast catalog of groundbreaking solo work to his recently contributed leads on Polyphia’s “Ego Death.” Showing no signs of slowing down any time soon, the JEM has no choice but to keep up with its inventor’s innovative tendencies. How, then, does it sound in action?

• “For the Love of God” from 1990’s Passion and Warfare showcases creamy neck-position lead tones, biting bridge sounds, Vai’s fluid legato and sweep picking techniques, and his expressive whammy-bar vibrato. The JEM’s HSH pickup layout and 5-way selector help him achieve a vast array of tones, while the highly playable 24-fret neck lets him effortlessly explore upper registers with unmitigated speed and precision. Finally, the JEM’s double-locking Edge tremolo system and Lion’s Claw cavity allow Vai to perform intense pitch bends—up and down—with rock-solid tuning stability.

• “Bad Horsie” from 1995’s Alien Love Secrets demonstrates the JEM’s ability to achieve crushing high-gain metal tones tuned down to drop C. Its sound is heavy and full, with enough articulation for well-defined natural and pinched harmonics throughout the track. Again, Vai makes extreme use of the whammy bar for gravity-defying dive bombs and furious flutters.

• “Dark Matter” from 2016’s Modern Primitive is a fine example of the JEM’s sonic versatility, highlighted by the mid-gain opening riff utilizing a split-coil sound reminiscent of a Stratocaster. Throughout, the rhythm guitar arrangement features this tone, while Vai takes the guitar through higher-gain paces on top, including fluid neck-pickup legato and bold bridge-position shred.

 These are only a few prime examples, but select from virtually any of Vai’s post-1987 studio recordings or live performances to hear an iteration of the JEM at its finest.

A Guide to the Ibanez JEM

Since 1987, Ibanez has typically offered several versions of the JEM for any given year of production. The list below details currently available JEM models.

Pictured: Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar Monkey Grip Handle

Comparing Ibanez JEM Models

Model	Body Wood Type	Neck Wood Type	Fretboard Material	Pickups	Bridge Type	Tuners
Ibanez JEMJR	Meranti	Maple	Jatoba	Quantum HSH	Ibanez double-locking	Ibanez
Ibanez JEMJRSP	Meranti	Maple	Jatoba	Infinity HSH	Ibanez double-locking	Ibanez
Ibanez Premium Universe UV70P 7-String	American basswood	5-piece maple/walnut	Rosewood	DiMarzio Blaze HSH	Edge-Zero II-7	Ibanez
Ibanez JEM77P	American basswood	5-piece maple/walnut	Maple	DiMarzio Gravity Storm/Evolution HSH	Edge-Zero II	Ibanez
Ibanez PIA3761	Alder	5-piece maple/walnut	Rosewood	DiMarzio UtoPIA HSH	Edge	Gotoh

Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: The Ibanez JEMJR is an affordable entry point to Steve Vai’s signature guitars for beginner or intermediate players wanting to experience timeless design and playability.

Things to Consider:

• Complete with Monkey Grip, Lion’s Claw and Tree of Life
• Ultrafast Wizard III neck profile
• Stable double-locking bridge

Shop Now: Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar in White

Made in Indonesia, the Ibanez JEMJR is ideal for players seeking the iconic look and feel of Vai’s most successful electric guitar at a price that’s hard to argue. Quantum pickups in a versatile HSH configuration produce a wide range of tones, from warm, bell-like cleans to scorching high-gain rhythms and leads. The thin, flat Wizard III neck boasts a 400 mm radius (15.75"), creating an easily playable platform for high-performance fretboard antics. Push your technique to new heights with the top-selling JEMJR.

Ibanez JEMJRSP Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: For a Superstrat with true ’80s flair, the Ibanez JEMJRSP in neon pink captures the essence of the original.

Things to Consider:

• Classic 1980s JEM style
• Ultrafast Wizard III neck profile
• Stable double-locking bridge

Shop Now: Ibanez JEMJRSP Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar in Pink

The bold, vivid look of the Ibanez JEMJRSP takes it straight back to the ’80s—the brighter the guitar’s finish, the faster the player. Featuring similar specs as the JEMJR above, the JEMJRSP switches out Infinity pickups in an HSH layout, delivering an impressive level of tonal control and versatility inherent to Vai’s signature electric guitars. It also includes the lightning-quick Wizard III neck, which is a solid introduction to speedy Ibanez profiles at large. Add a pop of color to your collection with the Ibanez JEMJRSP.

Ibanez Premium UV70P Steve Vai Universe 7-String Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: Guitarists exploring extended-range electrics will appreciate the smooth playability of the Ibanez UV70P Universe 7-string.

Things to Consider:

• Premium fret edge treatment
• Cool black and green color scheme
• Standard 25.5" scale length

Shop Now: Ibanez Premium Steve Vai Universe 7-String Electric Guitar in Black and Green

When it released in 1990, the Ibanez Universe was the first readily available 7-string production model, credited with helping spawn the nu metal movement when Korn guitarists Munky and Head each played one on their self-titled debut. The Ibanez Premium UV70P 7-string boasts groundbreaking playability with a slick Wizard-7 neck and Edge-Zero II-7 double-locking tremolo system, and unbeatable tone via a trio of DiMarzio Blaze pickups in an HSH configuration. With a 25.5" scale length, the Ibanez Universe feels much like a 6-string in your hands, making it easy to transition to a 7-string for the first time. This guitar scores a perfect 5/5 stars from Guitar Center reviewers.

Though not explicitly a JEM model—you’ll notice the lack of a Monkey Grip, for example—the Universe shares its design philosophy, consisting of extreme playability and wide-ranging tonality. It is another Steve Vai ideation, after all.

Ibanez JEM77P Steve Vai Signature JEM Premium Series Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: Floral-patterned JEMs have long been part of the series, and the head-turning JEM77P looks stunning in blue and black.

Things to Consider:

• Low-profile Edge-Zero II bridge
• Blue Tree of Life fretboard inlay
• Extremely slim Wizard neck profile

Shop Now: Ibanez JEM77P Steve Vai Signature JEM Premium Series Electric Guitar in Blue Floral

Manufactured in Indonesia as part of the Premium lineup, the Ibanez JEM77P includes top-notch components and precise attention to build quality that make it perfectly playable right out of the box. Players will enjoy the remarkably svelte Wizard neck for their fretboard acrobatics, while the contemporary Edge-Zero II vibrato system provides ample whammy-bar action and a comfortable feel underhand. The guitar’s floral finish, acrylic pickguard, blue plastics and matching Tree of Life inlay complete an impressive aesthetic that lets players stand out from the crowd.

Ibanez PIA3761 Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar

Why It’s Cool: The Ibanez PIA3761 is a top-of-the-line, modern reimagining of the classic JEM.  

Things to Consider:

• Redesigned PIA Blossom fretboard inlay and Petal Grip
• Luminlay side dots for dim studios and stages
• Edge vibrato system with a gripped Ultralite Tremolo Arm

Shop Now: Ibanez PIA3761 Steve Vai Signature Electric Guitar in Stallion White

Steve Vai considers the PIA the “next evolution of the JEM,” embodying the original’s timeless essence with contemporary refinements. The Ibanez PIA3761 prominently features a fresh take on the Tree of Life inlay dubbed the PIA Blossom, as well as a modified body handle called the Petal Grip for its resemblance to flower petals. DiMarzio UtoPIA pickups are based on Vai’s most recent tonal preferences, voiced for punchy lows, smooth highs and scooped mids. There’s also a push/pull volume control to engage an optional high-pass filter for even more sonic variety. The PIA3761 is suited to demanding players seeking the best from Ibanez’s made-in-Japan offerings.

A Precious JEM in the World of Electric Guitar

The Ibanez JEM has single-handedly had a profound impact on the evolution of the electric guitar in the modern era, and it all began with the ambitious idea for an instrument capable of handling Steve Vai’s boundary-pushing technicality and creativity. Few signature guitars have established an enduring legacy equivalent to the JEM’s, contextualized by the instrument’s rapid march to its 40th anniversary.

Pictured: Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature JEM Series Electric Guitar Headstocks

Whether you’re a dexterous shredder searching for sheer speed, or you simply need a tonally diverse electric guitar for rock, metal, blues, fusion and more, consider an Ibanez JEM for your collection. Whatever your needs may be, the entire Ibanez catalog provides plenty of choices for guitarists of all styles. By nature, though, Ibanez guitars are among the best for hard rock and metal, so certainly don’t rule them out on your hunt for holy-grail tone.