I was 17 years old in 1991 had my first job making $7.50 an hour, and I took out a loan to buy an Ibanez JEM FP (Floral Print). One of the happiest days of my life. A guitar I still have to this day. (2022). Thank you Mr. Vai, and Ibanez.
Same here. At 19 years old, I worked a whole year for my JEM FP, which I finally was able to buy in 1996. I loved that guitar so much. Unfortunately I had to sell it a couple of years ago, which really hurt. Very special instrument! At least I know, it's in good hands.
idk why but that story is beautiful man, i just think every guitarist no matter the age has that 1 guitar that you would take out a loan or give our right pinky ;) for!.. and just the hapiness that you had that day when you got home n plugged it in i can imagine!!
Why are so many Luthiers meth heads? I personally knew a legit luthier who would make his own meth pipes with a glass tube at a friends house. He looked and acted alot like this guy. Straight meth
The smile on his face at 8:00 when he grabs the grip says it all. The man loves what he does, and he loves his guitar. And he's obviously a really nice guy.
I've always been a huge fan of Steve's playing but over the years I've gotten to really respect him as a artist and as a person, seems like the kind of role model our kids sorely need these days.
I love seeing the Japanese working with american musicians , very inspiring , make music not war.I never realized how humble Mr. Vai is , he trully deserves all the recognition coming his way.
I always thought he was an arrogant, conceited, scrotum until I watched some of his interviews and realized he's actually not like that at all. Very humble. According to Dave Weiner he has seen Steve on various occasions remain in freezing cold signing items for fans until he had signed everything for everyone there. That seems like a cool cat to me. Cheers!
He said he used to always practice playing guitar in front of the mirror to make sure he looked cool, tried to practice "cool faces" and "cool poses" lol. Gotta love Vai ;)
Despond If I got a Ibanez, I'd go the hollow body route. Or, I'd go with that type of look. I never really liked the Gem look. I'm not a big fan of 80's looking guitars. Nor, do I like "Metal" looking guitars. The only metal guitar that I sort of like is Hetfields guitar. But, I wouldn't buy one. It just looks right with him. I'm more of a Fender/Gibson person. I like guitars that look classic. I'm not saying I wouldn't own a metal guitar. I just wouldn't buy it.
I am strongly against going for specific brand because of anithing but visual look ... Look is my main priority about guitars ( I have glossy white jackson - js11 .. because is simply freaking beautiful and at the same time fairly afortable ) you can make ENY kind of modifications on any kind of guitar : you can put humbuckers on singlecoil guitar ; you can make humbucker guitar spit coil ; you can add more switches for what ever you want - kill switches , volume switches for separate pickups ext. ; ... and basically after all , gear does not matter at all ..
I'm not a fan of jem type axes now because they just take some much away from the tone compared to a traditional guitar. However I've never had a bad Ibby. Left one in a case for four years and it was still in tune.
Ibanez has always been my favorite company, and the RG is my all time favorite shape- something about it looks so perfect, like it should have always existed. I love how much they tried to work with artists to become a huge force in the industry and I think they are still the best. Nothing is more beautiful than an RG550 or a 7 string RG with a maple or ebony board
Steve Vai is the reason I play guitar today (30+ years later). I wanted to play guitar as a kid but seeing Crossroads and that showdown at the end placed a burning fire in me that has never subsided. I have 13 Ibanez guitars (and one that may rest in peace). I'm sure I'll have a few more by the end of the year (addiction is a funny thing). I'd say Steve succeeded spectacularly in his partnership with Ibanez and is still my favorite guitarist. I saw him in the 80s/90s with David Lee Roth and Whitesnake (Kansas City). It was like winning the lottery as a kid.
Mr Vai, you are one of my biggest hero's. I already own a Gibson Les Paul Custom. I want my next purchase to be a high end quality Jem. I'm in love with the woody series. Cudos and congratulations to you sir on 30 years with Ibanez.
wilmaman I was thinking of going with a custom Jem just like Steve's. May cost a couple grand more but worth it if they make them. If they don't, I know Charvel does.
Mrnicguy00 I played a higher end Jem at guitar center with gold hardware and I believe it was $2000? Not trying to sound biased but holy shit that guitar was sweet. Something I never experienced before was how sensitive it was to noise, in a good way. I plugged it in and messed around with plucking different notes, squealing, bending and it was like a Mercedes Benz. You barely barely play a note and you hear it, you try screaming it and it screamed the note or squealed the note. It was effortless. I wished to God I had bought that one because everything was just so so sensitive. Would have made me a better musician over time. That was about 5 years ago and it's going to be my next guitar whenever that is. Don't listen to the guy that says Ibanez are junk. I have an inexpensive $400 ibanez with a Floyd rose and it stays in tune. I think some people just don't know how things work. That specific guitar by the way has Steve's Gravity Storm pickups too.
I own an 89Jem77FP, i can't play a single note on guitar, i'm a drummer, but i will never sell that guitar, it was my best friends and his Parents gave it to me when he Passed away, it Hangs locked up in my buddy's studio and gets played every once in a while when i think the guitarist deserves to play it.
No such thing as a high end Jem. They are all pretty much junky guitars, with components that play no different than the 1987 RG550. In fact, add a monkey grip and a lion's claw tremolo and the RG550 is even FASTER. Th RG550 has a THINNER neck than the Jem. Having owned over 40 Jems over the years, including the EVO, DNA and all others before and after, I can clearly say that none compare to even a bargain Paul Reed Smith in quality, craftsmanship or components. They are cool to look at, innovative for the time (even today), but more show than quality. They have lasted 31 years, but so has the RG550. I would definitely say that by adding the latest DiMarzio's to any RG550, digging out the tremolo, you have a stellar - and arguably FASTER guitar than any Jem. The woods are awful and cheap so the tone is all in the electronics and not the woods. Resonance comes from turning them to "11" and adding reverb and gain.
I own a Jem V7 early model SV Signed, and it makes me excited every time i play it, dry or amplified no other guitar satisfies me the same way my jam does.Thank you all!
I can’t afford one right now, but one day I will own one! I have to have that guitar. Ever since I bought my first Ibanez guitar I’ve been in love with them.
The friendship between Ibanez & Steve Vai, which ultimately culminated in the birth of the iconic Jems & RGs taking over the shred guitar world, has got to be one of the greatest guitarmances in all of guitar history...
How can anyone give thumbs down to this. Regardless of any brand ........ see how humble down to earth Vai (being one of the greatest) is and look at the company’s people how receptive they were. Hats of to one of the best guitar brand in the world and hats of to Vai
Don't know much about Mr. Vai, but I keep hearing how great he is. After seeing him express himself in a few videos, I'm struck by how down to earth he is. He comes across as the kind of guy you would want as a friend if he had never touched a guitar in his life. Refreshing lack of ego. I get the feeling that he would encourage me regardless of my skill level.
Met Steve after two shows in the late 80s Whitesnake and DLR. He came behind the venue both times and took time to meet every single person there waiting and hoping to see the band. Huge impact on a high school kid... Great lesson in humility that has always stuck with me. 777 still on my bucket list, amazing guitar with a great history...
My 14 year old son has been playing on a Squire Strat for a couple of years now, and a few weeks ago he came to me and told me he needs a new guitar that he can't play the Squire the way he wants to play. I asked him what he needed that the Squire didn't offer. His list of things he needed out of a guitar was the same that Steve Vai listed off in this. As soon as he was done telling me what it was he felt his was missing I immediately told what you need is a Jem. His response was what's that? That's when I played him a video of Steve Vai playing Tender Surrender at the TEC Awards in 2012. He didn't speak for about a minute after the video was over.
I just bought my first Ibanez, ( blue floral).. I love it , I dont why it took me all these years.. Lol, 36! I'm 52 now it's like I'm a kid again.. at this time I like it better then my les paul my dad bought me when I was 14, the xr1 .. and all my others .. love it STEVE...
Eddie Vanhalen was placing a single coil pick up in the center and keeping the humbuckers... He was wanting a guitar to sound between a Lespaul and a Strat..... He wanted and Ibanez.... hahaha because that's what they are... They have the sound of a Strat and a Lespaul all in one guitar... I have played Ibanez for many years and to me its the best guitar for the money.... If you spend a few grand on an Ibanez you have one SERIUOS machine.... They are amazing once you get the action set to what you personally prefer. I love this company!
As a 62 year old skater, I dig the old stickers. I also worked as a stagehand in the 80s and 90s I worked the David Lee Roth show . SV is incredible in concert
In our digital age, real physical craftsmanship isn't just an art but pure magic. Especially wood and especially musical instruments. Thanks for this little documentary. It's an absolute bliss to watch. I was touched by the humbleness of the brilliant people involved. Makes me feel a little sad, that I had to sell my JEM a couple of years ago.
Thank you , Steve . You and Ibanez have saved Rock'n'Roll from becoming a 2 Horse ( or Guitar ) Race . You not only gave us perhaps the greatest Guitar ever built , you gave other Companies the Balls to branch out and produce Guitars different to Gibson and Fender . Thank you .
I wanted one the first time around but being 15 and no job I just couldn't afford one. Now 30 years later i can finally afford one so hopefully tomorrow I'll be the proud owner of a loch Ness green gem. So chuffed
Why the F**K ONE person dislikes that epic part of guitar history ???!!!! He is the "legend of Ibanez". You will never be tired of just listening Steve speaking about music .. (or everything)
I remember I had a copy of Guitar Magazine with you on the cover with Jem that my step brother gave me. I said wow I want to learn to play. Thanks to you, slash, and SRV I begged for a guitar and my dad got me this $75 pos that I played for a month before it just started falling apart. He took me down and with a $150 limit I picked out a peavy predator and started to learn. My pride and joy Guitar is an Ibanez art100 that I play the blues on when I am not shaking too much from essential tremor. I have owned many Guitars over the years and Ibanez is still #1 for me. You rock!
I don't know if we HAVE to, but these guitars are really amazing. No other brand has such comfortable necks. And the RG shape is simple but quite elegant in my opinion.
Ibanez guitars fell so good the neck doesn’t feel so round and bulky like strats and les Paul’s. I’ve even used an Ibanez RG for jazz band cause switching through chords feels so nice.
I remember in 89 I was in 9th grade and a guy in my class got 1 for Christmas. he brought it to school and I thought it the coolest guitar I'd ever seen. I love the neon colors and the sharp edges.
I have a original jem bfp i bought back in 1991 and every where i play out other guitarist are amazed at it.When i take it to a music store to try out a amp the staff are amazed at it they call other staff members over to check it out i honestly didnt know i had something special....cool guitar indeed
Thanks Steve for being an influence in my early days. I remember when I started as a worship leader I was really concerned as to how my guitar tones would blend in and how my presentation would less be a performance and be more of a devotion. And that's when my first guitar teacher introduced me to Steve Vai's philosophy and teaching methods and I was just amazed the way he did it. And so for a perfect example would be the analogy of the bed at home and that of other places he mentioned. There is always be a hype about the ergonomics, tonality or sturdiness but it is always a set of specifications that is made for an individual to bring out greatness. I guess it is all about where you "feel like home" as Slash defines it in relation to his Les Paul signature.
the great thing about ibanez is, they also make cheap guitars in great quality. you can start playing guitar by getting yourself a Gio RG and have a bit of that JEM feeling without busting your bankaccount. no other guitar company i'm aware of makes such great playing starter instruments, and i've had quite some going through my hands from the people i teach.
I Remember that about 20 years ago someone told me that the RGs derived from the JEMs and not the other way around (which was how I thought the guitar came about). A nice reminder that it was Steve's ennovation that defined the guitars I use today. my second guitar ever was an RG and later I bought a JEM... great guitars!!!
I had sold all my guitars a few years ago except for my Japanese blue Ibanez RG570(?) that I bought off ebay in the 90s. I then customized a few things like pick ups with my dad ...the neck still plays perfectly. Even though I had left it aside for years playing other newer guitars...this one never failed me or broke...and today I still have it next to my Orange amp.
Wow, just knowing the history of this and I saw today a "5 watt" production of The History Of Ibanez. And then there is Steve Vai. The ICONIC guitarist with The GEM, a class of guitars that Ibanez started with. What a gem of a story.
Hey Steve, thanks for yet another gem of a guitar indeed. Rock on, shine on and by all means, please come back to Nashville for more shows in the future!
Yay! He said Bensalem! haha...The Hoshino building is right behind the high school I went to. In the 90's we'd go through the Hoshino dumpster in hopes of finding a guitar or something. It was usually just shredded paper. haha. :)
I enjoy listening to Steve so much. If there was a reality show about of his life, I'd watch non-stop. Also, that NAMM show must have been the experience of a lifetime for the Ibanez folks!
Steve Vai + Ibanez = Musical and Craftsmanship perfection. Congratulations on such a wonderful partnership and thankyou for your vision, passion and art. 🤘🤘
And we should give everyone from Steve all the way down to the person that keeps the building clean a big round of applause. They all had a part in the making of history.. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Hello Mr. Vai! Congratulations on the anniversary. I own a JEM777 LG number 747 with original signature. Where I live (in Austria) was that 30 years ago a sensation in the music store. People could not believe someone was building such a guitar. They all recognized me immediately when I was on the stage. The shape and the colors are still brilliant. And the sound is incredible. It reflects your multiplicity and joy. Thank you for your music and your inspiration, which will accompany me all my life! Your concert in Vorarlberg / Austria was great last year! Greetings from Austria!
I track all of the LNG's I come across to keep a registry of them. I Don't have #747 though. If you happen to have a picture of it that would be cool to see. Contact me our facebook page for "Loch Ness Green Ibanez Jem 777"
There is everything to love about what everyone says, but two things stand out for me, the phrase referring about being young and being concerned "into looking cool", and "it's my bed analogy". I'm always mesmerized and amazed by talented human beings, but Mr. Vai shows time after time he is at the very pinnacle of talented people. So rich in his expressions both in his playing and in the way he shows his maturity and evolution. Every time Steve speaks, one should listen, because always, always there is something to learn. Amazing!.
Wish there was video of the unveiling of the JEM at Summer NAMM '87!! If I didn't see the issue of Guitar World with the floral JEM on the front, I wouldn't have raced down to Sam Ash and began my love for Ibanez 30 years ago!!
Satch is more well-known for being Kirk Hammett's teacher. Joe says that each guitarist has to curate his own sound. He has high praise for Kirk. As for Vai vs. Satch, I would say that Vai plays faster and Satch is more lyrical. Chrome Boy is a better sounding guitar than Vai's Jem.
ibanez jem is the best rock Guitar ever made, Ibanez Co is far more progressive then fender Gibson and other guitar Companies they excel in every way and have become top brand in world today because they are not afraid to innovate. Japanese have proved their point time and again
Steve you are a great guitarist and I think an equally great person. Thank you for the hundreds of hours spent listening to your music. BTW I just got my first Ibanez, a 19 year old RG from the J Custom series. Amazing guitar, very responsive with great sustain. I have always been a fan of Fenders and Gibsons in general. I had no idea Ibanez made such great guitars. Cheers!
I clearly remember ordering the yellow JEM 30 yrs ago before stores even carried them. The introduction of that guitar was all I could think about. Took a few months to come into my local music store. I can still remember opening that case with the pink inside and my brain almost exploding. I can also still remember the smell it had right when it opened. JEM's are worth every penny and they set the bar so high for electric guitars to follow. A total masterpiece and work of art.
Mr. Vai, I just want to say you are an incredible musician. I also want to apologize I believe it was 20 years ago or so. You were at a guitar center signing. You were going to play at Jaxx in Springfield VA that night. I had given you a tape. I was a little arrogant thought my stuff didn't stink. You asked me what it sound like and I said Yngwie why not? And you replied why. And I just looked at you in bewilderment. lol Something like that. It looked like you werent pleased. I apologize for that. I was a young punk. In a shred phase. I have massive respect for you! Thanks!
Gemini Saga yeah Im sure they all get people that try to out play them. One time I had a drunk guy pushed me to the side during a show and started playing my synth. Ppl do weird things.
I love you... I had the chance to shake your hand in Montreal (G3 Tour 1997) and you took a photo with me that I never got! ;) That was an incredible moment for me. I've been playing guitar since 1984... Thanks a lot for shearing those histories.
Outstanding story. The weird thing is that of all the axes that I've owned in my life, I've never owned a JEM ... I don't know why since I've owned other Ibanez models (and still love my GiO Mikro). Maybe this is the year! Thanks for your music, Steve. You really give the rest of us something to strive for.
You're a legend man. Hearing your work when I was a kid in the 80's is what made me get into guitar. I once had a original root beer float edition, was one of the worst days of my life when I had to sell it when I was down and out. Seriously the best guitar I ever owned, everyone that played it fell in love with it. Been looking for years to replace it.
Thanks for this incredible video Steve Vai! I loved your analogy of a "comfortable bed." Very beautiful story!! I've heard a lot of your interviews and you always remind the people watching that what you do and play is comfortable for yourself, but may not be right for the audience. That's an important viewpoint to remember. I don't play the guitar, but I love all your work! The next time you tour, I will see you live!
As a working musician years ago I had a gig for a few weeks in a distant land. The leader said I can use his JEM if you don't wanna bring your axe. Wow, the most versatile guitar Ive ever played, from the spankiest strumming sound to the heaviest shred. Long neck, great whammy. Covered every style and that guitar showed me that it had alot more possibilities yet to come. Inspiring axe, great job Ibanez like usual.
свет can mean "light" or "world". It depends on context. "Это история света" can mean, "This is the story of light", or it can mean, "This is the history of the world." I think his intention is for it to be "story of light"
It indeed is the story of light. The pronunciation of russian "light" is similar to polish and ukrainian "world" so that's where the confusion might be coming from.
Very articulate about his subject. I'm a singer and I love hearing all this stuff as I'm fascinated by guitar players. Steve is one of my favourite guitarists, along with Tommy Bolin, Alan Murphy and Phil Manzanera.
What an informative piece! Thanks so much for that. I got my JEM77BFP used from Sam Ash in Cherry Hill NJ around 1998, and it has been a beloved tool of expression ever since. I don't think I've ever been able to get any of my electric guitars (Gibsons, Jackson) to play as crazy low and easy as your JEM creation. The tone is great, the feel is great - thanks for your vision. I LOVE IT!!
Excellent video. Love the behind the scenes history of music and musician's experiences, gear, anything music. We need more things like this. Imagine if they had Twitter or TH-cam back in the day? We would already know this story.
@@THEDRAWINGSTUDIO1 hahah me too. I did that with Metallica's Cunning Stunts concert dvd when I was younger. I eventually memorized all the dialogue and randomness James and them spoke in between each song.
I bought a 77VBK a few years ago. Sounds really heavy, incredibly easy to play and looks wonderful. Can't speak highly enough of the quality craftsmanship.
Bought an SA-160 (brown mahogany) because of Steve, and the guitar is treasured to this day some 15+ years later. Oh, and it plays like a dream with nothing more than routine sting changes. No truss issues, no intonation issues, no action issues all these years later. Its as stable and reliable as my Les Paul. (I cannot say the same for my Strat -- great sounding but always forever in need of tweaking here there for optimum performance.)
Like Steve himself, this is a very in-depth, detailed, and insightful look into the world of guitar making, Business, and Entrepreneurship. And it's nice to see the back and forth between the different folks involved in the process of making this guitar.
I was 17 years old in 1991 had my first job making $7.50 an hour, and I took out a loan to buy an Ibanez JEM FP (Floral Print).
One of the happiest days of my life. A guitar I still have to this day. (2022). Thank you Mr. Vai, and Ibanez.
Nothing more 90’s than a loan for gear. I bought an SVT head and an 8x10 brand new for a grand.
@@snapcult464 Nice! :)
Same here. At 19 years old, I worked a whole year for my JEM FP, which I finally was able to buy in 1996. I loved that guitar so much. Unfortunately I had to sell it a couple of years ago, which really hurt. Very special instrument! At least I know, it's in good hands.
idk why but that story is beautiful man, i just think every guitarist no matter the age has that 1 guitar that you would take out a loan or give our right pinky ;) for!.. and just the hapiness that you had that day when you got home n plugged it in i can imagine!!
All my friends were saving for and buying their first car. I was taking the bus, but I had my dream guitar. I was never happier. :)@@sleevelessace
Homeboy who carved the body needs his own documentary.
Its super clean.
Why are so many Luthiers meth heads? I personally knew a legit luthier who would make his own meth pipes with a glass tube at a friends house. He looked and acted alot like this guy.
Straight meth
Castlehill650 most tweakers say it helps the work but it’s just an excuse to do it it’s sad
Rev VII truth
Castlehill650 imagine if they were into dope (H) instead lol guitars showing up months late to wrong countries
The smile on his face at 8:00 when he grabs the grip says it all. The man loves what he does, and he loves his guitar. And he's obviously a really nice guy.
I've always been a huge fan of Steve's playing but over the years I've gotten to really respect him as a artist and as a person, seems like the kind of role model our kids sorely need these days.
In a word, the JEM is legendary, as is Steve and his creativity.
Legendary was the word, dummy.
tumeni notes is awesome!!
sub me ill sub u back
I love seeing the Japanese working with american musicians , very inspiring , make music not war.I never realized how humble Mr. Vai is , he trully deserves all the recognition coming his way.
His just a normal human
had a quick hello with him backstage after a show back in 06. he's a perfectly lovely guy.
I always thought he was an arrogant, conceited, scrotum until I watched some of his interviews and realized he's actually not like that at all. Very humble. According to Dave Weiner he has seen Steve on various occasions remain in freezing cold signing items for fans until he had signed everything for everyone there. That seems like a cool cat to me. Cheers!
"I was concerned with how cool I looked." Don't worry, Steve, you always look cool, simply put, you are cool.
He said he used to always practice playing guitar in front of the mirror to make sure he looked cool, tried to practice "cool faces" and "cool poses" lol. Gotta love Vai ;)
Ibanez seems like a really good group of people. Maybe I should look into Ibanez more.
Whole gem series is over--priced hype.
Despond If I got a Ibanez, I'd go the hollow body route. Or, I'd go with that type of look. I never really liked the Gem look. I'm not a big fan of 80's looking guitars. Nor, do I like "Metal" looking guitars. The only metal guitar that I sort of like is Hetfields guitar. But, I wouldn't buy one. It just looks right with him. I'm more of a Fender/Gibson person. I like guitars that look classic. I'm not saying I wouldn't own a metal guitar. I just wouldn't buy it.
I am strongly against going for specific brand because of anithing but visual look ... Look is my main priority about guitars ( I have glossy white jackson - js11 .. because is simply freaking beautiful and at the same time fairly afortable ) you can make ENY kind of modifications on any kind of guitar : you can put humbuckers on singlecoil guitar ; you can make humbucker guitar spit coil ; you can add more switches for what ever you want - kill switches , volume switches for separate pickups ext. ; ... and basically after all , gear does not matter at all ..
I'm not a fan of jem type axes now because they just take some much away from the tone compared to a traditional guitar. However I've never had a bad Ibby. Left one in a case for four years and it was still in tune.
I can assure you,you will not be disappointed mate!
Ibanez has always been my favorite company, and the RG is my all time favorite shape- something about it looks so perfect, like it should have always existed. I love how much they tried to work with artists to become a huge force in the industry and I think they are still the best. Nothing is more beautiful than an RG550 or a 7 string RG with a maple or ebony board
The guy that made the guitar reminds me of someone from Wayne’s world!
Mike Myers (Wayne from Wayne's world)?
Omg I was thinking the same thing 😂😂😂
Omg😂he does lol
Looks like Dana carvey
I've got a Jem 1988 7RB and a Jem 90. The 7RB still plays like new. Love it.
Beautiful to see such dedicated people come together to create a genuine masterpiece.
This makes me proud to own an ibanez
every 14 year old brat owns Ibanez. How fun is that?
I’m 29 and I love Ibanez. If every 14 year old owned a Ferrari would they not be a fun car to drive? Not the brightest observation.
Totally agree. Iv got a 7 string iron label ibanez. Best guitars
Sad
Love my Rg1570 Prestige. That and my new 1992 Peavey Tracer.
Steve Vai is the reason I play guitar today (30+ years later). I wanted to play guitar as a kid but seeing Crossroads and that showdown at the end placed a burning fire in me that has never subsided.
I have 13 Ibanez guitars (and one that may rest in peace). I'm sure I'll have a few more by the end of the year (addiction is a funny thing).
I'd say Steve succeeded spectacularly in his partnership with Ibanez and is still my favorite guitarist. I saw him in the 80s/90s with David Lee Roth and Whitesnake (Kansas City). It was like winning the lottery as a kid.
How long have you been sober brother???!
Mr Vai, you are one of my biggest hero's. I already own a Gibson Les Paul Custom. I want my next purchase to be a high end quality Jem. I'm in love with the woody series. Cudos and congratulations to you sir on 30 years with Ibanez.
wilmaman I was thinking of going with a custom Jem just like Steve's. May cost a couple grand more but worth it if they make them. If they don't, I know Charvel does.
Mrnicguy00 I played a higher end Jem at guitar center with gold hardware and I believe it was $2000? Not trying to sound biased but holy shit that guitar was sweet. Something I never experienced before was how sensitive it was to noise, in a good way. I plugged it in and messed around with plucking different notes, squealing, bending and it was like a Mercedes Benz. You barely barely play a note and you hear it, you try screaming it and it screamed the note or squealed the note. It was effortless. I wished to God I had bought that one because everything was just so so sensitive. Would have made me a better musician over time. That was about 5 years ago and it's going to be my next guitar whenever that is. Don't listen to the guy that says Ibanez are junk. I have an inexpensive $400 ibanez with a Floyd rose and it stays in tune. I think some people just don't know how things work. That specific guitar by the way has Steve's Gravity Storm pickups too.
I own an 89Jem77FP, i can't play a single note on guitar, i'm a drummer, but i will never sell that guitar, it was my best friends and his Parents gave it to me when he Passed away, it Hangs locked up in my buddy's studio and gets played every once in a while when i think the guitarist deserves to play it.
No such thing as a high end Jem. They are all pretty much junky guitars, with components that play no different than the 1987 RG550. In fact, add a monkey grip and a lion's claw tremolo and the RG550 is even FASTER. Th RG550 has a THINNER neck than the Jem. Having owned over 40 Jems over the years, including the EVO, DNA and all others before and after, I can clearly say that none compare to even a bargain Paul Reed Smith in quality, craftsmanship or components. They are cool to look at, innovative for the time (even today), but more show than quality. They have lasted 31 years, but so has the RG550. I would definitely say that by adding the latest DiMarzio's to any RG550, digging out the tremolo, you have a stellar - and arguably FASTER guitar than any Jem. The woods are awful and cheap so the tone is all in the electronics and not the woods. Resonance comes from turning them to "11" and adding reverb and gain.
T Meo you don’t play guitar
Ibanez would be very different today without Mr. Vai.
Anucha SeoDml no doubt
Anucha SeoDml almost as Randy Rhoads was for Jackson.Actually Jackson existed due Randy Rhoads but both guitars have been huge
atteljas I was thinking the same when I saw the "Ibanez without Vai" comment.
So would Be My dads guitar collection
Without satriani you wouldn't have Steve vai
I own a Jem V7 early model SV Signed, and it makes me excited every time i play it, dry or amplified no other guitar satisfies me the same way my jam does.Thank you all!
You said jam
BillyBongwaters thank god you noticed
Duck I need a JEM
I can’t afford one right now, but one day I will own one! I have to have that guitar. Ever since I bought my first Ibanez guitar I’ve been in love with them.
Your jam?
I didn't know that Steve vai came up even with the design (or at least most of it) of the JEM and RG guitar. Ibanez really owes so much to him...
The friendship between Ibanez & Steve Vai, which ultimately culminated in the birth of the iconic Jems & RGs taking over the shred guitar world, has got to be one of the greatest guitarmances in all of guitar history...
OMG, the tone in the intro -- absolutely massive. It's seriously one of the best guitar sounds I've ever heard.
Bones brigade stickers on the guitar? I'd like to hear the story behind that..
The Rad Man Same.
right i noticed those too, i was like wait a second
#don'tputbonesstickersonyourguitarifyoudontskate
@@daniels1293 don't put stickers on your guitar at all. Ruining a perfectly good instrument
Me too.
How can anyone give thumbs down to this. Regardless of any brand ........ see how humble down to earth Vai (being one of the greatest) is and look at the company’s people how receptive they were. Hats of to one of the best guitar brand in the world and hats of to Vai
Это история света! - This is a history of light! Thank u Steve!
Proud to own an '89 Jem. Hasn't needed any work other than a replacement jack socket and has been my main player for almost 30 years now. 👍🏼
Don't know much about Mr. Vai, but I keep hearing how great he is. After seeing him express himself in a few videos, I'm struck by how down to earth he is. He comes across as the kind of guy you would want as a friend if he had never touched a guitar in his life. Refreshing lack of ego. I get the feeling that he would encourage me regardless of my skill level.
Met Steve after two shows in the late 80s Whitesnake and DLR. He came behind the venue both times and took time to meet every single person there waiting and hoping to see the band. Huge impact on a high school kid... Great lesson in humility that has always stuck with me. 777 still on my bucket list, amazing guitar with a great history...
My 14 year old son has been playing on a Squire Strat for a couple of years now, and a few weeks ago he came to me and told me he needs a new guitar that he can't play the Squire the way he wants to play. I asked him what he needed that the Squire didn't offer. His list of things he needed out of a guitar was the same that Steve Vai listed off in this. As soon as he was done telling me what it was he felt his was missing I immediately told what you need is a Jem. His response was what's that? That's when I played him a video of Steve Vai playing Tender Surrender at the TEC Awards in 2012. He didn't speak for about a minute after the video was over.
This is the most hilarious and true thing ever
did he get a Jem jr?
I just bought my first Ibanez, ( blue floral).. I love it , I dont why it took me all these years.. Lol, 36! I'm 52 now it's like I'm a kid again.. at this time I like it better then my les paul my dad bought me when I was 14, the xr1 .. and all my others .. love it STEVE...
I've got an '87 white FujiGen squier strat that plays like a dream, but those JEMs' are real beauties in the hands of the master SV!!
Mr.Vai is 4 me, the best gutarist, if not, one of best musician ever touching this earth.
It's amazing some of the guys from Ibanez are retired and Steve still rockin
Thats the difference between an artist and a craftsman.
Eddie Vanhalen was placing a single coil pick up in the center and keeping the humbuckers... He was wanting a guitar to sound between a Lespaul and a Strat..... He wanted and Ibanez.... hahaha because that's what they are... They have the sound of a Strat and a Lespaul all in one guitar... I have played Ibanez for many years and to me its the best guitar for the money.... If you spend a few grand on an Ibanez you have one SERIUOS machine.... They are amazing once you get the action set to what you personally prefer. I love this company!
As a 62 year old skater, I dig the old stickers. I also worked as a stagehand in the 80s and 90s I worked the David Lee Roth show . SV is incredible in concert
In our digital age, real physical craftsmanship isn't just an art but pure magic. Especially wood and especially musical instruments.
Thanks for this little documentary. It's an absolute bliss to watch. I was touched by the humbleness of the brilliant people involved.
Makes me feel a little sad, that I had to sell my JEM a couple of years ago.
This is just sick. It’s honestly the best guitar ever. There is nothing you can’t do on it. You just have to have the ultimate ability. I love mine.
Thank you , Steve . You and Ibanez have saved Rock'n'Roll from becoming a 2 Horse ( or Guitar ) Race . You not only gave us perhaps the greatest Guitar ever built , you gave other Companies the Balls to branch out and produce Guitars different to Gibson and Fender . Thank you .
I wanted one the first time around but being 15 and no job I just couldn't afford one. Now 30 years later i can finally afford one so hopefully tomorrow I'll be the proud owner of a loch Ness green gem.
So chuffed
Did you get your Jem?
Yes the algorithm has given us this video after two years and we must know did you get the guitar?
Well did you get it???
Did ya?
He probably won't see the replies. TH-cam mutes notifications after some time.
steve has done so much for the guitar as well as guitar players. such an adventures, inovative player. the guy is brilliant.
such a beautiful documentary.. I can feel the passion in every words of steve..
Cihan Özdemir did the original LA guitar maker survive after this?
He's a fraud.
He was close to tears at the end. So was the Japanese old dude.
The passion for the process is awesome.
Yea
I have an '89 77FP. Got Steve to sign it the 2nd time I met him :)
Steve and the jem are one I believe you can't have one without the other!! He's a legend
Why the F**K ONE person dislikes that epic part of guitar history ???!!!!
He is the "legend of Ibanez".
You will never be tired of just listening Steve speaking about music .. (or everything)
I remember I had a copy of Guitar Magazine with you on the cover with Jem that my step brother gave me. I said wow I want to learn to play. Thanks to you, slash, and SRV I begged for a guitar and my dad got me this $75 pos that I played for a month before it just started falling apart. He took me down and with a $150 limit I picked out a peavy predator and started to learn. My pride and joy Guitar is an Ibanez art100 that I play the blues on when I am not shaking too much from essential tremor. I have owned many Guitars over the years and Ibanez is still #1 for me. You rock!
For Metal guitarists, you have to have at least one Ibanez.
I've got 6 (Four RG's w/6 strings, one RG 7 string and a RGA 8 string) \,,/ :)
My first guitar was a gio Ibanez got it for about 200 and still play it to this day. It’s a great guitar.
I don't know if we HAVE to, but these guitars are really amazing. No other brand has such comfortable necks. And the RG shape is simple but quite elegant in my opinion.
Ibanez guitars fell so good the neck doesn’t feel so round and bulky like strats and les Paul’s. I’ve even used an Ibanez RG for jazz band cause switching through chords feels so nice.
I've started my journey with an ESP. But, my next guitar is going to be the JEM JR.
I remember in 89 I was in 9th grade and a guy in my class got 1 for Christmas. he brought it to school and I thought it the coolest guitar I'd ever seen. I love the neon colors and the sharp edges.
Look at the neck radius on that Jem! Ibanez are made for fast hands! I remember when that guitar came out. The good ole days!
I have a original jem bfp i bought back in 1991 and every where i play out other guitarist are amazed at it.When i take it to a music store to try out a amp the staff are amazed at it they call other staff members over to check it out i honestly didnt know i had something special....cool guitar indeed
Thanks Steve for being an influence in my early days. I remember when I started as a worship leader I was really concerned as to how my guitar tones would blend in and how my presentation would less be a performance and be more of a devotion. And that's when my first guitar teacher introduced me to Steve Vai's philosophy and teaching methods and I was just amazed the way he did it. And so for a perfect example would be the analogy of the bed at home and that of other places he mentioned. There is always be a hype about the ergonomics, tonality or sturdiness but it is always a set of specifications that is made for an individual to bring out greatness. I guess it is all about where you "feel like home" as Slash defines it in relation to his Les Paul signature.
Dude, I have the same issue. I'm always trying to find where my tones sound good in worship, as well as trying to not come off as a "performer".
When God made Steve he truly made only ONE! What a gift from God.
the great thing about ibanez is, they also make cheap guitars in great quality. you can start playing guitar by getting yourself a Gio RG and have a bit of that JEM feeling without busting your bankaccount. no other guitar company i'm aware of makes such great playing starter instruments, and i've had quite some going through my hands from the people i teach.
i agree, and they never ashamed on making a friendly budget guitar and repackaging it as different brand,....
Almost every cheap Ibanez I have played felt and played awful. This is my honest opinion.
My 2000 RG270 is my favorite, it has the tightest low end. I will be doing a stainless steel refret with Plek very soon
I Remember that about 20 years ago someone told me that the RGs derived from the JEMs and not the other way around (which was how I thought the guitar came about).
A nice reminder that it was Steve's ennovation that defined the guitars I use today. my second guitar ever was an RG and later I bought a JEM... great guitars!!!
That was great, and will be my next one for sure!!!
Thank you for making this doco Mr. Vai. Definitely my favourite kind of guitar!!
The JEM guitar i played on looooong ago just lend itself to be shred. Such awesome guitars.
In 2020 I saw this guitar at first time, it incredible and I will buy it. Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of this history🤘
I had sold all my guitars a few years ago except for my Japanese blue Ibanez RG570(?) that I bought off ebay in the 90s. I then customized a few things like pick ups with my dad ...the neck still plays perfectly. Even though I had left it aside for years playing other newer guitars...this one never failed me or broke...and today I still have it next to my Orange amp.
Wow, just knowing the history of this and I saw today a "5 watt" production of The History Of Ibanez. And then there is Steve Vai. The ICONIC guitarist with The GEM, a class of guitars that Ibanez started with. What a gem of a story.
The JEM seems like the Gretch White Falcon of the 1980s. You look at it and say "there's only one moment in history when that could have been born."
Hey Steve, thanks for yet another gem of a guitar indeed. Rock on, shine on and by all means, please come back to Nashville for more shows in the future!
Yay! He said Bensalem! haha...The Hoshino building is right behind the high school I went to. In the 90's we'd go through the Hoshino dumpster in hopes of finding a guitar or something. It was usually just shredded paper. haha. :)
A testimony that no junk was ever made there.
I enjoy listening to Steve so much. If there was a reality show about of his life, I'd watch non-stop. Also, that NAMM show must have been the experience of a lifetime for the Ibanez folks!
Loving this footage
Steve Vai + Ibanez = Musical and Craftsmanship perfection. Congratulations on such a wonderful partnership and thankyou for your vision, passion and art. 🤘🤘
IMHO the Charvel "Green Meanie"
will always be the Vai Signature
guitar!
Matthew Paluch - that was a tough race car looking guitar, the San Dimas type superstrat should be a little ugly and brutal looking.
I miss the Green Meanie.
And we should give everyone from Steve all the way down to the person that keeps the building clean a big round of applause. They all had a part in the making of history.. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Shout out to the Bones Brigade on that first guitar.
Hello Mr. Vai! Congratulations on the anniversary.
I own a JEM777 LG number 747 with original signature.
Where I live (in Austria) was that 30 years ago a sensation in the music store. People could not believe someone was building such a guitar.
They all recognized me immediately when I was on the stage.
The shape and the colors are still brilliant. And the sound is incredible. It reflects your multiplicity and joy.
Thank you for your music and your inspiration, which will accompany me all my life!
Your concert in Vorarlberg / Austria was great last year!
Greetings from Austria!
I track all of the LNG's I come across to keep a registry of them. I Don't have #747 though. If you happen to have a picture of it that would be cool to see. Contact me our facebook page for "Loch Ness Green Ibanez Jem 777"
done.
There is everything to love about what everyone says, but two things stand out for me, the phrase referring about being young and being concerned "into looking cool", and "it's my bed analogy". I'm always mesmerized and amazed by talented human beings, but Mr. Vai shows time after time he is at the very pinnacle of talented people. So rich in his expressions both in his playing and in the way he shows his maturity and evolution. Every time Steve speaks, one should listen, because always, always there is something to learn. Amazing!.
Wish there was video of the unveiling of the JEM at Summer NAMM '87!! If I didn't see the issue of Guitar World with the floral JEM on the front, I wouldn't have raced down to Sam Ash and began my love for Ibanez 30 years ago!!
Never forget Satriani....he was Steve’s Teacher!
His real teacher was Zappa... just sayin
Satch is more well-known for being Kirk Hammett's teacher. Joe says that each guitarist has to curate his own sound. He has high praise for Kirk. As for Vai vs. Satch, I would say that Vai plays faster and Satch is more lyrical. Chrome Boy is a better sounding guitar than Vai's Jem.
My '91 lefty RG550 is being restored at a luthier's right now after twenty years of neglect. I'm so excited I'm, well, watching videos like this!
ibanez jem is the best rock Guitar ever made, Ibanez Co is far more progressive then fender Gibson and other guitar Companies they excel in every way and have become top brand in world today because they are not afraid to innovate. Japanese have proved their point time and again
Steve you are a great guitarist and I think an equally great person. Thank you for the hundreds of hours spent listening to your music. BTW I just got my first Ibanez, a 19 year old RG from the J Custom series. Amazing guitar, very responsive with great sustain. I have always been a fan of Fenders and Gibsons in general. I had no idea Ibanez made such great guitars. Cheers!
I had LNG #117 back in the day. Throw it on the pile of guitar I should have never sold.
I clearly remember ordering the yellow JEM 30 yrs ago before stores even carried them. The introduction of that guitar was all I could think about. Took a few months to come into my local music store. I can still remember opening that case with the pink inside and my brain almost exploding. I can also still remember the smell it had right when it opened. JEM's are worth every penny and they set the bar so high for electric guitars to follow. A total masterpiece and work of art.
Mr. Vai, I just want to say you are an incredible musician. I also want to apologize I believe it was 20 years ago or so. You were at a guitar center signing. You were going to play at Jaxx in Springfield VA that night. I had given you a tape. I was a little arrogant thought my stuff didn't stink. You asked me what it sound like and I said Yngwie why not? And you replied why. And I just looked at you in bewilderment. lol Something like that. It looked like you werent pleased. I apologize for that. I was a young punk. In a shred phase. I have massive respect for you! Thanks!
lots of idiots throw shreds and arpeggios at him lmao
Gemini Saga yeah Im sure they all get people that try to out play them. One time I had a drunk guy pushed me to the side during a show and started playing my synth. Ppl do weird things.
We all learn. You were probably very good in any case.
I love you... I had the chance to shake your hand in Montreal (G3 Tour 1997) and you took a photo with me that I never got! ;) That was an incredible moment for me. I've been playing guitar since 1984... Thanks a lot for shearing those histories.
Outstanding story. The weird thing is that of all the axes that I've owned in my life, I've never owned a JEM ... I don't know why since I've owned other Ibanez models (and still love my GiO Mikro). Maybe this is the year!
Thanks for your music, Steve. You really give the rest of us something to strive for.
You're a legend man. Hearing your work when I was a kid in the 80's is what made me get into guitar. I once had a original root beer float edition, was one of the worst days of my life when I had to sell it when I was down and out. Seriously the best guitar I ever owned, everyone that played it fell in love with it. Been looking for years to replace it.
Wow, the story behind this guitar is amazing. Two thumbs up for this. Great job Ibanez and Steve. 👍😁
Thanks for this incredible video Steve Vai! I loved your analogy of a "comfortable bed." Very beautiful story!! I've heard a lot of your interviews and you always remind the people watching that what you do and play is comfortable for yourself, but may not be right for the audience. That's an important viewpoint to remember. I don't play the guitar, but I love all your work! The next time you tour, I will see you live!
Im lucky enough to have 2 different floral Jems. Incredible instruments.
As a working musician years ago I had a gig for a few weeks in a distant land. The leader said I can use his JEM if you don't wanna bring your axe. Wow, the most versatile guitar Ive ever played, from the spankiest strumming sound to the heaviest shred. Long neck, great whammy. Covered every style and that guitar showed me that it had alot more possibilities yet to come. Inspiring axe, great job Ibanez like usual.
I was surprised to hear in Russian: "It`s The Story of Light" at the beginning of the video )))
Rusakov
Seems more like "It's the story of the world".
свет can mean "light" or "world". It depends on context. "Это история света" can mean, "This is the story of light", or it can mean, "This is the history of the world." I think his intention is for it to be "story of light"
its the title track of his 2012 album "the story of light"
It indeed is the story of light. The pronunciation of russian "light" is similar to polish and ukrainian "world" so that's where the confusion might be coming from.
Very articulate about his subject.
I'm a singer and I love hearing all this stuff as I'm fascinated by guitar players.
Steve is one of my favourite guitarists, along with Tommy Bolin, Alan Murphy and Phil Manzanera.
It's strange that Steve Vai doesn't play fifty nine sting guitar.
What an informative piece! Thanks so much for that. I got my JEM77BFP used from Sam Ash in Cherry Hill NJ around 1998, and it has been a beloved tool of expression ever since. I don't think I've ever been able to get any of my electric guitars (Gibsons, Jackson) to play as crazy low and easy as your JEM creation. The tone is great, the feel is great - thanks for your vision. I LOVE IT!!
Steve is wearing a pair of cool ass glasses !!!
Excellent video. Love the behind the scenes history of music and musician's experiences, gear, anything music. We need more things like this. Imagine if they had Twitter or TH-cam back in the day? We would already know this story.
Hey Steve, when's the autobiographical documentary coming out?? :)
I'd rewatch that to the point I could predict the dialogue.
@@THEDRAWINGSTUDIO1 hahah me too. I did that with Metallica's Cunning Stunts concert dvd when I was younger. I eventually memorized all the dialogue and randomness James and them spoke in between each song.
Who would actually want to read it?
I bought a 77VBK a few years ago. Sounds really heavy, incredibly easy to play and looks wonderful. Can't speak highly enough of the quality craftsmanship.
15:18 And I'm totally not reading this off a piece of paper.
Jimmy Hellfire hahaha lol
It was miraku!
His English is not the best. he must have written it in Japanese and had it translated to English.
@Mauricio that's exactly what happened.
weary rucky
Bought an SA-160 (brown mahogany) because of Steve, and the guitar is treasured to this day some 15+ years later. Oh, and it plays like a dream with nothing more than routine sting changes. No truss issues, no intonation issues, no action issues all these years later. Its as stable and reliable as my Les Paul. (I cannot say the same for my Strat -- great sounding but always forever in need of tweaking here there for optimum performance.)
0:00 и тут я выпал из реальности)))
Да
it means : its the history of the world
right?
@@64siskat96 "It's the story of light" to be correct))
@@liquid228 oh alright
точно не ожидал бля услышать это ахаххаахаха
Ibanez are effortless to play! My forever favorite ❤️
This was awesome... Vai is from another planet. Now I must have another Jem!
Awesome video, I love Ibanez guitars, I've got 3 of em! Really cool to hear the backstory of the JEM
"Это история света!" :D
Like Steve himself, this is a very in-depth, detailed, and insightful look into the world of guitar making, Business, and Entrepreneurship. And it's nice to see the back and forth between the different folks involved in the process of making this guitar.