Saw Steve Vai for 25th anniversary P & W tour. Met him back stage after and told him he played the guitar like he was born with it. He's a great guitarist and super nice guy.
That guitar was a huge inspiration for me to practice every day as a kid. I listened to Passion and Warfare everyday and Satiani's Flying in a Blue Dream. Those two albums were my beginning inspirations.
@@larsheuker I know.. I mean for us regular folks to be able to buy. Swirl paint jobs aren't that pricey to do, pretty cheap actually. They could even do an Indo Premium version like they do a lot of signatures now a days and I would be stoked
Passion and Warfare is Steve Vai’s best album ever and it’s amazing Thomas here got to be a part of it. You were a child prodigy back then and a guitar 🎸 god in your own right now that you’re all grown up. Major congrats on your journey!
Such a shred machine and used on one of the greatest instrumental albums of all time. The colour of the pick-ups, the pyramid inlays and of course the swirling paint job scream out late 80’s shred and I love it. Great video Thomas!
Hi mcrocklin, I don't even know if you'll see this message. But I'm 50 years old and in my youth I saw the video of Steve Vai "the audience" and subsequently I came across this great group produced by Steve Vai "bad4good" whoaou the mega slap. And when I came across the TH-cam algorithm I came across a video of you in a TV show, and there, the revelation the little boy in the clip and indeed you. And I find it funny to have bought this great vst guitar at 50 without knowing it was you. Thank you, the circle is closed as they say
@@McRocklin Yes, I really find it cool. Some people buy your plugging without knowing your history. But knowing this 34 years later makes me the happiest. Thank you keep it up. Have a good weekend
Thank you Thomas for sharing that piece of history you inherited. I would love to (no pun intended) to see you play The Audience is Listening with that guitar now that you are older. Very BIG THUMBS UP!!
Been waiting a long time for this video Tommy, absolutely love this series of reviewing your guitars and telling us the back stories. You have the Holy Grail of shred guitars there my friend and what a guy Mr Vai is to gift you that incredible beautiful machine.
When you were demoing the different pickup positions, I actually felt the resonance in the body of the guitar through the sound... is that nuts? I'm definitely from the mindset of "guitars are just tools we use", with a few exceptions, and this is one of them. For me, when you brought this guitar out on your stream, it was like seeing an old friend I haven't seen in ages. Passion and Warfare was introduced to me by my guitar teacher in 91, back when I started playing. I spent many nights with headphones listening to it while getting lost in the sounds and swirls of that very guitar. Such an icon! (and the guitar is pretty cool too ). Rock on, Thomas!
Thanks Sean! Ye, I know what you mean. I didn't intend to shoot the pickup selection section, but when I started to switch between the pickups some of the positions reminded me of the tones from PAW album. So I thought, I'd include it.
Loved seeing and hearing this guitar. I played that cassette constantly when it was released, and still love the album - it was and is one of the richest sounding albums out there.
I used to play it over and over myself and just immerse in it. Every song was amazing, and I know what you mean, this album didn't sound like a guitar album, the production at the time was so well done, big drums, super great guitar sounds of course, all the story lines to every song, the art, the audience is listening video with Thomas in it, Vai's real teacher from school, spiritual, enigmatic, fierce, the eventide harmonizer out of this world sound effects, Steve's look and persona, the iconic universe guitar, such and amazing landmark of an album. At the time only Satriani with Flying in a Blue dream and Eric Johnson maybe with ah via musicom were truly from another planet or the same realm.
I’ve got a real soft spot for the Ibanez Universe; grace and power. Your playing compliments this incredible guitar perfectly, evidently Steve knew exactly what he was doing when he gave it to you.
Awesome , I’ve been looking at this for a long time over the years , on the vinyl sleeve ,picture disc, cassette, cd etc it’s a true icon. Thanks for sharing . I’ve seen some guys from your end of the country touring when I’ve been to gigs Hi on maiden tribute , and Bon jovi forever both from the north east. Have a great week
What I love about this guitar is the fullness of the pickups (neck and bridge). On the bridge position, notes sound full but chords sound huge and clear even with heavy distortion. I have a RG470 that I got around 1993. I want to change all the pickups out but just not sure what DiMarzio pickups I want and need.
These are really interesting videos and you couldn't get a better mentor than Steve Vai. Also your style of play is away from the usual robotic neo-classical shred that has sort of taken over in recent years. Good stuff.
I have that whole episode of head bangers ball with Steve Vai on VHS tape. Never thought I'd see what ever happened to that little kid. Pretty cool that you're him and can actually play very well 😂🤘
@@McRocklin It really is a treat to have the accessibility to you, having been a fan since Bad 4 Good. I played that tape regularly, and sent many to listen to it. Thanks for being so kind as to correspond. Love the stories, and the playing. Please keep them coming.
Wow that was really great!! Thanks for making & sharing - it’s such a famous & well loved icon! So glad it’s in your hands and not tucked away, never to be seen!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Great video sir. Has Steve ever asked you if he can have it back? Have you ever offered to return this guitar to him? Just wondering since it’s such a big part of guitar history. Thank you. 🙏🏼🤘🏼
Absolutely gorgeous guitar what a blessing to have in your arsenal. I have an RG7620 very close in spec with old Dimarzio Blazes and it's something special, I've often thought about adding that middle pickup and getting it swirled 🤟
Not only do you have THE 7 string that was on Passion & Warfare and the Whitesnake album Steve Vai did before hand, you have LITERAL history in your hands! This guitar is definitely in excellent hands!
Thank you for sharing this, that guitar and the Fool for Your Loving Video is the reason I started playing the guitar. I shopped for one of these for a long time trying to find that swirl pattern and color range I got as close as I could but always wished mine had the matching monkey grip!! May not be the exact guitar but pretty damn close! Again Thank-you for sharing. This guitar was a milestone for me and very special!
Boy oh boy! That thing has the mojo!!! Love this video!!! If ever I win the lottery I’m making you an offer you couldn’t refuse!!! Peace n love and good happiness stuff!!!
I own a Universe, I bought it brand new! From the factory! The only things I wish were different is I wish it had the monkey grip, in the right location of course, and I wish it had the top 4 frets scalloped. Other than that, it’s an awesome guitar!!!
What a great gift, Steve has always seemed like a nice guy. I noticed that there are no scalloped frets, im not sure if this was the case with the 7 strings, my floral "88 has them. Lovely playing .
it's a beauty The color is very different from the Passion's cover, why ? Very cool vidéo so that you've shown the guitar in details and everything, THANK YOU :)
to be gifted something so special is just one of those moments in life... the responsibility of being a steward to a genuine piece of rock and roll history must carry some weight. do you have the guitar insured? I am sure everyone is wondering what the value of the guitar is. personally, I don't believe a guitar like that can really ever be accurately valued. I'm my mind the guitar is priceless. Thank you for sharing the memories and the guitar with the world. Steve Vai fan or not I don't think there is a musician or music lover in the world who can not appreciate something so unique and steep in history.
Thanks for watching guys, please give the video a thumbs up if you enjoyed - it really helps a lot. Thanks!! 💜
Hey Thomas, do you ever talk to Danny cooksey?
Dude, that is a crazy Steve Vai story! Wow I only heard P&W in the late 90's when I was just discovering music at 16 yrs old.
The holy grail of seven strings! Let me know if you ever want to sell it.lol
OMG - this is my ultimate dream guitar. I have drooled over that guitar on the cover of P&W so many times. So awesome that you still have it!!
💜
A holy grail prototype Ibanez! Just incredible! Also, when you play it, there’s literally no difference between you and Steve Vai!
💜💜💜
agree
McRocklin's playing sends me places that are enchanting. I'm always really impressed. No wonder Vai gave this beautiful beast of an axe to him.
Saw Steve Vai for 25th anniversary P & W tour. Met him back stage after and told him he played the guitar like he was born with it. He's a great guitarist and super nice guy.
So glad this guitar still exists and is in good hands.
Thankfully he didn’t chop it up like he did Steves guitar when he was a kid!!!😆
That guitar was a huge inspiration for me to practice every day as a kid. I listened to Passion and Warfare everyday and Satiani's Flying in a Blue Dream. Those two albums were my beginning inspirations.
My dream guitar.. Wished Ibanez would release these in the 6 and 7 string w/ the same color scheme and inlays.
Would be pretty cool!
@@larsheuker I know.. I mean for us regular folks to be able to buy. Swirl paint jobs aren't that pricey to do, pretty cheap actually. They could even do an Indo Premium version like they do a lot of signatures now a days and I would be stoked
Have you seen the new 2022 models, I think your wish is about to come true?
@@AstorSkywalker yeah but will be way out of my price range probably Bevin the 6 k range
Thats perfect of steve, no parent can take that gift away and life with themselves but spend your earnings, and rationalize it, good gift
Just imagine.. get an Ibanez as a gift from Steve, being a child. That should be crazy motivating, damn….
This is by far one of my favourite Ibanez guitars ever. Pyramid inlays are 🔥🔥🔥Awesome vid, good sir!
Thank you mate!!! :D
Passion and Warfare is Steve Vai’s best album ever and it’s amazing Thomas here got to be a part of it. You were a child prodigy back then and a guitar 🎸 god in your own right now that you’re all grown up. Major congrats on your journey!
Wow. Thank you! : )
Amazing. All of it. The guitar, the story, the playing. Thanks for making this video!
Thanks for watching! :)
This guitar went to a very deserving artist. I know you’ll take care of it and write amazing music on it.
coolest inlays ever. solo to the animal is one of my favorite guitar solo's of all time.
Great solo! Cheers mate
The entire track is basically a solo:)
This is my favorite swirl of all time. Absolutely beautiful with the salmon pink and pastels
Trip down memory lane... I actually remember those pyramid inlays from a guitar brochure when I was a kid.
Such a shred machine and used on one of the greatest instrumental albums of all time. The colour of the pick-ups, the pyramid inlays and of course the swirling paint job scream out late 80’s shred and I love it. Great video Thomas!
Appreciate that mate thank you, glad you enjoyed it!!!
Hi mcrocklin, I don't even know if you'll see this message. But I'm 50 years old and in my youth I saw the video of Steve Vai "the audience" and subsequently I came across this great group produced by Steve Vai "bad4good" whoaou the mega slap. And when I came across the TH-cam algorithm I came across a video of you in a TV show, and there, the revelation the little boy in the clip and indeed you. And I find it funny to have bought this great vst guitar at 50 without knowing it was you. Thank you, the circle is closed as they say
Wow, sometimes it’s absolutely wild how the world works! Thanks for taking the time to comment. Have a great weekend.
@@McRocklin Yes, I really find it cool. Some people buy your plugging without knowing your history. But knowing this 34 years later makes me the happiest. Thank you keep it up. Have a good weekend
I've always wanted one of these but I never saw one with such a good swirl!!
That's the most beautiful Ibanez Jem that I have ever seen! Awesome mate. You play can play it exactly like Vai. subscribed! Cheers. :)
Thank you Thomas for sharing that piece of history you inherited. I would love to (no pun intended) to see you play The Audience is Listening with that guitar now that you are older. Very BIG THUMBS UP!!
Been waiting a long time for this video Tommy, absolutely love this series of reviewing your guitars and telling us the back stories. You have the Holy Grail of shred guitars there my friend and what a guy Mr Vai is to gift you that incredible beautiful machine.
Appreciate it buddy, thank you.
30 years later, how is that possible?
I'm still in my 20's
When did Passion and Warfare come out? ;)
When you were demoing the different pickup positions, I actually felt the resonance in the body of the guitar through the sound... is that nuts?
I'm definitely from the mindset of "guitars are just tools we use", with a few exceptions, and this is one of them. For me, when you brought this guitar out on your stream, it was like seeing an old friend I haven't seen in ages. Passion and Warfare was introduced to me by my guitar teacher in 91, back when I started playing. I spent many nights with headphones listening to it while getting lost in the sounds and swirls of that very guitar.
Such an icon! (and the guitar is pretty cool too ). Rock on, Thomas!
No, no you did not, you pretended you were Steve And played air guitar 🤣 great comment dude🤘🤘
Thanks Sean! Ye, I know what you mean. I didn't intend to shoot the pickup selection section, but when I started to switch between the pickups some of the positions reminded me of the tones from PAW album. So I thought, I'd include it.
Wow, it's probably one of the most wanted guitar for every teenagers fan of Steve back then !!!
Loved seeing and hearing this guitar. I played that cassette constantly when it was released, and still love the album - it was and is one of the richest sounding albums out there.
I used to play it over and over myself and just immerse in it. Every song was amazing, and I know what you mean, this album didn't sound like a guitar album, the production at the time was so well done, big drums, super great guitar sounds of course, all the story lines to every song, the art, the audience is listening video with Thomas in it, Vai's real teacher from school, spiritual, enigmatic, fierce, the eventide harmonizer out of this world sound effects, Steve's look and persona, the iconic universe guitar, such and amazing landmark of an album. At the time only Satriani with Flying in a Blue dream and Eric Johnson maybe with ah via musicom were truly from another planet or the same realm.
This UV has the most incredible swirl ever done by Darren. Brutal!!!
I’ve got a real soft spot for the Ibanez Universe; grace and power. Your playing compliments this incredible guitar perfectly, evidently Steve knew exactly what he was doing when he gave it to you.
I watched this 2 years ago so can't give it another thumbs up, I wonder why it came back up in my feed now?
Haha no idea!
My dream axe, baddest mutha around anywhere!!!!!! Damn!!!!
That guitar is as iconic as they come to me (and millions of others im sure)! Such a great piece
You have a great way of sharing life experiences and stories that truly creates a feeling.. I was there myself. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Eris!
Awesome , I’ve been looking at this for a long time over the years , on the vinyl sleeve ,picture disc, cassette, cd etc it’s a true icon. Thanks for sharing . I’ve seen some guys from your end of the country touring when I’ve been to gigs Hi on maiden tribute , and Bon jovi forever both from the north east. Have a great week
Wow my absolute shred guitar, THE absolute shred guitar... Man, that guitar has an EDGE tremolo 7 string, so rare... just wow.
love the history behind this guitar...great gift for a great player...you do it justice
Wow thanks so much JB! 💜
If anyone other than SV deserves to own it, it's you Thomas!
IBANEZ.. reissue THIS one and take all of my money.
That's a great story in guitar history. Super cool; thanks for sharing it. I have to admit I'm a little jealous. :)
Thanks Ben!
All of this is just legendary...
Thank you so much!
Thanks for watching! : )
What I love about this guitar is the fullness of the pickups (neck and bridge). On the bridge position, notes sound full but chords sound huge and clear even with heavy distortion. I have a RG470 that I got around 1993. I want to change all the pickups out but just not sure what DiMarzio pickups I want and need.
DiMarzio Blaze pickups were used in the 7string Universe and DiMarzio PAF pro's in the 6 string Jem.
great to see such an iconic, beautiful instrument again, and knowing it's being looked after - thanks sir!
1:37 - Even the pickups change colour! 😉
Chicken wings story was rock n roll bruh !! 🔥🏴☠️🤣
🥳😆
I love the clean sound it gets - not trying to be a Strat AT ALL! Sounding great, Thomas! Good to see you again, after all these years!
the audience is listening is one of my favourite steve vai's track. i just played it few hours ago and bam, this video come up my feed.
Mad timing lol
I´m happy that you own that axe man, couldnt be in better hands. I hope to see you on the road with steve sometime!
Thank you mate!
So in love with that guitar i cannot articulate it enough! I saw that show when i was 9!
Been a Huge fan of yours my entire life Tom!
Wow thank you so much!
P&W is pure quintessence. Thanks for the video, Thomas.
My pleasure, thanks for watching 👍🏻
Most dope indeed, sir.
I love those stories mate, plus this is indeed a legendary guitar from my guitar hero. Keep them coming!
Thank you Dimi!
Nice! A remarkable guitar for sure! Thanks for sharing Thom!
Thanks for watching!
These are really interesting videos and you couldn't get a better mentor than Steve Vai. Also your style of play is away from the usual robotic neo-classical shred that has sort of taken over in recent years. Good stuff.
That is such a special guitar to own ! Nice to see it getting played and showing it in a new video.
Cheers Neil!
Awesome Thomas I remember that video was one of my favorite back in the day - keep on rocking Thomas 🤟🤟🤟🤟
Cheers Mike!
Maan, I want a 7 string Universe now!
Excellent!! Stoked to hear these stories and see this legendary guitar 30 years later! Fantastic bro!!
Greg!!! Thank you mate, hope you're doing well!
I have that whole episode of head bangers ball with Steve Vai on VHS tape. Never thought I'd see what ever happened to that little kid. Pretty cool that you're him and can actually play very well 😂🤘
Thomas you must have been offered an insane amount for that guitar in the past. Glad to see it stays with you.
Absolutely amazing story and your playing is fantastic. What an honor to be the care taker of such an important piece of history...congratulations!
Thank you! : )
Seeing this guitar on the cover of Guitar World made me start playing guitar. Amazing!
That record is the reason I play guitar!!!
Thanks for this Thomas.
My pleasure
@@McRocklin It really is a treat to have the accessibility to you, having been a fan since Bad 4 Good. I played that tape regularly, and sent many to listen to it. Thanks for being so kind as to correspond. Love the stories, and the playing. Please keep them coming.
Thanks for a great look at such an iconic guitar! I couldn't think of a better home for it-- You're the man!
Thank you! : )
Wow.. first time coming across your channel and this is the video I first watch. Just wow.
Thanks Peter! Welcome :)
Wow that was really great!! Thanks for making & sharing - it’s such a famous & well loved icon! So glad it’s in your hands and not tucked away, never to be seen!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Thanks Stu, appreciate it mate!!
Great video sir. Has Steve ever asked you if he can have it back? Have you ever offered to return this guitar to him? Just wondering since it’s such a big part of guitar history. Thank you. 🙏🏼🤘🏼
LOL I wouldn't part from that guitar even if Steve Vai himself begged me for it!
I wonder what the value of the prototype would be, so Amazing to have such a great peice of music history!!!🤙🇺🇸🙏
Great story.
Absolutely gorgeous guitar what a blessing to have in your arsenal. I have an RG7620 very close in spec with old Dimarzio Blazes and it's something special, I've often thought about adding that middle pickup and getting it swirled 🤟
One of the most appealing ATD swirl . Legendary guitar you have there .
Priceless
Nice🎸Thank you🌞
The yelllow look quite fade, does it? Sush a cool Rock & Roll relic! Great clean sounds with the Universe, often overlooked aspect.
Steve boy 😱😱😱😱
It looks like the color has faded a bit? Or is it just my eyes. Great video. Love your stuff then and now.
Oh f*ck ye it’s faded lol.
I know every bloody note on that album I listened to it so much!
😎
what a great video :O
Not only do you have THE 7 string that was on Passion & Warfare and the Whitesnake album Steve Vai did before hand, you have LITERAL history in your hands! This guitar is definitely in excellent hands!
Awesome! Never knew the audience is listening kid is you.
How inspirational was this guitar for me. Amazing.
Hi from Wisconsin !
Great video man !!
🎵🙂🪐
👋🏻
Thank you for sharing this, that guitar and the Fool for Your Loving Video is the reason I started playing the guitar. I shopped for one of these for a long time trying to find that swirl pattern and color range I got as close as I could but always wished mine had the matching monkey grip!! May not be the exact guitar but pretty damn close! Again Thank-you for sharing. This guitar was a milestone for me and very special!
I have much more to this story to share but can't put it all here!! Lol
Ah ....Mister McRocklin ....food for my ear and spirit ....why a such talented guy doesn't play more live in Europe for exemple ? 😊
Thanks. I’m working hard on PolyChrome DSP mate. That’s my baby :)
@@McRocklin i understand and respect your choices keep the faith 👍💪 polychrome is so phenomenal that it gave me the will to buy it for a good friend
Boy oh boy! That thing has the mojo!!! Love this video!!! If ever I win the lottery I’m making you an offer you couldn’t refuse!!! Peace n love and good happiness stuff!!!
Haha can’t wait for the offer mate!! Here’s a tip.
Make sure it has chilli sauce on it.
Great vid. I loved that guitar, loved that album.
Very nice indeed, it has a white base coat underneath!
Passion is one of, if not the greatest guitar album of all time. Vai is the GOAT.
I have one of the new ones, #1 of 77 SVR. Very proud, this video makes me want to play. You play incredibly, inspiring riffs. Major 👍.
Appreciate that thanks and that’s an awesome guitar!
Awesome, legand guitar ✌️🤘🏴☠️🇦🇺
I own a Universe, I bought it brand new! From the factory!
The only things I wish were different is I wish it had the monkey grip, in the right location of course, and I wish it had the top 4 frets scalloped.
Other than that, it’s an awesome guitar!!!
What a great gift, Steve has always seemed like a nice guy. I noticed that there are no scalloped frets, im not sure if this was the case with the 7 strings, my floral "88 has them. Lovely playing .
Cheers Paul!
Thanks for a great reveal.
Cheers, glad you liked it! : )
Awesome story and video! I LOVED the passion and warfare album. I was 18 then. Great to see you. Great playing! SUBBED.
Epic!
Cheers!
it's a beauty
The color is very different from the Passion's cover, why ?
Very cool vidéo so that you've shown the guitar in details and everything, THANK YOU :)
to be gifted something so special is just one of those moments in life... the responsibility of being a steward to a genuine piece of rock and roll history must carry some weight. do you have the guitar insured? I am sure everyone is wondering what the value of the guitar is. personally, I don't believe a guitar like that can really ever be accurately valued. I'm my mind the guitar is priceless. Thank you for sharing the memories and the guitar with the world. Steve Vai fan or not I don't think there is a musician or music lover in the world who can not appreciate something so unique and steep in history.
Very cool story. I always loved the looks of and wanted that guitar. Awesome chops my friend!
I still have my UV77MC I got in 1993. P&W is probably my all time favorite “rock guitar” album
Wow so you were the kid in the video such a cool story