Ibanez JEM7V

Steve Vai's flamboyant shred platform with tree-of-life flair.

Released in 1987, the JEM series gave Steve Vai's technical style a production home with deep cutaways, DiMarzio Evolution pickups, and a fast Wizard neck. The 7V WH variant's scalloped upper frets and lion's-claw tremolo rout set the pace for modern shred signatures.

Introduced: 1987 (FujiGen, Japan)
Signature traits: Monkey Grip handle, vine inlay, Edge tremolo, DiMarzio Evolutions
Notable players: Steve Vai, Matteo Mancuso, Yvette Young