The Ibanez Steve Vai 7 String-UV70P Black

When it comes to Rock Guitar, few names carry as much weight as Steve Vai.

Known for his virtuosic technique, stage presence, and genre-defying compositions, Vai has spent his career pushing musical boundaries. But beyond the notes and solos, the Artist’s influence can be seen in the very instruments he plays.

Enter the Ibanez Premium UV70P-Black, a modern reimagining of Vai’s groundbreaking original 7-string Universe Model.

Built for players who demand precision, Range, and expressive freedom, the UV70P offers the best of Vai’s vision at a more accessible price point than the original Prestige or Vintage models.

In this post, we’ll dive into the history behind the Vai-Ibanez partnership, the origin of the 7-string concept, how the modern version Signature Ibanez Steve Vai 7 string compares to earlier Universe models, and why this instrument deserves a serious look in today’s Guitar landscape.

A Quick Dive

More than just a shredder, Vai is an innovator, a gearhead, and a storyteller. His professional career launched at just 18 years old when he sent a transcription of Frank Zappa’s music to the legend himself.

Impressed, Zappa hired him as a transcriptionist and eventually as a guitarist in his band.

This was no easy gig; Zappa’s music was as demanding as it was unconventional.

Vai learned to navigate complex time signatures, experimental tones, and genre-blurring compositions, all of which would shape his unique musical voice.

The ’80s Guitar Hero Era

In the mid-1980s, Vai stepped into the limelight by joining David Lee Roth’s band, following Eddie Van Halen’s departure.

His guitar work on albums like Eat ‘Em and Smile and Skyscraper combined flashy theatrics with deep musicality, showing the world that he wasn’t just fast — he was musically fearless.

Later, Vai joined Whitesnake for the 1989 ‘Slip of the Tongue” tour, further solidifying his status as a top-tier Guitarist in the rock and metal scenes.

Ibanez’s Vision

Building A Brand Through Signature Artists

In the late 70s and into the 80s, Ibanez was on the rise but not yet the global juggernaut it is today.

Initially known for making affordable copies of popular American Guitars, the Brand began earning credibility for building high-quality instruments with serious performance potential. However, the company needed a way to stand out in a market dominated by giants like Fender and Gibson.

That spark came in the form of a visionary strategy.

Rather than making Guitars for the mass market, Ibanez would create bespoke instruments for elite and influential players, and use those Artist collaborations to build prestige and innovation into the Brand itself.

Why Signature Guitars Mattered

The idea was bold at the time.

Signature Guitars weren’t yet as standard as they are today, and few brands were taking the approach seriously.

Ibanez flipped that model on its head by:

• Giving Artists creative control over design specs

• Building Guitars that matched their playing style and personality

• Leveraging the Artists’ fame to reach new and niche audiences

• Reinventing the Electric Guitar with new shapes, colours, electronics, and playability features.

Rather than simply endorsing a product, Artists became co-creators.

The result?

Guitars that weren’t just good — they were tailor-made for the Artists who inspired them, becoming genuine personal expressions.

Steve Vai Was The Breakthrough

After years of playing modified Strats, Charvels, and Custom instruments, Vai realized that those Guitars weren’t quite cutting it for the explosive, theatrical, and expressive style of playing he was developing.

His personal needs suggested that he wanted a Guitar that was ergonomically comfortable, visually stunning on stage, tonally versatile, and engineered for high performance.

He approached the manufacturer with a set of radical ideas that needed architecture and vision.

Although most Guitar makers at the time would have passed on this, Ibanez saw potential.

The joint venture between the two brands marked a turning point, breaking new ground in form, function, and attitude.

Enter The JEM

The 1986-87 collaboration resulted in the Ibanez JEM777, which became the first model in what would become a legendary line.

It included ahead-of-its-time features such as:

• The Monkey Grip: A literal handle cut into the body for style and utility.

• Deep Lower Horn Cutaways: For full access to upper frets.

• Fast Neck Profiles with Scalloped 21-24 Frets: For increased control and articulation on high notes.

• High-Output DiMarzio Pickups: For screaming leads and chunky rhythm tones.

• Floyd Rose-Style Floating Tremolo System: For aggressive dives, pitch manipulation, and more. (See Image)

The JEM became one of the most recognizable and popular signature Guitars ever made.

It wasn’t just the specs, the JEM screamed personality, and Vai’s playing backed it up.

From the neon finishes to the vine inlay and extreme sonic Range, it quickly became one of the most iconic Signature models in Guitar history, and the SuperStrat was born.

A SuperStrat is a Guitar design that builds on the Fender Stratocaster platform but with changes to enhance its playability.

These Guitar modifications typically included locking tremolo systems (often Floyd Rose), flatter-radius fingerboards, an aggressive-looking body with enhanced cutaways to facilitate access to the higher frets, a contoured heel at the neck joint, the use of humbucking pickups, and more. (See Image)

Not Defined

Since there is no formal definition of a SuperStrat, categorization is still mainly left to popular opinion.

It depends significantly on the Artist (s) associated with a particular model and how it is marketed.

Road Tested

The JEM was no gimmick. It was a Guitar that delivered, both in the studio and on stage.

Vai used the JEM extensively during his tours with David Lee Roth and later with Whitesnake, where his wild stage persona and sonic wizardry were on full display.

These signature Guitars didn’t just look unique — they were highly functional tools and works of art for serious players, engineered from the ground up, and quickly became the poster child of the era.

Joint Venture Success

Ibanez capitalized on the momentum by offering several JEM iterations — including the FP (Floral Pattern), GMC (Green Multi-Colour), and the deeply desired JEM7V.

This instantly elevated the Ibanez brand and brought in a new wave of customers who were inspired by Vai’s style and the innovation behind his instruments, rewriting the rules of what a Signature Guitar could be.

This partnership is a shining example of how the right collaboration between an Artist and a company can lead to game-changing innovations that influence an entire generation of musicians.

Based on shared and mutual drive to push the limits of Guitar design, these relations between the two brands have now spanned over three decades.

With the Artist constantly seeking new ways to explore music, Ibanez has been there every step of the way to bring his ideas to life.

Why Ibanez Guitars Are Essential for Unique Musicians

Signature Series Explosion

Following the success with Vai’s JEM, the manufacturer doubled down.

The company began working with a roster of boundary-pushing Artists, many of whom were at the forefront of emerging genres including…

• Joe Satriani (JS Series)

• Paul Gilbert (PGM and FRM Series)

• Korn’s Guitarists: James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch (K7 7-string models)

• Tosin Abasi (8-string pioneer, before launching his own Brand) and more.

Artist First

Each Signature Guitar helped carve out a new part of Ibanez’s identity and Brand as a company that was modern, technical, and Artist-driven.

It created instruments that weren’t just collectibles — they were workhorses for musicians, pushing boundaries, forward-thinking, and making an ecosystem of innovation by letting Artists lead the charge.

The famed Guitar company continues to thrive with this model, and it’s a reminder that when you put the Artist first, the product speaks louder than words can capture in a production-ready instrument.

New Territory

The success of the JEM laid the foundation for the partnership to make a bold move into extended-range territory, taking things one step further.

Vai’s willingness to experiment resulted in the Universe UV7 — and later, the UV70P-Black.

The Birth Of Vai’s Vision – The Electric 7-String

While 7-strings had been around prior, it was Vai who brought them roaring into the limelight with Ibanez’s game-changing Universe series.

While working on Frank Zappa’s projects in the 1980s, Vai began experimenting with different tunings, new sonic territory, and approaches to playing that pushed the boundaries of the traditional six-string.

The Need For More Sonic Low-End Range

Vai’s playing and music were known for their technical complexity and expressive freedom.

As he continued to experiment, he realized that the Sonic Range of a 6-string guitar was often limited to him.

In particular, he felt confined when trying to explore lower tunings and more complex chord structures.

One day, after working on a piece of music that required a deeper, more resonant low end, Vai had a breakthrough idea: what if he could add an additional string to his Guitar to give himself more low-end Range.

The Moment Of Inspiration

The idea for a 7-string crystallized during this period of experimentation.

He imagined a Guitar that extended his Range not upward, but downward, into a deeper sonic dimension and drew inspiration from extended-range instruments in other genres.

His goal was to achieve a lower register for heavier sounds and deeper chords, without losing the high-register sparkle, playability, familiarity, feel, and flexibility that a standard 6-string Electric provided.

Collaborating With Ibanez

With the new idea, they began working on the design and debuted the Universe (UV7) in 1991, resulting in the world’s first commercially available, mass-produced, revolutionary 7-string Electric Guitar. (See Image)

The instrument retained the agility and Shred-Ready capability of the JEM, and the famed Guitarist went on to use it on his live performances with Whitesnake, then extensively on his “Passion and Warfare“ album.

Some Of Its Features Included:

• A Similar Shape Basswood Body & Aesthetic To The JEM
• Made in Japan
• One-piece Maple Neck w/Rosewood Fretboard  
• Three HSH DiMarzio Blaze pickups
• Lo-Pro Edge 7 Tremolo Bridge
• Unique 7-string Fast Neck Contour

The Legacy Of The 7-String

Not only did the introduction of the 7-string Guitar give the Artist a tool to express his creativity in ways he had never been able to before, but it also sparked a movement in the music world that became more mainstream, especially in genres like Progressive Rock, Alternative or Nu Metal.

Impact of the 7-String Guitars on Metal Music

It quickly became a cult classic among serious players, especially after bands like Korn and Dream Theatre adopted the 7-string format.

The Next Evolution

Fast-forward to 2013.

Ibanez decided to bring the Universe back to a broader audience as part of their Premium series, this time with a more accessible model, without compromising too much on tone or playability, and without the boutique-level price tag.

The UV70P Guitar

A Modern Universe for Today’s Player

While the UV70P lacks the “Prestige” of Japanese craftsmanship, it’s still a formidable player’s Guitar.

It’s not a reissue but a modern interpretation for today’s players.

It is part of their Premium series, which means it’s built to last and can perform under pressure, holding its own with rock-solid craftsmanship that can easily handle pro-level demands. (See Image)

Drenched in a sleek Gloss Black finish, with green dot inlays, this Guitar commands attention before you even plug it in.

Like its predecessor, every joint, cutaway, and contour has been purpose—built for speed, comfort, and control.

(Read on)

Tech Specs

Body

• Body Material – A sleek, lightweight American Basswood that provides a great tonal foundation and resonance.
• Body Type – Solid
• Body Shape S-Style – With deep horn cutaways, ergonomic forearm contours allowing for unlimited access to the upper frets and a natural playing position.
• Product Dimensions – 44.29 x 16.99 x 5.7 inches
• Body Finish – Gloss Polyurethane 
• Colour – UV-style mirrored black finish with neon green accents
• Country of Manufacturing – Indonesia at Ibanez’s Premium factory
• Number of Strings – 7
• Playing Orientation – Right-handed
• Weight – 22.4 pounds
• Years in Production – (2013–present)
• Date First Available – February 21
• Model – UV70PBK Steve Vai Signature Universe
• Series – Ibanez Artist Signature
• ASIN – B00BHRXM3M

Neck

• Neck Material – A 5-piece Maple/Walnut neck  w/KTS™ TITANIUM rods for added reinforced stability, smoothness and speed.
• Neck Profile – Wizard-7 Premium, which is thin, flat, and lightning fast — ideal for shredders, sweep pickers, and anyone who needs ultimate fretboard access.
• Neck Body Joint – Bolt-on @21st Fret w/ergonomic heel joint. (See Image)

A Bolt-on design with the junction being at the 21st Fret w/ergonomic heel joint- Image courtesy of Amazon.com. – Tap to see more

To Learn All About The Different Electric Guitar Neck Constructions Tap Here.

• Neck Radius – 15.75″/400mm 
• Fingerboard Material – Maple, Rosewood, or Panga Panga
• Neck Finish – Satin Polyurethane
• Fingerboard Inlay – Green Dots
• Number of Frets – 24
• Frets – Jumbo with Premium Fret Edge Treatment for super-smooth, effortless bends and slides.

Premium Fret Edge Treatment

Often found in higher-end models, this process involves shaping and finishing the fretboard edges to minimize any rough edges or sharp transitions around the frets.

• Scale Length – 25.5″/648mm

Neck Dimensions

• Neck Width at Nut – 1.89″/48mm 
• Neck Width at 24 Fret -2.677″/68mm 
• Neck Thickness at 1st Fret – 0.748’/19mm 
• Neck Thickness at 12th Fret– 0.827″/21mm 
• String Space – 0.425″/10.8mm
• Nut Material – Locking

Hardware

Bridge/Tailpiece 

• An adjustable, made-in-Indonesia Edge-Zero II-7 with ZPS (Zero Point System) Double-Locking Tremolo. (See Image)

The Edge-Zero II-7 w/ ZPS – Image courtesy of Amazon.com- Tap to see more.

• Controls – 1 x Master Volume, 1 x Master Tone 
• Tuners – Standard Ibanez Machine Heads

Power Station

DiMarzio Blaze Pickups

Just like the original, this Guitar consists of two DiMarzio Blaze humbuckers and a DiMarzio Blaze single-coil in a HSH configuration.

Ibanez UV70P Steve Vai Premium Signature – Black w/DiMarzio Blaze Pickups – HSH Configuration- Image courtesy of Amazon.com – Tap to see more.

Neck Pickup – DiMarzio® Blaze™ (H) Passive/Ceramic

This humbucker is smoother and rounder, great for warm legato lines, expressive bends, and fluid sustain. In clean settings, the pickup produces a smooth, bell-like chime with great sustain, making it perfect for fingerpicking, arpeggios, and ambient tones.

Combined with the middle position, you get a whole, balanced tone that shimmers in all the right places, making it ideal for jazz, blues, or even country-inspired phrases.

Middle Pickup – DiMarzio® Blaze™ (S) Passive/Ceramic

Sandwiched between the two Humbuckers is the Single-coil Blaze, which adds versatility and sparkle. This position is your secret weapon for clean tones, funk rhythms, and out-of-phase textures.

Bridge Pickup – DiMarzio® Blaze™ (H) Passive/Ceramic

The Bridge Blaze humbucker delivers tight, articulate lows and aggressive mids — perfect for punchy rhythm work and searing leads.

Switch to high gain, and the bridge pickup brings the heat. It’s tight and aggressive, with just the right amount of growl — whether you’re throwing down power chords or tackling Vai’s signature fast, articulate solos.

The midrange cuts through without being overly harsh, and the low B string gives you that heavy crunch without losing definition.

You can unlock everything from Strat-like shimmer to full-on Vai madness with just a flick of the switch.

Switching System – 5-way blade pickup switch (See Image)

Image courtesy of Ibanez.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this guitar distinct from other models?

The extended range provided by the seven-string setup, combined with high-quality construction and precision electronics, creates a versatile instrument that suits a variety of playing styles and musical genres.

Is the Universe UV70P-Black suitable for beginners?

Although its design is intended for advanced players, beginners who are committed to practice and have a genuine interest in exploring extended-range guitars can find it rewarding. Learning may take more time due to the extra string, but the versatility it offers can be invaluable in the long run.

How durable is this instrument for live use?

The build quality is robust, and the high-performance hardware is designed to withstand the rigours of frequent use. Many players have reported that the UV70P-Black maintains its performance and overall aesthetic even after numerous tours and recording sessions.

Do the electronics allow for a range of sound customization?

Yes, the pickups and control systems are engineered to deliver clear and varied tones. Adjustments on your amplifier and effects pedals can further expand the sound customization options available with this model.

Ibanez UV7 vs. UV70P: What Sets Them Apart?

The two Signature Models are connected by design, tone, and legacy, but they serve different purposes and were built for players of different eras.

Understanding the differences between these two models side by side offers insight into how Ibanez evolved the 7-string platform from a boutique Signature instrument into a performance-ready option for a broader range of players.

🧩Side by Side Summary Chart

 

Feature	Ibanez UV7 (1990)	Ibanez UV70P (2013–Present)
Origin	Japan (Prestige-level)	Indonesia (Premium-level)
Neck	One-piece Maple	5-piece Maple/Walnut w/ titanium rods
Bridge	Lo-Pro Edge 7	Edge-Zero II-7 w/ ZPS
Pickups	DiMarzio Blaze (Japan)	DiMarzio Blaze (Indonesia)
Fretboard	Rosewood w/Prestige Standard Fretwork	Rosewood w/Premium Standard Fretwork
Build Philosophy	Boutique, Artist-First	Pro-level, Accessible Performance
Tone	Warm, full-bodied, iconic	Punchy, tight, modernized feel
Market Position	High-end Signature Instrument	Affordable Pro Signature Option

Distinctive Differences But Same DNA

The Made in Indonesia Edge Zero II-7 with ZPS bridge is a more modern, solid, and reliable bridge system than the original.

Still, some purists prefer the Lo-Pro Edge 7, which is considered not only superior by longtime Vai Fans but also the holy grail of bridges.

Both Guitars keep the Vai Universe DNA intact — but the UV70P is for today’s player, while the UV7 is for those chasing the origin story, or the tone purist and collector who wants the real-deal first-gen Steve Vai 7-string. 

Video

Final Thoughts

From G3 tours with fellow Guitar Virtuosos like Nuno Bettencourt to teaching masterclasses and releasing new music, Vai has never stopped evolving — and his signature Guitars reflect that journey.

They will continue to grow as he does.

Extra Fretboard Real Estate

I like the extra real estate of the fretboard because a lot of my practice is done on a nylon-string acoustic.

This helps me maintain my left-hand strength, and I find that this Guitar’s neck profile and fretboard radius allow for that feeling.

If you’re used to playing 6-string guitars, adapting to the wider neck and the extra low B string can feel awkward at first.

It demands a different approach to both rhythm and lead playing, and for some players, that adjustment can be more frustrating than inspiring.

Should You Add This to Your Collection?

That depends on what you’re looking for in an instrument.

This 7-string is far more versatile than it may appear at first glance.

Thanks to the extended Range, you get access to a whole new world of sonic possibilities — and it’s not just about low-end chug.

Jazz and fusion players who want to play basslines and melodies simultaneously love it for its harmonic depth.

At the same time, experimental progressive Guitarists use it to create ambient textures and counterpoint melodies.

If you want a Guitar that’s high-performance, gig-ready, road-tested, and reasonably priced, one that delivers both style and substance, the UV70P is a phenomenal option.

Did You Like This Article?

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As always, stay the course and keep playing.