This Ibanez JEM77V-BK Steve Vai Signature in Black is a Japanese-made JEM combining premium Prestige-level construction with the instantly recognisable design features associated with Steve Vai.

Built around a basswood body, 5-piece maple/walnut JEM Prestige neck, rosewood fingerboard and DiMarzio Breed HSH pickup set, the JEM77V delivers the fast response, huge tonal range and expressive tremolo performance expected from one of Ibanez's most iconic signature designs.

This particular guitar has been given two distinctive cosmetic modifications. The original mirror pickguard has been replaced with a metal engraved pickguard featuring Steve Vai, while the standard truss-rod cover has been replaced with a black truss-rod cover featuring a rose design.

Importantly, both the original pickguard and original truss-rod cover are included, allowing the guitar to be returned to its standard appearance if desired.

A hardcase is also included.

Actual measured weight is 7.86 lbs.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	Ibanez
Artist	Steve Vai
Model	JEM77V-BK
Series	JEM / Signature
Finish	Black
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Production Era	2007–2011
Body	Basswood
Neck	5-Piece Maple / Walnut
Neck Profile	JEM Prestige
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Inlay	Pearl / Abalone Vine
Scale Length	25.5"
Frets	24 W/6105
Pickups	DiMarzio Breed HSH
Controls	Volume, Tone
Switching	5-Way
Bridge	Double-Locking Edge-Series Tremolo
Hardware	Chrome
Fitted Pickguard	Engraved Metal Steve Vai Design
Original Pickguard	Included
Fitted Truss-Rod Cover	Black with Rose Design
Original Truss-Rod Cover	Included
Weight	7.86 lbs
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned

Condition & Modification Overview

This is a pre-owned Ibanez JEM77V-BK.

The most notable changes from the factory specification are cosmetic and fully reversible.

Engraved Metal Pickguard

The original factory mirror pickguard has been removed and replaced with a:

Metal engraved pickguard featuring Steve Vai

This gives the guitar a highly individual appearance while retaining the original JEM design beneath it.

Replacement Truss-Rod Cover

The original truss-rod cover has also been changed.

Currently fitted is a:

Black truss-rod cover featuring a rose design

Original Parts Included

Both removed factory parts are supplied with the guitar:

✔ Original JEM77V-BK Pickguard
✔ Original Truss-Rod Cover

This means the guitar can be returned to a more factory-style cosmetic specification without needing to source replacement parts.

What's Included?

✔ Ibanez JEM77V-BK Steve Vai Signature
✔ Engraved Metal Steve Vai Pickguard – Fitted
✔ Black Rose Truss-Rod Cover – Fitted
✔ Original Pickguard
✔ Original Truss-Rod Cover
✔ Hardcase

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Ibanez has been checked for general operation and playability.

Assessment includes:

• Neck humbucker

• Middle single coil

• Bridge humbucker

• Five-way selector

• Volume control

• Tone control

• Output jack

• Neck condition

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Frets

• Locking nut

• Tuning machines

• Double-locking tremolo

• Fine tuners

• General hardware

• Structural condition

• Overall setup

• General playability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action

• Neck relief

• Fret condition

• Intonation

• Tremolo balance

• Tuning stability

• Pickup operation

• Electronics

• Hardware

• General playing feel

A substantial change in tuning or string gauge may require the floating tremolo to be rebalanced.

What Makes The Ibanez JEM77V-BK Special?

The JEM77V-BK is far more than a cosmetically different RG. It combines the technical playing platform of a Prestige-level Ibanez with Steve Vai-specific features including the Monkey Grip, Lion's Claw routing, elaborate vine fingerboard inlay and specially selected DiMarzio Breed pickups.

Its Black finish, chrome hardware and original mirror-pickguard specification give it a markedly different appearance from the better-known white JEM7V, while the basswood body and Breed pickups also create a different tonal character.

Made In Japan

The JEM77V-BK was produced in Japan.

Japanese-built JEM models are highly regarded for:

• Precise fretwork

• Excellent neck finishing

• High-quality hardware

• Accurate tremolo installation

• Consistent construction

• Strong attention to detail

Basswood Body

The body is made from basswood.

Basswood works particularly well in this type of performance guitar because it provides:

• Balanced mids

• Controlled bass

• Smooth upper frequencies

• Fast response

• Strong compatibility with high-output pickups

Pearloid Body Binding

The JEM77V-BK features distinctive pearloid body binding, adding a decorative edge treatment around the otherwise understated Black body.

This is one of the details that separates it visually from many other JEM and RG models.

Monkey Grip

The body includes Steve Vai's famous Monkey Grip.

Originally specified as part of Vai's unconventional JEM design brief, it has become one of the most recognisable features of any signature electric guitar.

Lion's Claw Routing

Behind the tremolo is the signature Lion's Claw recess.

This deep routing allows extensive upward tremolo movement while forming an integral part of the classic JEM appearance.

5-Piece Maple / Walnut JEM Prestige Neck

The guitar uses a 5-piece maple and walnut JEM Prestige neck.

The multi-piece construction provides a stable platform while retaining the slim, fast feel expected from a high-performance Ibanez.

Rosewood Fingerboard

The neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard.

Its darker appearance complements the Black finish and provides the background for one of the guitar's most recognisable decorative features.

Pearl & Abalone Vine Inlay

The fingerboard features an elaborate pearl and abalone vine inlay.

The "V" in JEM77V refers to this vine specification.

Its use of contrasting pearl and abalone gives the inlay a much richer visual effect than a conventional dot or block layout.

25.5" Scale Length

The JEM77V uses a:

25.5" / 648mm scale length

This provides:

• Clear attack

• Firm string tension

• Strong lower-string definition

• Familiar modern electric-guitar response

24 W/6105 Frets

The fingerboard carries:

24 W/6105 frets

This provides a complete two-octave playing range on every string.

The fret format works particularly well for:

• String bending

• Legato

• Alternate picking

• Tapping

• Sweep picking

• Technical lead work

DiMarzio Breed Pickups

Unlike the white JEM7V, which is traditionally associated with Evolution pickups, the JEM77V-BK uses a complete DiMarzio Breed HSH set.

The factory layout consists of:

• DiMarzio Breed Humbucker – Neck

• DiMarzio Breed Single – Middle

• DiMarzio Breed Humbucker – Bridge

Breed Neck Humbucker

The neck Breed provides:

• Full lead tones

• Smooth sustain

• Warm cleans

• Strong midrange

• Fluid legato response

Breed Middle Single Coil

The middle Breed single coil adds:

• Brighter attack

• More open clean response

• Useful combination tones

• Additional HSH versatility

Breed Bridge Humbucker

The bridge Breed offers:

• Powerful rhythm tones

• Rich mids

• Strong sustain

• Defined high-gain response

• Full-bodied lead sounds

Five-Way Switching

A five-way selector provides access to the JEM's versatile HSH switching system.

This allows the guitar to move beyond straightforward full-humbucker sounds into brighter combination tones suitable for:

• Clean rhythm

• Funkier passages

• Layered studio parts

• Lower-gain playing

Master Volume & Tone

Controls remain deliberately simple:

• Master Volume

• Master Tone

• Five-Way Pickup Selector

This keeps the guitar quick to operate during live performance.

Double-Locking Tremolo

The JEM77V-BK uses a premium Ibanez Edge-family double-locking tremolo.

Factory specification changed during the model's production run:

• 2007–2009: Edge Pro

• 2010–2011: Edge

Without the production year of this individual guitar, the listing does not assign one specific bridge version.

Both systems are designed for extensive pitch manipulation and strong tuning stability.

Locking Nut

The strings are locked at the nut once tuning and tremolo balance are set.

Fine tuners on the tremolo then allow small adjustments without unlocking the nut.

Tremolo Techniques

The JEM platform is particularly well suited to:

• Dive bombs

• Pull-ups

• Flutter effects

• Chord vibrato

• Harmonic screams

• Subtle vibrato

• Extreme pitch changes

Gotoh Tuning Machines

Factory JEM77V models use Gotoh tuning machines, providing dependable mechanical adjustment alongside the locking tremolo system.

Chrome Hardware

The Black finish is complemented by chrome hardware.

This gives the JEM77V-BK a distinctly different appearance from the gold-hardware white JEM7V.

Custom Engraved Steve Vai Pickguard

The fitted metal pickguard is one of the defining features of this individual guitar.

It features an engraved Steve Vai design, transforming the appearance of the Black JEM while leaving the original factory guard available for reinstatement.

For a buyer who likes individualised instruments, it adds considerable visual character.

For a buyer who prefers factory presentation, the included original guard provides that option.

Rose Truss-Rod Cover

The fitted black truss-rod cover with rose design adds another individual detail around the headstock.

Again, the original truss-rod cover is included, so the modification does not prevent a return to factory-style presentation.

Weight

7.86 lbs

This is the actual measured weight of this individual guitar.

For a full-size JEM with double-locking tremolo hardware, it remains comfortably manageable for rehearsals and live use.

JEM77V-BK vs JEM7V-WH

The two models share the broad JEM concept but differ in several important respects.

JEM77V-BK

• Black finish

• Basswood body

• DiMarzio Breed pickups

• Chrome hardware

• Factory mirror pickguard

• Pearloid binding

JEM7V-WH

• White finish

• Alder body

• DiMarzio Evolution pickups

• Gold hardware

The JEM77V-BK therefore has its own specification and should not simply be treated as a black version of the JEM7V.

Production Period

The JEM77V-BK was produced from:

2007–2011

Its relatively short production period makes it a less commonly encountered JEM model than several of the long-running Steve Vai signature variants.

Who Is It For?

Steve Vai fans – A genuine Japanese-built Vai signature model with all the defining JEM features.

JEM collectors – The JEM77V-BK has a relatively short production run and distinctive specification.

Technical guitarists – Prestige neck, 24 frets and locking tremolo provide an excellent high-performance platform.

Rock players – DiMarzio Breed pickups offer powerful but versatile tones.

Metal players – HSH layout and stable tremolo system work extremely well with gain.

Players who appreciate modified guitars – The engraved pickguard gives this example a distinctive individual appearance.

Players who prefer originality – The original pickguard and truss-rod cover are included for easy cosmetic restoration.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Rock

• Hard rock

• Metal

• Progressive rock

• Progressive metal

• Fusion

• Shred

• Instrumental guitar

• Technical lead guitar

• Studio recording

• Live performance

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Ibanez
Artist	Steve Vai
Model	JEM77V-BK
Production Period	2007–2011
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Finish	Black
Body Material	Basswood
Body Binding	Pearloid
Neck Material	5-Piece Maple / Walnut
Neck Profile	JEM Prestige
Neck Joint	AANJ Bolt-On
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay	Pearl / Abalone Vine
Scale Length	648mm / 25.5"
Frets	24
Fret Type	W/6105
Pickup Configuration	HSH
Neck Pickup	DiMarzio Breed Humbucker
Middle Pickup	DiMarzio Breed Single
Bridge Pickup	DiMarzio Breed Humbucker
Electronics	Passive
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Switching	5-Way Lever
Tremolo	Edge Pro or Edge, Depending on Production Year
Nut	Locking
Tuning Machines	Gotoh
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Factory Pickguard	Mirror
Fitted Pickguard	Engraved Metal Steve Vai Design
Original Pickguard	Included
Fitted Truss-Rod Cover	Black with Rose Design
Original Truss-Rod Cover	Included
Weight	7.86 lbs
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned

Modification Note

This guitar currently differs cosmetically from the original factory specification in two areas:

1. Pickguard
A metal engraved Steve Vai pickguard is currently fitted.

2. Truss-Rod Cover
A black truss-rod cover featuring a rose design is currently fitted.

The original factory pickguard and original truss-rod cover are both included with the guitar.

No claim is made that these replacement parts are factory Ibanez components.

Original Parts Advantage

The presence of the original cosmetic components is particularly useful on a collectable signature guitar.

The next owner can choose between:

• Keeping the customised Steve Vai-themed appearance

• Reinstalling the original components

• Retaining the replacement parts separately

Hardcase Note

A hardcase is included.

The case provides useful protection for storage and transportation.

Unless separately established, it is described simply as a hardcase rather than claimed as the original Ibanez case.

Power Requirements

None.

The DiMarzio Breed pickups and controls are completely passive.

No battery or external power supply is required.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

The Ibanez JEM77V-BK is a particularly desirable chapter in the Steve Vai JEM story, combining Japanese manufacture, Prestige-level construction, DiMarzio Breed pickups, premium Edge-family tremolo hardware and a relatively short 2007–2011 production period.

Its basswood body and Breed pickup set give it a specification distinct from the familiar white JEM7V, while the Black finish, pearloid binding and chrome hardware create an unmistakably aggressive appearance.

This individual example goes one step further with its engraved metal Steve Vai pickguard and rose-design truss-rod cover.

Crucially, the original pickguard and original truss-rod cover are included, giving the next owner the option of retaining the customised appearance or returning the guitar to its original cosmetic configuration.

At 7.86 lbs, with a hardcase included, this is an appealing JEM for both serious players and Steve Vai enthusiasts.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so modifications, original parts, measured weight and included accessories are clearly represented.

This Ibanez is offered with:

• Japanese-built JEM construction

• Black finish

• DiMarzio Breed HSH pickup set

• Custom engraved Steve Vai metal pickguard fitted

• Black rose truss-rod cover fitted

• Original pickguard included

• Original truss-rod cover included

• 7.86 lbs actual measured weight

• Hardcase included

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Expert musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with Ibanez and signature guitars

• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed

• Modifications clearly disclosed

• Original included parts clearly identified

• Secure ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this JEM.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your existing gear could be worth towards this Ibanez JEM77V-BK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a genuine Steve Vai JEM?

Yes. The JEM77V-BK is an official Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEM model.

Where was the JEM77V-BK made?

It was made in Japan.

When was the JEM77V-BK produced?

The model was offered from 2007 to 2011.

What is the body made from?

It has a basswood body.

What neck does it have?

It uses a 5-piece maple/walnut JEM Prestige neck.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has a rosewood fingerboard.

What is the fingerboard inlay?

It uses a decorative pearl and abalone vine inlay.

What pickups does it have?

It uses a complete DiMarzio Breed HSH set.

Are the pickups active?

No. They are passive.

How many frets does it have?

It has 24 W/6105 frets.

What is the scale length?

It uses a 25.5" / 648mm scale.

Does it have a locking tremolo?

Yes. It uses a premium Ibanez Edge-family double-locking tremolo.

Which Edge tremolo does it have?

JEM77V-BK guitars from 2007–2009 used the Edge Pro, while 2010–2011 examples used the Edge. The individual production year would determine the exact version.

Is the current pickguard original?

No. A metal engraved Steve Vai pickguard is currently fitted.

Is the original pickguard included?

Yes. The original pickguard is included.

Has the truss-rod cover been changed?

Yes. A black truss-rod cover with a rose design is currently fitted.

Is the original truss-rod cover included?

Yes. The original truss-rod cover is included.

Can the guitar be returned to its factory cosmetic appearance?

The supplied original pickguard and truss-rod cover allow the two disclosed cosmetic changes to be reversed.

Does it have the Monkey Grip?

Yes.

Does it have the Lion's Claw tremolo route?

Yes.

What hardware colour does it have?

The factory specification uses chrome hardware.

How much does it weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 7.86 lbs.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Does it require a battery?

No.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.