Ibanez JEM 77FP — 1989 Japan, Steve Vai Signature

Without a doubt, the best-sounding JEM I have ever played.

This is not just another JEM 77FP to me. This particular guitar has something that is very difficult to put into words. A unique floral-pattern fabric underneath the finish, years of playing, and what I can only describe as a little Vai mojo in its core.

I called her Flo.

For me, she is one of the most beautiful guitars ever made, but what really makes her special is the way she responds. Whatever I hear in my head, she seems to effortlessly give it back. The playability, resonance, attack and overall response completely mesmerised me from the very first note.

When I bought her, I had actually planned to replace the pickups with a newer set, partly to refresh the appearance and match the colour. After playing her for the first time, I changed my mind immediately. I decided to leave her exactly as she was. The character was already there, and changing it simply didn’t feel right.

The guitar does have marks and signs of use from a previous owner. He also told me that at some point he had reached Steve Vai’s studio, although I have no documentation or proof to authenticate that story, so I am mentioning it only as part of the guitar’s history, not as a provenance claim. It has seen USA to Japan to the Netherlands.

Four years ago, I had the neck and frets professionally maintained by my personal luthier, specifically to keep the instrument healthy and the neck to mint condition.

The tape on the pickup is a little reference to Vai, as well as helping prevent the strings from slipping underneath the pickup cover.

I bought this guitar because I saw its condition and wanted to save the rest of what was there. Over the years, I developed an unusually strong bond with it. Out of my entire collection, Flo was the one guitar that could consistently deliver exactly what I had in my head.

Now I want her to go to the next person who will appreciate what she is and take care of her properly.

Included:
• Whammy bar
• Solid hard case
• Original back cover
• Truss rod tool

A genuine 1989 Japanese-made JEM with a unique floral-pattern fabric, serious character, and, in my experience, an exceptional sound and response.

I have tried to capture her beauty, character, history and the sound that made me keep her for so many years. The photographs are part of that story.

For any questions or additional information, please feel free to contact me.