baliguat

In the 1980's there emerged an extreme type of guitar playing, often referred to as 'shred'.

This over-the-top style was characterize by impossibly swift picking, two-handed tapping and crazed whammy-bar manipulation. Such pyrotechnics necessitated specialized instruments. In the late 80's, Guitar hero Steve Vai collaborated with the Ibanez company to produce the JEM - a 'Superstrat' based upon traditional Fender principles, coupled with modern advances.

A GEM OF A GUITAR

First available in 1987, the JEM was built to Steve Vai's exacting specifications a contoured, lightwieght basswood body with a 'monkeygrip' .

Built in handle for doing "treasure stuff", as Vai once put it:high-output DiMarzio pickups and a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard. The guitar also featured a recessed Ibanez 'Edge' whammy bar with locking nut, so that pitch could be radically lowered and raisedwithout creating any tuning problems.



An early, limited edition of the JEM-Painted green and known as 'Loch Ness' models - were signed, numbered, and decorated with tiny drawings by Vai, making them instant collectors item.