Ibanez PIA77 BON Steve Vai Signature series Prestige Electric Guitar with Hardcase

Ibanez PIA77 BON Steve Vai Signature series Prestige Electric Guitar with Hardcase

The PIA77 is a limited edition PIA series solid body electric guitar model introduced by Ibanez for 2023. It is a signature model of American guitarist Steve Vai. It was produced in Japan by FujiGen. The PIA77 commemorates the 35th anniversary of Vai’s partnership with Ibanez. It was revealed on April 13, 2023, at the NAMM show in Anahiem, California.

The PIA77 features an alder body bolted to a maple and walnut neck with a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard with PIA blossom vine inlays and Luminlay side dots. As with the previous JEM7V, the last four frets are scalloped. Components include new DiMarzio UtoPIA pickups mounted in a transparent pickguard with a pair of humbuckers without decorative covers flanking a single-coil, a Lo-Pro Edge double locking tremolo bridge with an UltraLite arm, an angled output jack, Gotoh tuning machines and a magnetic tremolo cavity plate. It comes with very basic Ibanez hard case.

The swirl finish is done by David Bonvillain (Bonvillain Design Studio) and continues the tradition of the swirl finishes pioneered by Darren Johansen (About Time Design) in the Original Universe as well as the 20th anniversary UV77RE reissue and multiple JEM models, such as the DNA. On the Ibanez Pia77Bon page David offers a fascinating insight into the creation of these guitars. He delves into the intricate process of crafting the unique swirl finish that sets these instruments apart. He also reveals an initial production estimate of fewer than 200 guitars worldwide. It was later on revealed in an Instagram post that the actual number is 180, making these guitars even more exclusive.

SPECS
neck type PIA 5pc Maple/Walnut neck
top/back/body Alder body
fretboard Rosewood fretboard PIA Blossom inlay
fret Jumbo Stainless Steel frets Prestige fret edge treatment
number of frets 24
bridge Lo-Pro Edge bridge
string space 10.8mm
neck pickup DiMarzio UtoPIA (H) neck pickupPassive/Ceramic
middle pickup DiMarzio UtoPIA (S) middle pickupPassive/Alnico
bridge pickup DiMarzio UtoPIA (H) bridge pickupPassive/Ceramic
factory tuning 1E,2B,3G,4D,5A,6E
strings D’Addario EXL120
string gauge .009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042
nut Locking nut
hardware color Cosmo Black

NECK DIMENSIONS
Scale : 648mm/25.5″
a : Width 43mm at NUT
b : Width 58mm at 24F
c : Thickness 18mm at 1F
d : Thickness 20mm at 12F
Radius : 430mmR

SWITCHING SYSTEM
PIA77’s Switching system diagram

CONTROLS
PIA77’s control diagram

OTHER FEATURES
Recommended Bag IGB724-BK
Gotoh machine heads
High-pass filter on volume control (push/pull)
Luminlay side dots
Hardshell case included
Ultralite Tremolo Arm included

Features

5pc Maple/Walnut neck
The 5pc Maple/Walnut neck provides tonal clarity and superior attack.

Rosewood fretboard
Rosewood fretboard provides a well-balanced solid tone with a focused mid range.

Jumbo Stainless Steel frets with Prestige fret edge treatment
Stainless steel frets boast excellent corrosion resistance. The wide and tall fret-type offers a quick response, good articulation when playing chords and clear tone when playing single notes.The Prestige Fret Edge Treatment guarantees effortlessly fast playing.

DiMarzio UtoPIA pickups
Based on Steve’s tonal preferences, DiMarzio UtoPIA pickups are voiced for smoother highs, scooped mids and a more pronounced low-end. DiMarzio UtoPIA pickups incorporate beautiful aesthetics and design elements meant to complement the cosmetic features of the guitar.

Gotoh machine heads
Gotoh machine heads provide superior precision, a smooth feel, and excellent tuning accuracy.

Lo-Pro Edge tremolo
The legendary Lo-Pro Edge bridge offers maximum playing comfort with its streamlined profile and recessed fine tuners. Locking studs contribute to tuning stability.

High-Pass filter on volume control
A high pass filter on the volume pot maintains highs at low volumes.

Petal Grip
Exclusively designed for the PIA, the new Petal Grip offers a balanced, contemporary design aesthetic. It’s also meant to symbolize unity, companionship, and interpersonal bonds.

Magnetic Tremolo Cavity Plate
The tremolo cavity plate is held in place magnetically, allowing for quick removal and reinstallation when changing strings or adjusting the tremolo system.

Scalloped Fingerboard on 21-24 Frets
For easier high note bending and tapping

Luminlay side dots
The Luminlay side dot position marks make it easy for players to see fretboard position marks when performing on dark stages.