Ibanez Jemjr Steve vai Signature

KEY FEATURES: Basswood body,
maple neck (bolt-on), 647mm (25.5”)
scale, maple fretboard, 22 jumbo frets,
2x EVH Wolfgang humbuckers
(neck and bridge), three-way pickup
selector, 1x master tone,
1x master volume, EVH Floyd Rose
Special vibrato
FINISH: Gloss Black, Matte Blue Frost,
Ferrari Red (as reviewed)
CONTACT: Fender EMEA 01342
331700 evhgear.com
At A glAnce
KEY FEATURES: Mahogany body,
Wizard III maple neck (bolt-on),
647mm (25.5”), rosewood fretboard
with Tree of Life inlay, 24 jumbo frets,
1x INF1 Humbucker (neck) INFS1
Alnico 5 single coil (middle), INF2 Alnico
5 humbucker (bridge), five-way pickup
selector, 1x master tone, 1x master
volume, Ibanez Standard Double-
Locking vibrato, Monkey Grip
FINISH: Pink, Yellow, White
CONTACT: Headstock Distribution
0121 508 6666 ibanez.com
At A glAnce
ToTal GuiTar june 2018
100
Wait, is this an EVH signature model for less than £500?
Yes, it is. There are, of course, a few concessions on the spec when
compared with the US models; there is no D-Tuna, for instance. But
with the reverse pickup switching, the double-locking Floyd Rose
vibrato, the basswood body, the shape and the feel… EVH (or
Fender, rather, who manufactures EVH), has done a great job of
downscaling this for the average-salaried musician.
Speaking of scale, that headstock’s pretty weird.
There’s not much to it, and it contributes to the Wolfgang’s unique
Is this to Vai’s fans what the Wolfgang is to Eddie’s?
Surely. Since 1987, and as far as Steve Vai fans are concerned, the
Ibanez JEM has represented the alpha and omega of shred guitar
design. With the iconic Monkey Grip on the bass side of the body,
the smart Lion’s Claw tremolo cavity, and the Tree of Life inlay, this
looks like the real deal.
What’s this Lion’s Claw tremolo cavity?
Well, it’s the sculpting under the bridge and it allows a lot more play
on your Floyd Rose vibrato; fret a harmonic, pull back on the bar,
feel. Designed for comfort and playability, it feels like a short-scale
guitar even though it’s a Fender-sized 25.5". There’s something
toy-like about the Wolfgang, and that’s not a criticism. It’s easy
and eff ortless.
So it’s fun, then?
When you think of Van Halen’s back catalogue, it’s all about fun,
and the Wolfgang is no diff erent. Its ‘comfort cut’ a contour on the
forearm side, not to mention the neat sculpting on the belly and
heel, make the Wolfgang feel like an extension of your body.
and rest assured that you’ll have the neighbour’s dog howling in
no time.
That finish is intense. Is this a metal guitar?
It’s more than capable of metal. But while the INF2 Alnico 5
humbucker in the bridge is one hot potato, there’s a classic rock
quality to it that’s capable of a lot more. The neck’s INF1 ’bucker is
real doozy, too, with a little more of that equine nasal quality that’s
trademark Vai. Basically, in Vai parlance, this Bad Horsey is no
one-trick pony.
eVH WoLFGaNG
StaNdaRd
Steady like Eddie
IBaNeZ JeMJR SteVe
VaI SIGNatURe
The jewel in the crown
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£455
£449
TGR306.gear_test.indd 100 25/04/2018 12:19