When guitar virtuoso Steve Vai teamed up with Ibanez in the mid-1980s, the result was nothing short of revolutionary. Vai wasn’t just after another flashy endorsement model — he wanted a guitar that would meet his extreme technical demands, match his flamboyant stage presence, and reflect his unique artistic personality.
The result was the original Ibanez JEM, introduced in 1987. With its radical styling, ultra-thin Wizard neck, signature "Monkey Grip" handle, scalloped upper frets, and high-output pickups, it became an icon of shred guitar design.
Fast-forward to 2010, and Ibanez unveiled the JEM77-FP2 — a stunning evolution of the original floral-patterned JEM from the late 1980s. The FP2 (Floral Pattern 2) version wasn’t just a reissue — it was a meticulous redesign that preserved everything players loved about the original while updating the craftsmanship, tonewoods, and electronics for a new era.
🌺 The Floral Finish: More Than Just Decoration
The most eye-catching feature of the JEM77-FP2 is, without a doubt, the floral finish. But this isn’t just painted on — it’s actual floral fabric, embedded into the body beneath a transparent finish.
What makes it truly special is the source of that fabric: it’s a design based on the actual curtains from Steve Vai’s home. That personal touch gives the guitar a sense of intimacy and connection to Vai’s own artistic space — it’s as much a piece of rock history as it is a high-performance instrument.
Specifications That Scream “Performance”
While the looks might catch your eye, it’s the specs that keep players coming back:
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Body: American Basswood — lightweight yet resonant, with a focused midrange.
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Neck: 5-piece Maple/Walnut with Prestige Wizard profile for extreme playability.
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Fingerboard: Rosewood with Tree of Life inlay.
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Frets: 24 jumbo frets, with scalloping on frets 21–24 for precision bending and vibrato.
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Bridge: Edge locking tremolo — ultra-stable even with heavy whammy bar use.
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Pickups:
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Neck: DiMarzio Evolution®
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Middle: DiMarzio Evolution® single-coil
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Bridge: DiMarzio Evo 2®
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Controls: 5-way selector with volume and tone knobs.
This HSH pickup configuration gives it a massive tonal range — from searing leads and high-gain crunch to glassy cleans and funky rhythm tones. Whether you're tapping harmonics or flying across the fretboard at light speed, the JEM77-FP2 is built to keep up.
🧬 Why Is the JEM77-FP2 So Special?
Aesthetic Uniqueness
Every FP2 is different due to the nature of the fabric finish. The floral pattern isn't printed, but cut from real fabric, so no two are identical. That makes each JEM77-FP2 feel like a one-off custom build.
Crafted in Japan
Built in Ibanez’s top-tier Japanese factory, the JEM77-FP2 carries the Prestige badge — a mark of impeccable craftsmanship and quality control. Every detail, from fret dressing to tremolo setup, is done to the highest standards.
Artist DNA
The JEM77-FP2 isn't a guitar inspired by Steve Vai — it's a guitar designed by Steve Vai. Every feature reflects his playing needs, from the handle that lets him spin it mid-solo, to the tone circuitry that gives him the control to shape his sound without ever touching a pedal.
Is It Rare?
Yes — the JEM77-FP2 was produced from 2010 until around 2018, and in relatively limited numbers. Unlike mass-market models, this was a high-end signature guitar with a niche appeal, due to both its price point and its bold styling.
While exact production numbers haven't been publicly disclosed, the model was never widely distributed and has already become a collector’s item. Finding one in excellent condition, particularly with the original case and paperwork, is increasingly difficult.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Art, Performance, and Legacy
The Ibanez JEM77-FP2 isn’t just a high-performance instrument — it’s a fusion of visionary design, sonic versatility, and precision craftsmanship. For Steve Vai enthusiasts, it’s one of the most intimate and visually striking guitars ever to bear his name. And for serious players, it’s a world-class tool built to meet the demands of the most expressive and technically demanding performances.
And for collectors? It’s already a modern classic — a rare floral gem in the world of shred guitars.
Want to try one in person or track one down? Get in touch with Colemans Music — we’re passionate about rare guitars, signature models, and helping you find the instrument that inspires your next masterpiece.