Few artist–brand partnerships have shaped the modern guitar quite like Steve Vai and Ibanez. Since the JEM debuted in 1987, Vai’s ideas—monkey grip, hot-rod HSH wiring, and ultra-stable Edge trem—helped define the “superstrat” era. In 1990, Vai and Ibanez pushed again with the Universe, the first mass-produced 7-string, a design that went on to influence entire genres.
Fast-forward to today and you get the PIA—short for Paradise in Art—a refined, player-focused evolution of Vai’s vision. The PIA3761C in Blue Powder takes everything we love about a high-performance Ibanez and adds elegant, genuinely useful upgrades that make it feel fresh, fast and unmistakably Vai.
The Vai–Ibanez Relationship: Innovation on Speed Dial
Vai’s collaboration with Ibanez has always been about turning stage needs into production features. The original JEM (1987) set the template; the Universe (1990) broadened the sonic palette for heavy music; and in 2020 Vai unveiled the PIA—a sleeker, more ergonomic instrument with refined aesthetics and playability for modern players.
What Makes the PIA Unique?
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Petal Grip (not the old Monkey Grip): The sculpted “Petal Grip” is exclusive to the PIA—designed to look elegant and feel balanced in the hand, and symbolising unity and connection.
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Magnetic Trem Cavity Plate: A small touch that makes a big difference when changing strings or tweaking the trem—no screws to lose, just pop it off and back on.
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DiMarzio UtoPIA Pickups (H-S-H): Voiced to deliver smoother highs, a touch of scooped mids and a more pronounced low-end, housed behind ornate covers that visually complement the guitar. Expect musical cleans in positions 2 & 4 and singing sustain on leads.
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High-Pass (Treble Bleed) on the Volume (push/pull): Roll down without losing clarity—great for dynamic players who “ride” the volume.
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Scalloped Frets 21–24: Effortless bends and taps up high—exactly where Vai magic often happens.
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Luminlay Side Dots: See your positions on dark stages or low-light pits.
Tonewood, Feel & Hardware: Built for Precision
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Body / Neck / Board: Alder body for balanced brightness and sustain; 5-piece Maple/Walnut PIA neck for snap and stability; Rosewood fretboard with the elegant PIA Blossom inlay.
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Frets: Jumbo Stainless Steel with Prestige edge treatment—glass-smooth bends and long-term durability.
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Bridge: The legendary Ibanez Edge trem for rock-solid tuning and silky action; locking nut + Gotoh machine heads complete the stability triangle.
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Switching: Five-way selector with the familiar Vai-style split combos in positions 2 & 4 for Strat-like “in-between” sparkle.
Blue Powder: Stage-Ready, Studio-Friendly
The Blue Powder (BLP) finish pairs beautifully with the chrome hardware and ornate UtoPIA pickup covers—subtle enough for a session, bold enough for the big stage. It’s a prestige-grade instrument that looks as premium as it sounds.
Who Is the PIA3761C For?
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Virtuosos & modern rock players who need a fast neck, wide dynamic range and surgical tuning stability.
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Session guitarists who want everything from glassy cleans to saturated lead tones without switching guitars.
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Vai fans & collectors seeking the next chapter after the JEM—this is the evolution, not just a re-issue.
Quick Spec Highlights
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Finish: Blue Powder (BLP)
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Body: Alder
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Neck: PIA 5-pc Maple/Walnut, 25.5" scale (18–20 mm profile), 430 mm radius
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Fretboard: Rosewood, PIA Blossom inlay, 24 frets (21–24 scalloped)
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Frets: Jumbo Stainless Steel (Prestige fret edge treatment)
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Pickups: DiMarzio UtoPIA H-S-H (ceramic humbuckers / Alnico middle)
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Electronics: 5-way blade; push/pull high-pass on volume
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Hardware: Edge tremolo, locking nut, Gotoh machine heads, Ultralite trem arm
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Extras: Luminlay side dots, magnetic trem cavity plate, hardshell case included
The Vai Lineage—Why It Matters
Understanding the PIA means appreciating the lineage: JEM (1987) changed the game; Universe (1990) changed the tuning and range of modern rock/metal; PIA (2020+) refines the ergonomics, tones and stage practicality for today’s player. If you grew up on Passion and Warfare or have been inspired by the countless artists influenced by Vai’s designs, the PIA is the most complete, modern expression of that DNA.
Try the Ibanez PIA3761C Blue Powder at Colemans Music
Come and experience the neck carve, the Petal Grip feel, and the articulate UtoPIA pickup voices for yourself. The PIA3761C PIA – Blue Powder is available at Colemans Music Melbourne CBD and online—our team can help you dial in the setup, gauge and trem tension that match your style.
Got questions about strings, setup or amps to pair with the PIA? Tell us how you play, and we’ll tailor a rig around it.
