STEVE VAI – Ibanez Jem History Lesson Posted: "All About Flo"

Guitar legend Steve Vai has posted a special history lesson focusing on one of his favourite signature Jem guitars, affectionately known as Flo. An excerpt is available below:

“Back in 1992, Steve and Ibanez decided that the next iteration of the Ibanez Jem should have a classic look and feel to it. A design, which eventually turned into the Jem7VWH we now all know, was done and incorporated a few new attributes Ibanez had been working on, such as the All Access Neck Joint.  At the same time, Steve and Dimarzio were working on various pickup prototypes. This resulted in guitars like Evo and Pogo, which were among the first pre-production models of this new design. Other guitars that were created at this point were the original Ash Bad Horsie (Build by Ibanez Luthier Mace Baily), and Bad Horsie II.

Flo at this point was still a Jem 77 FP. Steve had used various Floral Jems, mostly because of the sound. One particular Floral Jem was a favorite and used as backup and warm-up guitar.”

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Vai has announced Vai Academy 2015 – All About The Guitar, the ultimate guitar experience music camp. It will be held in Vail, Colorado August 2nd – 6th.

The immersive 4-day experience features master classes by Vai, and very special guests Eric Johnson and Sonny Landreth. This is a hands-on education in all things guitar, featuring informative sessions, evening jams with the students/teachers, informal chats, food and friends. For complete information, to reserve your spot visit VaiAcademy.com

Vai’s recent Musicians Institute interview is available below. He discusses the perils of ego, the addiction of monogamy and why he always avoids drugs. He also shares some inspiring insight into his creativity and playing, discusses touring, what he looks for in bandmates, composing for orchestras, and playing with Zappa back in the day.

For the final Story Of Light tour date, Vai was sought out to perform his original orchestral compositions at the Grand Opening of the Szczecin Philharmonic Symphony Hall in Poland:

“It was truly a magical evening with the 72 piece orchestra and Steve showcasing a range of imaginative music, ranging from absolutely monstrous to perfectly subtle and delicate.”

Vai’s setlist on the night was as follows:

“Frangelica Pt. I” (without Vai)
“Racing The World”
“The Murder”
“Velorum”
“Gentle Ways”
“Answers”
“Whispering Prayer”
“The Attitude Song”
“I’m Becoming”
“Salamanders In The Sun”
“The Crying Machine”
“Lotus Feet”
“Bangkok”
“The Fire Garden Suite”

Encore:
“Liberty”
“For The Love Of God”