1991 Ibanez JEM77 BFP - Bonvillain Design Studio (BDS) BMC - Blue Multi Color #3

The Backstory

Ibanez shook up the collector’s market with the 2023 NAMM release of the PIA77 BON, showcasing the bespoke work of Bonvillain Design Studio (BDS).  Leading up to and since this momentous release, with ongoing refinement of process and skill, BDS has produced numerous original works for a variety of performing artists and collectors alike.  

One of these pieces was for a guitar collector friend, a refinish of an original 1991 JEM77 BFP (Blue Floral Print).  The BDS team loved this guitar so much that they decided to hunt down ideal examples of BFP’s that had significant finish issues while maintaining originality and structural integrity.  Due to these difficult-to-find specifications and the team’s respect for Ibanez guitar history, these guitars will inherently remain extremely limited in numbers.

Blue Floral Print & JEM77 Roots

Introducing the JEM77 BFP, a standout model in Ibanez's legendary JEM series, first launched in 1991. This striking electric guitar, crafted in Japan by FujiGen, was designed as a signature instrument for the iconic American guitarist Steve Vai.

The JEM77 BFP dazzles with its unique blue floral pattern finish, setting it apart from its predecessors. It boasts a solid basswood body paired with a sleek maple neck and a 24-fret maple fingerboard adorned with blue Tree of Life inlays. Equipped with powerful DiMarzio pickups—featuring two humbuckers and a single-coil—this guitar delivers exceptional sound versatility. The Lo-Pro Edge double locking tremolo bridge and Gotoh tuning machines ensure top-notch performance and stability.

Following the original JEM77 FP, the JEM77 BFP was the second JEM model to showcase a floral pattern. Its distinctive finish was achieved through a paper print of the floral design adhered to the body and headstock, then topped with a clear coat, a method distinct from the floral cloth used in earlier models.

Production of the JEM77 BFP ceased in 1996, but its legacy continues with the introduction of the visually similar JEM77P in 2015.

Blue Multi Color (BMC)

Steve Vai’s Multi Color JEM guitars are some of the most sought after and collectible of all JEM guitars, specifically the Green Multi Color (GMC) and Purple Multi Color (PMC).  These guitars are iconic and ultra rare (only 366 GMCs and 271 PMCs).  Due to costs, Ibanez discontinued the JEM MC series in 1992-1993.

This blue color-way that BDS has created perfectly compliments the blue Tree of Life inlays, blue DiMarzio pickups, and blue knobs/switches featured on JEM77 BFPs.  Professionally setup with ultra-low action and paired with a brand new Ibanez M100C blue-lined hardshell case, these exceptional instruments are ready to fluoresce on stage under the black lights. 

Refinishing Details:

• Original Blue Floral Pattern & finish removed to bare wood
  Body & headstock painted with BMC artwork
  
• Necks have been cleaned, refretted with original wire if needed, and have zero wear
  
• Electronics are all original
• Plastics, hardware, covers, and bridge may be replaced with OEM Ibanez parts if needed.

Included:

• Ibanez M100C Case
• Original Whammy Bar
• Boveda 49% RH Humidity Control Pack
  
• Bonvillain Design Studio Certificate of Authenticity & Folio