2023 Ibanez PIA77-BON Steve Vai Signature Brilliance of Now - Artist Pick 8519

Ibanez PIA77-BON Steve Vai Signature – Brilliance of Now (Artist Pick)

The Altitude Summary

Celebrating the 35th anniversary of Steve Vai’s partnership with Ibanez, the limited edition PIA77-BON is a dazzling and exclusive masterpiece that seamlessly merges artistry, innovation, and performance. Handcrafted in Japan by FujiGen and featuring a custom swirl finish by David Bonvillain, this instrument is a continuation of Vai’s signature aesthetic — a visual and sonic tribute to the legacy of the Universe and JEM series. With only 180 units worldwide, the PIA77-BON is as collectible as it is playable, offering unique tonal control and signature Vai design elements in an elite, limited-production build.

This guitar is one of the few "Artist Picks" that David himself chose as his favorite pieces from the run.  The Certificate of Authenticity is also signed by David included photographs of him holding the guitar.

Signature Design and Precision Craftsmanship

The alder body is sculpted for comfort and resonance, matched to a 5-piece maple/walnut neck using Ibanez’s AANJ (All Access Neck Joint) for effortless upper-fret access. The rosewood fingerboard is adorned with the elegant PIA blossom vine inlay and enhanced with Luminlay side dots for low-light visibility. The final four frets are scalloped, inviting fluid bends and expressive phrasing — perfect for players who push their limits on every solo.

Exclusive Bonvillain Swirl Finish

Each PIA77-BON features a hand-swirled finish by David Bonvillain of Bonvillain Design Studio. Drawing inspiration from iconic swirl-finished models like the UV77RE and DNA, this unique process ensures that no two guitars are exactly alike. Combined with the transparent pickguard and sleek Cosmo Black hardware, the result is a visually arresting instrument worthy of Vai’s legacy.

UtoPIA Pickups and Advanced Switching

Equipped with a signature DiMarzio UtoPIA HSH pickup configuration, the PIA77 delivers a versatile palette of tones that range from smooth and fluid to cutting and articulate. The push-pull high pass filter retains clarity at lower volumes, while the 5-way selector offers quick access to an array of tonal options tailored for stage and studio versatility.

Hardware Built for Performance

The Lo-Pro Edge tremolo system with an UltraLite arm provides silky-smooth pitch modulation and rock-solid tuning stability. Gotoh machine heads and the Top-Lok III locking nut complete the premium hardware setup, ensuring flawless operation whether you're dive-bombing or tapping through rapid-fire legato runs.

Key Features:

• Handcrafted in Japan by FujiGen

• Alder body with exclusive swirl finish by Bonvillain Design Studio (180 worldwide)

• 5-piece maple/walnut neck with rosewood fretboard and PIA blossom inlays

• 24 jumbo stainless steel frets with scalloping on the last four

• DiMarzio UtoPIA HSH pickup set for versatile tonal expression

• Lo-Pro Edge tremolo with UltraLite arm for smooth performance and tuning stability

• Push-pull high pass filter on master volume for tonal clarity at all levels

• Transparent pickguard, Cosmo Black hardware, and Gotoh tuners

• Comes with Ibanez hard case and original documentation

The PIA77-BON is a bold statement piece built to honor Vai’s boundary-pushing legacy. Whether you're a collector, performer, or lifelong Vai devotee, this guitar offers the visual artistry and sonic firepower to match the moment.