5 Shocking Truths About The Ibanez PIA: Does Steve Vai Really Play His Own Signature Guitar?

The question "does Steve even play Pia" is one of the most persistent and curious debates in the high-performance guitar community, and for a very good reason. It’s a query that directly challenges the authenticity of a legendary artist's gear choice. The 'Steve' in question is Steven Siro Vai, the virtuoso guitarist, and 'PIA' refers to his newest signature model, the Ibanez PIA (Paradise in Art), which was introduced as the spiritual successor to his iconic JEM guitar.

As of December 2025, the answer is a resounding 'Yes,' and the evidence is clearer than ever. While many fans still associate Vai with his classic JEM models, recent concert footage from his 2024 tours confirms that the PIA is not just a commercial product; it is a fully integrated, and in some cases, preferred instrument in his current touring rig. The curiosity stems from the PIA's status as an evolution of a 35-year legacy, prompting guitarists worldwide to ask whether the master truly embraces his own creation.

Steven Siro Vai: A Brief Biography & Gear Legacy

Before diving into the PIA, it is essential to understand the man behind the machine. Steven Siro Vai is a name synonymous with guitar innovation, technical brilliance, and a unique, boundary-pushing musical style. His career is a roadmap of rock history, from his early days as a transcriptionist for Frank Zappa to his stints with Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake, culminating in a highly successful solo career.

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Biography of Steven Siro Vai (The Man Behind PIA)

• Full Name: Steven Siro Vai
• Born: June 6, 1960 (Age 65 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Carle Place, New York, U.S.
• Primary Instrument: Electric Guitar
• Notable Associations: Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, Alcatrazz, Joe Satriani (G3)
• Signature Guitar Models: Ibanez JEM (debuted 1987), Ibanez Universe (7-string, debuted 1990), Ibanez PIA (Paradise in Art, debuted 2020)
• Grammy Awards: Three-time winner, fifteen-time nominee
• Current Status (2024/2025): Active touring and recording artist, often appearing with the G3 lineup or on his own solo tours.

Vai’s most significant contribution to the electric guitar world, prior to the PIA, was the Ibanez JEM. Introduced in 1987, the JEM was revolutionary, featuring the now-iconic Monkey Grip, the Lion's Claw tremolo cavity, and the beautiful Tree of Life fretboard inlay. For over three decades, the JEM was Vai’s primary tool, setting an impossibly high standard for what a signature guitar could be. This long-standing relationship with the JEM is precisely why the PIA’s existence, and its usage, sparked such fervent debate.

The Definitive Answer: Is the PIA on Steve Vai's 2024 Tour Rig?

The short answer to the core question—does Steve Vai play the PIA?—is an unequivocal yes. The Ibanez PIA is a central part of his current touring arsenal, and he has been seen playing it extensively during his 2024 and 2025 live appearances, including the highly anticipated Satch/Vai Tour and various G3 dates.

The skepticism from the guitar community is understandable. When a legendary artist has a 35-year-old signature model (the JEM) that is instantly recognizable, any new model is automatically viewed with suspicion. Many assume the new guitar is simply a marketing exercise.

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Evidence of PIA Usage in 2024-2025

• Live Performances: Video clips and photos from the 2024 Satch/Vai tour and G3 concerts clearly show Vai performing complex tracks like "For the Love of God" and others using various PIA models, including the Blue Powder and Stallion White finishes.
• Gear Lists: Updated gear lists for his current tours consistently feature the PIA alongside his workhorse JEMs. The PIA is not just a backup; it's a primary instrument.
• The Intent: Vai himself has stated that the PIA is not a replacement for the JEM, but an evolution. He designed it to refine the JEM's features and introduce new ergonomic and aesthetic elements that better suit his current preferences.

The fact that Vai, who is meticulous about his tone and feel, has integrated the PIA into his high-stakes live performances confirms its status as a professional-grade instrument and a true successor in his signature line.

JEM vs. PIA: Why Guitarists Are Still Asking the Question

The true heart of the "does Steve even play PIA" debate lies in the subtle yet significant differences between the JEM and the PIA. The PIA, which stands for Paradise in Art, was launched in 2020 (NAMM 2020) and immediately drew comparisons to its older sibling. It was designed to be a more balanced, mature, and visually refined instrument.

Key Differences That Define the Debate

1. The Grip and Aesthetics: Monkey Grip vs. Petal Grip

The most noticeable visual change is the replacement of the JEM's aggressive, functional Monkey Grip with the more elegant PIA Blossom Inlay on the body, often referred to as the Petal Grip. This new grip is more ergonomic and symbolizes the concept of balance, or 'Paradise in Art,' which Vai was aiming for. The iconic Tree of Life inlay on the fretboard has also been refined into the new PIA Blossom Inlay.

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2. Pickups: Evolution of Tone

The PIA features a new set of custom-designed pickups: the DiMarzio UtoPIA humbuckers and single-coil. While the JEM models traditionally used Evolution or Gravity Storm pickups, the UtoPIA set was specifically voiced to provide a slightly more rounded, sweeter, and harmonically rich sound than the often-fierce Evolution pickups. This subtle tonal shift is a major point of discussion among fans.

3. Manufacturing and Quality

A crucial factor for many collectors and players is the country of origin. The high-end, flagship JEM models were historically Japanese-made. With the introduction of the PIA, the new signature model is exclusively manufactured in Japan, while many current JEM models (like the JEM7VP) are now made in Indonesia. This has positioned the PIA as the new, top-tier, Japanese-crafted flagship of Vai's signature line.

4. Neck Profile

The neck profiles, though subtle, are different. While both are built for speed, some players note that the PIA's neck, while still wide and flat, feels slightly different under the fingers than the JEM's classic profile, offering a marginally flatter feel.

The Legacy of the PIA and Topical Authority

The Ibanez PIA is more than just a guitar; it’s a statement about the continuous evolution of a master craftsman. By actively playing the PIA on his most recent tours, Steve Vai has unequivocally answered the community’s question. He is not just selling a new product; he is validating its place in his legacy.

The PIA solidifies its own topical authority within the world of high-performance electric guitars, standing alongside the JEM and the Universe. It represents the pinnacle of Ibanez's Japanese craftsmanship and Vai's vision for the future of his sound. For any guitarist looking for a modern, refined, and aesthetically stunning instrument built for technical proficiency, the PIA is the new benchmark, played and endorsed by its creator, Steven Siro Vai, on the world's biggest stages in 2024 and beyond.