2015 marked the 25th anniversary of the release of Steve Vai’s landmark solo album, Passion & Warfare. Critically acclaimed and publicly celebrated for its unique artistic vision and sheer musical muscle, Passion & Warfare is now considered the milestone that marks the arrival of the 7-string solid body electric guitar.
The Universe, as Steve dubbed it, was showcased prominently on Passion & Warfare, and opened the door for guitarists of every musical background to expand their artistic horizons. Initially adopted by like minded guitar virtuosos, Steve’s vision of a new musical landscape took a turn that perhaps even he hadn’t anticipated when, in the hands of Korn and other purveyors of 90’s new metal, the 7-string became mandatory equipment for anyone engaging in the genre.
Since that time, Steve, along with countless other 7-string enthusiasts have continued to incorporate the Universe into a myriad of musical settings that have both inspired and challenged the world.
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Passion & Warfare, Steve Vai and Ibanez are proud to offer three very special limited edition guitars.
Using the same colorful swirled patterning associated with the original Universe, they here present “Passion” & “Warfare.” These handcrafted guitars draw on the color schemes present in the original album artwork, depicting the ravages of a war-torn hell juxtaposed against a nirvana-like state of passion for life and for love.
The third in this series of celebratory editions looks to the traditional role silver plays in observance of a 25th anniversary, marrying it with a design reminiscent of Steve’s custom 7-string, used when touring with Whitesnake, immediately following the release of Passion & Warfare.
77 pieces of each of these three editions have been made available to the public for purchase.
Pickup switching system
Position 1: bridge pickup (humbucking)
Position 2: bridge split-coil (inside) and middle pickup (humbucking)
Position 3: middle pickup (single-coil)
Position 4: neck split-coil (inside) and middle single-coil pickup (humbucking)
Position 5: neck pickup humbucking
Body
Body shape: Double cutaway
Body type: Solid body
Body material: Solid wood
Top wood: Not applicable
Body wood: Basswood
Body finish: Gloss
Orientation: Right handed
Neck
Neck shape: UV77
Neck wood: Maple/bubinga 5-piece
Joint: Bolt-on
Scale length: 25.5"
Truss rod: Standard
Neck finish: Gloss
Fretboard
Material: Rosewood
Radius: 16"
Fret size: Jumbo
Number of frets: 24
Inlays: Custom
Nut width: 1.89" (48mm)
Pickups
Configuration: HSH
Neck: Blaze
Middle: Blaze
Bridge: Blaze
Brand: DiMarzio
Active or passive pickups: Passive
Series or parallel: Series
Piezo: No
Active EQ: No
Special electronics: None
Controls
Control layout: Master volume, tone
Pickup switch: 5-way
Coil tap or split: No
Kill switch: No
Hardware
Bridge type: Tremolo/Vibrato
Bridge design: Lo-pro Edge with locking nut
Tailpiece: Not applicable
Tuning machines: Die-cast
Color: Black
Other
Number of strings: 7-string
Special features: Body graphic
Case: Hardshell case
Accessories: Info not available
Country of origin: Japan
Grab this special guitar while it's still available. Order today.
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