There aren’t alot of things I remember very well from the 1980s and early 90’s – and in some respects that might be a good thing. In terms of music, I was just getting rid of my cassette collection and loading up on CDs.
One of my favorite CDs from that time was Steve Vai’s Passion and Warfare. So when I got the news release from Ibanez recently, it was like a blast from the past.
I can still remember when Ibanez hooked up with Steve Vai to build the 7-string Universe, thinking it was the most insane idea I’ve ever heard. And now, I’m told, that was 20 years ago. The groundbreaking Universe was quickly recognized as the “Most Innovative Guitar of the Year” by music retailers at the 1990 Music and Sound Awards.
Originally designed as a virtuoso shred machine, the Ibanez Universe would have a new life later in the ’90s with its extended low-end range making possible the new breed of rhythmic metal of heavy music players such as Korn and Dino Cazares. Twenty years later, Ibanez is celebrating Steve Vail and the success of his creation by releasing a limited edition, 20th Anniversary UV77RE Universe.
Like the original, the solid body UV77RE reissue is seven strings of excitement, ready-made for maximum shred and some of the meanest riffing on the planet. Darren Johansen, the original Universe designer, brings back the wild swirl motif and in the process, creates a truly unique paint scheme for each Universe that’s produced. As with Ibanez’s other Limited Edition Reissues like the renowned Bob Weir model, all UV77RE models are made in Japan by the same luthiers who created the originals.
1990 not only brought the Ibanez Universe guitar to the world, it also debuted Steve Vai’s groundbreaking, earth shattering album, “Passion and Warfare”, and each U77RE comes with a commemorative poster of this sonic masterpiece.
Only 100 Ibanez U77RE reissues will be offered worldwide. For photos and specifications of the 20th Anniversary Universe, or more information about Ibanez guitars visit http://www.guitarczaronline.com
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