title: What Mythical Creature Inspired the Design of the Ibanez JEM Guitar?
It’s no secret that the Ibanez JEM guitar is one of the most iconic guitars in the world. Designed by legendary guitarist Steve Vai, the JEM has been used by some of the world’s top guitarists, including Paul Gilbert, Joe Satriani, and John Petrucci.
But have you ever wondered where the inspiration for the JEM’s unique design came from? In this blog post, we’re going to explore the mythological creature that inspired the design of the Ibanez JEM guitar.
The Phoenix
At the heart of the JEM’s design is the mythical creature known as the Phoenix. This ancient creature, also known as the Firebird or the Fenghuang, has been a staple of world mythology and folklore for centuries.
The Phoenix is a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and transcendence. According to legend, the Phoenix is a bird that is born from its own ashes. When the Phoenix reaches the end of its life, it builds a nest of aromatic twigs and sets itself on fire. From the ashes, a new Phoenix is born, rising from the flames with renewed life and strength.
The Phoenix is also associated with music and the arts. In Greek mythology, the Phoenix was said to sing a beautiful song that could heal the sick and soothe the troubled mind. In Chinese mythology, the Phoenix was said to represent the five human virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and sincerity. In many cultures, the Phoenix is seen as a symbol of creative inspiration and divine guidance.
The Design of the JEM
When Steve Vai was approached by Ibanez to design his own signature guitar, he knew that he wanted to create something unique and iconic. He drew inspiration from a number of sources, including his own experiences as a guitarist and his love of the arts.
Vai was also drawn to the mythological symbolism of the Phoenix. He saw the Phoenix as a perfect representation of his own creative spirit, constantly rising from the ashes of his own ideas and experiences. He knew that he wanted the JEM guitar to embody this sense of rebirth and renewal.
The first thing that Vai focused on was the body of the guitar. He knew that he wanted something that was sleek, modern, and eye-catching. He also wanted the guitar to be lightweight and comfortable to play, which is why he chose basswood for the body.
To give the guitar a distinctive look, Vai incorporated a number of features inspired by the Phoenix. The most obvious of these is the “Monkey Grip” cutout on the body of the guitar. This circular cutout is located near the top of the guitar and allows the player to grip the guitar with their right hand while playing. It’s meant to look like the talons of the Phoenix, and it’s become one of the most recognizable features of the JEM.
Vai also incorporated a number of other Phoenix-inspired elements into the design of the JEM. For example, the inlays on the fingerboard of the guitar feature a series of feathers that resemble those of the Phoenix. The headstock of the guitar is also shaped like a Phoenix’s head, with a pointed beak and flowing mane of hair.
The Color of the JEM
In addition to the design of the JEM, Vai was also very particular about the color of the guitar. He wanted something that was bright, bold, and visually striking.
The color that Vai chose for the JEM was “Laser Blue”. This bright blue color was meant to represent the flames of the Phoenix, and it’s become one of the most iconic aspects of the JEM’s design.
Vai also wanted to incorporate a few other colors into the design of the JEM. The neck of the guitar features a multicolored “Tree of Life” inlay, which is meant to represent the different branches of knowledge and creativity that Vai draws from.
The Legacy of the JEM
Since its introduction in 1987, the Ibanez JEM has become one of the most iconic and sought-after guitars in the world. Its unique design and exceptional playability have made it a favorite among guitarists of all genres.
But while the JEM may have been inspired by the mythical Phoenix, there’s no denying that its real-life impact has been just as powerful. The JEM has been used to create some of the most memorable and groundbreaking music of the past few decades, and it continues to inspire new generations of guitarists to this day.
In Conclusion
The Ibanez JEM guitar is a true masterpiece of musical design. Inspired by the mythical Phoenix, its unique shape and color set it apart from any other guitar on the market.
As we’ve seen, Steve Vai’s passion for music and the arts was evident in every aspect of the JEM’s design, from the body of the guitar to the inlays on the fingerboard. And while the JEM may have been inspired by the Phoenix, it’s clear that it’s become a legendary symbol of its own.
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