Ibanez

Type	Private
Industry	Musical instruments
Founded	Nagoya, Japan 1957
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Ibanez Guitars and Basses, Amplifiers, Effects
Website	ibanez.com

Ibanez (アイバニーズ, Aibanīzu^?) is a Japanese guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in import guitar sales in the United States and Europe, as well as the first brand of guitars to mass produce the seven-string guitar.

History[link]

The Hoshino Gakki company began in 1908 as the musical instrument sales division of the Hoshino Shoten, a bookstore company. The Ibanez brand name dates back to 1929 when Hoshino Gakki began importing Salvador Ibáñez guitars from Spain. When the "Salvador Ibáñez" workshop was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, the "Ibanez Salvador" guitars were no longer available, so Hoshino Gakki bought the "Ibanez Salvador" brand name rights and started making Spanish acoustic guitars in 1935, at first using the "Ibanez Salvador" brand name, and then later using the "Ibanez" brand name.^[1]

The modern era of Ibanez guitars began in 1957 ^[2] and the late 1950s and 1960s Ibanez catalogues show guitars with some wild looking designs.^[3] Japanese guitar makers in the 1960s were mostly copying European guitar designs and some of the late 1960s Ibanez designs were similar to Hagström and EKO guitar designs. Hoshino Gakki used the Teisco and FujiGen Gakki guitar factories to manufacture Ibanez guitars after they stopped manufacturing their own guitars in 1966 and after the Teisco guitar factory closed down in 1969/1970 Hoshino Gakki used the FujiGen Gakki guitar factory to make most Ibanez guitars.

In the 1960s Japanese guitar makers started to mainly copy American guitar designs and Ibanez branded copies of Gibson, Fender and Rickenbacker models started to appear. This resulted in the so called Ibanez lawsuit period. After the lawsuit period Hoshino Gakki introduced Ibanez models that were definitely not copies of the Gibson or Fender designs such as the Iceman and The Ibanez Roadstar. The company has produced its own guitar designs ever since. The late 1980s and early 1990s were an important period for the Ibanez brand. Hoshino Gakki's relationship with Frank Zappa's former guitarist Steve Vai resulted in the introduction of the Ibanez JEM and the Ibanez Universe models and after the earlier successes of the Roadstar and Iceman models in the late 1970s/early 1980s, Hoshino Gakki entered the superstrat market with the RG series which were a lower priced version of the Ibanez JEM model.

Hoshino Gakki also had semi acoustic, nylon and steel stringed acoustic guitars manufactured under the Ibanez name. Most Ibanez guitars were made for Hoshino Gakki by the FujiGen guitar factory in Japan up until the mid-to-late 1980s and from then on Ibanez guitars have also been made in other Asian countries such as Korea, China and Indonesia. During the early 1980s the FujiGen guitar factory also produced most of the Roland guitar synthesizers, including the Stratocaster-style Roland G-505, the twin-humbucker Roland G-202 (endorsed by Eric Clapton, Dean Brown, Jeff Baxter, Yannis Spathas, Steve Howe, Mike Rutherford, Andy Summers and Steve Hackett) and the Ibanez X-ING IMG-2010.

Cimar and Starfield were guitar brands owned by Hoshino Gakki. In the 1970s, Hoshino Gakki and Kanda Shokai shared some guitar designs and so some Ibanez and Greco guitars have the same features. The Kanda Shokai Greco guitars were sold in Japan and the Hoshino Gakki Ibanez guitars were sold outside of Japan. From 1982, Ibanez guitars have also been sold in Japan as well as being sold outside of Japan.^[4]

Guitar brands such as Antoria shared some Ibanez guitar designs. The Antoria guitar brand was managed by JT Coppock Leeds Ltd England. CSL was a brand name managed by Charles Summerfield Ltd England. Maurice Summerfield of the Charles Summerfield Ltd company contributed some design ideas to Hoshino Gakki and also imported Ibanez and CSL guitars into the UK with Hoshino Gakki cooperation from 1964–1987.^[5] The Maxxas brand name came about because Hoshino Gakki thought that the guitar did not fit in with the Ibanez model range and was therefore named Maxxas by Rich Lasner from Hoshino USA.^[6]

Lawsuit[link]

Harry Rosenbloom, founder of the (now-closed) Medley Music of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, was manufacturing handmade guitars under the name "Elger." By 1965 Rosenbloom had decided to stop manufacturing guitars and chose to become the exclusive North American distributor for Ibanez guitars. In September 1972 Hoshino began a partnership with Elger Guitars to import guitars from Japan. In September 1981, Elger was renamed "Hoshino U.S.A.", retaining the company headquarters in Bensalem, Pennsylvania as a distribution and quality-control center.

On June 28, 1977, in the Philadelphia Federal District Court, a lawsuit was filed by the Norlin Corporation, the parent company of Gibson Guitars against Elger/Hoshino U.S.A.'s use of the Gibson headstock design. Hoshino settled out of court in early 1978 and the case was officially closed on February 2, 1978.^[7]

After the lawsuit Hoshino Gakki abandoned the strategy of copying "classic" U.S.A. electric guitar designs—having already introduced a plethora of original designs. Hoshino was producing Artist models of their own design from 1974, introducing a set neck model in 1975. In 1977 they upgraded and extended their Artist range and introduced a number of other top quality original designs made to match or surpass famous American brands; the Performer and short-lived Concert ranges which competed with the Les Paul; through neck Musicians; Studios in fixed and through neck construction; the radically shaped Iceman and the Roadster which morphed into the Roadstar range, precursor to the popular superstrat era in the mid-1980s. The newer Ibanez models began incorporating more modern elements into their design such as radical body shapes, slimmer necks, 2-octave fingerboards, slim pointed headstocks, higher-output electronics, humbucker/single-coil/humbucker (H/S/H) pickup configurations, locking tremolo bridges and different finishes.

Guitars[link]

Solid Body Electric Guitars[link]

Custom painted and modified 1997 RG570

• Ibanez RG

The main characteristics that are common between all Ibanez RG guitars (RG stands for Roadstar Guitar^[8]) is that they feature 24 frets and use thin necks, known as "Wizard", which allows for faster playing.^[9] The RG Tremolo line up are RG guitars that are made in Indonesia that feature the Edge Zero II tremolo bridge system. The RG Fixed series features a fixed bridge system. The RG Premium guitars are similar to other RG models but are built in Ibanez's premium factory to premium quality standards.^[10] The RG Prestige guitars are Ibanez's top of the line RG models that are built in Japan. They feature higher quality materials, high craftsmanship, and higher quality bridges compared to other RG models.^[11]

• Ibanez RGA

The Ibanez RGA was introduced at a time when the Ibanez RG series only had tremolo bridges. Since then, the RG series has introduced fixed bridge models, but Ibanez still produces the RGA series with an arched top to differentiate from the RG series.The arched top allows for added comfort while playing the guitar.^[12] Ibanez currently makes one RGA Prestige model.^[13]

• Ibanez RGD

The Ibanez RGD guitar was developed for heavy metal guitar players.^[14] The RGD features a 26.5" scale which allows for lower than standard guitar tuning while retaining standard string tension. It also features an extra deep scoop cut on the lower horn for easy high fret access.^[15] Ibanez currently makes two Ibanez RGD Prestige models.^[16]

• Ibanez S

The Ibanez S (S Stands for Saber^[17]) guitar has an extremely thin body made out of mahogany. It has models with either 22 or 24 frets that are housed in slightly larger necks, known as the Wizard III, compared to the thinner Wizard necks that the RG has. All S models have arched top bodies. The guitars use the ZR (Zero Resistance) bridge system.^[17]

Custom modified 2005 S470

Ibanez currently makes three S Prestige guitars.^[18]

• Ibanez DN

The Ibanez DN guitar (DN stands for Darkstone^[19]) was developed for heavy metal guitar players.^[19] The main features of the DN are that it has a set-in neck for speed and playing comfort, medium frets, and coil tapped pickups.^[20]

• Ibanez X

The Ibanez X guitars are Ibanez guitars that feature unconventional and unique body designs. An example would be the Ibanez Xiphos, which is stylized to look like the letter X and features 27 frets.^[21] For all X guitars currently available and for more information, check the Ibanez X Series page here.

• Ibanez Artist

The Ibanez Artist guitars were designed for heavy playing such as for heavy metal or traditional rock.^[22] The Artist ARZ is a single cutaway, 24 fret, 25" scale guitar that features a wide variety of bridges and pickups depending on the specific model.^[23] The Artist ART is a single cutaway, 22 fret, 24.75" scale guitar that features a hard tail bridge.^[24] The Ibanez ARX is a set-in neck, double cutaway guitar with 22 frets on a 24.75" scale.^[25]

• Ibanez FR

The Ibanez FR Prestige is a simple body type guitar that is designed to be played in many music types.^[26]

• Ibanez Gio

The Ibanez Gio are Ibanez's budget guitars designed for high play ability at low costs.^[27] Many high end Ibanez guitars are recreated in Gio form, such as the RGA and ART models,^[27] to be more affordable. For all Gio guitars currently available and for more information, check Ibanez Gio series page here.

• Ibanez Mikro

The Ibanez Mikro series are small form factor guitars designed for children, beginners, or guitar players looking for a guitar that is easy to transport.^[28] There are three body types, the GRGM (which includes a left hand model), which is designed after the RG, the GICM, which is designed after the Iceman, and the GDTM, which is designed after the Destroyer.^[29]

Hollow Body Electric Guitars[link]

• Ibanez Artcore Custom

The Artcore Custom is Ibanez's flagship model for the Artcore series. The bodies of the gutiars are made up maple, the neck has a set-in construction type, and features wood control knobs and hand rolled frets.^[30]

• Ibanez AK

The Ibanez AK is a guitar designed for jazz and blues type playing. It features a slim set-in neck with a body designed to easily access the higher frets. The AK is easily distinguishable by its sharper lower body horn that other Artcore guitars do not have.^[31]

Discontinued Guitars[link]

• Ibanez R series, also known as the Radius series, are famous for having lightweight aerofoil-profiled basswood bodies. The main endorser was the world famous Joe Satriani before he was given his own Signature JS series. The Radius series is now discontinued.
• RT series – Superstrat design with 24 frets. Discontinued in 1994.
• RX series – Superstrat design but with 22 frets instead. Discontinued in 1998, and currently only exists as GRX (budget model of RX series).
• AX series – Extreme version of the artist model, aimed towards metal players – currently only exist as GAX model and Guitar Center exclusive model.
• Axstar (aka Axstar by Ibanez) – discontinued
• EDR/EXR – Ergodyne series – discontinued
• MC – Musician series – Discontinued – Neck-through construction (except for MC-100, which has a bolt-on neck), with 24 frets (two octaves) – As with the Artist models of the late 1970s, some of these guitars were equipped with trisound switches, and some models (MC 400 and MC 500) were equipped with active electronics (on-board EQ/preamplifiers)
• PF – Performer series 1977–82 with a pair of Super 70s humbuckers mahogany body and maple neck with rosewood fingerboard – Pf 100, bolt on neck; PF 200 bolt on neck with curved maple top; PF 300 with set neck, curved maple top and tri sound; PF 400 as 300 but with carved maple cap. This last being equal in quality to the artist.
• ST – Studio series 1977–82 offset double cutaway ranging from bolt on to fixed and through necks with pairs of V2 distortion humbuckers. 24 frets and 25.5" scale.
• CN – Concert range 1977–79 like a bolt on neck Artist with slightly offset cutaways.
• IC – Iceman a radical shape endorsed and used bt Paul Stanley, Various pickup combinations.
• BL – Blazer series 1980–82 – fixed bridge strat-like with maple necks and mahogany or ash bodies sporting 3 single coil pickups (Super 6 or BL) or 2 Super 70 humbuckers.
• ARC-100/300 (Retro Series)
• ARX-100/300 (Retro Series)
• AR-100/200 (black vintage top)
• V Series – Flying V's – discontinued
• Artcore Series – Ibanez's full and semi-hollow guitar line.
• Ibanez Jet King 2 and Jet King 1 – A modern remake of the Ibanez Rhythm maker, vintage looking and sounding guitars.
• Radius series – discontinued, a modified version is now taken over by the Joe Satriani signature series which features a multi-radius neck.
• RS First the Roadster series of fixed bridge strat types with Super 6 single coil pickups then the longlives Roadstar Series with many variants including the Talman, Radius and Saber series
• EX Series – Manufactured in Korea.
• PL – Pro Line series
• RR – Rocket Roll
• DT – Destroyer
• IC – Iceman
• Talman Series – discontinued
• CN Concert Series – This was a short lived series produced in 1978 then discontinued soon afterwards. It features an [Asymmetric|asymmetric] double cutaway body with two humbuckers, a hard tail bridge and a bolt on neck. The top end model (the CN250) was one of the earliest guitars to feature "half vine" fingerboard inlays.
• Ibanez j.custom – Previously an exclusive custom range available in Japan only. Now available worldwide
• U.S.A. custom – USA custom range
• AFD – Artfield
• (M)GR – Ghostrider
• DN Series – Also known as the Darkstone series. Introduced in 2009, a totally new model featuring Sapele wood body, set in neck, PP1 Humbucking Pickups, and new "Tight Tune" Bridge and Tailpiece.
• Cimar by Ibanez

Production Signature Models[link]

• JS – Joe Satriani Signature
• Universe and JEM – Steve Vai Designed Guitar
• PGM – Paul Gilbert Signature
• MTM – Mick Thomson Signature
• NDM2 – Noodles Signature
• APEX – Munky Signature
• E-Gen – Herman Li Signature
• STM – Sam Totman Signature
• ORM – Omar Rodriguez Signature
• MBM – Matt Bachand Signature
• HRG – H. R. Giger Signature
• GB – George Benson Signature
• PM – Pat Metheny Signature
• JSM – John Scofield Signature
• AT – Andy Timmons Signature
• SDB – Sharlee D'angelo Signature bass
• K5 – Fieldy Signature bass
• PRB – Paul Romanko Signature bass
• PGB – Paul Gray Signature bass
• GWB – Gary Willis Signature bass
• MDB – Mike D'Antonio Signature bass
• DTB – Dionald Tubang Signature bass

Ibanez JEM 555BK

Discontinued Signature Models[link]

• ICJ100WZ – Jay Yuenger Signature
• K7 – Korn Signature
• Stanley Jordan Signature
• AH10 – Alan Holdsworth Signature
• PS10 – Paul Stanley Signature
• LR10 – Lee Ritenour Signature
• JP20 – Joe Pass Signature
• MFM – Marty Friedman Signature
• VM1 – Vinnie Moore Signature
• FGM – Frank Gambale Signature
• JPM – John Petrucci Signature
• RBM2NT – Reb Beach Signature
• DMM1 – Daron Malakian Signature
• AT – Andy Timmons Signature
• MMM – Mike Mushok Signature
• RS1010SL – Steve Lukather Signature
• STM1 – Sam Totman Signature
• VWB1 – Verdine White Signature Bass
• NDM1 and NDM2 – Noodles Signature

Bass Guitar Models[link]

• ARTCORE Series- Archtop Basses
  • AFB200 – Hollow-body bass guitar
  • AGB200 – Semihollow-body bass guitar
• ATK 300 4 string model
• ATK 305 5 string model
• ATK 1200, the Prestige version of the standard ATK, has extra neck pickup
• ATK 800, to be released in 2012, a prestige version of the standard ATK.
• Blazer
• BTB (Boutique Bass) Series
  • BTB 400QM (discontinued)
  • BTB Prestige – High-end range which are made in Japan.
• DWB (Doug Wimbish) Series
• EDA (Ergodyne) Series - Ergodyne stands for polymer (non-wood) body.
• EDB (Ergodyne) Series
• EDC (Ergodyne) Series
• EWB Series
• GARTB 20
• GATK 20 – More affordable version of the ATK.
• GAXB Series(discontinued)
• GSR Series- A lower-cost version of the Soundgear Series
  • GSR 100 EX
  • GSR 105 EX
  • GSRM 20
  • GSR 250 M
  • GSR 200 – The original GSR bass guitar
  • GSR 200 FM – The GSR but with different color designs such as sunburst.
  • GSR 205 – Nominated for Ibanez's "Best of Model" award
  • GSR 205 FM
• GWB (Gary Willis) Series
• ICB (Iceman) Series
• JTK (Jet King) Series
• JUMPSTART Series- Similar to the GSR Series, named for the Jumpstart Pack which comes with amp and other accessories.
• K5 Fieldy- A custom 5-string Soundgear design w/ "K5" Inlay centered on 12th fret. It was based around a late-1990s then-top-of-the-line Soundgear SR885 owned by the artist, retaining the shape and electronics, but with different colour options and a change of woods to suit his preferences. Early models were Japanese-built, but production later moved to other Asian countries, around the same time Japanese models were rebranded with the Prestige moniker and positioned as the absolute top of the line.
• Musician Series
• ROADGEAR Series
• SR (Soundgear) Series - Middle-class model range in the new millenium, though it included expensive high-end and top-of-the-line Japanese models in the late 1980s and 1990s. Later top offerings were branded as Signature and SR Prestige models for clearer segmentation, and all non-Prestige model production moved outside Japan.
  • SR Prestige – High-end versions of the Ibanez Soundgear (SR-5004/5/6 & SR-4004/5) Bass Guitars made in Japan (and, now, Indonesia) using exotic woods and high-quality custom Bartolini pickups & new "PWC-III" Power Curve III 3-band EQ with EQ bypass switch to bypass the electronics and take the bass signal directly from the pickups to the output jack. All Japanese-built current production models are in the Prestige series, but some of the latest Prestiges are actually Indonesian-built.

Headstock from an ARTCORE series guitar

• SRX (Soundgear) Series
• SDGR Series
• ATK Series
• EX series
• Roadstar Series
• Roadster Series
• S series
• TR Series

Acoustic Guitar Models[link]

• AE Series
  • AE5LG
• AES Series
• AW Series
• DT Series
• EP9 Series
• EW Series
• GA Series
• JAMPACK Series
• MANDOLIN Series
• MANN Series (Canadian distribution only)
• MASA Series
• PF Series
• PC series
• TALMAN Series
• V Series
• Concord
• SAGE Series

Ibanez endorsers: past and present[link]

Effect pedals[link]

Ibanez DE7 Delay/Echo Pedal

See: list of Ibanez products

In the 1970s, the Nisshin Onpa company, who owned the Maxon brand name, developed and began selling a series of effect pedals in Japan. Hoshino Gakki licensed these for sale using the name Ibanez outside of Japan. These two companies eventually began doing less and less business together until Nisshin Onpa ceased manufacting the TS-9 reissue for Hoshino Gakki in 2002.

Tube Screamer[link]

Serial numbers[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Guitar portal

• Official website
• Ibanez Register – Information and pictures of all the Ibanez guitars
• History of Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.
• Ibanez History
• Ibanez Museum – Ibanez instruments database, resources, user reviews, and pictures.
• Origins of Ibanez and the Lawsuit Models
• Ibanez Serial Number Decoder (Javascript must be disabled for site to work)
• Complete Ibanez Catalogs Online
• JAPAN Discoveries – International shipping Available (from JAPAN)
• IbanezRules – Buy/Sell used Ibanez guitars, technical setup guides, catalog scans, manuals, wiring diagrams, etc.
• Guitar Resource Center Ibanez Guitar Reviews
• The Ibanez JS Site
• Jemsite – Dedicated to Ibanez JEM guitars and other Ibanez guitars.
• Rich Lasner from Hoshino USA interview
• The Mr-Ibanez Collection – Collection of rare vintage ibanez guitars
• ICJ100WZ.com – Dedicated to the Ibanez ICJ100WZ

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Herman Li
Background information
Birth name	Herman Li
Born	(1976-10-03) October 3, 1976 (age 35) Hong Kong
Genres	Power metal, speed metal, neo-classical metal, progressive metal, thrash metal, black metal
Occupations	Rock musician, producer
Instruments	Guitar
Years active	1993–present
Labels	Sanctuary, Noise, Roadrunner, JVC
Associated acts	DragonForce, Shadow Warriors, Demoniac, Labrat
Website	www.hermanli.com
Notable instruments
Ibanez E-Gen - Herman Li Signature Model

Herman Li (Chinese: 李康敏, Hanyu Pinyin: Lǐ Kāng Mǐn;^[1] (born October 3, 1976) is a British musician and record producer. He is perhaps best known as a guitarist for the power metal band DragonForce.

Playing style[link]

Li draws influences from rock, all sub-genres of metal as well as video game music and often mimics sounds from popular retro games from the late 80s, early-90s arcade, and PC games. For example, Li has been known for making several Mario-type noises in the song "Through the Fire and Flames" on Inhuman Rampage. His playing style consists of fast descending and ascending legato and staccato licks, exotic scale runs, making extensive use of the harmonic minor and Phrygian dominant scale, extreme use of his whammy bar, quick full ascending and descending sweep picking arpeggios, alternate picking and tapping (especially two-handed) on the higher frets as well as incorporating many other shred guitar style techniques.^[2] Li is left-handed but learned to play right-handed. Recently, he has started to use a device called the Hot Hand that sits on his right hand like a ring, which causes extreme vibrato when shaken, giving him greater capacity to emulate certain video game sounds. Li has stated John Petrucci's fast guitar playing heavily inspired his own style. ^[3]

Equipment[link]

Guitars[link]

Herman Li performing live with his signature Ibanez E-Gen guitar

Li uses Ibanez E-gen guitars, his signature Ibanez models based on his old Ibanez S Series, which was retired from stage at the end of the Inhuman Rampage tour. The EGEN18 has a 'Transparent Violet Flat' finish (transparent purple on a flamed-maple top), and the EGEN8 has a 'Platinum Blonde' finish (natural wood finish with a flamed-maple top). Both have a rosewood fingerboard and gold hardware. The E-Gen model has many unique features and improvements over a standard S, including its versatile tone selection with coil tap switching for both the bridge and neck pickups, Edge Zero bridge (the EGEN8 has Edge III), custom DiMarzio HLM pickups (the EGEN8 has Ibanez pickups) and an extended scoop on the lower horn of the body, as well as a 'Kung-Fu grip' on the upper horn shaped by Li's hand. It is currently Ibanez's flagship model for S body style guitars.

On 9 May 2010, Li announced via Facebook that he had received a custom-made Ibanez 7-string guitar.^[4] As of yet no details are known about this guitar, other than it has seven strings, and it is unknown whether it will be mass-produced for his E-Gen signature line.

Before the E-Gen, he had been known to play Ibanez S Prestige guitars. An Ibanez S470SOL (Japanese build 1995), a seven string Ibanez 540S7 (Japanese build 1991) (used in Revolution Deathsquad, Storming the Burning Fields, before the second verse and in the outro of Heartbreak Armageddon and the bridge section of Operation Ground and Pound), and an Ibanez S540FMTTS (Japanese build 1995). He has also been seen playing an Ibanez S2170FB and an Ibanez S2170FW. He also owns an Ibanez Jem7BSB, which has been used on every DragonForce album for recording rhythm guitar parts, an Ibanez J Custom RG, an Ibanez RG2228 (8-string model), and a PRS Modern Eagle, which he received as a gift from Paul Reed Smith and can be seen in the studio.^[5]

Amplifiers and effects[link]

Li keeps his effects and amplifiers in a rack, as stated on his official website^[6]:

• Furman Power Conditioner 220V
• Korg DTR-2000 Guitar Tuner
• Rocktron All Access LTD Edition (installed on slide-out tray at the back, controlled by guitar tech)
• Source Audio – Hot Hand MIDI-EXP Controller
• Source Audio – Hot Hand Wah Filter (with Wireless Adapter (worn like a ring). Daisy chained to MIDI-EXP)
• Samson Synth 5 UHF Dual Wireless System
• Rocktron Patch Mate Loop 8 (for patching pedals parallel into the Prophesy II loop)
• Rocktron Prophesy II (x2)
• Dunlop Cry Baby DCR-2SR
• Rocktron Hush Pro
• Digitech GSP1101 (used only for extra effects. Attached to Hot Hand MIDI-EXP)
• Mesa Boogie Stereo 2:Fifty Power Amp (x2)
• Peavey JSX Speaker Cabinets (go direct to Front of House)^[7]

Pedals:

• Source Audio Hot Hand Wireless Adapter
• Digitech Whammy 2 (connected to the Rocktron Patch Mate for true bypass)
• Dunlop Cry Baby Controller
• Rocktron All Access
• Rocktron MIDI Mate (controlled by guitar tech)

Notable awards and achievements[link]

Li has won and featured in the following awards^[8]:

• Metal Hammer Golden Gods 2009 – Best Shredder Award
• Grammy Awards 2008 – Best Metal Performance “DragonForce” Nomination
• Guitar World Reader’s Poll 2007 – Best New Talent (winning by 70%)
• Guitar World Reader’s Poll 2007 – Best Metal
• Guitar World Reader’s Poll 2007 – Best Riff
• Total Guitar Reader’s Poll 2007 – Best Solo “Through the Fire and Flames”
• Terrorizer Reader’s Poll 2006 – Best Band “DragonForce”
• Terrorizer Reader’s Poll 2006 – Best Musician “Herman Li”
• Terrorizer Reader’s Poll 2006 – Best Live Act “DragonForce”
• Metal Hammer Golden Gods 2005 – Best Shredder Award
• Guitar World Magazine – 50 fastest guitarists

Notes[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Herman Li

• Official website
• Li's profile at the official DragonForce website

Steve Vai
Steve Vai in 2007
Background information
Birth name	Steven Siro Vai
Born	(1960-06-06) June 6, 1960 (age 52) Carle Place, New York, United States
Genres	Instrumental rock, hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock, progressive metal, experimental rock
Instruments	Guitar, keyboards, vocals
Years active	1980–present
Labels	Favored Nations, Relativity Records, Urantia Records, Akashic Records, Epic
Associated acts	Joe Satriani, Frank Zappa, John Petrucci, Alcatrazz, Orianthi, David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, Dream Theater, Travis Barker, Eddie Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne, Zappa plays Zappa, Billy Sheehan, G3, Bad4Good, Incubus, Devin Townsend,
Website	www.vai.com
Notable instruments
Ibanez JEM Ibanez Universe Tom Anderson Drop Top Classic

Steven Siro Vai (born June 6, 1960) is an American guitarist, songwriter and producer who has sold over 15 million albums. After starting his career as a music transcriptionist for Frank Zappa, Vai recorded and toured in Zappa's band for two years, from 1980 to 1982. He began a solo career in 1983, has released eight solo albums and won three Grammy Awards. He has also recorded and toured with Public Image Ltd., Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth and Whitesnake. Vai has been a regular touring member of the G3 Concert Tour which began in 1996. In 1999 Vai started his own record label Favored Nations, intending to showcase as he describes, "...artists that have attained the highest performance level on their chosen instruments."^[1]

Biography[link]

Early life[link]

Vai began playing guitar in 1973, at the age of 13.^[2] In 1974, he took guitar lessons from guitarist Joe Satriani and played in local bands, one of which was called "The Steve Vais". He was influenced by guitarists including Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Brian May, Jimmy Page, Glen Buxton,^[3] and jazz fusion guitarist Allan Holdsworth. Vai attended the Berklee College of Music, afterwards recording a promotional piece for them in which he spoke about auditioning for Frank Zappa at age 20.

Steve Vai (on guitar in between the drums and keyboard), Frank Zappa and band during a concert at the Memorial Auditorium, Oct 25, 1980 Buffalo, New York

Music career[link]

Vai mailed Frank Zappa a transcription of Zappa's "The Black Page", an instrumental for drums, along with a tape of Vai's guitar playing. Zappa was so impressed that in 1979, he hired him to transcribe a number of his guitar solos, including some on the Joe's Garage album and the Shut Up 'n' Play Yer Guitar series. These transcriptions were published in 1982 in The Frank Zappa Guitar Book. After being hired as a transcriber, Vai did overdubs on many of the guitar parts for Zappa's album You Are What You Is. He became a full-fledged band member, going on his first tour with Zappa in the autumn of 1980.

One of those early shows with Vai on guitar, recorded in Buffalo, was released in 2007. While touring with Zappa's band, Vai sometimes asked audience members to bring musical scores and see if he could sight-read them on the spot. Zappa referred to Vai as his "little Italian virtuoso" and listed him in the liner notes as performing "stunt guitar" or "impossible guitar parts". Vai was a featured artist on the 1993 recording Zappa's Universe. In 2006 he returned to Frank Zappa as a special guest on Dweezil Zappa's 'Zappa Plays Zappa' tour, alongside friends from his early years with Zappa.

After leaving Zappa in 1982 he moved to California, where he recorded his first album Flex-Able, in 1983 (released January 1984) and performed in a couple of bands. In 1985 he replaced Yngwie Malmsteen as lead guitarist in Graham Bonnet's Alcatrazz, with whom he recorded the album Disturbing the Peace. Later in 1985, he joined former Van Halen front man David Lee Roth's group to record the albums Eat 'Em and Smile (released July 1986) and Skyscraper (released 1988). In 1986, Vai played with John Lydon's Public Image Ltd on their album Album. In 1989, Vai joined Whitesnake, replacing Vivian Campbell. When Adrian Vandenberg injured his wrist shortly before recording was to begin for the album Slip of the Tongue, Vai played all the guitar parts. Vai played on the Alice Cooper album Hey Stoopid, along with Joe Satriani on the song "Feed my Frankenstein."

Vai continues to tour regularly, with his own group and with his one-time teacher and fellow guitar instrumentalist friend Joe Satriani on the G3 series of tours. Former David Lee Roth and Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan joined him for a world tour. In 1990, Vai released his critically acclaimed solo album Passion and Warfare. The song "For the Love of God" was voted #29 in a readers' poll of the 100 greatest guitar solos of all time in Guitar World magazine. In 1994, Vai began writing and recording with Ozzy Osbourne. One track from these sessions, "My Little Man", was released on the Ozzmosis album. Despite Vai penning the track, he does not appear on the album, with his guitar parts replaced by Zakk Wylde. Another track, "Dyin' Day", appeared as an instrumental on Vai's Fire Garden album. Vai's band members in the 90's included drummer Mike Mangini, guitarist Mike Keneally, and bassist Philip Bynoe. In 1994 Vai received a Grammy Award for his performance on the Frank Zappa song Sofa from the album Zappa's Universe.

Vai playing a twin-necked Ibanez

2000s[link]

Steve Vai released a DVD of his performance at The Astoria in London in December, 2001. The performance featured Billy Sheehan, guitarist/pianist Tony MacAlpine, guitarist Dave Weiner, and Australian drummer Virgil Donati. In July 2002, Steve Vai performed with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra at the Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Japan, in the world premiere of composer Ichiro Nodaira's Fire Strings, a concerto for electric guitar and 100-piece orchestra. In 2004, a number of his compositions and orchestral arrangements including some previously recorded pieces, were performed in The Netherlands by the Metropole Orchestra in a concert series entitled The Aching Hunger. In 2003, drummer Jeremy Colson joined Vai's group, replacing Virgil Donati. Vai's album Sound Theories, was released in 2007.

In February 2005, Vai premiered a dual-guitar (electric and classical) piece that he called The Blossom Suite, with classical guitarist Sharon Isbin at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris. In 2006, Vai played as a special guest guitarist alongside additional guest Zappa band members, drummer Terry Bozzio and saxophonist-singer Napoleon Murphy Brock in the "Zappa Plays Zappa" tour led by Frank's son Dweezil Zappa in Europe and the U.S. in the Spring, as well as a short U.S. tour in October. On September 21, 2006, Vai made a special appearance at the Video Games Live concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, California. He played two songs with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra; Halo Theme, and a second song for the world premier trailer for Halo 3.

In 2005, Vai signed on as an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit organization that provides free musical instruments and instruction to children in public schools throughout the U.S. He sits on LKR's Honorary Board of Directors. Vai was a judge for the 3rd and 8th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists.^[4] Vai is the founder of the Make A Noise Foundation, which he started with his manager Ruta Sepetys.^[5] The foundation's goal is to provide funding for music education and programs for those unable to pursue music-related activities due to limited resources.^[6] Vai is also a patron of music education around the world giving master classes in such prestigious music schools as the Fermatta Music Academy.

Steve Vai made an appearance at the London Guitar Show in 2007 on the April 28, 2007 at the ExCeL Center. In late April 2007, Vai confirmed the release of his record, Sound Theories, on June 26. The release is a two-CD set, mostly of previously released material that Vai rearranged and played with a full orchestra. Vai says the project was a great joy because he considers himself a composer more than a guitarist, and he is happy to see music he has composed played by an orchestra that can play it well. A DVD followed the record later that year. He guested on the Dream Theater album Systematic Chaos, on the song "Repentance". The appearance was vocal rather than instrumental, as Vai was only one of many musical guests recorded. The song features contributions from many artists, with the aim of apologizing to important people in their lives for wrongdoings committed in their pasts. On August 29, 2009, he appeared on stage with Dream Theater during the final show of their Progressive Nation tour at the Greek Theater^{[disambiguation needed ]}, where he performed in an improvised jam with the other musicians on tour. Broken Records magazine (Volume 1, Issue 3) quotes Vai as saying, "I enjoy challenging myself to come up with new ideas that I believe are unique."

In 2010, Vai released several "VaiTunes" singles of tracks that were previously recorded and later finished. They are available on Vai.com, iTunes and Amazon.com. On September 14, 2010, Steve released "Where The Wild Things Are" as double vinyl through his label Favored Nations and made a guest appearance with Rickey Minor and The Tonight Show Band on NBC. In October, 2010, Steve completed his first full symphony and performed the compositions at the Steve Vai Festival which featured Vai and the North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra (NNO) on October 20–24, 2010. "The possibility to write for a full orchestra, as Vai was offered the opportunity to do during the last years, closes a circle back to the beginning of his solo career, his years with Frank Zappa and his first pieces for his debut record Flex-Able (1984)."^[7] After the Holland shows, Vai embarked for the US to headline the "Experience Hendrix Tour" which featured Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shephard, Susan Tedeschi, Billy Cox, Vernon Reid, Robert Randolph, Johnny Lang, Brad Whitford and other top guitarists.

On March 3, 2011, the online education division of Boston’s Berklee College of Music and Steve Vai, set the Guinness® World Record for the world’s largest online guitar lesson. The first-of-its-kind initiative, held at streaming media platform Livestream Studios in New York City, brought together thousands of members of the international guitar community in a celebration of online music education. Berkleemusic and Steve Vai co-authored a 12-week online course: Steve Vai Guitar Techniques. The course presents students with the chance to gain a deep understanding of Vai’s playing styles, repertoire, techniques, and musical concepts from anywhere in the world, and to incorporate their learnings into their own playing. Vai owns Favored Nations, a recording and publishing company that specializes in internationally procuring and maintaining recording artists. Favored Nations is separated into three sections, 'Favored Nations', 'Favored Nations Acoustic' and 'Favored Nations Cool (Jazz style)'.

Media appearances[link]

Video games[link]

"Juice" was featured on the 1996 video game "Formula One" for the PlayStation. Steve Vai's guitar-work appeared in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. David Lee Roth's "Yankee Rose" was featured on the game's soundtrack as well as "God Blessed Video" by Alcatrazz as part of the Lazlow-led, 1980s rock/metal radio station "V-Rock." In 2004, Steve Vai was featured on Xbox's Halo 2 (a game by Bungie Studios) Volume 1 soundtrack, performing a heavy rock-guitar rendition of the Halo theme, known as Halo Theme (MJOLNIR Mix). He also performed on the track Never Surrender. He later featured in the second volume of the soundtrack, where he performed on the track Reclaimer.

In 2008, Steve Vai's For the Love of God and Halo Theme (MJOLNIR Mix) were featured as downloadable tracks for the game Guitar Hero 3. A live version of the song "For the Love of God" was also available at release on the Rock Band Network as well as the song "Get the Hell Out of Here" from his 2002 album "The Elusive Light and Sound, Vol. 1" on March 4, 2010. The Attitude Song and a live version of The Crying Machine were both also added to the Rock Band Network. A re-recording of "Speeding" is featured in the 2010 video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock for Xbox 360, Wii and Playstation 3.

Films[link]

Steve Vai's music has appeared in a number of feature films, including Dudes and Ghosts of Mars. He appeared onscreen in the 1986 Walter Hill film Crossroads, playing the demonically-inspired Jack Butler. At the film's climax, Vai engages in a guitar duel with Ralph Macchio, whose guitar parts were dubbed by Vai and Ry Cooder, who played the initial slide work in the duel and Macchio's earlier performances in the film. Vai composed the fast-paced neo-classical track Eugene's Trick Bag that wins Macchio the competition. He based the body of the piece heavily on Paganini's Capriccio number 5. He later borrowed the opening riff from the track Head Cuttin' Duel for a song called Bad Horsie from his 1995 EP Alien Love Secrets. The Crossroads duel reappeared on the 2002 album The Elusive Light and Sound, volume 1.

In 1991's Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, the introductory riff to KISS' "God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II", as performed by the Wyld Stallyns in the Battle of the Bands, was performed by Vai. He composed and performed the soundtrack to PCU (1994), and made contributions in 2001 to the score for John Carpenter's Ghosts of Mars, performing on the tracks "Ghosts of Mars" and "Ghost Poppin'". His track, "I'm the Hell Outta Here", can be heard during 1992's Encino Man in the scene where Brendan Fraser is taking a driving lesson. He plays guitar in the animated short film "Live Music".

Style and influence[link]

This section may contain original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding references. Statements consisting only of original research may be removed. More details may be available on the talk page. (March 2008)

Vai performing in 2001.

Steve Vai has been called a guitar virtuoso.^[8] His 1990 album Passion and Warfare and the ballad For the Love of God in particular received a significant amount of press and are often cited by critics and fans alike as among his best work, often noted since the entire piece at just over six minutes, was reportedly recorded in one take.^[9] Vai's playing style has been characterized as quirky and angular, due to his technical ability with the guitar instrument and deep knowledge of music theory. He regularly uses odd rhythmic groupings and his melodies often employ the Lydian mode.

Perhaps his most readily-identifiable stylistic feature is his creative use of the floating vibrato, using it to add melodic lines that sound odd to the ear. His playing can be described as lyrical, as if sung by a human voice. During the recording of "Eat 'em and Smile" with David Lee Roth, he employed several guitar techniques that "mimicked" the human voice, as heard in the opening bars of the opening track "Yankee Rose." He is noted for being physically expressive as he plays his guitar. He often uses exotic guitars: he plays both double and triple neck guitars (including a custom-made heart-shaped triple-neck model built by luthier Joe Rolston). Vai is regarded as the first to use the 7-string guitar in a rock context.^[10] Along with Ibanez, he designed a signature 7-string guitar, the Ibanez Universe in 1989.

Equipment[link]

Vai is also a producer. He owns two studios, "The Mothership"^[11] and "The Harmony Hut" ^[12]), and his own recordings combine his guitar skills and novel compositions with studio and recording effects. Vai helped design his signature Ibanez JEM guitar series. They feature a hand grip (fondly referred to as a "monkey grip") cut into the top of the body of the guitar, a humbucker–single coil-humbucker (H/S/H) DiMarzio pickup configuration with several different types of pickup including Evolution, Breed and EVO 2. He also uses the Ibanez Edge and Lo-Pro Edge double-locking tremolo systems (between the years 2003-2009, production JEMs had the Edge Pro, which is now discontinued), as well as an elaborate and extensive "Tree of Life" inlay down the neck. Vai also equips many of his guitars with an Ibanez Backstop, a tremolo stabilizer that has been discontinued. Lately Vai has also equipped some of his guitars with True Temperament fretboards to make his chords sound more in tune.^[13]

Vai has a 7-string model designed by him named Ibanez Universe, featuring DiMarzio Blaze II pickups in an HSH arrangement. The Ibanez Universe gained attention in the 90s when the band Korn used the guitar and sold millions of albums worldwide. Vai also has a signature Ibanez acoustic, the Euphoria. His two main guitars are white JEMs dubbed "Evo" and "Flo", each with their own unique modifications. Before Ibanez, he briefly endorsed Jackson guitars, but the relationship only lasted two years. Steve Vai has also worked with Carvin Guitars and Pro Audio to develop the Carvin Legacy line of guitar amplifiers. Vai wanted to create an affordable amp that was unique, and equal in sound and versatility to any guitar amp he had previously used.^[14] Over his long musical career, Steve Vai has used and designed an array of guitars. He even had his blood put into the swirl paint job on one of his signature JEM guitars, the JEM2KDNA.^[15] Only 300 of these were made. Currently, he mainly uses his white "Evo", a JEM7V, and his "Flo", which is a customized Floral JEM 77FP painted white. They are both inscribed with their names in two places, mainly so he can distinguish between them onstage. "Flo" is equipped with a Fernandes sustainer system.

He has a guitar named "Mojo" with dot inlays that are blue LED lights. He has a custom-made triple-neck guitar that has the same basic features as his JEM7V guitars. The top neck is a 12-string guitar, the middle is a six-string, and the bottom is a six-string fretless guitar with a Fernandes Sustainer pickup. This guitar was featured on the G3 2003 tour on the piece I Know You're Here. Vai's effects pedals include a modified Boss DS-1, Ibanez Tube Screamer, Morley Bad Horsie, Ibanez Jemini Twin Distortion Pedal, TC Electronics G-System, Morley Little Alligator Volume pedal, DigiTech Whammy, and an MXR Phase 90/Phase 100 on the Passion and Warfare album. His flight cases are labeled "Mr. Vai", or lately, "Dr. Vai." He has used a number of rack effects units controlled via MIDI, but used a floor-based TC electronics G system instead for the Zappa Plays Zappa tour.

Personal life[link]

Resides in Encino, CA with his family. Vai is married to Pia Maiocco, former bass player of Vixen, who can be seen in Hardbodies.^[16] Vai and Maiocco have two children, Julian and Fire. In his spare time Vai is an avid beekeeper.^[17] and an honorary member of the British Beekeepers' Association.^[18] His bees regularly produce a crop of honey that Vai sells for his Make a Noise Foundation.^[19] Vai is a longtime vegetarian. "It has affected my music in a way I believe that what we put in our bodies has a reflection on the way we think," Vai told Veggies Rock. "And the way we think has a reflection on what we create. So I can’t tell you consciously how being a vegetarian affected my music but I’m sure it has. I think everyone has to find what’s right for them. I don’t judge anybody for what they eat. That’s their world and everybody has to find what resonates with them."^[20]

Band history[link]

Not including guest appearances.^[21]

Early bands

• The Ohio Express (1971–1972)
• Circus (circa 1973 to 1976)
• Ravge (circa 1973 to 1976)
• Bold As Love (1977)

Berklee bands

• Axis (1978–1979)
• Morning Thunder (1979)

Professional bands

• Frank Zappa (1980–1982)
• The Out Band (Circa 1983)
• The Classified (1984)
• 777 (1984)
• Alcatrazz (1985)
• David Lee Roth (1985–1989)
• Whitesnake (1989–1991)

Solo band (1992-94)

"Sex & Religion" album

• Vocals: Devin Townsend
• Guitar: Steve Vai
• Bass: TM Stevens
• Drums: Terry Bozzio

"Sex & Religion" tour

• Vocals: Devin Townsend
• Guitar: Steve Vai
• Bass: Scott Thunes
• Keys: Will Riley
• Drums: Abe Laboriel, Jr., then Toss Panos

1995

• Guitar: Steve Vai
• Bass: Tony Pimental, then Scott Thunes
• Keys: Will Riley
• Drums: Chris Frazier

This band toured Russia twice, South America and the US (opening for Bon Jovi).

1996-99

• Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai
• Guitar, Vocals and Keys: Mike Keneally
• Bass, Vocals: Philip Bynoe
• Drums: Mike Mangini

2000

• Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai
• Guitar, Vocals and Keys: Mike Keneally
• Guitar: Dave Weiner
• Bass, Vocals: Philip Bynoe
• Drums: Mike Mangini
• Keyboards (South American Tour): Eric Goldberg
• Drums (South American Tour): Chris Frazier

2001-02

• Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai
• Bass, Vocals: Billy Sheehan
• Guitar, Vocals and Keys: Mike Keneally, then Tony MacAlpine
• Guitar: Dave Weiner
• Drums: Virgil Donati

2003-04

• Guitar, Vocals: Steve Vai
• Bass, Vocals: Billy Sheehan
• Guitar, Vocals and Keys: Tony MacAlpine
• Guitar: Dave Weiner
• Drums: Jeremy Colson

Discography (solo)[link]

Studio albums and EPs[link]

Live and orchestral albums (Inc. G3 (tour))[link]

Other[link]

Compilations[link]

Discography (with other artists)[link]

With band (as lead guitarist)[link]

Appearances on Zappa albums[link]

Appearances, featuring (with other lead artists)[link]