NAMM 2021: New Steve Vai PIA Flat Black signature

The Japanese giant announced the creation of the Steve Vai PIA Flat Black. This new signature guitar will be the latest addition to Steve Vai's line of guitars.

The company decided to offer the PIA3761 in a new Flat Black finish, on top of last year's Stallion White. Designed together with guitar legend Steve Vai, this model was introduced last year in four colours. Ibanez has kept the gold hardware for this version. By all accounts, this choice works really well with the Flat Black finish and complements the guitar nicely.

The PIA model incorporates a range of Steve Vai's personal touches that were introduced with the PIA in 2020. These include a magnetic back plate for easy access to the tremolo springs. It also offers an Ultralite tremolo arm and his Flower Grip, which replaces the JEM's Monkey Grip.

The PIA model incorporates a range of Steve Vai's personal touches that were introduced with the PIA in 2020.

UtoPIA

The Flat Black edition keeps the full set of DiMarzio UtoPIA pickups. These include the engraved covers. There are also more practical touches such as the side Luminlay dots. Performance-wise, a few features are worth pointing out, such as the 24 jumbo stainless steel frets along with scalloping on frets 21-24. Also the Ibanez Locking Edge tremolo. All of this adds up to a very capable guitar that can perform beautifully.

Flat Black

The PIA model launched with mixed reviews last year. Most of the objections stemmed from the colours offered at launch. They were all rather vague and garish. This year's Flat Black finish definitely gives the overall look a boost. I think the new PIA Blossom inlay design suits this darker 2021 model much better. Of course, you can still go for the 2020 Stallion White edition if you'd prefer something lighter.

You can find more information on the official page of Ibanez.