NAMM 2021: The Ibanez Steve Vai PIA3761 goes dark
New Flat Black finish for 2021
4,7 / 5,0 | 
Ibanez Steve Vai PIA3761 goes darker with new Flat Black finish for 2021 · Source: Ibanez
When Ibanez launched its Steve Vai PIA model at NAMM 2020, some guitarists were a little disgruntled by the four glaringly bright finishes. Ibanez seems to have taken heed; the successor to the venerable JEM now comes in a sleek new black finish for 2021.
Ibanez PIA3761
Ibanez has decided to offer the PIA3751 in a new Flat Black finish, in addition to last year’s Stallion White. Designed together with guitar legend Steve Vai, this model was introduced last year in four colours. Ibanez has retained the gold hardware for this version, which I think works very well with the reserved Flat Black finish, and complements the guitar well.
Steve Vai tweaks
The PIA model incorporates a number of Steve Vai’s personal tweaks introduced with the PIA in 2020. These include a magnetic back plate for easy access to the trem springs, an Ultralite tremolo arm and his Flower Grip, which replaces the Monkey Grip of the JEM.
Ibanez Steve Vai PIA3761 goes darker · Source: Ibanez
UtoPIA
The Flat Black version keeps the set of DiMarzio UtoPIA – including the etched pickup covers – as well as more practical things like the Luminlay side dots. From a performance standpoint, a few features are worth opinting out, like the 24 jumbo stainless steel frets along with a scalloped fingerboard on the 21-24 frets and that Ibanez locking Edge tremolo system. All that makes for a very capable guitar that can perform beautifully.
Ibanez Steve Vai PIA Stallion White · Source: Ibanez
Darker
The PIA model launched to mixed reviews last year, with most of the objections coming from the colours on offer at launch, all of which were quite gaudy and bright. This year’s Flat Black finish certainly tones down the overall look. I think the newly designed PIA Blossom inlay sits better on this darker themed 2021 model. Of course, you can still opt for the Stallion White version from 2020, so you can go lighter if you prefer.
Tell us what you think of this new darker version for 2021, is it hitting all the right notes for you?
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4 responses to “NAMM 2021: The Ibanez Steve Vai PIA3761 goes dark”
Where’s the backstop? I remember Steve saying they were looking into finally adding one.
There isn’t one. Steve said he would like to add them to the PIA in the future, as well as maybe a model with the sustainiac. But those are both speculative right now, and depend largely on whether or not Ibanez is willing to work with Steve on making them permanent features in certain models moving forward.
I like the colour, it it’s still all a bit over the top for me. Surprised they haven’t done a Premium version, or indeed an RG based on the Pia shape but without the “petal” holes.
Premium models are a step down from the standard model in terms of quality, where they’re actually built, etc. And the PIA is still very new to the market. So it doesn’t surprise me that they haven’t done a Premium of it yet. And honestly, I think it’d be better if they don’t. You get what you pay for, after all. And the cheaper quality of the Premium models might satisfy some. But the larger market interested in the Steve Vai brand wants the best.