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IBANEZ STEVE VAI SIGNED 7 STRING PROTOTYPE UNIVERSE jem









































INVENTORY #838

BRAND-Ibanez

MODEL- The beginning of the "UNIVERSE"

DESCRIPTION- We are proud to present for auction a historically significant guitar of which there is no equal and is absolutely a one-of-a-kind.

Here is the ORIGINAL Prototype 7 String guitar as designed by the mystical and magical guitar wizard and modern-day Mozart of melody & noise,  STEVE VAI.  (Credit also to the fine folks at Ibanez for helping Steve realize his vision of what would become a new entity in the evolution of the guitar.)

We are auctioning this guitar on behalf of Steve's long-time engineer, Richard Landers, whom he gifted it to in 1990. According to Richard, the guitar was received with much appreciation and stored away and has now only seen the light of day some 20+ years later. He never intended on selling it but is now only considering it's sale in order to raise funds for some medical needs within the family.

Consider this an amazing opportunity to get a guitar which will only increase in value and significance, as well as a chance to give some support to someone connected to the brotherhood of music recording artistry.

The note inscribed on the back of the guitar from Steve to Richard, as well as the photo of the Letter of Authenticity, tells the story of the guitar's origins and should answer a majority of questions as to the simple biography of the guitar.

The guitar is conservatively painted fluorescent yellow, pink and green and would be perfect for those not wanting to bring any attention to themselves or for the "Shyboy" who is self-conscious of their playing. 

However, the guitar would be equally at home nestled in a bed of Corinthian leather pillows surrounded in a mahogony-framed glass case hanging in the estate room of a Russian billionaire's house who wanted to brag about it over some Vodka and red caviar with Vladimir Putin.

Seriously though, note some of the unique features of the guitar. The bridge of the guitar is not one piece, but actually TWO bridges which have been cut and put together to form what is probably the first 7-string locking tremolo. The nut has been fashioned in this way also. You can can see the seams in the close-up photos. Also, the 21-24 frets are scalloped which I understand are not standard on any model Universe guitar.

Of the hand-full of signed and personal Steve Vai guitars that have come available for sale over the years, this one has to be near Holy Grail status and presents a very unique opportunity that one should not miss. This is THE first guitar that was materialized from the mind of the man that pioneered the 7-string solid-body guitar revolution, which is now considered standard in the metal music world. 

ACCESSORIES/EXTRAS-Includes Original Case, Guitar strap, Tremolo bar, Allen wrenches, key to case, ( Bonus ) RARE Jem 77 Stickers, and of course the Original (not a copy) signed Letter of Authenticity from Steve Vai.

CONDITION RATING *-Very Good.  100% functional.

The photos speak well of the guitar's condition.  The guitar plays extremely well as one would hope, action is low, fast and clean throughout the neck. The integrity of the guitar is solid at all points and "feels" balanced and just as complete as what would later become the production models.

One of the nut caps is missing. 2 out of 3 are there. Any standard Floyd Rose nut cap will work. 

Note that the strings on the guitar have not been changed at all since 1989, nor has it been cleaned beyond us dusting it off a little.  The dirt you see on the guitar is Steve's, which you can save and someday, when human cloning is perfected, you can have your very own Steve Vai body created for you to pal around with. There are probably some David Coverdale particles on there also, since it was in the "snake pit" with the other super-group members of 1989, so I'm thinking that the future will see a Whitesnake reunion happening on Mars in year 2050.

Please scroll down for additional close-up photos!

Any and all questions are welcome!  Thank you for visiting our auction!

SHIPPING SIZE & WEIGHT:   21lbs   Approx Box Dimensions:     48x18x6Inches

OUR POSTAL CODE IS 91601

 

 

        S H I P P I N G   R A T E S :

TO CALCULATE THE SHIPPING RATE FOR YOUR AREA, PLEASE GO TO THE TAB LOCATED NEAR THE TOP OF THE PAGE ENTITLED: "Shipping and Payments"

 

If you do not see your country listed in the drop down menu this may be that you are in a country that will not allow packages over 79 "Total Inches", or the weight of the item exceeds the 70lb limit allowed by USPS International Priority or International Express.

"Total Inches" is the length of the package plus girth. (Girth is distance around the 4 shorter sides of the package).

Countries that will not accept package of 79 total inches or more include: Australia, South America, South Africa, Many Eastern European countries and some Asian countries.

              TO CALCULATE SHIPPING FOR YOUR COUNTRY  

                                                                        CLICK ON:

ircalc.usps.gov/   

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USPS.gov : 

1. Select your country from the drop down menu

2. Choose "Large Package"

3. Enter the weight as listed above in description and click "Continue"

4. Enter the dimensions as listed above in description and click "Continue"

If you do not get a satisfactory price or no price at all for USPS, you can try the website link below that we frequently use for shipping items to Australia, South America, Middle East and Far East. It is a great discount shipping site that offers Fedex and DHL services for pretty great rates.

www.ipsparcel.com/

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ipsparcel.com: 

1. Enter our postal code 91601

2. Select your country from the drop down menu

3. Enter the city you want the item delivered to in "Destination City" field

4. Enter the amount you want insured (optional)

5. Enter the weight and dimensions as listed above in description and click "Get shipment rate"

From there you will be given a few options for delivery time and rates.  We can use either of the two services to get the item to you quickly and economically.

                    FREIGHT SEA TRANSPORT

If the item we are selling is VERY large and is even too large for Fedex or too expensive, we might be able to ship the item using Freight Sea Transport, which will require that you pick the item up in the nearest major city to you at a shipping terminal. Shipping time can take from 30-45 days. This can be useful for large items like Mixers, Speaker cabinets, large keyboards, PA Systems and other very large and heavy items.

If you are a serious buyer please feel free to inquire about this via email and we will be glad to get a quote.

 

          We Would like you to have a SUPER transaction!

                Please read ALL of the information below.

             

               * WHAT DOES OUR "CONDITION RATING" MEAN? *

Describing an item's condition is subjective, so please take a look at the various photos and determine for yourself what condition you believe it to be in. In the condition area above we will note any major flaws or hidden conditions with the unit that can't be easily seen in the photos.

So looking at the photos yourself along with our ratings system will help you feel confident in knowing exactly what you are going to get.

                                

                       OUR CONDITION RATINGS SYSTEM IN DETAIL

BRAND NEW: Factory new, never used. Sealed in box or open box. 100% Perfect condition. 

LIKE NEW: Formerly owned but shows almost no signs of use, near flawless, could be mistaken for brand new. Might still have all or some of its original packing materials or accessories. It is super clean and appears to be brand new. 

EXCELLENT-Near new condition with only light/normal signs of ownership. It may have a few small blemishes here and there, but only under close inspection, or in areas away from common view. Its CLEAN! 100% Functional unless otherwise stated.

VERY GOOD-Shows moderate use and various signs of wear with some misc. nicks or scratches, maybe some dust in hard to reach areas,but overall the item looks great is 100% Functional unless otherwise stated. 

GOOD- Well Used, might have some dings or dents, light oxidation, dirty or dusty or other blemishes, or a missing knob or small part etc,  but otherwise tests and works 100% unless otherwise stated.

FAIR-May show a lot of use with noticeable wear, oxidation, dirty in various areas, damage, may be missing a knob or part and/or a functional issue.

 

                              Q&A

Q: What is "No Reserve"

A: It is simply an auction that has no minimum bid amount or starting amount and that anyone with the highest bid (no matter how low it ends) will WIN the item!

Q: Why do you put up expensive items as "No Reserve" auctions? Isn't that risky? Is it legitimate?

A: We put up No Reserve auctions for several reasons. One is that it ensures that inventory stays moving, it allows greater participation from a variety of bidders, we HOPE that enough people are looking for that particular item to at least bid it up to fair market value, It's fun and exciting..  Yes, it can be risky and we have seen quite a few items sell for a really low price, sometimes REALLY low! :(  However, most of the time things  balance out.

Q: Do you Combine Shipping?

A: Yes absolutely! We make our best efforts to safely combine your multiple purchases into one package and we only charge actual shipping costs. However, some items are too large or awkward to combine and are better shipped individually, like a guitar and amp, or a couple heavy power amps etc.

Q: Do you have a "Buy it now" price for your "No Reserve" Auctions?

A: Usually not, so we typically allow the auction to end as it is scheduled and let the highest bidder get a fair crack at it. However, we reserve the right to end an auction early if someone makes us a solid offer that we can't refuse!

Q: Do you allow for Local Pick-up?

A: Yes!  We are conveniently located on Burbank Blvd in North Hollywoody. Picking up from our warehouse is very easy and our friendly staff will be glad to assist getting gear loaded into your vehicle. 

 




             Payments Are Accepted Via Paypal Or Cash In Person. 

                   Local Pick-up Is Always Welcome And FREE!



               CALIFORNIA
RESIDENTS PAY 8.25% SALES TAX



PACKING/SHIPPING: All items are packed with expertise in our own dedicated professional shipping department. Our pack/ship person on post is a Kung Fu Jedi Packing Logistics Grandmaster. We have a full assortment of Boxes, Bubble wrap, Foam sheet, Non-toxic Peanuts, Styrofoam, crusty socks, Britney's hair, Old Hollywood movie star Toupee's and other specialized cushioning materials to choose from to wrap your item.

CONTINENTAL USA and CANADA orders are shipped via Fedex Ground 4-5 day delivery. We have scheduled pick-ups from Fedex on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Fedex Ground does not ship to PO Boxes, Hawaii, Alaska, Uranus or Military addresses. We can ship to them using USPS for an additional expense if there is any. Please email for exact prices and let us know immediately at auction close so we can charge accordingly.

INSURANCE: ALL Fedex Ground packages sent in the CONTINENTAL US are FULLY insured for FREE.

CANADA CUSTOMS, INSURANCE and TAXES

Customs Fees and Taxes are Buyers responsibility. All of our items are marked as merchandise. As a registered business, we cannot mark items as "Gifts". (customs gets a little suspicious if we send 1500 "gifts" every year!)

All Fedex Ground Orders going to Canada are automatically insured for the final BID amount. If you want the item insured for more or less than the bid value, you MUST include this request along with your payment in the "Notes" section of the Paypal payment.

Customs value will be based on the insured amount of the item.

 

INTERNATIONAL: ALL International buyers are Welcome.

Techno Empire ships WORLDWIDE!

For all items under $500 we ship using USPS Priority Mail International which does NOT include a tracking number and according to USPS takes about 6-10 days to arrive in your country. Sometimes it takes longer depending on customs, holidays, the way the wind is blowing, solar flares, Alien Intervention or if the postman takes an extra long nap that day.

For items $500 and over, we use USPS Express Mail International which does include a tracking number and takes about 3-5 days to arrive, again sometimes longer for customs and/or other natural or not so natural reasons that we have no control over. Global Express costs a little more than Priority Mail International but it does come with a tracking number and is faster, and tends to be quicker through customs.

If you would rather pay less for shipping and use Priority Mail International for your item, then we will be glad to do that as long as you assume responsibility for the possible loss, theft, late or mis-delivery of the item should the unlikely chance that it happen. By bidding on the item you agree to those terms.

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS, INSURANCE and TAXES

Customs Fees and Taxes are your responsibility. All of our items are marked as merchandise. As a registered business, we cannot mark items as "Gifts".

All USPS International orders are automatically insured for the final BID amount. If you want the item insured for more or less than the bid value, you MUST include this request along with your payment in the "Notes" section of the Paypal payment, or via email with the specific item # included.

Customs value will be based on the insured amount of the item

 




Payments for all auctions are due within 7 DAYS of auction close unless agreement is made by us via email to extend deadline. All auctions not paid for by the morning of the 7th day will be re-listed and previous auction(s) voided.

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If any item you receive from us is not as described in the auction, we will be glad to refund your money 100% upon receipt of the item.

We do our best to test each piece of gear and describe it as accurately as possible before listing it. We take lots of photos also so that YOU can make the fairest evaluation of the items physical condition for yourself.

However, in the rare case that you receive an item that isn't working properly, simply contact us and we will happily take care of the situation to your satisfaction. No Worries here!

CAUTION!: Immediately after and up to several days following the close of our auctions, many bidders receive emails from people claiming to be Techno Empire offering "2nd chance offers" etc. These are fraudulent scams, stay away from these people. We very rarely submit 2nd chance offers. Our items get re-listed if they do not sell. If you get an offer, contact us through our ebay email and we will verify.

If you are suspicious of any emails that your receive, simply forward them to spoof@ebay.com



Techno Empire, Inc is located in Beautiful sunny North Hollywood, California. "NoHo" and Neighboring Burbank and Studio City are home to 1000's of studios and musical related industries and manufacturers. We sell anything that has to do with making, recording or delivering music. We deal exclusively in Mid-Level to High End gear. 
 
We Recycle!  Much of our packing material and boxes comes from from local furniture stores and music stores that we have made friends. We take pride in doing our part to reduce and reuse. 
 



Please Email us with any questions. We will be glad to respond within 24 hours, many times sooner! technoempire@gmail.com