Being the only musician in his entire family, Steve Vai felt like an outsider in his formative years. Yet despite going against the grain, the guitarist’s parents were behind him all the way.
“Everybody thought I was a freak, because when I was in high school, I had really long hair, an earring, and a tattoo – all that garbage,” Vai told Guitar Player. “But my parents were always with me through it all. They helped me by giving me money for lessons. It's hard to find such understanding parents, and it really makes it easier."
When it came to playing guitar, his parents were happy to help. “They were interested in what I was doing,” recalled Vai. “And what I was playing. Which is very encouraging.”
Recently, Vai visited his childhood home on Long Island where he discovered a cache of musical equipment he would use when visiting his parents. Known for his lengthy practice sessions, he was never too far away from a guitar.
“I realized that, through the years, I would leave gear there that I would use when I was in Long Island for all sorts of different things," said Vai.
Now, this hoard of Steve Vai-owned guitar treasure is looking for a new home.
Among the items appearing on Reverb is an Ibanez JEM7V-WH used by Vai for practicing while on tour. Listed at $49,499.95, this axe is described as “Good (Used),” meaning it may, unsurprisingly, exhibit some wear and tear.
Also up for sale was a Fender Stratocaster signed by Vai and all other members of 2016’s Generation Axe supergroup tour, including Tosin Abasi, Nuno Bettencourt, Yngwie Malmsteen and Zakk Wylde.
With a tag of $8,999.95, this unique piece of rock memorabilia has already been marked as sold.
Other pieces include Vai’s Carvin Legacy II practice amp (priced $7,999.95) and a stash of pedals including a Boss DS-1 Distortion, Boss DD-5 Digital Delay and Dunlop Crybaby 95Q.
Listed at $499.95 each, all the stompboxes sold within 24 hours.
Supplied with provenance, both the JEM7V-WH and Carvin amp are described by the guitar legend’s nephew, Roger Vai, as, “a true artifact of guitar virtuoso history.”
If you don't have a spare 50 grand, however, why not order Steve Vai's latest album instead?
