The Hydra (SV423)

Steve Vai and Ibanez have revealed “The Hydra.” This one-of-a-kind instrument is the realized vision of a collaboration that’s been five years in the making. This 1 of 1 video NFT features unlockable content including a 4K version, high-res audio of “Teeth of the Hydra”, and additional content that will be added over time for the winner to access.

Built in conjunction with the designers at Ibanez and based on a "steampunk motif" idea of Vai’s, the Hydra is a beast of an instrument – a one-bodied, two-headstocked, three-necked creature that encompasses, among other things: 7 and 12-string guitars; a 4-string 3/4 scale length bass; 13 sympathetic harp strings; half-fretless necks; single-coil, humbucking, piezo, MIDI, and sustainer pickups; floating and hardtail tremolo bridges; phase splitters; and much, much more.

Director Garson Yu and his team at yU+co captured a deep look into this magnificent creation.

The Vai Collection number for The Hydra is SV423.

Ibanez Custom Shop, Japan

The official NFT limited edition collection of Steve's actual stage and studio-played guitars. Stay tuned for future drops!

Vai’s signature instruments include the Ibanez JEM guitar, which he designed in 1985. The JEM is a unique instrument that incorporated a series of groundbreaking designs that have since become staples throughout the guitar industry, and is now one of the longest running, most successful signature guitars in history. Vai also designed the Ibanez Universe, the first commercially available 7-string electric guitar. This instrument inspired a revolutionary metal subculture that started in the mid ’90s. In 2020 the Ibanez PIA was introduced, which Vai describes as the modernization and maturing of his original JEM design.