Ibanez EP5-BP Black Pearl Signature Steve Vai Euphoria

A Signature Designed for Expressiveness: The "Euphoria" Spirit in Acoustic Form

The Ibanez EP5 Steve Vai Signature embraces a "performance" approach to acoustic guitar: a thin, ergonomic, and decidedly contemporary instrument designed to transition effortlessly from intimate playing to amplified performance. Its visual identity (special "Vai" inlay at the 12th fret, uniquely designed rosette, gold hardware) reflects the desire to combine character and precision while staying focused on musical effectiveness.

Who Is It For, and Which Styles?

Thanks to its slim body and 24 frets, the EP5 targets both the intermediate guitarist seeking a comfortable electro-acoustic and the advanced musician wanting an expressive and reliable instrument for stage or studio. It suits modern playing styles very well (pop, acoustic rock, ambient, fusion), articulated fingerstyle, as well as lead parts and arrangements requiring extended access to the upper registers.

Sound Characteristics

The solid Engelmann spruce top delivers a fast response, singing mids, and clear articulation, ideal for highlighting nuances and attacks. The okoumé back and sides contribute to a balanced projection with a warm signature while maintaining excellent clarity. The Thinline format enhances comfort and control (especially when amplified), while the maple fingerboard offers a smooth touch and appreciated consistency across the range, reducing "dead spots" and reinforcing a stable feel.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To fully utilize the electronics, a 6.35 mm / 1" instrument jack cable (mono) is essential. Regarding strings, you can stick with the original 12-53 gauge to maintain the factory-intended balance and tension.

Technical specifications

Type	electro-acoustic guitar	Number of Frets	24
Body Shape	Special Thin EP	Inlay	special "Vai" inlay at 12th fret
Top	solid Engelmann spruce	Bridge	maple
Back and Sides	okoumé	Tuners	gold finish, brown acrylic buttons
Body Dimensions (A/B/C)	length 20.12" / 511 mm; width 16.10" / 409 mm; max depth 2.87" / 73 mm	Bridge Pins	Ibanez Advantage
Neck	EP / Nyatoh	String Spacing	0.43" / 11 mm
Scale Length	25.6" / 651 mm	Pickup	Fishman Sonicore
Nut Width	1.69" / 43 mm	Preamp	Ibanez AEQ210TF (2-band EQ, built-in tuner, phase switch)
Width at 14th Fret	2.17" / 55 mm	Output Jack	1" / 25.4 mm
Thickness at 1st Fret	0.79" / 20 mm	Rosette	Original Design Decal
Thickness at 7th Fret	0.83" / 21 mm	Strings	D'Addario XTAPB1253
Radius	12.0" / 305 mm	Gauge	.012/.016/.024/.032/.042/.053
Fingerboard	maple	Factory Tuning	1E, 2B, 3G, 4D, 5A, 6E