This guitar represents a departure from the JEM series, which has been Vai's series of signature six-string guitars since its debut in 1987. The PIA (Paradise in Art) continues to use a super-Strat RG style body and Lion's claw tremolo rout that has always been a feature of the JEM, but it eschews the JEM's monkey grip in favour of a different cutout pattern on the body. Other changes to the body include a deeper route on the back of the lower horn, more aggressive forearm relief and a slightly larger radius round over on all the edges. Additionally, the Tree of Life inlays have been altered somewhat and renamed the PIA blossom. The name of the new series is believed to be inspired by Vai's wife, Pia.

Specifications:: 

• Body Material: Alder
• Neck Profile: PIA
• Fretboard Material: Rosewood
• Fretboard Radius: 430mmR
• Scale Length: 648mm/25.5"
• No. of Frets: 24 Jumbo Frets
• Fretboard Inlays: PIA Blossom Inlays
• Pickups: DiMarzio® UtoPIA™ Passive/Ceramic Humbucker (Bridge), DiMarzio® UtoPIA™ Passive/Ceramic Single-Coil (Middle), DiMarzio® UtoPIA™ Passive/Ceramic Humbucker (Neck)
• Bridge: Edge Tremolo Bridge
• Strings: D'Addario® EXL120 .009/.011/.016/.024/.032/.042 Gauges
• Tuning Machines: Gotoh® machine heads
• Hardware Finish: Gold
• Case: Hardshell Case