Steve Vai rare guitar auctions online - but why not get yourself a signed guitar?

As a Steve Vai guitar auctions in the US, we look at some autographed alternatives on the market

We recently reported on the charity sale of a guitar once owned by Eddie Van Halen, a musician once described as "second to only Jimi Hendrix... undoubtedly one of the most influential, original, and talented rock guitarists of the 20th century."

Another axe virtuoso who is arguably 'up there' in the pantheon of great guitarists is Steve Vai. Rock fans will know Vai for his work with Frank Zappa, '80s metallers Whitesnake, his own guitar-laden solo records and three Grammy Award wins.

This guitar up for sale is an Ibanez JEM, easily one of the best-known signature model guitars - with its notable features including a 'carrier handle'.

This rare JEM7VWH guitar boasts DiMarzio humbuckers (which pick-up the strings' vibrations) alongside a DiMarzio Custom Single humbucker. The latter was a JEM exclusive, and designed to provide Steve Vai with his own signature sound.

The Steve Vai Ibanez JEM guitar

The guitar also has a JEM Monkey Grip - which is unique to the Ibanez Steve Vai model - a 24-fret Prestige neck, and deep routed tremolo bar cavities so allowing the player to radically bend the guitar's notes for incredible versatility - just like Vai himself.

The guitar is tested, working and comes with a soft case. It is estimated at $1,000 - $2,000 and is auctioning both online and in Kinzers, Pennsylvania, US.

Owning a classic guitar is one thing - but how about bolstering your investment with something extra...

Autographed guitars remain especially popular among music memorabilia collectors. Recent auction appearances have included a guitar signed by Metallica, estimated at $10,000. We've also invested in some rare signed guitars here at Paul Fraser Collectibles.

Autographed axes presently for sale in our stock include guitars signed by U2, British rockers The Libertines and also - on a bizarre guitar which has to be seen to be believed - the Rolling Stones including original bassist Bill Wyman.

Rare guitars, signed or not, have consistently proved themselves as being among the best collectibles assets at past auctions. This rock 'n' roll success will no doubt continue in 2012 and beyond...

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