Replica of Steve Vai’s Heart Guitar

The Return of a Rock Legend

This June, I had the privilege of creating a unique replica of Steve Vai’s Heart Guitar, which he used in David Lee Roth’s Just Like Paradise music video in 1988. This guitar was an iconic piece of rock history, but after the video, it was dismantled, making my task of replicating it a monumental challenge.

How I Made the Replica of Steve Vai’s Heart Guitar

Creating the replica of Steve Vai’s Heart Guitar wasn’t easy. The original guitar only appeared for a few seconds in the 1988 video and then vanished from history. There were no blueprints or available documentation, so I had to work with images from the video to recreate it. Every detail, from the heart’s curves to the finishes, was measured and calculated precisely from those brief seconds in the clip.

A Very Special Project for a Passionate Luthier

This project wasn’t just another job for me. My first contact with the Heart Guitar was when I was 13 years old. That video was a turning point in my life as a guitarist and music lover. Just three years later, I knew I wanted to become a luthier. So, when I had the chance to create a replica of this guitar, I knew I was closing a very important chapter in my life.  

Where You Can See Steve Vai’s Heart Guitar Replica

The replica of Steve Vai’s Heart Guitar that I created is currently on display at the Guitar Legend Hall in Barcelona. This museum is dedicated to guitar legends, and I am honored that my work is part of their collection. If you’re a fan of rock, Steve Vai, or simply unique guitars, I encourage you to visit!

Jose Ramos

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