Conversation so far:
What is JEM?
Vai designed the Ibanez JEM guitar, a unique instrument that incorporated a series of groundbreaking designs.
What was unique about it?
The guitar was designed with a sharper body shape, a large cutaway around the neck, twenty-four frets, a fully floating tremolo system.
What was different about its sound?
new low-range sonic possibilities.

Question: What was his connection with Universe Guitars?
Self-contained rewrite: What was Vai's connection with Universe Guitars?