The Spark MINI has been a favorite of Steve Vai for quite some time. We’d often see him with it in the green room on tour, using it for quick practice sessions. So when we noticed him taking it everywhere—including one with his logo on the grille—we knew we had something special. That's when the idea of a Steve Vai signature model started brewing.

We reached out to Steve to gauge his interest in creating a custom Spark MINI, and he was immediately onboard. His excitement was contagious, and he wanted to be involved in every aspect—selecting the color, designing the grille, and even crafting the custom presets.

Initially, Steve suggested using his signature green, the vibrant hue many of his fans associate with him. While we loved the idea, the brightness didn’t quite translate the way we hoped. After making a sample, even Steve agreed it wasn’t the right direction.

On the Satriani/Vai tour, we met up with him again, this time showing a deep red version of the Spark MINI. It was close to what he envisioned, but Steve requested a more refined, richer burgundy. And of course, we were happy to make it happen.

When it came to the grille design, Steve really helped us elevate the project. He shared a wide range of his personal artwork, and we knew the grille needed to be something special. After experimenting with several designs from his portfolio, we all fell in love with the intricate mandala pattern. The combination of a gold mandala, gold accents, and the rich burgundy tolex created a truly unique and elegant design.

Steve also had the brilliant idea to include a custom cable. “I’m always looking for the cable,” he told us. His suggestion of a compact, high-quality cable that could fit neatly with the amp was perfect. We chose a woven design that complements the amp’s aesthetic beautifully—both lightweight and durable, it’s a perfect match for the Spark MINI.

Of course, the real magic lies in the sound. As a guitar icon known for his progressive tones, Steve personally crafted the presets for this model, ensuring they reflected the go-to sounds he uses daily. These exclusive tones are sure to inspire guitarists everywhere.

We’re incredibly proud of the Steve Vai Signature Spark MINI, and we think it’s a true reflection of his legendary style and tone. Check out this video of Steve walking us through the tone presets—it’s a behind-the-scenes look you don’t want to miss.