STEVE STEVENS: A Signature Sound and a Foldable Future
Few guitarists have carved out a sound as instantly recognisable as Steve Stevens. From the fiery licks of Rebel Yell to the cinematic sweep of the Top Gun Anthem, Stevens’ playing has long been defined by precision, flair, and a fearless approach to tone. Speaking with Australian Musician’s Greg Phillips, the guitarist discussed his involvement in a new fretted instrument innovation, a signature travel model with Ciari Guitars and he reflected on his enduring partnership with Billy Idol.
MORE ABOUT OUR STEVE STEVENS CHAT
The collaboration with Ciari Guitars came about after Stevens was introduced to their unique folding guitar design, created for players on the move. “I’ve been on the road for decades,” he explained. “Ciari’s concept of a professional-grade guitar that folds in half without sacrificing tone or tuning stability really appealed to me. It’s a practical solution for modern touring musicians.”
Stevens’ signature model, the Ciari Ascender SS, refines the original travel-friendly concept with a few of his personal touches. “We didn’t want it to be a novelty,” he said. “It had to feel like a real instrument – the same quality I’d take on stage or into the studio.” The guitar features his preferred pickup configuration, a sleek black finish, and ergonomic tweaks designed for comfort and reliability. “It’s the first time I’ve had a guitar that combines innovation with my own performance standards,” he added.
Of course, any talk with Stevens inevitably turns to his longtime collaboration with Billy Idol. The pair’s creative partnership has spanned over four decades, yielding rock anthems and an unmistakable chemistry on stage. “Billy and I just get each other,” Stevens said. “We’ve been through so many eras of music, but the energy is still there. He trusts me to bring in ideas, and I trust his instincts completely.”
The duo continue to tour globally, performing both classics and new material. “Every time we hit the stage, there’s still that spark,” Stevens said. “It’s not nostalgia, it’s about keeping the music alive.” Billy Idol is cuttingly on tour in South America, playing tracks form his alerts album Dream Into It.
Stevens also hints that an Australian tour is being talked about for 2026, however we await confirmation of that.
Between pushing guitar design forward and keeping rock’s flame burning with Idol, Stevens remains as inventive and committed as ever. “The goal has always been the same,” he smiled. “Make something that moves people, whether it’s a song, a solo, or even a guitar that folds in half.”
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MORE ABOUT THE CIARI SS ASCENDER MODEL
Ciari Guitars, the pioneering brand behind the world’s most innovative travel guitars, proudly announces its first-ever Signature Series model in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning songwriter, guitarist, and rock legend Steve Stevens. Best known for his work with Billy Idol and contributions to music icons like Michael Jackson, and culture-defining films such as Top Gun, Stevens brings his unparalleled tone and artistry to Ciari’s revolutionary platform.
The Steve Stevens Signature Ascender™ merges Ciari’s patented folding technology with the high-performance features demanded by elite touring musicians. Designed for tone, portability, and stage-ready aesthetics, the Signature model offers a new benchmark in travel guitar innovation – perfect for stage, studio, and everywhere in between.
“Imagine flying with a truly professional, high-quality guitar and not having to worry about an airline damaging it,” says Stevens. “With my signature Ciari guitar, you just fold it up, stick it in its included backpack and slide it under your seat. Ciari has changed the game, and I’m proud to put my name on this instrument.”
Crafted with premium materials and custom features handpicked by Stevens himself, the guitar is built for musicians who refuse to choose between convenience and performance. The Signature Ascender features a custom neck profile, premium pickups, and striking visual elements that reflect Steve’s iconic style. The Signature Series includes two models: the Steve Stevens Signature Ascender Platinum, available in Jet Black Glass and Olympic White Gloss, and the Steve Stevens Signature Ascender Premier, available in Jet Black Glass, Olympic White Gloss, and Josie Pink.
The Steve Stevens Signature Ascender boasts the following key features:
• Bare Knuckle Ray Gun pickups for dynamic, precise tone.
• Coil-splitting functionality for versatile sound options.
• LED Selector Switch with Red, Green, and Blue position indicators on the Ray Gun Logo.
• Bezel tuners for effortless, accurate tuning.
• Premium electronics with stacked pots for seamless control.
• Trapezoid inlays and Ray Gun-inspired design elements
• Ciari’s patented foldable neck system allows for “Personal Item” convenience on planes.
“Partnering with Steve Stevens for our first Signature Series is a dream,” said Jonathan Spangler, Founder & CEO of Ciari Guitars. “He embodies everything we value — innovation, excellence, and fearless artistry. This guitar is the culmination of that shared vision.”
The Steve Stevens Signature Ascender is available for pre-order exclusively on the Ciari Guitars website.
For more information, visit www.ciariguitars.com. Steve Stevens is currently on a worldwide tour with Billy Idol, supporting the duo’s chart-topping new album Dream Into It.
