- Iconic Ibanez RG550's enduring legacy
- Affordable high-end craftsmanship from Japan
- Stage-ready with meticulous setup and finish
- Super Wizard neck profile for comfort and speed
- EDGE tremolo system for tuning stability
- Versatile stock pickups, customizable potential
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TranscriptIn the world of iconic guitars, the Ibanez RG550 demands attention. For more than three decades, the RG series has served as a backbone of Ibanez's guitar lineup, largely owing to the massive success of the JEM model. Born from a desire to create a stripped-down version of the JEM, without the Steve Vai-specific features, the RG550 emerged, and it has since become a guitar that captures the imagination of players worldwide.
Crafted in Japan, a detail proudly heralded at the top of the product pages for models made there, the RG550 is positioned among Ibanez's high-end instruments. With a price point that is considered affordable in the realm of quality guitars, this model rubs shoulders with more expensive counterparts, offering a compelling combination of performance and value.
Straight out of the box, the RG550 is tuned and ready for the stage. The setup, intonation, neck relief—all meticulously dialed in. The finish is flawless, embodying the precision and quality that musicians have come to expect from Ibanez. It's a workhorse that's ready to perform, yet it also offers a canvas for those inclined to customize. With upgrades, this already solid guitar can be transformed into a personalized instrument that rivals others at double the price.
The RG550 features the familiar Ibanez body with its tight roundover, pointy horns, deep cutaways, and tilted neck joint. It comes equipped with Ibanez's own pickups, which are surprisingly clear and robust for stock hardware in this price range. The ceramic-based humbuckers provide warmth without harshness, and the middle single-coil pickup, with its alnico 5 slugs, rounds out a versatile and clear sound. This guitar is more than capable of delivering a performance straight out of the box, but for those with a penchant for the 80s, the option to swap in aftermarket pickups like pink DiMarzios is available.
In terms of hardware, the RG550 sports the revered EDGE tremolo system, a double-locking bridge that maintains tuning stability and offers ample range for fine-tuning. Accompanied by Gotoh tuners, known for their reliability, this guitar's hardware is built to last and perform.
The neck of the RG550 is a revelation, with the Super Wizard profile being just one millimeter thinner than the regular Wizard neck. Despite its slimness, it does not compromise on comfort or stability, being both comfortable to play and remarkably stable over time. The neck, a five-piece maple and walnut laminate, remains steady without frequent need for truss rod adjustments.
Completing the playability of this guitar are the jumbo frets, which are not just large, but "super jumbo." They are installed with precision, level and well-dressed, and the fret edges are beveled, aligning with expectations for a guitar in this class. The fretboard radius is slightly flatter than the JEM profile, making it easy on the hands and a joy to play, regardless of whether shredding is on the agenda.
The RG550 presents a spectrum of colors, from Purple Neon to Road Flare Red, appealing to various aesthetic preferences. It is a guitar that invites both play and personalization, whether through a simple pickup change or more extensive modifications like a brass sustain block for the tremolo or a custom arm.
In conclusion, the RG550 Genesis model from Ibanez is an opportunity to experience the feel and sound reminiscent of the 80s shred era, without the hefty price tag of more elaborate models. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of Ibanez craftsmanship—a guitar that synthesizes quality, affordability, and the potential for personal expression. Exploring the genesis of the Ibanez RG550 is to delve into a rich history of electric guitar evolution. The design philosophy of the RG550 is deeply rooted in the desire to provide musicians with a high-performance instrument that harnesses the essence of its predecessor, the JEM, yet stands on its own merits. The RG series, which has been a mainstay of Ibanez's lineup for over thirty-five years, is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and quality.
The 'Made in Japan' label on the RG550 is more than a mere stamp of origin—it's a badge of craftsmanship and a promise of high-end quality. Japanese manufacturing is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and precision engineering, and these qualities are embedded in the DNA of the RG550. This prestige is reflected in the guitar's placement alongside the most esteemed instruments within Ibanez's range, including various artist signature models.
The out-of-the-box readiness of the Ibanez RG550 is remarkable. It is a testament to Ibanez's understanding of what guitarists need—a reliable workhorse that performs consistently at a high level. The setup is precise, from the neck relief and intonation to the action and tuning stability, ensuring that the guitar is stage-ready the moment it is unboxed. The quality of the finish is impeccable, with clean lines and a polished appearance that meets the high standards musicians have come to expect from the brand.
Such attention to detail ensures that the RG550 not only meets but often exceeds the expectations of guitarists. Whether a seasoned professional or an aspiring shredder, players can trust in the instrument's quality and reliability. The RG550's readiness to perform without the need for immediate adjustments or customizations sets it apart as a standout choice in its category. It is this blend of Japanese craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and instant playability that cements the RG550's status as an iconic guitar within the RG series lineage. The Ibanez RG550 is, in essence, a shred machine, meticulously designed to cater to the technical demands of high-speed play. At the core of its anatomy is the classic body shape, quintessentially Ibanez, with its tight roundovers, aggressively pointed horns, and deep cutaways that offer unimpeded access to the higher frets. The tilted neck joint is another nuanced touch, facilitating seamless transitions along the neck.
The Super Wizard neck profile is a marvel of engineering—slender and fleet, encouraging rapid finger movement across the fretboard. Despite being only one millimeter thinner than the already slim Wizard profile, it avoids the pitfall of feeling too thin. This neck strikes a balance between sleekness and substance, offering comfort that belies its dimensions. A five-piece maple and walnut laminate construction not only enhances the neck's visual appeal but also contributes to its stability, resisting warping and requiring minimal adjustments.
The EDGE tremolo system is another hallmark of the RG550. Revered among guitarists for its precision and stability, the EDGE is a double-locking tremolo that allows for expressive vibrato and dive-bombing effects without sacrificing tuning stability. The system includes fine tuners for on-the-fly pitch adjustments and is robust enough to handle the most aggressive whammy bar antics.
Turning to the electronics, the RG550 is outfitted with stock Ibanez pickups that are surprisingly capable. The V7 neck humbucker and V8 bridge humbucker, both ceramic-based, offer a warm and defined tone that sidesteps any potential harshness. The S1 middle single-coil, featuring alnico 5 slugs, adds a layer of tonal versatility, providing clarity and brightness that complement the humbuckers. These pickups allow the RG550 to cover a wide range of musical styles, from crisp clean passages to roaring distorted leads.
The potential for customization is an aspect that further endears the RG550 to its players. It provides a solid foundation for those who wish to infuse their instrument with personal flair. Enthusiasts often swap the stock pickups for aftermarket options such as DiMarzio's vividly colored pickups, nodding to the aesthetic of the 80s rock era. Other modifications can include upgrading the tremolo block for added sustain or installing a custom tremolo arm for improved functionality. These enhancements transform the RG550 into a personalized instrument that reflects the player's individual style and sonic preferences, all the while maintaining the guitar's inherent qualities as a versatile and reliable shred machine.
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