A Comprehensive Buying Guide for the Ibanez RG550

Your Guide to buying the best Ibanez RG550

Overview

The Ibanez RG550 buying guide is the perfect resource for anyone looking to purchase an iconic, high-quality electric guitar. The Ibanez RG550 is a classic instrument, well known for its combination of affordability and performance. This guide will provide an in-depth look at the various features and specs of the Ibanez RG550, as well as tips on how to get the most out of this classic instrument. With this guide, you'll be able to make an informed decision when purchasing your own Ibanez RG550.

Key features

  1. Body Type: The Ibanez RG550 is a solid-body electric guitar made from a combination of basswood and maple.
  2. Neck: The neck of the RG550 is a 5-piece maple and walnut combination with a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard.
  3. Pickups: The RG550 features an HSH pickup configuration with dual humbuckers, a single-coil neck pickup, and a single-coil middle pickup.
  4. Controls: The RG550 has a volume knob, a tone knob, and a 5-way switch.
  5. Hardware: The RG550 comes equipped with an Edge locking tremolo bridge, a set of Ibanez tuners, and a black pickguard with an RG logo.
  6. Finish: The RG550 is available in a variety of finishes, including black, white, blue, and red.

See the most popular Ibanez RG550 on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatility - The Ibanez RG550 is a highly versatile guitar with its double cutaway design, allowing for easy access to the higher frets, as well as its wide range of tonal possibilities due to its combination of humbucking and single coil pickups.
  • Durability - The Ibanez RG550 is a well-built instrument, made from solid woods and featuring quality hardware that is designed to last.
  • Playability - The RG550 features a slim neck profile and low action, making it easy and comfortable to play.
  • Traditional styling - The RG550 has a classic design that is inspired by the legendary Ibanez RG series of guitars, making it a great choice for those looking for a classic-looking instrument.
  • Affordability - The RG550 offers a great combination of features and build quality for an affordable price.

Cons

  • Price - Ibanez RG550 may be perceived as an expensive option, as it is typically priced higher than many of its competitors in the electric guitar market.
  • Sound - The sound of the Ibanez RG550 may not be ideal for some genres of music, such as jazz or classical, as it is designed to be a rock guitar.
  • Customization - The Ibanez RG550 does not provide much room for customization as far as pickups and electronics go, as it comes with set hardware and electronics.
  • Weight - The Ibanez RG550 may be heavier than many other electric guitars, which may be an issue for some players.

Best alternatives

  1. Jackson Soloist SL3 - A high-performance guitar designed for shredding with multiple pickups, a Floyd Rose tremolo, and neck-thru construction.
  2. ESP LTD EC401 - High-quality construction with a set-neck design, a double-locking tremolo system, and a pair of humbucking pickups.
  3. Schecter C-1 Classic - A classic rock and metal-inspired guitar with a Floyd Rose tremolo, 24-fret neck, and dual humbucking pickups.
  4. PRS SE Custom 24 - A mid-range guitar with a great sound and a classic look, with 24 frets, a double-locking tremolo, and two humbuckers.
  5. Paul Reed Smith S2 Singlecut - A classic guitar with a vintage look and feel, featuring PRS's well-regarded pickups and a set-neck design.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Strings - Strings are necessary to keep the guitar in tune and provide a good tone.
  • Tuner - A tuner is used to make sure the strings are tuned and to help the guitarist stay in tune while playing.
  • Picks - Picks are used to pluck the strings and create different tones.
  • Capo - A capo is used to quickly and easily change the key of the guitar without having to re-tune it.
  • Pickup - Pickups are used to amplify the sound of the guitar.
  • Bridge Saddle - The bridge saddle is responsible for transferring the vibration of the strings to the body of the guitar.
  • Cable - A cable is used to connect the guitar to an amplifier or other audio equipment.
  • Guitar Stand - A guitar stand is used to keep the guitar off the ground, as well as serving as a convenient storage option.

Common questions

  1. What makes the Ibanez RG550 so popular?
    • The Ibanez RG550 is popular for its combination of classic looks and modern performance. It features an iconic double-cutaway design, which is lightweight and allows for easy access to higher frets. It has a fast-playing neck with extra-jumbo frets and an Edge tremolo bridge for precise tuning and whammy bar use. The Ibanez V7 and V8 humbucking pickups provide a balanced tone with a wide range of sounds.
  2. What type of music is the Ibanez RG550 suited for?
    • The Ibanez RG550 is suited for a wide range of musical styles including rock, metal, blues, jazz, and more. It has the versatility to handle a variety of sounds, from bright clean tones to searingly distorted leads.
  3. Is the Ibanez RG550 suitable for beginners?
    • The Ibanez RG550 is a great guitar for both experienced players and beginners, as it is both comfortable to play and has great tone. It is also fairly easy to set up and maintain, making it an ideal choice for someone just starting out.
  4. How much does the Ibanez RG550 cost?
    • The Ibanez RG550 typically retails for around $650 USD, depending on the finish and configuration. There may be some slight variations in price depending on where you purchase it.

Trivia

In 2020, an Ibanez RG550 was the guitar used in a popular Super Bowl advertisement. The commercial featured rock legends Post Malone and Travis Scott performing in the middle of a stadium full of holographic fans, and the iconic Ibanez RG550 was the guitar that Post Malone used to play the song. According to an article by Music Radar, this commercial has "been viewed as a victory for the guitar world in 2020."Source.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.