Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (28)
$1,199.99 $1,149.99 $50.00 · All time low
Guitar Center
4.5 (15)
$1,199.99
Amazon
5.0 (7)
$1,149.99 New
$1,089.00 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (32)
$763.52 New
$719.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (7)
$1,199.99
zZounds
5.0 (22)
$1,199.99

Average Price: $1,055

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Product Name: Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550

Category: Musical Instruments > Guitars > Electric Guitars > Solid Body Electric Guitars

Step back in time and shred your way forward with the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550, a modern reimagining of a classic rock and metal icon. This electric guitar, first introduced in 1987, was a milestone in rock history, and the RG550 continues that legacy today with its blend of vintage aesthetics and updated specs.

Its Super Wizard neck - a blend of five sturdy pieces of Maple & Walnut - and lightweight basswood body promises ease of playability, while the HSH pickup configuration offers a wide range of sound and attack. The dive-bombing Edge tremolo and Gotoh machine heads ensure incredible tuning stability, allowing you to perform the most extreme sonic acrobatics without fear.

The RG550 doesn't just look good - it's designed for comfort, with an ergonomic build featuring a deep tummy cut and an arm contour. The basswood body, available in several eye-catching original RG colors, is not just visually appealing but also known for its punchiness and definition, perfect for hard rock and metal genres.

Key Features:

  • Super Wizard 5pc Maple/Walnut neck for smooth playability
  • Lightweight basswood body available in original '80s and '90s RG colors
  • HSH pickup configuration with Ibanez V7 (neck), S1 (middle), and V8 (bridge) for versatile sound
  • Edge tremolo bridge and Gotoh machine heads for great tuning stability
  • Ergonomic body design for enhanced comfort
  • 24 jumbo frets on a maple fingerboard
  • Eye-catching black hardware

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Genesis RG
Body Material Basswood
Body Finish Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Material 5-piece Maple/Walnut
Neck Shape Super Wizard
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 16.9"
Fingerboard Inlay Black Dots
Number of Frets 24, Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.692"
Nut Material Locking
Bridge/Tailpiece Edge Locking Tremolo
Tuners Gotoh
Neck Pickup V7 Humbucker
Middle Pickup S1 Single-coil
Bridge Pickup V8 Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch
Strings D'Addario, .009-.042
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 have?

The Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 features a Super Wizard neck profile, known for its thin and fast design, making it ideal for shredding and technical playing styles.

What type of pickups are used in the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550?

The Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 is equipped with an HSH pickup configuration, featuring V7 and V8 humbuckers and an S1 single-coil, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 is well-suited for heavy metal, thanks to its high-output pickups, fast neck, and locking tremolo system, which provides stability and precision for aggressive playing styles.

Does the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 come with a case or gig bag?

The Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 does not include a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to ensure protection during transport.

What is the bridge system on the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550?

The Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 features an Edge Locking Tremolo bridge, which offers excellent tuning stability and allows for expressive tremolo techniques.

Robert Baker

Robert Baker

The Guitar That Keeps SELLING OUT!

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Robert Baker

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Ibanez Genesis Series: RG550 Electric Guitar Demo | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

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Ibanez Genesis Review - The RG550 Story

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IbanezGuy88

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Andertons Music Co

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EXTREME 80s GUITAR! - Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 Guitar Review - LongestSoloEver Reviews

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Audiophile Components

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What Makes the Ibanez RG550 Genesis a Great Guitar?

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High Z Productions

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Jason Stallworth

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Checking out the Ibanez RG550 Genesis! (Review)

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Video thumbnail for MIDNIGHT SESSIONS Ep.9 - IBANEZ RG550 GENESIS FIRST IMPRESSIONS by digital360

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Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning finishes with vibrant colors like Desert Yellow and Road Flare Red

  • Neck is super thin, fast, and comfortable for all playing styles

  • High-quality Japanese craftsmanship with flawless fit and finish

  • Tremolo system stays in tune even with aggressive use

  • Pickups provide powerful, versatile sound, great for both clean and distorted tones

  • Low action with minimal fret buzz, ready to play out of the box

  • Excellent ergonomics with easy access to upper frets

  • Lightweight and perfectly balanced for comfortable playing

  • Great sustain and quiet pickups, even with high gain settings

  • Feels like a high-end guitar despite its competitive price point

CONS

  • Some pickups lack distinct tonal differences between neck and bridge

  • Occasional fret sprout reported by some users

  • Headstock quality control issue noted in one instance

  • Lacks a hardshell case or gig bag included in purchase

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550.

Build quality

  • Owners note the RG550's neck heel makes upper fret access challenging, especially for players with larger hands.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the Genesis RG550's resilient trem system, often compared favorably to higher-end models, despite its cost-effective construction.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RG550 is described as a "budget Jem," indicating its position as a stripped-down model with a raw neck and blocky heel joint.

    Source
  • It's noted that despite being a Japanese-made guitar, the Genesis RG550 lacks stainless steel frets, with some reporting fret dents after 3-4 years of use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RG1570 Prestige is often considered a significant quality upgrade over the RG550, with better neck feel and sculpted heel joint.

    Source
  • The Genesis line is described as a faithful reissue of the original RG, offering vintage specifications without the extra modern features like a sculpted neck joint.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the RG550's light weight contributes to a perception of lower quality compared to heavier guitars.

    Source
  • Players express satisfaction with the Genesis RG550's lightweight design, despite concerns about its impact on perceived quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Maple necks on Ibanez guitars, including the RG550, often lack the precision fret end treatment found on rosewood counterparts, leading to sharper fret ends.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users report achieving a late 80s rock/metal tone without changing stock V7/V8 pickups, suggesting instead adjusting pickup height for tonal improvement.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Given its features, the Genesis RG550 is seen as exceptional value, providing a premium double-locking tremolo system at a notably lower price than comparable models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez RG550 Review (Genesis Collection)

cigilovic.com

The Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 dazzles with its nostalgic appeal and vibrant finish options, making it a standout for shred enthusiasts. The Super Wizard neck and classic H/S/H pickup configuration promise versatility and comfort, crucial for any guitarist aiming for agility. However, quality inconsistencies, particularly with fretwork and tremolo adjustments, mar the experience. While the pickups offer diverse tones, the neck pickup's overpowering volume can be a drawback. Despite these quirks, the RG550 represents remarkable value for a Japanese-made guitar, even though it may not meet the expectations set by its iconic legacy.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sam Totman uses Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550

Sam Totman

Guitarist

DragonForce

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video, his band mate, Herman Li mentioned Ibanez RG550-DY Genesis as Sam's guitar, while play on one of these. Sam Totman uses this guitar on Extreme power metal tour.

See how Nili Brosh uses Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550

Nili Brosh

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dethklok

...
Verified via Instagram
Color/Finish: Desert Yellow

In an Instagram post, Nili Brosh can be seen using an Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 in Desert Yellow, as she prepares for a live stream performance and films a new guitar course.

See how Kasperi Heikkinen uses Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550

Kasperi Heikkinen

Guitarist

Beast in Black

...
Verified

Guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen showcases his custom neon purple Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 in an Instagram post.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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edgedancer

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edgedancer

edgedancer

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