Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (21)
$1,199.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (15)
$1,199.99
Amazon
4.7 (20)
$1,149.99
Reverb
5.0 (32)
$762.45 New
$719.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (7)
$1,199.99
zZounds
5.0 (22)
$1,199.99
Thomann
4.9 (49)
$875.00 $868.00 $7.00 · All time low

Average Price: $1,038

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "IBANEZ GENESIS COLLECTION RG550". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Meet the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550-RF, a reimagining of a classic that perfectly blends the audacious spirit of the '80s with modern-day improvements. A shredder's dream, this guitar boasts high-speed performance and bold aesthetics. Its D-shape Super Wizard neck, lightweight basswood body, HSH pickup configuration, and dive-bombing Edge tremolo guarantee playability and versatility to meet the demands of every rock and metal guitarist.

The RG550 sports an exceptionally sculpted body with an ergonomic build and a deep tummy cut for enhanced comfort. Its basswood body also comes in three eye-catching, original '80s and '90s RG colors, ensuring that you stand out on stage. Not just for looks, the basswood is known for its punchiness and definition, making it ideal for hard rock and metal.

The RG550 is equipped with three pickups in an HSH configuration, which include the refreshed Ibanez V7 (neck), S1 (middle) and V8 (bridge). This array is noted for its versatility, ensuring you can find the sweet spot for every situation. The V7 neck serves up rich rhythms or full-bodied leads, while the V8 bridge dishes out searing, high-output alnico magic suited to all styles of riffage.

Key Features:

  • Genesis Collection series
  • Body: Basswood
  • 5-Piece Super Wizard neck: Maple/Walnut
  • Fretboard: Maple
  • 24 Jumbo frets with prestige fret edge treatment
  • Edge tremolo
  • Pickups: Ibanez V7 humbucker (neck), Ibanez S1 singlecoil (middle) and Ibanez V8 humbucker (bridge)
  • Black hardware
  • Colour: Road Flare Red
  • Made in Japan

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 is the neck profile like on the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550-RF?

The Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550-RF features a Super Wizard neck profile, known for its thin and fast feel, ideal for players who favor speed and precision.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Ibanez RG550-RF?

The RG550-RF is equipped with V7, S1, and V8 pickups in an HSH configuration, offering a versatile range from bright cleans to aggressive high-gain tones, making it suitable for various genres, especially rock and metal.

Is the Ibanez Genesis RG550-RF suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez Genesis RG550-RF is suitable for advanced players, offering high-quality components like a 5-piece Maple/Walnut neck and a locking tremolo system, providing excellent playability and tuning stability.

Does the Ibanez RG550-RF have a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Ibanez RG550-RF features an Edge Locking Tremolo, which allows for stable tuning even during extensive whammy bar use, perfect for expressive playing styles.

What is the body material of the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550-RF?

The body of the Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550-RF is made from basswood, known for its balanced tone and lightweight properties, contributing to the guitar's overall playability and comfort.

longestsoloever

longestsoloever

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

Video thumbnail for EXTREME 80s GUITAR! - Ibanez Genesis Collection RG550 Guitar Review - LongestSoloEver Reviews by longestsoloever

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

longestsoloever

longestsoloever

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection (Made in Japan) by Audiophile Components

Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection (Made in Japan)

Audiophile Components

Audiophile Components

Video thumbnail for Ibanez / RG550 Road Flare Red (RF) 【イシバシ楽器梅田店】 by 1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Ibanez / RG550 Road Flare Red (RF) 【イシバシ楽器梅田店】

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

1484tv イシバシ楽器公式

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550-RF Genesis - Guitar Demo by Yeray Diaz Hurtado

Ibanez RG550-RF Genesis - Guitar Demo

Yeray Diaz Hurtado

Yeray Diaz Hurtado

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning finishes with vibrant colors that glow under stage lights

  • Thin, fast neck enhances playability and comfort

  • Versatile pickups produce both powerful and clean tones

  • Edge tremolo sustains tuning even with aggressive use

  • Ergonomic design prevents accidental knob hits during play

  • Lightweight and well-balanced for extended use

  • Flawless build quality with perfect fit and finish

  • Suitable for a variety of music styles, from metal to blues

  • Minimal fret buzz with low action, ideal for shredding

  • Excellent cost-to-quality ratio for a Japanese-made guitar

CONS

  • Some users report minor fret sprout needing attention

  • Similar tone between neck and bridge pickups

  • Occasional need for setup adjustments out of the box

  • Lack of a hardshell case included with purchase

  • Block neck joint may hinder upper fret access for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about IBANEZ GENESIS COLLECTION RG550.

Comparisons

  • The RG550 Genesis is noted to feel like having a Prestige without the higher price tag.

    Source
  • Owners find the Genesis RG550 neck slightly thicker than the original Wizard neck, which was even thinner than the Jem neck at the time.

    Source
  • The Genesis RG550 features a 5-piece neck compared to the original's 1-piece maple, affecting stability and feel.

    Source

User experience

  • Multiple owners who regret selling original RG550s find the Genesis models a suitable replacement, offering similar playability and quality.

    Source
  • One user describes owning 70 guitars and ranks the RG550 in their top 3 for the neck quality.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the guitar's loud and beefy sound, with 24 jumbo frets contributing to its dynamic playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Unlike the original models, the Genesis features a square heel instead of the AANJ, impacting high fret access.

    Source
  • The Genesis version has a tilt joint neck, which some find more comfortable for high fret access compared to the AANJ.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users favor high-output pickups, often replacing stock humbuckers while keeping the middle pickup for its mid-gain and clean tones.

    Source
  • Some owners replace stock V7/V8 pickups with DiMarzio pickups for an improved sound.

    Source
  • Swapping to a Dimebucker in the bridge and a Jazz in the neck noted; however, the Jazz isn't a trembucker, causing misalignment with strings/poles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Genesis model's Edge tremolo is mentioned to have wobbly fine tuners, unlike the tighter ones on older models.

    Source
  • Action set to ~0.9/1.4mm treble/bass at the 14th fret with minimal buzzing, requiring only a quarter turn truss rod adjustment in 8 months.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While known as a shredder guitar, some players find the RG550 less suitable for rhythm playing.

    Source
  • Despite its shredder reputation, the RG550 is versatile for blues rock, with its HSH configuration offering a wide tonal range.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Genesis model includes a volute at the neck to prevent cracking, a common issue in older RG550 models.

    Source
  • Weighs 7 lbs. 12 oz. with excellent MIJ craftsmanship; original Edge tremolo ensures rock-solid tuning stability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Noted that some discounted offers on platforms like eBay might be suspicious when significantly lower than typical retail prices.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Michael Amott uses IBANEZ GENESIS COLLECTION RG550

Michael Amott

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Michael can be seen here playing on an Ibanez RG 550.

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keola_hutchinson

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