Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (28)
$1,199.99
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 (31)
$859.10 New
$749.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (7)
$1,199.99
zZounds
5.0 (22)
$1,199.99
Gear4Music
£850.00

Average Price: $1,080

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

Introducing the Ibanez RG550, an electric guitar that brings back the vibe of the good old days and the rock scene of the '80s. This instrument is a shredder’s dream and more than just a reissue of a classic, it's a modern reinterpretation that combines the daring spirit of the original with present-day innovations.

The Ibanez RG550 boasts a 5-piece maple/walnut Super Wizard neck, providing absolute rock-solid stability and an extra-smooth playing experience. Its lightweight basswood body resonates with a warm growl and enough midrange definition to cut through a dense mix.

This guitar features a versatile HSH pickup configuration, which includes the modern Ibanez V7, S1, V8 pickups, offering a wide range of sound and attack. A 5-way pickup switch allows players to find the sweet spot for any situation, providing both rich rhythm and full-bodied leads.

The RG550 also employs the Edge locking tremolo for dive-bombs and flutters, ensuring optimal tuning stability and intonation. The guitar comes in three eye-catching, original ’80s and ’90s RG colors, including Road Flare Red, Desert Sun Yellow, and Purple Neon.

Key Features:

  • Super Wizard 5-piece Maple/Walnut neck for absolute rock-solid stability
  • Lightweight basswood body resonating with a warm growl
  • Versatile HSH pickup configuration (Ibanez V7, S1, V8 pickups)
  • Edge locking tremolo for optimal tuning stability and intonation
  • Comes in three eye-catching, original ’80s and ’90s RG colors
  • Gotoh machine heads for incredible tuning stability
  • Contoured design for enhanced comfort
  • 24 jumbo frets for big note bends
  • Classic-style tilt neck joint with a stamped metal plate
  • Aggressive styling with 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 is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RG550?

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

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

The Ibanez RG550 is equipped with V7 and V8 humbuckers and an S1 single-coil. This combination offers a versatile tonal range, from crisp and articulate cleans to aggressive and powerful high-gain sounds, suitable for rock and metal genres.

Is the Ibanez RG550 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez RG550 is well-suited for advanced players due to its fast neck, versatile pickup configuration, and Edge locking tremolo system, which allows for expressive playing and stable tuning.

How does the Edge locking tremolo on the Ibanez RG550 perform?

The Edge locking tremolo on the Ibanez RG550 provides excellent tuning stability and allows for smooth and precise pitch modulation, making it perfect for dive-bombs and other tremolo techniques.

What is the body material of the Ibanez RG550, and how does it affect the sound?

The Ibanez RG550 features a basswood body, which contributes to a balanced tonal response with a slight emphasis on midrange frequencies, providing a warm and full sound suitable for various musical styles.

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Ibanez RG550 Genesis Unboxing and 1st Impressions

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550 Genesis Unboxing and 1st Impressions by EytschPi42

Ibanez RG550 Genesis Unboxing and 1st Impressions

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Genesis Series: RG550 Electric Guitar Demo | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

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

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for NEW Ibanez RG550 Genesis! by GAK

NEW Ibanez RG550 Genesis!

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550 - We Heard You Like The 80's, WE DO TOO! - Ibanez Genesis Collection by PMTVUK

Ibanez RG550 - We Heard You Like The 80's, WE DO TOO! - Ibanez Genesis Collection

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Genesis Review - The RG550 Story by IbanezGuy88

Ibanez Genesis Review - The RG550 Story

IbanezGuy88

IbanezGuy88

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-DY - Guitar Review - Not just a SHRED machine by TheGuitarGeek

Ibanez RG550-DY - Guitar Review - Not just a SHRED machine

TheGuitarGeek

TheGuitarGeek

Video thumbnail for Buy This NOT That | Ibanez Genesis RG550 vs. Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK2 by The Axe Guitar

Buy This NOT That | Ibanez Genesis RG550 vs. Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK2

The Axe Guitar

The Axe Guitar

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550 Purple Neon Genesis Collection - KNOW no Boundaries by X9 Eric

Ibanez RG550 Purple Neon Genesis Collection - KNOW no Boundaries

X9 Eric

X9 Eric

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning finishes with rich colors that glow under stage lights

  • Action set very low with minimal fret buzz, immediate playability

  • Fast, thin Wizard neck allows for comfortable and quick playing

  • Tremolo system stays in tune even with heavy use

  • Exceptional build quality with 5-piece neck and rolled fretboard edges

  • Versatile sound, handles clean tones and high-gain shredding with ease

  • Pickups provide power and clarity, reducing muddiness in tones

  • Lightweight and well-balanced, ergonomic design

  • Excellent value for the price, often compared favorably to more expensive models

  • Made in Japan, maintains high craftsmanship standards

CONS

  • Some users find minimal tonal difference between neck and bridge pickups

  • Occasional minor cosmetic issues, such as fret sprout or paint cracks

  • Default pickups may not satisfy more specific tonal preferences, leading to upgrades

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often replace the V7/V8 pickups due to dissatisfaction with their tone, opting for alternatives like DiMarzio for a significant sound improvement.

    Source
  • For left-handed models, users recommend rewiring the volume and tone controls for better functionality.

    Source
  • Owners often replace stock pickups with Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 or Dimebucker/Jazz combos for improved versatility and tonal richness.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite a reputation for shredding, the RG550's neck is praised for blues rock, although some find the heel joint uncomfortable for upper fret access.

    Source
  • Despite its shredder image, it's noted for excelling in blues rock due to its versatile HSH pickup configuration.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Left-handed models reportedly have reversed volume and tone wiring, which some users corrected for smoother operation.

    Source
  • The original Edge double locking tremolo ensures tuning stability, appreciated by those who utilize extensive tremolo use.

    Source
  • The Genesis RG550 retains the original tilt joint neck, which some players find comfortable for high fret access despite preference variances with the AANJ style.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users note a noticeable quality difference between the RG550 and Prestige models, with the latter offering better build and finish.

    Source
  • While appreciated, some users prefer the tighter fine tuners on older Edge trems compared to the wobblier ones on newer models.

    Source
  • The RG550 is likened to a 'Toyota Camry' of guitars for its reliability and versatility, especially in comparison to more expensive models.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners report the Genesis RG550's frets on maple necks can feel sharp, lacking the prestige edge treatment found on rosewood fretboards.

    Source
  • The Genesis series features a Wizard I neck known for its slim profile, praised for its playability and comfort by multiple owners.

    Source
  • The Genesis series includes a volute addition to the neck, enhancing durability and addressing previous neck cracking issues on older models.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players find the RG550 more suited for lead guitar work rather than rhythm, citing the feel of the maple neck as a potential factor.

    Source
  • The guitar's weight at 7 lbs. 12 oz. is praised for comfort during long sessions, highlighting its ergonomic advantages.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some Genesis RG550s are available as low as $450 used; an exceptional value considering new models are priced around $1,000.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Action set at ~0.9/1.4mm treble/bass at the 14th fret with minimal buzzing; a testament to its high-quality craftsmanship.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez RG550 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Ibanez RG550 reissue is a triumphant nod to its storied past, embodying everything that made the original a legend in the shred and metal guitar world. With a versatile tonal range and an ultra-thin neck for speed, it's a masterclass in precision and craftsmanship. However, the bold finishes might not appeal to everyone. Despite stiff competition from brands like Schecter and ESP, the RG550's legacy and quality craftsmanship make it a standout choice for those looking to relive the glory days of shred.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
chizuru

Good guitar for the price of a great guitar

A guy I know gave me this guitar. He bought it for about $250 at the time. The quality didn't surprise me. It's a typical budget Ibanez guitar. The neck is comfortable. Now in my country this guitar costs more than 1000 dollars for used and it's crazy. I can find Ibanez Prestige for 1000$ and I'll get a much better guitar than rg550.

Genres:
cammojodragon

Brilliant guitar.

I should start by clarifying that I don't think mine represents a 'stock' RG500: the one I have is Emerald Green and from 1991, but the pickups are dedicedly low output compared to what is typical for these guitars, and there's even a dipswitch to coil split the bridge (I think it's meant to do both, but it only seems to effect the bridge).

That being said, what an incredible guitar. Easily the most comfortable neck I've ever played, and no other Floyd-loaded I've tried guitar even compares to the reliability of the one that's on mine.

These are certainly no one-trick pony. Sure, these types of guitars have a certain reputation for shreddy stuff, hair metal, and the like, but I've used this for everything from ambient to jazzy stuff to metal to Pink Floyd to post rock and I've yet to encounter a scenario where it won't do what I ask of it (not saying there aren't other guitars I'd prefer for such applications, but if it were my only option I'd have no qualms about it).

The old models are well worth tracking down, and I have to say I paid an incredibly reasonable price for mine. Highly recommended.

sixstring_stew

Pointy shred machine that can do far more than you'd think.

The RG550 has been reissued a few times since the first version. It certainly handles rock and metal duties well but as its aged the pickups have taken on a more mellow tone.My RG550 is now over 25 years old and was my first serious working guitar.

The guitar tone cuts through the mix as it has quite a nasal tone - like most guitars of this type - when compared to the fat sounds of a Les Paul or the bright thinner sound of a strat. This is not a bad thing especially when playing lead guitar with a band. I don't play mine so much live anymore but it certainly comes in handy in the studio from time to time.

elad
elad

137

shredtastic

I purchased this 1987 rg550 from a friend of a friend, when i received it the pickups had already been swapped out with two seymour duncan invader pickups so this think was ready to shred to hell and back. Even though it's a basswood body it still had a very comfortable feeling weight to it, doesn't feel too light. The maple neck is still smooth even considering its almost 30 years old.

winnie_choy

Great all-arounder

Great all-arounder. My RG550 was bought in Guitar Center Sherman Oaks LA and was Japanese-made by Hoshino (back then, superior to the Indonesian or Korean). Purple finish changed to sparkling blue in the light.

gary_x_wei

I have two of these—they're great!

I've got a 1991 RG550 in Laser Blue with stock everything, and it looks as good as it sounds—and it looks pretty damn awesome. I've also got a white 1987 RG550 with DiMarzio PAF and X2N pups, with a LoPro edge replacing its stock Edge. They're both great workhorses, and my 1987's also one of only two I've ever seen!

tacohellion

Had 5 of these on the road for 4 years.

And you know what they are, a classic tough little axe.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alexi Laiho uses Ibanez RG550

Alexi Laiho

Singer, Guitarist

Children of Bodom

...
Verified via YouTube

Someone else said that he used an ibanez rg220b, I play an rg220b and I already know that the guitar in this video is not an rg220b. it looks like an ibanez rg550 black with A maple fretboard. first of all the tone and volume knobs are different than the rg220b but match the rg550 and second of all the rg220 has no middle pickup but the rg550 does. and third of all the fretboard is maple and the rg220b did not have a maple fretboard.

See how Dave Navarro uses Ibanez RG550

Dave Navarro

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

Dave Navarro is confirmed to have used an Ibanez RG550 during the "Nothing's Shocking" era, particularly in 1988. Notably, he played a yellow Ibanez RG550 live at Scream on August 19, 1988. This performance was featured in the official "Mountain Song" music video, where the guitar can be seen at the 0:26 mark. Additionally, still images from that show depict Navarro with the same guitar. He also played a black Ibanez RG550 at a concert in Santa Barbara on May 6, 1989. Both guitars are characterized by a maple fretboard and a tremolo system. The source of this information includes footage by Shayne Stacy, who transferred the original VHS recording.

See how Trey Azagthoth uses Ibanez RG550

Trey Azagthoth

Guitarist

Morbid Angel

...
Verified via Photo

Trey here posing with his guitar collection. An orange Ibanez RG550 can be seen in the background.

See how Jake Bowen uses Ibanez RG550

Jake Bowen

Guitarist

Periphery

...
Verified via Photo

in this post jake shows off his rg550 ibanez guitar. he states that this guitar was given to him by his aunt and uncle in 96. Jake also states that this guitar is one of the reasons he plays ibanez guitars today

See how Melanie Faye uses Ibanez RG550

Melanie Faye

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Melanie is seen using this superstrat during a cover of Say My Name by Destiny's Child. It was given to her by Mike Orrigo 'Shout out to Mike Orrigo for sending me this amazing Ibanez!' - Melanie Faye 18 Oct 2019

See how Phillip McKnight uses Ibanez RG550

Phillip McKnight

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

The Ibanez RG550 debuted the same year as the JEM it was made to be a less expensive more affordable version they removed the monkey grip and all the fancy stuff that could be seen on the JEM it was seen on 2:21 of the vid.

See how Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik uses Ibanez RG550

Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik

Guitarist, Composer

Sodom

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Frank "Blackfire" Gosdzik is using the Ibanez RG550, which is his most recent and most frequently used guitar.

See how Ary Warnaar uses Ibanez RG550

Ary Warnaar

Guitarist, Composer

Anamanaguchi

...
Verified via Photo

He played a neon Yellow or neon Red Ibanez RG for many years

See how Ben Eller uses Ibanez RG550

Ben Eller

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Ben can be seen playing an Ibanez RG550 with Fishman Modern humbuckers.

See how Robert Baker uses Ibanez RG550

Robert Baker

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "I Finally Found It (At Guitar Center?!?!)," guitarist Robert Baker discusses purchasing an Ibanez RG550 at Guitar Center.

See how Jim Davies uses Ibanez RG550

Jim Davies

Guitarist

The Prodigy

...
Verified via Photo

Davies' primary guitar throughout the 1990s and 2000s, according to the following sources.

Guitar, June 2000, "Fever Pitch"

'I've got two 550s, a 570 and an SCR model - that's a bit like the Satch thin-bodied one. It's really light and stealthy,' he details.

Guitarist, November 2000

So what stuff gets you through those studio sessions?

In the studio I use so many pedals - the entire new Ibanez range, a micro synth, loads of old sixties pedals. I have all Ibanez guitars, I endorse them and have always used them. I have a couple of RG550s and a few RG570s. My main live guitar is an SCR series Ibanez. They have a really stealth-like appearance which doesn't look too rock and they are really light.

My guitars are pretty much as they came out of the factory, although I recently had Ibanez remove the bridge and middle pickups and selector switch from one I never used them live. I recently had the Ibanez logo tattooed on my leg!

Unknown Electronic Guitar era interview, originally submitted by kkolar

Davies’ main guitars are Ibanez RG550s, and he eschews amplifiers for the most part, conjuring the majority of his tones and effects from a vintage Rocktron Chameleon rack unit that he ran directly into the mixing board, and Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 software.

Metal Discovery, May 7, 2009

MD: What’s your current main setup effects-wise? I think I read you use a lot of Line 6 effects.

JD: Yeah, I’ve got a Guitar Rig 3, that’s my thing at the moment. I use that on my laptop and that’s been revolutionary really for me with all the sounds you can get on that. I’ve started using a lot of Blackstar amps. I don’t use a lot of proper amps if you know what I mean - I tend to DI a lot of my stuff. I don’t really tend to mike it up because I’ve just always done that. When I started playing there was no room to mike up Marshall cabs so I’ve just always gone out of the back of my effects units and that, without me knowing, constituted getting my own sound. It helps when you play over dance music to DI stuff because it gives you that really harsh, abrasive sort of sound, you know, it really comes through. I’ve done a few gigs recently with just a laptop. I’m not doing that many gigs at the moment, but the ones I’ve done, with DJs and stuff like that, I had to stick the sound out my laptop and I’ve got Guitar Rig 3 on there, and it sounds amazing.

MD: And do you just use Ibanez guitars?

JD: Yeah, yeah.

MD: What ones out of interest?

JD: Well, I’ve never been really fussy about…I’m not one of these guitarists that you have to have a certain type of rosewood, and it has to be a certain gauge of strings. I’ve always like Ibanez because that’s what I grew up playing, and I’ve got an endorsement deal with them, but I was always quite good with that - I didn’t try to just blag as many guitars as I could. I always used to approach them for a guitar when I actually needed a guitar. Most of my guitars are like RG550s, old ones. I’ve got a Prestige Ibanez that I use quite a lot. But I wouldn’t say this album was done using…I don’t know, it’s hard to explain, but the amp side of things, and the effects side of things are probably more important to the sound than the guitars. Obviously if I used a Strat you’d hear the difference in tone but…I’ve always just liked Ibanez, and I’ve never been much of a guitar geek, to be honest. You know, I’m still absolutely shit at changing my strings! I’m still rubbish!

MD: Was that a bit of a ‘Passion and Warfare’ thing that inspired you to play Ibanez?

JD: Yeah, yeah. And it was Paul Gilbert really with his pink RG550.

MD: I fell in love with Ibanez when I saw the pictures on the cover to ‘Passion and Warfare’. I’ve still got one of the original RG560s.

JD: Yeah, I’ve got one of them as well. If you look carefully on the back of the album, there’s a little picture from inside the studio and there’s a bright yellow Ibanez, and that’s one of the ones that I wouldn’t dare take out these days, but that’s from that era, one of those original ones.

MD: And you said you have an endorsement deal with Ibanez?

JD: Yeah, I have, yeah. I’ve always been…with Ibanez, like I said, I’ve always only asked for guitars if I actually need them rather than just try and scam…because people are clever and they work that out very quickly. I’ve been doing this now for quite a while and that’s important because you can then go back to them when you actually need something. When I endorsed them if I was just like, “I need ten guitars”, and maybe they might have given them to me, but then they might not have given me anything else ever again, so I always try to…

MD: You don’t want to push it.

JD: Yeah, I stick with the people I like…like Blackstar, I’m using them a lot; I’ve got a really good relationship with them, and just don’t take the piss and then they’re far more open to helping you out and giving you stuff when you actually need it.

Instagram, December 27, 2019

My first proper guitar!..now pride of place in my Dads office!…Was an 18th birthday present from my folks…but only after id proved i was serious about music by playing the arse off the 99 quid starter guitar they got me from an advert in Kerrang 2 years earlier.. I remember so vividly unwrapping this guitar!…a proper Bill and Ted moment! Only a couple of years later i used it on a few rather big tunes.. (a clue is on the back on the guitar!) #ibanez #ibanezguitars #ibanezrg #ibanezrg550 #vintageibanez #guitar #guitaristofinstagram #guitarist #electronicmusic #electronicpunk #electronicrock #theprodigy

Instagram, December 28, 2019

The Yellow Peril!!-Another one of my old Ibanez RG550’s now being ‘cared for’ by my Dad! I brought it 2nd hand from a mate when I was in my first year at uni while going through a big Paul Gilbert phase (I still am!)..Funny/terrifying to think this guitar is now considered ‘vintage’ #ibanez #ibanezrg550 @vintage_ibanez @officialibanezguitars #guitar #guitaristofinstagram #guitarist @paulgilbert_official #paulgilbert #vintageguitars

Instagram, January 11, 2021

Photo 1-Me aged 16 with my first guitar (A 99 quid beginners pack from an advert in Kerrang) Guns n’Roses t-shirt obvs. Photo 2-Me on my 18th birthday with the ‘proper guitar’ my parents said they’d get me if I practised and showed I was serious on the first one! Loved that Ibanez RG550, in full Steve Vai obsession mode at this point...2 years later that guitar went on tour with me around the world...the jumper didn’t....aaaand feel free to rip the living piss out of me in 1-2-3 Go!

See how Linus "Mr. Gul" Abrahamson uses Ibanez RG550

Linus "Mr. Gul" Abrahamson

Guitarist, Bassist

Andromeda

...
Verified via YouTube

Linus seen playing a yellow Ibanez RG550 in this YouTube video.

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