Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,020
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
A tribute to the golden era of rock and metal, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection is a modern reimagining of an iconic classic. Designed for speed and versatility, this electric guitar is a shredder’s paradise. The lightweight basswood body offers a punchy, defined tone, perfect for cutting through high-gain mixes, while its ergonomic contours provide comfort for hours of play. At the heart of the RG550 is the Super Wizard 5-piece maple/walnut neck, known for its ultra-thin D-shape that caters to high-speed riffing and technical solos. Paired with a maple fingerboard featuring 24 jumbo frets, your fingers will fly effortlessly across the fretboard.
The RG550's tonal versatility is unmatched, thanks to its HSH pickup configuration. The Ibanez V7 neck humbucker delivers tight, warm tones; the S1 single-coil in the middle position adds a classic twang; and the V8 bridge humbucker offers searing, high-output leads. A 5-way pickup selector enables you to explore a wide range of sonic possibilities, from aggressive metal riffs to soulful blues.
Equipped with an Edge tremolo system, the RG550 allows for extreme pitch manipulation while maintaining tuning stability. The double-locking system ensures your riffs stay in tune, no matter how aggressive your playing gets. With Gotoh tuners and black hardware, this guitar doesn't just sound amazing—it looks the part, too. Whether you're a seasoned rocker or an aspiring shredder, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection is your ticket to stellar performance.
Key Features:
- Basswood body for punchy, defined tone
- Super Wizard 5-piece maple/walnut neck with maple fingerboard
- 24 jumbo frets for effortless playability
- Ibanez V7 humbucker (neck), S1 single-coil (middle), V8 humbucker (bridge)
- 5-way pickup selector for versatile tonal options
- Edge tremolo system for stable pitch manipulation
- Gotoh tuners and black hardware
- Made in Japan
Product specs
| Brand | Ibanez |
| Model | RG550 Genesis Collection |
| Finish | Black, Desert Yellow, Electric Blue, Purple Neon, Road Flare Red, Violet Chameleon, White |
| Year | 2013 - 2025 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Basswood |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Locking Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Purple, Red, White, Yellow |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| Model Family | Ibanez RG |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple, Walnut |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HSH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Ibanez Genesis Collection |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
-
What type of pickups does the Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection use?
-
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection is equipped with an HSH pickup configuration, featuring Ibanez V7 (neck), S1 (middle), and V8 (bridge) pickups. This setup provides a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres, especially heavier styles.
-
Is the Ibanez RG550 Genesis suitable for fast playing styles?
-
Yes, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis is designed for speed and precision, featuring a slim Super Wizard neck profile and 24 medium jumbo frets, making it ideal for fast playing and technical styles.
-
What is the neck construction of the Ibanez RG550 Genesis?
-
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis features a bolt-on neck construction with a combination of maple and walnut, providing stability and a bright tonal response.
-
Does the Ibanez RG550 Genesis have a locking tremolo system?
-
Yes, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning even with extensive whammy bar use.
-
What is the body material of the Ibanez RG550 Genesis?
-
The body of the Ibanez RG550 Genesis is made from basswood, which contributes to its balanced tone and lightweight feel.
Videos
PMTVUK
Ibanez RG550 - We Heard You Like The 80's, WE DO TOO! - Ibanez Genesis Collection
Reviews
PROS
-
Built in Japan, reminiscent of classic RG550s with modern improvements
-
Thin, flat Wizard neck ideal for fast playing
-
Beautiful, vibrant finishes like Purple Neon
-
Excellent setup out of the box with low action
-
Tremolo bar stays in place, enhancing playability
-
Lightweight and perfectly balanced for comfortable playing
-
Versatile sound, great for both clean and distorted tones
-
Quiet pickups with good clarity and power
-
Ergonomic design prevents accidental knob adjustments
-
Affordable yet high-quality, delivering great value
CONS
-
Some users find pickups tonally similar, might need upgrades
-
Rare quality control issues, like blemishes on the headstock
-
Fret sprout noted by some users, requiring minor adjustments
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection.
Build quality
-
The original Edge double locking tremolo is praised for maintaining tuning stability even with extensive use.
Source -
Genesis line made by Prestige people but lacks Prestige label since 2014, indicating high craftsmanship.
Source -
Left-handed models have reversed wiring and tapered knobs designed for right-handed use, impacting playability until modified.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
-
Installation of a Dimebucker in the bridge and Jazz in the neck is a popular mod, despite the Jazz not aligning perfectly with the strings.
Source -
Owners report that adjusting pickup height on V7/V8 pickups can significantly change tone, more so than replacing them.
Source -
Some left-handed owners had to rewire volume/tone controls for better functionality and smoother roll-off.
Source
Comparisons
-
The RG550 is compared to a Toyota Camry, indicating reliability and versatility.
Source -
The RG550 Genesis is described as lighter and faster than the original 1987 RG550, suggesting improved playability and comfort.
Source -
The Ibanez RG1550M Prestige is recommended for those seeking more modern features, like oiled necks and comfort cut heels, when upgrading from the RG550.
Source
Features and functionality
User experience
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
57
Outstanding Quality
MiJ quality for around $1000, this guitar is fantastic in just about every way.
Artist usage
Add artistGenre 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 RG550 Genesis Collection, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Ibanez Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
mtdguitarGear IQ 99
-