Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$1,199.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (15)
$1,199.99
Amazon
3.0 (2)
$1,199.99
Reverb
5.0 (32)
$761.39 New
$719.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (1)
$1,199.99
zZounds
5.0 (22)
$1,199.99
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$999.00 $998.00 $1.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£999.00

Average Price: $1,060

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ibanez RG550BK". 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

Unleash your inner rock star with the Ibanez RG550BK, a legendary instrument designed for those who demand precision and power. Crafted in Japan, this solid body electric guitar is a blend of classic design and modern engineering, delivering an exhilarating playing experience.

With a Super Wizard neck that boasts a slim profile of just 17mm at the 1st fret and 19mm at the 12th, this guitar promises lightning-fast playability. The combination of a maple/walnut bolt-on neck and a maple fingerboard ensures a bright, articulate tone, perfect for shredding solos and complex riffs. The basswood body offers a balanced sound with a slight emphasis on mids, making it versatile enough for a variety of musical styles.

Equipped with Ibanez's V7 and V8 humbuckers and an S1 single coil, the RG550BK offers a wide tonal palette, handling both high-gain distortion and clean tones with ease. The 5-way switch allows seamless transitions between pickup configurations, giving you the freedom to explore new sonic territories. The Edge tremolo system, revered for its stability and smooth action, provides the opportunity for expressive dive-bombs and subtle vibratos without the worry of detuning.

Complete with black hardware and Gotoh machine heads, this guitar not only sounds amazing but looks the part too, exuding a sleek, professional aesthetic. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate hobbyist, the Ibanez RG550BK is ready to accompany you on every musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Body: Basswood
  • Neck: Maple/Walnut, Super Wizard profile
  • Fingerboard: Maple with black dot inlays
  • 24 Jumbo frets
  • Pickups: Ibanez V7 (neck), V8 (bridge) humbuckers, S1 single coil (middle)
  • Controls: Volume, tone with push/pull function, 5-way switch
  • Bridge: Edge tremolo
  • Machine Heads: Gotoh
  • Strings: D'Addario EXL120 .009 - .042
  • Made in Japan

Product specs

Available since October 2024
Colour Black
Body Basswood
Top None
Neck Maple, Walnut
Fretboard Maple
Frets 24
Scale 648 mm
Pickups HSH
Tremolo Edge
incl. Bag No
incl. Case No

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez RG550BK?

The Ibanez RG550BK features a Super Wizard neck profile, known for its thin and flat shape, providing fast playability and comfort, especially suited for shredders and technical players.

What kind of tones can I expect from the HSH pickup configuration on the Ibanez RG550BK?

The HSH pickup configuration on the Ibanez RG550BK provides a versatile range of tones, from thick and powerful humbucker sounds to bright and articulate single-coil tones, making it suitable for genres like rock, metal, and blues.

Is the Ibanez RG550BK suitable for beginners?

While the Ibanez RG550BK is a high-quality instrument ideal for advanced players, its fast neck and versatile tones can also benefit dedicated beginners who are serious about developing their skills.

Does the Ibanez RG550BK come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Ibanez RG550BK does not include a case or gig bag, so you may want to consider purchasing one separately to protect your instrument.

What type of tremolo system does the Ibanez RG550BK have?

The Ibanez RG550BK is equipped with an Edge tremolo system, known for its stability and smooth operation, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and dive bombs.

Frédéric Puglisi

Frédéric Puglisi

Ibanez RG 550

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG 550 by Frédéric Puglisi

Ibanez RG 550

Frédéric Puglisi

Frédéric Puglisi

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG550BK.

Build quality

  • Maple fretboards on RG550 models are noted for less refined fret finishing compared to rosewood boards.

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  • Older RG550 models have a potential weak point near the locking nut, making them prone to cracking, which the Genesis addresses with design improvements.

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  • Certain 1987 black RG550s were equipped with rosewood fretboards instead of the more common maple, offering a different aesthetic and potentially smoother playability.

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Features and functionality

  • The RG550 neck is described as feeling raw and less refined, potentially due to its historical design as a budget model.

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  • The RG550 Genesis features a tilt joint neck and a volute to prevent cracking, enhancing durability compared to older models.

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  • The Genesis model includes a Wizard I neck and Edge original tremolo, praised for their playability and tuning stability.

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  • Some 1987 RG550BK models originally came with V1 and V2 humbuckers, praised for their ability to handle complex music styles like Yngwie Malmsteen.

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Comparisons

  • Pre-2000 RG550 models are considered equal in quality to Prestige models, suggesting a potential preference for older versions for those seeking higher quality.

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  • The RG1570 Prestige is often described as a significant step up in feel and quality from the RG550, making it worth trying before purchasing.

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  • The Genesis is likened to modern Prestige series guitars, offering similar quality and feel without the high price tag.

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Mods and upgrades

  • For those unhappy with sharp frets, ordering from IbanezRules offers fretwork packages to address these issues.

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  • Owners often replace the V7/V8 pickups with DiMarzios for improved tone, particularly for lead guitar applications.

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  • The Gotoh GE1996T tremolo is considered a high-quality aftermarket upgrade, comparable to the original Ibanez Edge and Floyd Rose systems, enhancing performance.

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Use cases and applications

  • The RG550 is favored for metal genres due to its Wizard neck and tremolo, but some find it less comfortable for rhythm playing.

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User experience

  • One owner described the original black gloss pickguard as replaced, indicating modifications are common and accepted for this model.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Genre Usage

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