Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,250

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar with the Ibanez RG550DX Standard, a cornerstone in the world of solid body electric guitars. Known for its sleek design and robust performance, this guitar is a favorite among shredders and rhythm players alike. The RG550DX Standard is crafted to deliver a powerful sound with its Edge Tremolo System, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and dive bombs without sacrificing tuning stability. Its ultra-fast Wizard neck makes it a breeze for rapid solos or intricate chord progressions, providing the perfect canvas for your musical expressions.

The Ibanez RG550DX Standard features dual humbucker pickups and a single coil in the middle position, offering a versatile tonal range from crisp cleans to gritty distortions. The 5-way pickup selector enhances your sound possibilities, making it an excellent choice for various musical genres. Perfect for stage performances, this guitar also boasts a sturdy basswood body that balances comfort and durability. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or an aspiring musician, the RG550DX Standard is engineered to elevate your playing experience to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Edge Tremolo System for precise pitch control
  • Wizard neck for fast and smooth playability
  • Basswood body for a balanced tone
  • Dual humbucker pickups and a single coil for versatile sound options
  • 5-way pickup selector for tonal variety
  • Jumbo frets for easy note access and control

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG550DX
Year 1992 - 1993
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 Blue, Purple
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Ibanez RG
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
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 Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of neck profile does the Ibanez RG550DX Standard have?

The Ibanez RG550DX Standard features a thin "Wizard" neck profile, which is designed for fast playing and comfortable access to all 24 frets, making it ideal for shredders and technical players.

How does the HSH pickup configuration on the Ibanez RG550DX Standard affect its sound versatility?

The HSH pickup configuration provides a wide tonal range, allowing for powerful humbucker tones and clear single-coil sounds, making it suitable for genres like rock, metal, and blues.

Is the Ibanez RG550DX Standard suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Ibanez RG550DX Standard is a high-performance instrument ideal for advanced players, beginners with a focus on rock or metal may also find its slim neck and versatile pickups beneficial for learning.

Does the Ibanez RG550DX Standard's locking tremolo bridge stay in tune well?

Yes, the locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RG550DX Standard is designed to maintain tuning stability during aggressive playing and dive-bomb techniques.

What kind of wood is used for the body of the Ibanez RG550DX Standard, and how does it affect the sound?

The body of the Ibanez RG550DX Standard is made from basswood, which offers a balanced tone with good midrange presence, making it versatile for various music styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG550DX Standard.

Build quality

  • The RG550 Genesis features a five-piece walnut and maple neck with a matte finish, enhancing its tactile feel and durability compared to older models.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners of older RG550s note that the neck behind the locking nuts is prone to breakage due to two holes for the passing bolts, which can be a weak point.

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  • Blocking the tremolo simplifies setup, allowing for easy string swaps and action adjustments without fret buzz, while retaining tuning stability.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users replace the stock V7/V8 pickups with Dimarzio pickups to achieve improved tonal quality, especially for lead guitar applications.

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  • For lower tunings, consider upgrading from the V8 bridge pickup to something tighter, as it's noted to be muddy in standard tuning.

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  • Owners often replace stock pickups with DiMarzio Tone Zone and Air Norton but find them too dark; DiMarzio Illuminator pickups are considered for a brighter tone.

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  • Users contemplating pickup swaps consider Gibson pickups as temporary replacements, with potential interest in DiMarzio Pegasus, Sentient, and Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder.

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Comparisons

  • The RG550 Genesis' volute neck addresses past issues of neck cracking found in original models, offering enhanced longevity and stability.

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  • Some users consider baritone guitars, which are factory-tuned to B standard, as an alternative to modifying the RG550 for lower tunings.

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  • The RG550 is often compared to Jackson HSH models with coil splitting, both praised for versatility from hair metal to blues.

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User experience

  • The RG550 is highly recommended for metal players due to the Wizard neck and tremolo system, providing optimal comfort and playability for fast, complex riffs.

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  • An owner with multiple RG models, including a 2023 Genesis and a 1995 model, is impressed by the quality improvement over the years.

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Use cases and applications

  • The RG550 can be set up for B standard tuning by adding extra springs for tension balance, especially if using heavier strings for metal genres.

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  • Blocking the tremolo on the RG550 is favored by those prioritizing aesthetics and tuning stability over tremolo function.

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Features and functionality

  • The RG550 features 3 out of 5 pickup switch positions that are coil tap and single coil, enhancing its versatility for various music styles.

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