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Description

For those craving electric precision and versatility, the Ibanez RG550EX Standard is a standout choice, embodying the spirit of innovation and performance. With its sleek, solid body design, this guitar is a part of Ibanez's esteemed RG series, known for their fast playing necks and high-output pickups. This model is equipped with a Super Wizard neck, providing a slim and fast profile ideal for shredders and those who demand speed and comfort.

The RG550EX Standard features a pair of humbucking pickups and a single coil pickup, offering a broad range of tonal possibilities. Whether you're diving into crunchy riffs or soaring through crisp solos, this guitar delivers with precision. The Edge tremolo bridge system ensures tuning stability and allows for expressive pitch modulation without compromising intonation.

Crafted with a basswood body and a maple neck, the guitar is both lightweight and durable, making it suitable for both studio sessions and live performances. The fingerboard is adorned with jumbo frets and dot inlays, enhancing playability and visual appeal.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar from the RG series
  • Super Wizard neck for fast and comfortable play
  • Versatile HSH pickup configuration (two humbuckers, one single coil)
  • Edge tremolo bridge system for reliable tuning stability
  • Basswood body with a maple neck for durability and lightweight handling
  • Jumbo frets on the fingerboard for enhanced playability

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG550EX
Year 2000 - 2002
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, Silver
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez RG
Neck Construction Bolt-On
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 music genres is the Ibanez RG550EX Standard best suited for?

The Ibanez RG550EX Standard is ideal for rock and metal genres due to its HSH pickup configuration, allowing for versatile tonal options and high-gain performance.

How does the locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RG550EX Standard enhance playability?

The locking tremolo bridge allows for stable tuning even with aggressive whammy bar use, making it suitable for dive bombs and expressive vibrato techniques.

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RG550EX Standard?

The Ibanez RG550EX features a slim, fast-playing neck that is ideal for shredding and technical playing styles, offering a comfortable grip for quick position changes.

Is the Ibanez RG550EX Standard suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the RG550EX is a high-performance guitar, its advanced features like the locking tremolo and 24 frets may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players.

What are the tonal characteristics of the basswood body on the Ibanez RG550EX Standard?

The basswood body provides a balanced tone with a strong midrange presence, making it versatile for various playing styles and genres.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG550EX Standard.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend replacing original pickups with DiMarzio Air Norton, Blue Velvet, and Steve's Special for enhanced tonal versatility.

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  • For a custom neck or body, it's suggested to explore offerings on the Ibanez Marketplace for tailored solutions.

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  • Some owners replace V7/V8 pickups with DiMarzio models, citing the stock pickups as sounding subpar, especially for metal genres.

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Features and functionality

  • The Super Wizard neck on models from 2000 offers a "skunk stripe" and is noted for its playability, closely matching the original Wizard neck without a significant price increase.

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  • The Genesis series includes a five-piece walnut and maple neck with a matte finish, praised for its feel and stability.

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Comparisons

  • The RG550EX is compared favorably to the RG1570 and older RG models, with mentions of superior neck craftsmanship and setup flexibility.

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  • The RG550EX is seen as a pre-Prestige RG2550, missing only the label and minor changes, making it an appealing budget shredder option.

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  • The RG550 Genesis is noted to have a different neck joint design compared to the original, affecting playability and feel.

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Build quality

  • Silver Sand finish on the RG550EX is praised for its unique speckled look, offering a distinct aesthetic not found in other models.

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  • Owners note difficulty finding replacement parts for the Edge Pro tremolo system, as it is end of life and not manufactured anymore.

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  • The Genesis model features a volute neck, added to prevent cracking at the headstock, a common issue with older RG550 necks.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Tuning to C Standard is popular among owners, highlighting the guitar's resilience and ability to handle lower tunings effectively.

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Value and pricing

  • The RG550EX is often undervalued on platforms like Reverb, with estimates between $395 - $495, despite owners seeing it as worth $800 or more.

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Use cases and applications

  • These early 2000s pre-Prestige MIJ models are considered hidden gems, not yet vintage like early 90s models, making them a great budget option for rockers.

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  • Owners mention the RG550's suitability for lead guitar rather than rhythm, particularly favoring its shredder capabilities.

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User experience

  • The RG550EX, particularly from the early 2000s, is seen as a reliable workhorse, comparable to more expensive Prestige models, minus the branding.

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