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Description

Stepping into the limelight, the Ibanez RG550L Standard Left-Handed guitar is a nod to the golden era of rock and metal, with a modern twist that will delight today's players. Reviving the spirit of its 1987 predecessor, this reissue retains the iconic design while infusing contemporary enhancements that cater to the needs of left-handed shredders.

At the heart of the RG550L is the 5-piece maple/walnut Super Wizard neck, a marvel of engineering that offers unmatched speed and comfort for even the most demanding techniques. Its 24-fret maple fingerboard, adorned with jumbo frets, provides ample room for expressive playing, making it a powerhouse for fast runs and intricate solos. The classic-style tilt neck joint, complete with a stamped metal plate, ensures that vintage feel while offering modern reliability.

The guitar's HSH pickup configuration—featuring V7, S1, and V8 pickups—delivers an expansive tonal palette. Whether you're after tight, biting rhythms or articulate, warm leads, the RG550L handles it all with aplomb. The pickups are designed to shine in high-gain scenarios, with a balance of harmonics that avoids excessive brightness.

Built for those who love to push the limits, the RG550L is equipped with the renowned Ibanez Edge locking tremolo, offering you the freedom to explore dive-bombs and pitch shifts without sacrificing tuning stability. Paired with Gotoh MG-T machine heads, this guitar promises precision tuning and rock-solid intonation.

Key Features:

  • Basswood body with resonant, warm growl and defined midrange
  • 5-piece maple/walnut Super Wizard neck for fast playability
  • HSH pickup configuration with V7, S1, and V8 pickups
  • Ibanez Edge locking tremolo system
  • Gotoh MG-T machine heads for stable tuning
  • Classic-style tilt neck joint with stamped metal plate
  • Eye-catching black hardware

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG550L-BK Standard Left-Handed with Maple Fretboard, RG550L-BK Standard Left-Handed with Rosewood Fretboard, RG550L-CA Standard Left-Handed, RG550L-CM Standard Left-Handed, RG550L-DY Standard Left-Handed, RG550L-FA Standard Left-Handed, RG550L-PN Standard Left-Handed, RG550L-RF Standard Left-Handed, RG550L-WH Standard Left-Handed
Year 1988 - 1992
Made In Japan
Categories Left-Handed Electric Guitars, Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Purple, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Ibanez RG
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSH
Right / Left Handed Left Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RG550L Standard Left-Handed?

The Ibanez RG550L features a thin, fast Wizard neck profile, which is ideal for shredding and technical playing styles. This neck design enhances playability, making it a favorite among rock and metal guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the HSH pickup configuration on the RG550L?

The HSH pickup configuration on the RG550L provides a versatile range of tones, from bright, cutting leads to warm, full rhythms. This setup allows players to easily switch between genres, from rock and metal to blues and jazz.

Is the Ibanez RG550L Standard suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ibanez RG550L Standard is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, versatile tone options, and fast neck profile, making it ideal for complex solos and technical playing.

Does the Ibanez RG550L Standard Left-Handed guitar come with a locking tremolo bridge?

Yes, the RG550L features a locking tremolo bridge, which provides excellent tuning stability and allows for expressive pitch bends and dive bombs without detuning the guitar.

What are the main differences between the maple and rosewood fretboard options on the RG550L?

The maple fretboard offers a bright, snappy tone with a smooth feel, while the rosewood fretboard provides a warmer, more rounded sound with a slightly softer touch. The choice between them depends on personal preference and desired tonal characteristics.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG550L Standard Left-Handed.

Build quality

  • Left-handed models may have reversed wiring and incompatible tophats affecting usability; owners recommend rewiring for better performance.

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  • Roasted maple necks are preferred for their strength and stability, with the option to sand and buff for a slick feel.

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Comparisons

  • Owners note that the RG550 Genesis lacks the sculpted heel joint and finished neck of Prestige models, affecting playability.

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  • Pre-2000 RG550 models are considered on par with Prestige quality, offering a potential alternative for those seeking higher build standards.

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  • The Jackson Pro Soloist SL2L is mentioned as a strong contender with enough budget left for pickup upgrades.

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User experience

  • Some left-handed models reportedly lack string retainer bars, though not essential, it's a notable difference from right-handed versions.

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  • The RG550 Genesis can feel lightweight and raw, contrasting with the heavier, more refined feel of higher-end models like the Ibanez Pia.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A Warmoth custom build offers extensive customization options, including neck width, thickness, profile, frets, nut, and wood choices.

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Features and functionality

  • The Ibanez RG550L is highlighted for its HSH pickup configuration, making it versatile for various music styles.

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Use cases and applications

  • Warmoth offers baritone scale conversion necks (28 5/8" scale) for those looking to downtune significantly.

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