Pricing and availability

Average Price: $682

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ibanez RG550XH is a solid body electric guitar designed for musicians who crave high performance and exceptional playability. Known for its 30-fret neck, this guitar offers an expansive range that is perfect for players looking to explore new territories in their solos. The RG550XH is equipped with a sleek, thin Wizard III neck, allowing for fast and smooth playability across all its frets.

Underneath its striking exterior lies a powerhouse of sound versatility, driven by a pair of Ibanez Infinity pickups. These pickups provide a wide tonal palette, ranging from warm, balanced sounds to searing, aggressive tones. The RG550XH also features a double-locking tremolo bridge, enabling you to execute dive bombs and pitch shifts without compromising tuning stability.

Designed for the modern guitarist, the RG550XH boasts a basswood body that provides a solid yet comfortable feel, making it ideal for long practice sessions or stage performances. Its dynamic design and superior construction make it a favorite among shredders and virtuosos alike. Whether you're rehearsing in your bedroom or performing on stage, this guitar is built to inspire and elevate your playing experience.

Key Features:

  • 30-fret Wizard III neck for extended range
  • Basswood body for balanced tone and comfort
  • Ibanez Infinity pickups for versatile sound options
  • Double-locking tremolo bridge for stable tuning and expressive play
  • Ideal for genres requiring fast and technical playing styles

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model RG550XH
Finish Black, Blue Sparkle, Red Sparkle
Year 2013 - 2015
Made In Indonesia
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, Red
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
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 music is the Ibanez RG550XH best suited for?

The Ibanez RG550XH, with its HSH pickup configuration and locking tremolo bridge, is ideal for genres like rock and metal, offering versatility for both rhythm and lead playing.

How does the locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RG550XH affect tuning stability?

The locking tremolo bridge on the Ibanez RG550XH provides excellent tuning stability, allowing for aggressive whammy bar use without detuning the guitar.

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez RG550XH like?

The Ibanez RG550XH features a slim and fast neck profile, making it comfortable for players who prefer quick fretboard navigation and technical playing styles.

Is the Ibanez RG550XH suitable for beginners?

While the Ibanez RG550XH offers advanced features that may appeal more to experienced players, beginners interested in rock and metal may also find it a rewarding choice due to its playability and versatile tone options.

Does the Ibanez RG550XH come with a case or gig bag?

The Ibanez RG550XH typically does not come with a case or gig bag, so it's recommended to purchase one separately to protect the guitar during transport.

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Ibanez RG550XH - Amazing 30 Fret Guitar - Chappers Shreds Out (& reviews it too!)

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550XH - Amazing 30 Fret Guitar - Chappers Shreds Out (& reviews it too!) by Rob Chapman

Ibanez RG550XH - Amazing 30 Fret Guitar - Chappers Shreds Out (& reviews it too!)

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for Ibanez 30-Fret Highlights by Andertons Music Co

Ibanez 30-Fret Highlights

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550XH 30 frets by Easy Music Center

Ibanez RG550XH 30 frets

Easy Music Center

Easy Music Center

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550XH @Guitarsiam.com by GuitarSiam Thailand

Ibanez RG550XH @Guitarsiam.com

GuitarSiam Thailand

GuitarSiam Thailand

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550XH Demo Blue Sparkle BSP 30 Fret Electric Guitar by 6-String

Ibanez RG550XH Demo Blue Sparkle BSP 30 Fret Electric Guitar

6-String

6-String

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550XH / Airton Mann by Airton Mann

Ibanez RG550XH / Airton Mann

Airton Mann

Airton Mann

Video thumbnail for Ibanez's Biggest Failure? The RG550XH 30 Fret by ZIMM'S GUITARS

Ibanez's Biggest Failure? The RG550XH 30 Fret

ZIMM'S GUITARS

ZIMM'S GUITARS

Video thumbnail for A 30 FRET GUITAR?! - Ibanez RG550XH Guitar Review by AstraVex

A 30 FRET GUITAR?! - Ibanez RG550XH Guitar Review

AstraVex

AstraVex

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG550XH 30 fret Electric Guitar at ICON MUSIC by Icon Music

Ibanez RG550XH 30 fret Electric Guitar at ICON MUSIC

Icon Music

Icon Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG550XH.

Setup and maintenance

  • The RG550XH has a notably thin neck, which might not suit players who prefer more substantial neck profiles.

    Source
  • The RG550’s fret ends on maple boards lack the rounded treatment found on rosewood boards, leading to potential sharpness.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Stock pickups are often replaced with used Seymour Duncans or DiMarzios for improved tone.

    Source
  • The hidden neck pickup beneath the fretboard emulates a neck pickup sound, but users are skeptical about its tonal authenticity.

    Source
  • Left-handed users might need to switch the wiring for proper volume and tone knob functionality due to reversed setup.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Priced at $230, this is significantly below the typical budget range for beginners considering electric guitars.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 30-fret design offers improved access to the full second octave, making it appealing for intricate solos and high-note access.

    Source
  • The lower cutaway design enhances upper fret access but is perceived as potentially fragile by some users.

    Source

User experience

  • Playing single notes on the uppermost frets is feasible even for players with larger fingers, though dexterity is required for fluid note sequences.

    Source
  • Some players find adapting their technique beneficial, such as practicing finger agility on the same fret to improve upper fret playability.

    Source
  • Some users report the RG550 Genesis feels raw and more prone to damage compared to other models like the Ibanez Pia, which offers smoother fretwork and a more robust feel.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some left-handed models may have reversed wiring on volume and tone knobs, causing taper issues, but these can be corrected for smoother roll-off.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RG550 Genesis is perceived as lighter and less refined compared to Ibanez's higher-end models like the Prestige, which offers better fretwork and feels more solid.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ibanez RG550XH review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Ibanez RG550XH is a shredder's dream with its 30-fret neck, offering excellent value and specs for high-gain scenarios. Its slim Wizard neck and Edge-Zero II locking vibrato make it a speedster's delight. However, its extensive fretboard might not appeal to everyone, especially those with larger fingers. While the active neck pickup simulator compensates for the lack of a neck humbucker, the design may not suit traditionalists. Overall, it's a bold, innovative guitar for those ready to embrace its unique features.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Chapman uses Ibanez RG550XH

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via Photo

"What have I got in my pocket?

Just my new RG550XH \m/" - Rob Chapman.

See how Neal Schon uses Ibanez RG550XH

Neal Schon

Singer, Guitarist

Journey

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Neal Schon showcases his custom Ibanez RG550XH, highlighting its unique 30-fret design and experimental sound qualities.

See how João Cabeleira uses Ibanez RG550XH

João Cabeleira

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

The guitar first appears properly at 0:58 seconds of the music video to "(Tu também) Há 10000 anos atrás"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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