Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,059
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "My RG 550". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The My RG 550 is a modern reimagining of a classic shred machine, blending nostalgic design with contemporary enhancements for the ultimate rock and metal experience. Originally launched in 1987, this iconic solid body electric guitar has been updated with a 5-piece maple/walnut Super Wizard neck, offering unparalleled playability for rapid solos and intricate riffs. Its lightweight basswood body is not only comfortable but also provides a warm, punchy tone that cuts through any mix with ease.
Equipped with an HSH pickup configuration, the My RG 550 promises a versatile tonal palette. The V7 neck pickup delivers tight, biting tones perfect for rhythm playing, while the S1 single-coil in the middle adds a traditional yet powerful sound. The V8 bridge pickup is all about warm, articulate tones with an aggressive edge, ensuring that your riffs and solos soar. The Ibanez Edge tremolo system provides exceptional tuning stability and the freedom to dive-bomb or flutter your way through any performance.
Designed for guitarists who demand speed and precision, the My RG 550's fast neck, jumbo frets, and ergonomic contours make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to elevate their playing. Whether you're a seasoned shredder or a newcomer to the genre, this guitar provides the tools to explore a wide range of styles with uncompromising quality and flair.
Key Features:
- Lightweight basswood body for comfort and punchy tone
- 5-piece maple/walnut Super Wizard neck for fast playability
- HSH pickup configuration with V7, S1, and V8 pickups for versatile tones
- Ibanez Edge tremolo for stable tuning and expressive playing
- 24 jumbo frets on a maple fingerboard
- Gotoh machine heads for precise tuning stability
Product specs
| Brand | Ibanez |
| Model | RG550 Genesis Collection |
| Finish | Black, Desert Yellow, Electric Blue, Purple Neon, Road Flare Red, Violet Chameleon, White |
| Year | 2013 - 2025 |
| 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, Blue, Purple, Red, White, Yellow |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| Model Family | Ibanez RG |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple, Walnut |
| 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 Genesis Collection |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What type of neck does the Ibanez RG550 have?
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The Ibanez RG550 features a Super Wizard 5-piece maple/walnut neck, known for its slim profile and fast playability, making it ideal for shredding and technical playing styles.
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What pickup configuration does the Ibanez RG550 use?
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The Ibanez RG550 utilizes an HSH pickup configuration with V7 and V8 humbuckers in the neck and bridge positions, and an S1 single coil in the middle, offering versatile tonal options for various music genres.
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Is the Ibanez RG550 suitable for heavy metal music?
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Yes, the Ibanez RG550 is well-suited for heavy metal, thanks to its fast neck, versatile pickup configuration, and locking tremolo system, which supports aggressive playing and dive-bomb techniques.
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What type of bridge does the Ibanez RG550 feature?
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The Ibanez RG550 is equipped with an Edge tremolo bridge, which provides excellent tuning stability and allows for expressive pitch modulation.
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How many frets does the Ibanez RG550 have?
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The Ibanez RG550 comes with 24 medium jumbo frets, providing a wide range for high-register solos and complex fingerings.
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Where is the Ibanez RG550 manufactured?
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The Ibanez RG550 is made in Japan, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in guitar production.
Videos
Anthony George
My Ibanez RG 550 mods and why I LOVE this guitar!!
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about My RG 550.
Use cases and applications
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Some players find the stock V7/V8 pickups capture a late '80s rock/metal tone effectively, despite mixed reviews on their quality.
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Ultrasonic pickups in the 1987 RG550 provide a sharp, crunchy sound suitable for metal genres, while the rosewood fretboard pickup offers a mellower tone for classic rock.
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Owners find the RG 550 excellent for metal due to the Wizard neck and tremolo system, but less suited for rhythm playing.
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User experience
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An owner noted the RG550's ability to withstand wear, staying in great shape despite rough handling during college and gigs.
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Owners appreciate the original Edge tremolo system for its superior tuning stability compared to contemporaneous Floyd Rose systems.
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One user reports the Genesis's fretwork surpasses that of certain Prestige models, although electronic components may underperform.
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Features and functionality
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It's reported that the 1987 black RG550 models exported from Japan feature rosewood fretboards, unlike other colors which came with maple.
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The 1987 RG550's volume knob is notably close to the bridge pickup, a design element that was later altered in subsequent models.
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The Genesis features a tilt joint neck, enhancing comfort for high fret access, unlike the original AANJ design.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some 1987 RG550s have Bill Lawrence-designed Ultrasonic bridge pickups installed, known for their clear, low-output sound and rarity due to limited production.
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Owners have replaced stock V8/S1/V7 pickups with DiMarzio Breed and Super Distortion for improved sound quality.
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Several users replaced the stock V7/V8 pickups, citing a preference for brands like DiMarzio for improved tone.
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Value and pricing
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With a price around $999, the Genesis offers a Japanese-made guitar with a premium tremolo system, significantly cheaper compared to similar Prestige models.
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Build quality
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
61
Ibanez RG550 RFR
I love the way the neck on this guitar feels, but I can't stand factory Ibanez pickups. I changed mine to a Seymour Duncan Black Winter in the bridge position and a Seymour Duncan Sentient in the neck position. Now I like the way it sounds too. I also swapped the stock pickguard for a Black Pearloid pickguard from Perl guitars.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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