The Ibanez RG550 is a quintessential '80s shred machine that defined a generation of high-speed performance guitars. Introduced in 1987, it quickly became a favorite among rock and metal players with its aggressive aesthetics and fast playability. The RG550 is celebrated for its lightweight basswood body, which not only contributes to a balanced tone but also enhances comfort during marathon shredding sessions .
At its core, the RG550 features the iconic Super Wizard neck—a design known for its slim profile and blazing-fast action. Constructed from maple (or a maple/walnut blend in some models), the neck is paired with a maple fretboard featuring 24 jumbo frets and classic dot inlays, ensuring effortless navigation across the fretboard. This setup is ideal for intricate lead lines and rapid-fire solos .
Sound-wise, the guitar is outfitted with an HSH pickup configuration: the V7 humbucker in the neck position delivers smooth, warm tones; the S1 single-coil in the middle offers clarity and snap; and the V8 humbucker in the bridge provides a searing, high-output sound that's perfect for cutting through a mix. The combination of these pickups gives the RG550 a versatile tonal palette—from clean, articulate passages to full-on, saturated distortion.
Rounding out its features is the Edge tremolo system, which supports expressive whammy bar techniques like dive bombs and subtle vibrato, all while maintaining tuning stability. Whether you’re chasing the relentless energy of classic '80s rock or exploring modern heavy metal nuances, the Ibanez RG550 remains a timeless instrument that marries vintage inspiration with enduring performance
