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Ibanez Genesis Collection Electric Guitar

Ibanez Genesis Collection Electric Guitar

Description

When the Ibanez RG550 debuted in 1987, it helped redefine what a high-performance electric guitar could be. Its lightning-fast neck, versatile HSH pickup configuration and precision locking tremolo quickly made it a favorite among players pushing the boundaries of rock, metal and instrumental guitar. The RG550 Genesis Collection faithfully revives that groundbreaking design using the original styling, Japanese craftsmanship and performance-driven features that established the RG as a modern classic. Built around a basswood body with a Super Wizard 5-piece maple/walnut neck, this Made in Japan electric guitar delivers exceptional speed, balance and playing comfort. A trio of V7, S1 and V8 pickups offers everything from sparkling cleans to high-gain aggression, while the legendary Edge tremolo and Gotoh machine heads provide outstanding tuning stability for expressive playing. More than a tribute, the RG550 Genesis Collection captures the spirit of one of Ibanez's most influential instruments for a new generation of players.

A Faithful Revival of an Icon

The Genesis Collection celebrates the guitars that established Ibanez as a leader in high-performance instrument design. Built in Japan using the original design philosophy and styling, the RG550 preserves the look, feel and attitude that made the original model a landmark release. Rather than simply recreating a vintage instrument, the Genesis Collection delivers the same precision craftsmanship and performance that continue to define the RG family decades later.

Super Wizard Neck Engineered for Effortless Speed

The Super Wizard 5-piece maple/walnut neck remains one of the defining characteristics of the RG550. Its exceptionally slim profile promotes fast position shifts, fluid legato passages and precise technical playing, while the maple fretboard adds crisp articulation and focused upper-mid response. Twenty-four jumbo frets provide two full octaves of range, giving modern players unrestricted access across the fingerboard for rhythm work, solos and advanced techniques alike.

Classic HSH Tonal Versatility

Equipped with a V7 neck humbucker, S1 single-coil middle pickup and V8 bridge humbucker, the RG550 delivers the tonal flexibility that has made the HSH configuration a favorite among countless players. From glassy clean sounds and articulate rhythm tones to saturated lead voices, Ibanez engineered this pickup combination to adapt easily to changing musical styles while maintaining clarity and definition across all five pickup selections.

Performance Hardware That Gives Guitarists an Edge

The Edge tremolo remains one of Ibanez's most respected bridge designs, offering exceptional tuning stability, smooth operation and precise intonation adjustment. Combined with a locking nut and Gotoh machine heads, it inspires confidence whether you're performing subtle vibrato or dramatic dive bombs. Every hardware component works together to deliver the dependable feel and accuracy that demanding players expect from a Made in Japan RG.

RG550: Built for Players Who Demand Precision

Few electric guitars have influenced modern performance-oriented design like the RG550. From its Japanese craftsmanship and ultra-fast Super Wizard neck to its versatile HSH electronics and legendary Edge tremolo, every element reflects the innovation that helped define an era of guitar playing. For players seeking the authentic experience of a true Ibanez classic, the RG550 Genesis Collection electric guitar remains every bit as inspiring today as it was in 1987.


Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection Electric Guitar: FAQ

What is the Ibanez Genesis Collection?
The Ibanez Genesis Collection celebrates the company's most influential guitar designs by pairing their original styling and performance-focused features with modern Japanese craftsmanship. The RG550 Genesis Collection faithfully recreates the look, feel and playability of the groundbreaking original RG550 guitars.

Why is the Ibanez RG550 considered such an iconic electric guitar?
Originally introduced in 1987, the RG550 helped define the modern high-performance electric guitar with its fast Super Wizard neck, 24-fret design, versatile HSH pickup configuration and Edge locking tremolo. Its influence can still be seen in performance-oriented guitars today.

What kind of tones do the V7, S1 and V8 pickups produce?
The RG550's HSH pickup configuration delivers a wide range of sounds, from bright, articulate clean tones to thick rhythm textures and saturated lead voices. The combination of two humbuckers and a single-coil pickup provides the versatility to cover a broad range of musical styles.

What makes the Super Wizard neck unique?
The Super Wizard 5-piece maple/walnut neck is designed for speed and precision. Its slim profile, paired with 24 jumbo frets and a 25.5" scale length, promotes effortless position shifts, technical playing and comfortable access across the entire fingerboard.

Does the Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection include a case?
The RG550 Genesis Collection does not include a case or gig bag. Ibanez recommends the optional MR500C hardshell case or IGB724-BK gig bag for storage and transport.

Open Box Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection Electric Guitar - Level 1 Black
Open Box Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection Electric Guitar - Level 1 Black
Open Box Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection Electric Guitar - Level 1 Black

Features

  • Made-in-Japan Genesis Collection revives the legendary 1987 RG550
  • Super Wizard 5-piece maple/walnut neck delivers ultra-fast playability
  • Basswood body provides balanced tone with a natural, even response
  • Maple fretboard adds crisp highs and focused upper-mid articulation
  • V7, S1 and V8 pickups deliver versatile HSH tones for any playing style
  • 24 jumbo frets support effortless bends and technical lead playing
  • Edge tremolo provides exceptional tuning stability and precise performance
  • Locking nut enhances tuning stability during aggressive tremolo use
  • Gotoh machine heads offer smooth operation and reliable tuning accuracy

Specs

General
  • Product type: Electric guitar
  • Series: Genesis Collection
  • Model: RG550
Body
  • Body construction: Solidbody
  • Body shape: RG
  • Cutaway: Double cut
  • Body material: Basswood
  • Color: Black, Desert Sun Yellow, Electric Blue, Gray Metallic Flat, Purple Neon, Road Flare Red, White Flat
Neck
  • Neck material: 5-piece maple/walnut
  • Neck profile: Super Wizard
  • Neck joint: Bolt-on
  • Scale length: 25.5"
Fingerboard
  • Fingerboard material: Maple
  • Fingerboard radius: 16.93"
  • Number of frets: 24
  • Inlays: Black dot
  • Nut material: Locking nut
  • Nut width: 43 mm
Hardware
  • Bridge: Edge tremolo
  • Tuning machines: Gotoh
  • Hardware finish: Black
Electronics
  • Pickup configuration: HSH
  • Neck pickup: V7 humbucker
  • Middle pickup: S1 single-coil
  • Bridge pickup: V8 humbucker
  • Pickup type: Passive
Strings
  • Number of strings: 6
  • String gauge: .009–.042
  • Factory strings: D'Addario EXL120
Other
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Country of origin: Japan

Featured Articles

Reviews

4.53

15 Reviews

93%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Yes but I would need to know how to maintain the FR tremolo.

I bought this guitar because I wanted a super Strat and a more aggressive sounding pickups. The guitar was in impeccable condition when I unboxed it. Everything was perfect with the guitar when I received it. I didn't check string height and all that but it felt good to play. This was my first FR tremolo guitar, before purchasing it I did a lot of research on how to maintain the tremolo system and I was confident to deal with it. Upon arrival, I tuned up the guitar, locked the nut, used the fine tuners, and I was good for a couple of days. Then it was a little out of tune, stretched out the strings and tuned it up again. I was good for a couple of days. It was slightly out of tune again so I repeated the string stretching process and tuned up. As soon as I tuned up and started to play, it was out of tune. It kept going flat every time that I tuned it, the tuner would say it's perfect, but I strum a chord and it's a little bit flat. I started noticing in standard tuning the string tension was getting tighter and tighter but it wasn't in tune then I tuned to half a step down. Then I noticed the tremolo was going deeper into the body, it was never like that before. Finally, I'm like I'm done with this tremolo system, if it was a cheaper guitar, I would of worked with it but I wasn't going to take chances with expensive guitar and I don't want to go to the guitar store every time I change strings to have it set up. The FR system is a great evolution for the tremolo system but it's not my cup of tea. The pickups sounds was good for me but it didn't sound so great coming out my modified DS-1. I ended up getting a Les Paul Jr with a very simple bridge and a mean P-90, go figure, lol. Another thing I couldn't get along with was the string spacing on the guitar, it's a 17" radius and doing single note picking was awkward. Either way I'm giving the guitar 5 stars because it's a great guitar but not for me.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

2

Guitar itself is great, but the sharp fret edges

I had to return this guitar for the bad sharp fret edges for a couple of times since it obviously bothers playing, but I recently bought it again since the spec of this guitar was amazing. Of course, the fret edges were rough and sharp again. I called up to Ibanez USA warranty dept, and they said it is NOT covered under warranty. So , I called up to 2 local guitar center, and they said that they'll repair ONLY IF with Platinum setup services purchased ($150 value). Also, the one from Gilroy, CA guitar center who looks like GM said that I should repair by myself since this guitar is like under $1000 which is very ridiculous. He should look out to the world, and learn how other new guitar brand companys make the guitars. No one can see this kind of old and ugly sharp fret edges any more even on $200 guitars.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming12
  2. Practicing12
  3. Recording12
  4. Rock Concerts8
  5. Small Venues7
Cons
  1. Fret Buzz1
  2. NONE!!!1
  3. Shame for 1000$ not even a gig bag1
  4. Old Ugly Sharp Fret Edges1
  5. rough fret ends for $1000 guitar1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced13
  2. Novice2
Pros
  1. Fun To Play15
  2. Solid Electronics12
  3. Good Feel11
  4. Good Tone10
  5. Good Pick Up8
  • Fits all my needs and MORE!!!

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byMax

    fromFL

    24 frets, HSH pickups, Ibanez edge, 5 way switch, six strings, 25.5 scale length, amazing blue color and black pick guard, plays absolutely fantastic fresh out of the box! WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR IN A SHRED GUITAR!??!??!?! BUY NOW!!!!

  • The Genesis 550 is Great compared to the original

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byWes

    fromHouston, TX

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I have a late '80's/early '90s RG 550 and have had a few more over the years, and the Genesis series guitars is a great addition to the collection. The neck is amazing. The Edge feels identical to the original, and the pickups are great. I love the neon purple finish too.

  • Plays almost too easily

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byD.C.

    fromLa Mesa, CA

    I bought this guitar as an alternative for my RG8870 for practice when I don't have access to it. The string action is incredible! For this price point, it's a great deal. Definitely not the high end but plays at least as well. Love it!

  • Smooth as neon butter

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byMegatron

    fromKy

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I have a wide range of musical interests and the rg550 can pretty much handle them all. The edge tremolo is a significant step above tremolos on lower end models and the neck is incredibly fast. The stock pickups are acceptable but will probably be upgraded to dimarzios open the future.

  • Fantastic Guitar!!

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byThomas

    fromHouston,Tx

    I remember when this guitar came out in the mid 80s. All the purists scoffed calling it a "toy"", Joke's on them!! this guitar is well built, a classic, I'm not even a shredder and already I can play extremely well on it.I'm glad I bought it again,plays nice,looks nice.A keeper!!

  • Great playing guitar

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byMax

    fromSan Diego, CA

    My expectations were not high after all the reviews I read about the RG550. They were all talking about the sharp fret ends but the one got is just perfect. It's almost not any different from my other prestige models. It came with a low-action and spot-on setup. I did not need to do anything at all. Money well spent here.

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byBlubberbee666

    fromIdaho

    Does this guitar have stainless steel frets? And also does it have any reinforcement rods in the neck? And what is the possibility of the neck shifting in the pocket?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    1) No, nickel silver. 2) Yes. 3) Almost none existent.
  • asked byTomXTC

    fromSeattle

    Is the fretboard actually rosewood? Doesn't look like it in pics.

    Open Reply - Thomas
    "Maple fretboard"
  • asked byNick

    fromPerris Ca.

    Will this model take 2 - 4 weeks to ship since it's backordered and what are the chances it will take longer, and how long up to?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please give us a call for product availability 855-770-3373
  • asked byRyan

    fromAz

    When are you getting more of these in stock?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please give us a call for product availability 855-770-3373
  • asked byGregory

    fromBrooklyn ,NY

    what is the total length of the Ibanez RG550

    Open Reply - Thomas
    It's about 41". Please keep in mind you don't play the length, you play the scale.
  • asked byT'ealq the Alien dude

    fromLos Angeles, CA

    The item page indicates these ate currently backordered as of July 9, 2022. What is the average time frame for shipping once an order is placed?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Our standard delivery time is 3 to 5 business days.
  • asked byAnders

    fromBonney Lake, WA

    Hi there, does it come with a hard case or gig bag?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Case not included
  • asked byMatt

    fromMountville pa

    Does this come with a tremolo arm? One of the reviews said it doesn't

    Open Reply - Beau
    This guitar does come with a tremolo arm.
  • asked byEl Jefe

    fromSpokane, WA

    Did the 4 star review guy's guitar arrived as a used, demo, or open box model? Why would it not have a tremolo or allen keys?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    The most common reason that I have seen is either the box comes open in transit, or they are taped to the inside of the larger box and are accidentally thrown out with the box. Either way we will make sure you're taken care of and happy with your purchase.
    Open Reply - Ronald
    The most common reason that I have seen is either the box comes open in transit, or they are taped to the inside of the larger box and are accidentally thrown out with the box. Either way we will make sure you're taken care of and happy with your purchase.
  • asked byjeff

    fromOhio

    are the frets stainless steel?

    Open Reply - Gear Specialist
    Yes, these are Stainless steel frets.
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