Ibanez RG550 Genesis, purple neon, made in Japan 2021. The Genesis Collection did something pretty unusual for Ibanez: reissue some classic models that got the whole party started back in the 80s. The original RG550 model launched in 1987, right in the thick of late eighties shredmania. This model debuted in 2017, thirty years later, as a fitting tribute. You get a super fast, stable five piece maple+walnut 'Super Wizard' neck... the 17" radius board and flat-sh D shape on the back is conducive to good technique and fast movement. As per most of the classic Ibanez superstrat models, the pairing of a basswood body and an HSH pickup setup makes for big, fat, smooth, balanced tones. The evenness up and down the board and the natural sustain owing to the hardware make for easy-peasy lead work, it's a lot of fun. Now, the finish: it kinda looks like those 'flip-flop' metallic paint jobs people used to deck out their Skylines and RX7s with... varying from purple to pink depending on the exact light and angle. It's delightfully obnoxious and makes a welcome cheeky change from the standard black finish you get on most shredsticks. Now, where can I get snakeskin pants in this backwards town?

Model: Ibanez RG550
Made: Japan, 2021, Fujigen plant (serial F2127529)
Finish: purple neon (metallic flip-flop style)
Body: basswood
Neck: 5-piece maple/walnut, maple board, 25.5" scale, 17" radius, slim D shape, 43mm nut
Weight: 3.525kg
Pickups: Ibanez V7/V8 humbuckers, S1 single coil
Mods: none
Case: basic non-original gig bag, trem arm included

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock and neck are pretty clean, no major marks. The back has some very light scuffs near the neck joint, no major marks. The sides have no major marks, just s couple of dimples near the jack. The front has no major marks, just some light scuffs from play on the guard and top horn. Overall: excellent condition (9.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have almost wear, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 9-42 strings.