(SOLD) Ibanez RG550 Genesis Road Flare Red 2018
Ibanez RG550 Genesis, road flare red, made in Japan 2018. 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. Let's talk about that finish: blistering barnacles it's bright. It looks like it's backlit or something. It's rudely red and doesn't give a damn what you have to say about it. A previous owner upgraded the pickups to a set of Dimarzios, which translates nicely plugged in. The tone is smooth and fat, with snappy detail through the top end and plenty of bite and snap through the midrange. There's so many options on deck via the 5-way switch, it's lots of fun. It's a little funny that such a vibrant looking guitar can be so practical in the hands, but hey, that's classic Ibanez, right? Plus, being bright red and with no less than five 8s in the serial number, it's got to be lucky.
Model: Ibanez RG550
Made: Japan, 2018, Fujigen plant (serial F1818888)
Finish: Road Flare Red, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: 5-piece maple/walnut, maple board, 25.5" scale, 17" radius, slim D shape, 43mm nut
Weight: 3.660kg
Pickups: Dimarzio PAF Joe, The Tone Zone, True Velvet
Mods: pickups replaced, originals included
Case: Ibanez ABS hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, very minor dimples on the back only. The back has light scuffs around the neck joint, cavity and back edge, no major marks. The sides have dimples near the jack, light scuffs in the elbow area and a dent in the waist area on the top side. The front has light scuffs around the bridge and elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
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.