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Hatsubai « Next version of the RG550 »
Published on 04/21/11 at 17:26The RG-1550 is basically just an RG-550 with a new tremolo. Aside from that, the specs are pretty much the same. It features the same well known RG body, maple neck, maple fretboard, HSH configuration, tremolo, 5 way switch, volume knob and treble knob. This model comes with the AANJ that has been prevalent in the Ibanez line for some time know, too.
UTILIZATION
RGs always feel very nice in my hands. The neck is thinner than most necks out there, and it's also flatter. This allows you to slam the action and get crazy bends without much of a problem like with, say, a Fender. Given that this has the AANJ, access to the upper frets is wonderful, and since this has an HSH configuration, the versatility of this guitar is top notch. The Edge Pro trem isn't quite as good as the original Edge or Lo Pro Edge, but it's still a great trem, so that shouldn't stop you from buying this.
SOUNDS
Compared to the RG-570/RG-1570, this guitar has a little more bite to it in the upper range thanks to the maple fretboard. I also find that maple fretboards look better than rosewood, but that's a personal preference. Some people dislike basswood bodies, but I happen to really like how they sound for lead lines and fusion guitar work. They can be super versatile and allow the pickups to really shine. The stock pickups in this are pretty weak, but once you replace those, this guitar really sings.
OVERALL OPINION
Given that there's no real difference between this and the RG-550, you should really just find whichever one is cheaper. If you're someone who has to have the AANJ, this will probably be a better buy for you. The Edge Pro tremolo shouldn't scare you away from buying this; it's a great trem. Aside from that, they're pretty much the same as the original RG-550s that so many people have come to know and love.
UTILIZATION
RGs always feel very nice in my hands. The neck is thinner than most necks out there, and it's also flatter. This allows you to slam the action and get crazy bends without much of a problem like with, say, a Fender. Given that this has the AANJ, access to the upper frets is wonderful, and since this has an HSH configuration, the versatility of this guitar is top notch. The Edge Pro trem isn't quite as good as the original Edge or Lo Pro Edge, but it's still a great trem, so that shouldn't stop you from buying this.
SOUNDS
Compared to the RG-570/RG-1570, this guitar has a little more bite to it in the upper range thanks to the maple fretboard. I also find that maple fretboards look better than rosewood, but that's a personal preference. Some people dislike basswood bodies, but I happen to really like how they sound for lead lines and fusion guitar work. They can be super versatile and allow the pickups to really shine. The stock pickups in this are pretty weak, but once you replace those, this guitar really sings.
OVERALL OPINION
Given that there's no real difference between this and the RG-550, you should really just find whichever one is cheaper. If you're someone who has to have the AANJ, this will probably be a better buy for you. The Edge Pro tremolo shouldn't scare you away from buying this; it's a great trem. Aside from that, they're pretty much the same as the original RG-550s that so many people have come to know and love.