Are you in the market for a new electric guitar? If so, you may be wondering where to start. There are so many different guitars on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will take a look at the Ibanez RG550 Genesis electric guitar. We will discuss its features and how it compares to other guitars on the market. We will also provide an electric guitar buying guide to help you choose the right guitar for your needs!
Ibanez RG550 Genesis
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis is one of the most well-known electric guitars on the market. It’s known for its great playability, quality construction, and amazing sound. If you’re looking for an electric guitar that can do it all, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis is a great option.
In this review, we’ll take a close look at the Ibanez RG550 Genesis and provide an in-depth guide to help you decide if it’s the right guitar for you. We’ll cover everything from its features and specs to its tone and playability. By the end of this review, you’ll know everything you need to know about the Ibanez RG550 Genesis.
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis electric guitar is a fantastic instrument for a variety of reasons. First, it’s constructed with quality materials that make it built to last. The body is made of basswood, and the neck is made of maple. This combination of woods gives the RG550 Genesis a rich, full sound. Additionally, the rosewood fingerboard provides excellent playability. The Ibanez RG550 Genesis also has two humbucking pickups, which provide a broad range of tones.
Another reason why the Ibanez RG550 Genesis is such a great electric guitar is that it’s versatile. It can be used for any genre of music, from country to metal. No matter what style of music you play, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis can handle it.
Finally, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis is a great value for the price. It’s an affordable guitar that sounds and plays like a much more expensive instrument.
Moreover, it comes with an Edge Locking Tremolo system for extreme tuning stability and easy string changes.
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis is a fantastic electric guitar, but it has a few flaws. First, the guitar doesn’t come with a case or gig bag. So if you’re looking for an all-in-one package, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis may not be right for you.
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis’s pickups are passive, so they need batteries to function. This can be annoying if you forget to change the batteries or if they die while you’re playing. And finally, for some the neck can be too thin, making it uncomfortable to play for extended periods of time.
Ibanez RG550 Genesis User Manual
Overall, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis is a great electric guitar for players of all skill levels. It’s well-constructed, sounds great, and is versatile enough to be used for any genre of music. If you’re looking for an affordable guitar that can do it all, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis is a great option.
Check out the Ibanez RG550 Genesis today! You won’t be disappointed.
Ibanez RG550 Genesis Buyer’s Guide
How Does Electric Guitar Work?
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis is an electric guitar that has a lot of features that make it a great choice for any musician. It is important to understand how electric guitars work before making a purchase. Electric guitars rely on two main components to create sound – the strings and the pickups. The string vibrates when plucked, which in turn moves the magnet inside the pickup. This produces an electrical signal which is then amplified through the amplifier to create sound. [1]
What’s Your Budget?
The first step in choosing the best electric guitar for you is to determine your budget. How much money are you willing to spend on your new instrument? This will help narrow down your choices and ensure that you don’t end up spending more than you can afford.
Once you’ve determined your budget, it’s time to start looking at different guitars. There are so many different options out there, which can make the process of choosing a guitar overwhelming.
If you have a larger budget, you’ll have more options to choose from. You can consider guitars made with higher quality materials and features. If you have a smaller budget, you’ll need to be more selective in your choices.
It’s important to remember that the price of a guitar is not always indicative of its quality. There are some great guitars available at lower prices. With that said, it is generally true that the better quality guitars will cost more money.
Is Aesthetics Important?
The next thing you need to consider is whether or not aesthetics are important to you. This is entirely a personal preference. Some people care a lot about how their guitar looks, while others couldn’t care less.
If you do care about the look of your guitar, there are certain things you should keep in mind. For example, the color of the guitar can be important. Some people prefer guitars that are flashy and attention-grabbing, while others prefer more subdued colors.
Body Style
The body style of a guitar is also something to consider.
The most prevalent sort of guitar is the solid-body instrument. They’re typically composed of a single piece of wood and don’t feature any internal chambers. Semi-hollow body guitars have a few small internal chambers. Hollow Body guitars have larger internal chambers. [2]
Tonewoods
The type of wood used to construct the body of a guitar is also important. Different woods have different acoustic properties. For example, mahogany is a warm-sounding wood, while maple has a brighter sound.
Pickups
Another important factor to consider is the type of pickups the guitar has. Pickups are electromagnetic devices that convert the vibration of the strings into an electrical signal. There are two main types of pickups: single coil and humbucker.
Single coil pickups are typically found on Stratocaster-style guitars and produce a bright, cutting tone. They are also prone to generating unwanted “hum” noise. Humbuckers are dual-coil pickups that cancel out unwanted noise and produce a thicker, more “mellow” sound.
Most Ibanez RG550 Genesis models come equipped with humbucker pickups, which is great news if you’re looking for a guitar that can do it all. [3]
Action
The action of a guitar is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If the action is too low, the strings will buzz against the frets and be difficult to play. If the action is too high, the strings will be hard to press down and you’ll likely experience some hand fatigue.
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis has a comfortable medium action that strikes a perfect balance between playability and tone.
Neck
The neck of a guitar is important for both comfort and playability. A too-thick neck can be difficult to grip, while a too-thin neck can make it hard to maintain proper hand positioning. The Ibanez RG550 Genesis has a comfortable “C” shaped neck that is easy to hold and provides ample space for your fingers to move freely.
Neck Profile
The neck profile is the shape of the neck when viewed from the side. A “V” shaped neck will be thinner at the nut and get progressively thicker as it approaches the body, while a “U” shaped neck will be uniform in thickness.
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis has a Wizard II neck profile. The Wizard II is a slim and fast neck profile that is perfect for shredding. [4]
Bridge
The bridge of a guitar is the piece that anchors the strings to the body. There are several different types of bridges, but the most common on electric guitars are fixed bridges and tremolos.
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis has a fixed bridge. This type of bridge is more stable than a tremolo and results in better sustain.
What to Look for When Checking a Guitar
Look and Style.
Obviously, you want a guitar that looks good. But what exactly does that mean? Different people have different preferences, so it’s hard to say. But generally speaking, a good-looking guitar will have a sleek and polished finish with no visible flaws. The body shape should be comfortable for you to hold, and the neck should be easy to reach.
Sound Quality
This is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing an electric guitar. After all, it’s the sound that matters most! A good-sounding guitar will have a rich, full tone that’s neither too harsh nor too mellow. It should be able to achieve a wide range of sounds, from soft and delicate to loud and aggressive.
Comfort
Another important factor to consider is comfort. You want a guitar that’s easy and comfortable to play, with no sharp edges or uncomfortable contours. The weight of the guitar should be well-balanced, and the neck should be the right size for your hand.
Hardware Quality
When it comes to hardware, you want a guitar that’s built to last. The tuning pegs should be sturdy and well-made, and the bridge should be solid and stable. The pickups should be of high quality, and the electronics should be durable.
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis has some of the best hardware on the market. Its tuning pegs are incredibly sturdy, and its bridge is rock-solid. The pickups are high quality, and the electronics are top-notch.
Potential Problems
Of course, no guitar is perfect. There are always going to be some potential problems that you should be aware of. For example, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis is a bit on the expensive side. But for its price, it’s an incredibly well-made guitar with few if any flaws.
Guitar Test Checklist
Examine the guitar for damage visually
The first thing you should do when examining an electric guitar is to check for any visible damage. If there are any cracks, dents, or scratches on the body of the guitar, it may affect the sound quality or playability of the instrument.
Test the electronics
Next, you should test the electronics of the guitar.
Check the intonation
After that, you should check the intonation of the guitar. This can be done by playing a note on one of the strings and then checking to see if the note is in tune. If it is not, you may need to adjust the saddle or nut of the guitar.
Detune, then re-tune
Also, you should detune the guitar and then re-tune it. This will help to stretch the strings and get them in the correct tension.
Test the intonation
The intonation of an electric guitar is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. You can test the intonation by pressing down on the fifth fret of each string and comparing the note that you hear to the open string. The note should be the same. If it is not, then you will need to adjust the intonation.
Check for buzzing at every fret
You can do this by depressing each string at every fret and listening for a clear, resonant tone. Be sure to check both the low E and high E strings. If you hear any buzzing, that means the guitar’s action is too high.
Check the action height
The action is how high the strings are off the fretboard. It’s adjusted by screwing the saddles up or down. A low action makes it easier to play but if it’s too low, the strings will buzz on chords. If you have an Ibanez RG550, check that all 24 of your frets are level with each other.
Check for neck instability
The first thing you should do when checking an Ibanez RG550 Genesis for neck stability is to check the truss rod. The truss rod is located at the base of the neck and helps to keep the neck straight. You can check the truss rod by gently pressing down on the strings near the fretboard. If you feel any looseness or instability, then it is likely that the truss rod needs to be tightened.
Determine the price you’re willing to pay
If you’re a beginner, it’s probably best to purchase an entry-level guitar. You can always upgrade later on if you find that you have the skill and desire to do so.
What to Do After You’ve Purchased a Guitar
Now that you have your guitar, it’s time to start playing! Here are a few things you can do to get the most out of your new instrument:
- Join or start a band: Playing with other musicians is a great way to improve your skills and learn new techniques. It’s also a lot of fun!
- Take lessons: If you’re just starting out, taking some guitar lessons is a great idea. Even if you’re more experienced, lessons can help you hone your skills and take your playing to the next level.
- Practice, practice, practice: The only way to get better at anything is to practice. Set aside some time each day to play your guitar, and soon you’ll be shredding like a pro!
- Listen to music: Not only is listening to music a great way to find inspiration, but it can also help you learn new techniques and ideas. So crank up the volume and start jamming out!
- Read guitar magazines: Guitar magazines are a great resource for learning about new gear, discovering new artists, and staying up-to-date on the latest industry news.
- Attending concerts: Seeing your favorite bands live is always a good time, but it can also be a great way to learn more about guitar playing. Pay attention to how the musicians interact with their instruments and each other, and you’ll pick up some valuable tips. And who knows, you might even get inspired to start your own band!
How Can I Tell If a Guitar Is Real or Not?
There are a few ways to tell if a guitar is real or not. One way is to look at the headstock. If the headstock has six inline tuning pegs, it’s most likely a real guitar. 
Another way to tell is by looking at the bridge. If the bridge has six saddles, it’s probably a real guitar. Finally, you can also look at the neck and body joints. If the joint is flush with the body, it’s most likely a real guitar. [5]
FAQ
Where are Ibanez Genesis guitars manufactured?
The Ibanez Genesis series is manufactured in Japan. The company has a long history of manufacturing guitars in Japan that dates back to the early 1930s.
Is the Ibanez RG550 Genesis a good guitar for beginners?
The Ibanez RG550 Genesis is not recommended for beginners due to its high price tag and complex features. However, intermediate and advanced guitarists will find theRG550 to be a great choice for their electric guitar needs.
Is the RG550 available in a case?
The answer is no, the RG550 does not come with a case. However, Ibanez offers a hardshell case (the HSC) as an accessory. This case is designed specifically for the RG550 and will protect your investment during transit. The HSC features a black Tolex exterior, thick padding, and sturdy hardware. It’s also relatively affordable, making it a great option for those looking to keep their guitar safe on the road.
What does the acronym RG in Ibanez stand for?
The RG in Ibanez stands for “Roadstar Guitar ”. The Roadstar series was introduced by Ibanez in 1982 as a line of super strat guitars that were designed to offer players better quality and higher performance than what was available on the market at the time.
The RG550 was first introduced in 1987 and quickly became one of the most popular models in the Roadstar series. It is still in production today and has been updated with modern features like a tremolo bridge and Ibanez’s Quantum pickups.
How much do electric guitars cost on average?
The answer to this question largely depends on the type of guitar you’re looking for. For instance, a beginner electric guitar can cost as little as $100 while a high-end model can cost upwards of $5000. Of course, there are also mid-range options that fall somewhere in between these two extremes.
What type of guitar should a beginner purchase?
There is no easy answer when it comes to choosing the best guitar for a beginner. It depends on what style of music the beginner wants to play, and what type of guitar they are most comfortable with. However, we recommend starting with an acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitars are less expensive than electric guitars and are easier to learn how to play. They are also more versatile than electric guitars, as they can be used for a variety of genres including country, folk, rock, and pop.
Which company’s guitar is superior?
This is a question that has been hotly debated among guitarists for years. Fender and Gibson are the two most popular electric guitar brands, and each has its own diehard fans. So, which company’s guitar is superior?
It depends on what you’re looking for in an electric guitar. If you want a classic rock sound, then you might prefer a Gibson Les Paul. If you’re into metal, then you might prefer an Ibanez RG550 Genesis.
What is the best approach to testing a guitar at a guitar shop?
There are a few different ways that you can test out a guitar at a guitar shop. One way is to simply ask the staff if you can take the guitar for a test drive. Most stores will be more than happy to let you do this, and it’s a great way to get a feel for the instrument.
Another approach is to bring your own amplifier and pedals and plugin to see how the guitar sounds through your own gear. This is especially important if you’re looking for an electric guitar, as different amplifiers can drastically change the sound of the instrument.
Finally, don’t be afraid to just sit down and play the thing! Get a feel for how it feels in your hands, see how easy it is to reach the different fretboard positions, and get a sense of the overall playability of the instrument.
Once you’ve done all of that, it’s time to make your decision. Buying a guitar is a big investment, so be sure to take your time and choose wisely.
Related Video: Ibanez Genesis RG550 Review
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis is an excellent electric guitar for those looking for a high-quality instrument that will last a lifetime. With its versatile tone and comfortable playability, it’s perfect for any style of music. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the RG550 Genesis is a great choice for anyone in the market for a new electric guitar. Thanks for reading! We hope this guide has helped you make your decision on which electric guitar to buy.
Happy shopping!
Still not sure which electric guitar is right for you? Check out our other electric guitar reviews and buying guides.
References:
- https://www.explainthatstuff.com/electricguitars.html
- https://www.gearank.com/articles/electric-guitar-types
- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guitar-101-what-is-a-guitar-pickup-learn-about-the-different-types-of-electric-guitar-pickups
- https://www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/c-u-v-which-neck-shape-is-for-you
- https://midlifeguitar.com/how-to-check-guitar-authenticity/