Ibanez RG550 Genesis Limited Edition Candy Apple Red

The Essentials to Know About the Ibanez RG550 Genesis LTD Edition Candy Apple Red Guitar

• Authentic RG "Made in Japan": the spirit of the original RGs, with precise Japanese craftsmanship and playability designed for speed.


• Super Wizard 5-piece maple/walnut neck: ultra-thin, satin finish profile, designed for shredding, wide stretches, and fast runs without fatigue.


• HSH V7 / S1 / V8 pickup configuration + 5-way selector: from clean tones to sharp heavy drive, offering a true palette for metal, rock, and soloing.


• Edge tremolo + locking nut: tuning stability, smooth feel, and precision for dive bombs as well as subtle vibrato.

Genesis Collection: A Return to the Roots of an Ibanez Legend

The Ibanez Genesis Collection pays tribute to the models that built the brand's reputation among rock and metal guitarists: sharp "superstrat" lines, ergonomics designed for performance, and a no-compromise approach to playability. The RG550 Genesis fits this tradition with a clear brief: to deliver the feel of a historic RG while benefiting from modern, consistent, and rigorous construction. In this Candy Apple Red finish, it fully embraces its identity: a guitar made for fast playing, aggressive attack, and stages that demand as much precision as energy.

Who Is the RG550 Genesis Made For and What Styles Suit It?

This RG is primarily aimed at intermediate to expert guitarists who want a responsive instrument with a very fast neck and easy access to the upper frets thanks to its 24 frets. It is a natural playground for metal (thrash, heavy, modern metal), hard rock, instrumental rock, and anything requiring precise alternate picking, legato runs, tapping, or controlled bends.

The Edge tremolo and locking nut also invite a more expressive approach: wide vibratos, whammy bar effects, and sustain nuances. If you're looking for a "plug and play" guitar to explore tight rhythms as well as singing leads, the RG550 Genesis ticks the essential boxes with immediate response under the fingers.

Sound and Character: The HSH Balance, Maple Attack, and 5-Position Versatility

The basswood body is known for its balanced and fairly "neutral" tone, ideal when you want your playing dynamics and pickups to define the final character. This even foundation highlights modern distortions: palm mutes remain clear, mids don't get muddy, and amp settings sculpt easily even with high gain.

The maple/walnut neck combined with a maple fingerboard delivers a sharp attack, precise highs, and present upper mids-perfect for cutting through dense mixes during solos. The jumbo frets enhance the feeling of fluidity, especially on single-note runs and vibratos, with a very "performance" oriented grip.

Regarding pickups, the HSH configuration (V7 neck, S1 middle, V8 bridge) paired with the 5-way selector allows quick shifts between tones: a warmer, more articulated neck position for leads, a snappier middle for defined sounds and certain rhythms, and a more aggressive bridge for biting riffs and solos. The setup remains simple and effective thanks to the 1 volume / 1 tone control layout, designed for playing rather than navigating complex settings.

Finally, the Edge tremolo is a central element of the feel: it promotes solid tuning stability and precise intonation while remaining comfortable for the right hand. For guitarists who enjoy pronounced vibrato effects, extreme dive bombs, or simply a very controlled "floating" sensation, this is a coherent and classic RG setup.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To stay as close as possible to the original balance, use an electric string set in 09-42 gauge (such as D'Addario EXL120): a versatile gauge that maintains the Super Wizard neck's comfort and the tremolo's responsiveness. A supply of picks and a microfiber cloth will perfectly complement daily maintenance, especially with a glossy finish.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	HSH	Body	Linden
Category	ST	Bridge / tailpiece	Floyd
Strings	Steel	Electronics	Passive
Nbr of strings	6	Color	Red
Fingerboard	Maple	Finishing	Glossy
Nbrs of frets	24	Hardware	Black
Scalloped	Double

Type	electric guitar	Number of frets	24
Shape	RG	Fret type	jumbo
Body wood	basswood	Inlays	black dots
Finish	glossy polyester	Bridge	Edge tremolo
Total length	984 mm / 38.74"	String spacing	10.8 mm / 0.43"
Neck type	Super Wizard	Nut	locking nut
Construction	bolt-on	Tuners	Gotoh
Wood	5-piece maple/walnut	Hardware color	black
Neck finish	satin polyurethane	Pickups	passive
Thickness at 1st fret	17 mm / 0.67"	Neck pickup	V7 (H)
Thickness at 12th fret	19 mm / 0.75"	Middle pickup	S1 (S)
Scale length	648 mm / 25.5"	Bridge pickup	V8 (H)
Nut width	43 mm / 1.69"	Controls	1 volume, 1 tone
Width at fingerboard end	58 mm / 2.28"	Selector	5-position blade switch
Fingerboard radius	430 mm / 16.9"