Research-based review — not personally tested

Ibanez RG550 Genesis

Rating: 4.5 / 5

The definitive superstrat. A blisteringly fast Wizard neck and a classic HSH layout — the benchmark shred guitar that launched a thousand metal players.

Ibanez RG550 electric guitar
Photo by Thomann on Thomann
Where to buy — around $999

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Pros

  • Legendary fast Wizard neck
  • Versatile HSH pickups
  • Excellent Edge double-locking trem
  • Built for shred and metal

Cons

  • Thin neck not for everyone
  • Floyd-style trem needs setup know-how
  • Bright, aggressive voicing

The shred standard

The RG550 is the guitar that defined the superstrat. Its ultra-thin Wizard neck is one of the fastest necks ever made, the HSH pickup layout covers searing leads and tighter rhythm, and the Edge tremolo handles serious dive-bombing and stays in tune. It''s a reissue of the late-''80s original that made Ibanez a metal icon.

Where to buy: Check the current price of the Ibanez RG550 Genesis on Amazon →

It''s a serious instrument for serious players — if you want a precise, fast, dive-bombing shred machine, this is the reference everything else is measured against.