Ibanez Genesis Review - The RG550 Story

[@IbanezGuy88]

If you survived the whole video, I appreciate you watching! Note the intro song was recorded with the Genesis as well!

[@maxxcobra9030]

Pssssht! Survived the whole video? I was like "damn, 24 mins went by already!" C'mon! Love the vid, and just love geeking out over RG's!

[@iloveitall]

It was a sheer pleasure. Finally I found someone on YT who is Ibanez crazy just like me!

[@bc454irocz89]

Do the new ones have locking studs?

[@JR-ld1et]

Dude that intro sounded awesome man . That Ibanez can go from beauty to beast with no problem !!!

[@IbanezGuy88]

@@bc454irocz89 They sure do!

[@jeffmartinaz]

Great video. I'm 52 (in 2022), and the RG550 was always my dream guitar as a teen in the 80s. Had several magazine ads from Guitar for the Practicing Musician mag torn out on my wall. I've been blessed to own and restore many of these '87-'92 RG550s over the years. Getting ready to do another '91 I just picked up. I LOVE the V/S pickups. Probably best in-house pickups I've ever played. Thanks for sharing the video history!

[@fredericadda]

5:23 the issue is not the scarf joint, it's the screws going through the neck. Apart from that great video!

[@BradDollar]

Awesome run down and history lesson! The Genesis is 🔥.

[@yohanonshine4664]

In my icon is my 1987 RG550 I also have it in the original case which contains a manual that details the proper way to adjust the floyd rose and a set of all the tools needed to fine tune this instrument ❤❤❤

[@Stevo-Z]

Had the RG550 in desert yellow 💛 back in the early 90's, loved that guitar. I ran across hard times and had to sell it. I've regretted it ever sence... I will be picking up the newest 550 in yellow after watching your video. It all takes me back, thanks bro!!

[@dagkarlsson7182]

I was restringing a 93 rg550 last week and fell in love with that guitar. Got to get one for myself!

[@ryant3600]

i was gonna order the Genesis 550 a couple years ago, but I had the chance to buy the very last Genesis 570 that ZZ sounds had and it was in Jewel Blue (my favorite color for that model) in stock, so I got that instead . I was thinking of getting a 550 this year, but dang it all, Ibanez releases the Genesis 565.. so.. hmm what to do

[@IbanezGuy88]

I'll be doing a review of the new 565 soon :)

[@comment.highlighted]

Love that intro show 🤘😎 I had the pleasure/pain of playing and falling in love with the original RG550. I was young and knew my mom couldn’t afford it 😢

[@theallmightyham]

I had an OG 550 Neon Purple, from 1992 and I miss it dearly.

[@lucasimms544]

Epic intro mate! This guitar is currently top of my list.

[@shanewalton8888]

I've also been considering it, because they make them in lefties. Would prefer an S series but no lefties.

[@srvtsk]

Huge thanks for this review! I've watched dozens of reviews, but all they in sum gave less than this one. My 550 DY is being transported to me, and I'm counting days.

[@powerwizard420]

this is my favorite guitar, cool to see the history behind it. glad i stumbled across it

[@scottharlow3500]

My '88 RG570 has a matching headstock paint and no cracks in the neck.

[@Dastardly_X]

Sweet !!!

[@tjchad1]

Yeah, my '87 RG550 had no cracks either. Sold it this year.

[@bigsauce1116]

This channel is a JEM. Good stuff man

[@headhumperHL2]

i actually had a 550 when i was a senior in high school. One of the nicest guitars i ever owned

[@SixString_J5]

I found a white genesis in a local pawn shop that the previous owner modded. They swapped the pickups with the hyperion pickups out of an Ibanez AZ (wish they used the swithching system as well but just the pups), installed a brass block on the tremolo, Installed a tremolo stopper to make it a down only setup. It's a fantastic guitar that I love so much, I just ordered another genesis in desert yellow. I've been shying away from the wizard neck for almost 25 years but dang, it just feels right! My other brand guitars are in trouble.

[@tishian3088]

Awesome video!! So glad you made this. I just bought one in purple neon

[@ThatCaymanGuy]

i had not one but two RG550's back in the 90's, great freakin' guitars!

[@ThePunksta333]

This video is amazing. Just ordered a yellow one, back ordered for a few months. Worth the wait! Thanks for the great detailed video. 🤘🏻

[@pekkamalinen6439]

Hi, you're doing great job for Ibanez. After a years-long hiatus, I was thinking about buying a new guitar last winter. I was going through Steve Vai's solo discography and promised myself I would never buy an Ibanez (I really can't stand the guy, and obviously I've always associated Mr. Vai with Ibanez). Anyway, I was contemplating Charvel DK24, saw your review of it, which was excellent. So when KZbin suggested your RG550-review, I gave it chance too, and you practically sold me this guitar. I finally got myself one last week and I've been madly in love with it ever since. Never been this happy playing any instrument, and I started playing in 2003. All those wasted years... My brother visited me yesterday to try this thing and INSTANTLY made a decision to get one ASAP. So I guess there are two new Ibanez guys in Finland, thanks to you!

[@IbanezGuy88]

Thank you very much for watching the videos and glad they did help you make your decision on a new axe! Hope it helps inspire you to keep playing and less time tuning haha.

[@frankE91210]

nice set in the back. the 77FP and jpm p1/p3 particularly (and the uv7bk!)

[@tuscland]

Great playing and exhaustive description of the RG550, thank you!

[@karemare6426]

This video still has waaaay to few views. This is the best video I ever saw in the 550 history topic. Congrats, again, and thank you!

[@christopherpaul1810]

I do happen to have a '91 RG 565, has the neck crack issue you described... I also had all 24 frets scalloped, and replaced the bridge pickup with a Seymour Duncan "Pearly Gates" (neck pickup unconfirmed). Not selling, just saying (wish I could share pics on KZbin) Currently have an RG Genesis series on back order. Great vid, very informative with some great history!

[@sebastianjoers7557]

I don't own a single ibanez, but love the guitar vids

[@alejandrogalorio504]

i had a vintage RG-550 MIG. Rare Blue paints. With few normal scratches ,but boy!! the Quality of Sounds has its own world.. you can play solid rock, metal,slow rock & even mellow love songs that nèed sweet clean deep quality tone.

[@damiandunn8143]

It's cool seeing this video! Great to see a buddy of mine that is still hard in the grind with music. I still remember those years ago playing your blue 550 when you were part of the Dragonforce tour back in 2012 with my brother in minnesota. You gave me some of the best advice and humbling experience not only as a fan but as a fellow player. I'm glad to see you still going strong and this video will definitely be a good reference when it comes to comparing a genuine 550's to the genesis, hell even some current prestiges'. good job man! ALSO! If you still play overwatch or any other game and still need a buddy, I'm here man! Greetings from an old friend (or acquaintance) and fan!

[@ponzo1967]

After owning one of these for about a month now I can honestly say it's not hype, these are exceptional guitars. I have no space for guitars I like, only guitars I love and I've fallen in love this guitar. The fret ends are a little rough I'll admit and for me the heel could have been smoother but overall this guitar plays like a dream. The Super Wizard neck gives it a unique feel that makes it special. Any other guitars I've been this impressed with were at least double the price. At roughly a thousand bucks this is a great deal.

[@herman29958]

Awesome review. For far the best review that I have seen. I just bought one and I am in love with it. I like it more than my old RG 550 1992. For me the Ibanez RG 550 is the best guitar ever made. I also bought a pair of Dimarzio pickups (Tone zone and Paf Pro) to put in but now I am not sure as I actually really like the sound of these V7 & V8 pickups. I might install them in my old RG 550 or my Ibanez RT.

[@napesdrk1174]

I had this exact guitar, I almost cry to see it. I got a 770dx and a JS100 but, miss this one so much.

[@srijanguitarlife4901]

Thanks for the detailed discussion on RG550...your playing is very good as well...I bought a genesis RG550 last week...pretty happy with the guitar...buy before buying this guitar I read not very good things about the V pickups...but after playing the guitar I find V7 exactly voiced like air norton and v8 like tone zone..although tone zone has a little bit more low frequency.... So my question is should I keep the pickups as stock in RG550 as I am into several genres like blues, rock, rock and roll, etc. The pickups feel really after market and great...

[@mylogify]

I liked playing blues, rock and metal with stock pickups a lot!

[@alif499]

Great video! Very in-depth. Love it!

[@tonycarel1785]

Thank you thank you It is because of THIS video. Why I am buying a Ibanez RG 550. I absolutely love Ibanez I'm a guitar and a bass player. But haven't ever really considered an rg550 have no idea why. Waiting for zzsounds to get restocked on this guitar. Then I am ordering the purple neon one. Thanks for such an inspirational history/review Of the RG550. I became a subscriber because of this video!!!

[@archibalddickworth6588]

Well did you get your purple neon rg550? And if so, how do you like it?

[@Ernest_Kahn]

Love this! Fire video 🔥

[@Kupferhans]

Best guitar video I have ever seen!

[@ripreigns9156]

I have this exact same guitar in road flare red and it has become my work horse. It's a stellar guitar and I recommend it to anyone. Really want to get the yellow one so I have more than one. Great video as well 🤙🏽

[@overkill2006]

I played one the other day and I truly believe it plays better than the prestige’s I’ve played.

[@markharmon9892]

I got a DY 550 this week and I think the tilt neck would have been better if moved down one fret to the 17th fret like the JS24 guitars. Those have it join at 17 and those last 2 frets are so much easier to reach. I know this would not have been accurate to the original RG but would have been a nice update while still maintaining the aesthetic. Just an opinion. Mine had zero defects and the frets are all good. I did need to fret polish as its manufacture date is December 22 but no matter its part of a restring anyway for me.

[@SPQRTempus]

I used to own a 89 RG 550 DY with a black headstock. Personally I liked the tones I could get out of the factory pickups because it made the guitar far more versatile when playing cover songs of that time that didn't require a thicker tone.

[@timbronstein5284]

What a great vid!

[@AkaKoii]

Hey great video! Keep em coming, love the intro!

[@jackzhouguitar]

Hey man, I gotta say recently I got my hands on a Ibanez RG470 from 2001 MIJ. The neck was smooth as butter!

[@edwardkania9622]

I love my genesis. I was never crazy about Ibanez until I bought the RG550. I think it's a fantastic guitar and who would've thought given the price. However, I'm curious as to why anyone would bother with the original given the fact that the original model's neck broke and warped so often. Maybe as a collector item, but for a player? When all that's different is that the original neck is more fragile and the volume knob is placed slightly differently? Yeah, I"ll stick to the reissue.

[@rocktorrocks]

Thanks for making this, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the whole video. I got an RG550 last year and wanted more info. Might be the most informative RG550 video on KZbin.

[@IbanezGuy88]

I appreciate you watching the video! I'm hoping to finish up the new video for my Genesis RG565 review soon!

[@rocktorrocks]

@@IbanezGuy88 Can’t wait! Been considering a RG565 to pair with my RG550, they look stunning.

[@jem550]

Fantastic video and channel. Huge Ibanez fan here. So happy I discovered your channel. Subscribed!

[@sudan47]

Great work sir! Really appreciate all the genesis introduction!

[@broncoxy]

bro understood the assignment with that intro damn

[@unluggylounge674]

thank you for the detail. i've just bought the RFR RG550 2021, Cheers!

[@trevlocke1962]

Brilliant video mate, vey informative, and amazing guitars

[@MP-yp5je]

Great intro playing! Took me back!

[@ChrisMaloneMusic]

I noticed the same thing about the consistency of the new ones too

[@peterstar2023]

Great video. You're really good at this. Two thumbs up 👍👍

[@sixwheelcarlisle8491]

Nice in depth look into the Ibanez Genesis RG550👍🏻👍🏻🤓

[@ianedmonds9191]

1991 still has a scarf joint it just doesn't have the volute or the skunk strip inlay wood. It's still a 2 piece neck.

[@f.d.english5080]

I remember when I would change the reigon on the website to see what other countries got. Sometimes I'd be jealous

[@kevinbonville]

Ive got the black head stock. Had it since 15. Same colors as youres red .

[@afterstars]

Facial expressions made this 10/10

[@richardhenley817]

Thanks for this amazing video.⭐️ Very informative and nice playing. Just got a brand new lefty one and this guitar feels and plays awesome! And moreover it stays in tune.🤘

[@workingorder2189]

Ibanez does what PRShould.

[@munkienl1]

Wow VERY in depth review from a guy who got his hands dirty so to speak. I have a 1990 S540 with several issues. On the one hand i would like to get a vintage Japan RG but i would have to order it unseen. And like you said there's a lot that can go wrong with them. OTOH the web shops in Europe don't have the Genesis RG's in stock, you're looking at 4 to 5 weeks waiting easily. Maybe the Suez Canal lockdown?

[@jstro-hobbytech]

That's my dream guitar. I wanted to hit the thankyou button but you don't have one. I almost bout the original from Japan a few years ago

[@jcrgtattoo333]

Have a ‘23 neon purple genesis, it’s a great guitar! ,I had an ‘87 rg550 that I got used in 1990 for $150!! It was supposed to be red,but that guitar was pink and I sold it around ‘98., and scored a blue rg450, I think it was..it had the lo-trs trem. I tried to like other brands, but Ibanez always wins with me., I have 2 rgt42’s from 2002 - ‘05. , mik, those earlier neck through rg’s were built great, but the bridges and pickups are lacking, project time finally? Not sure, I’m picking up a prestige rg5120 , frozen ocean, tomorrow afternoon!!

[@iduncanw]

Very much enjoyed the video. I want to add an Ibanez to my small collection (4) but not sure which one to get. These look awesome and from all I've watched on them, people are pretty happy with them. The only guitar I have with a tremelo is a Strat so thought I'd get something I could try dive bombing on.

[@daanprins6730]

Great video. Thanks for making this!

[@coachp7486]

Thx for sharing, Alex. I have an ‘89 RG in RF red with the black headstock. Just recently, it’s been having tuning stability issues. Can’t get thru a song now without going out of tune. Is a bit of a head scratcher and not sure what to do with it. But having 100’s of hrs on it, it’s been a great guitar. So thinking of getting the a new Genisus model and just seeing if I can eventually figure out the stability issue with my RG. Thx again for posting. Convinced me to which route I’m going to go with and that’s to stay with the “RG” line. 👍🏽

[@IbanezGuy88]

One thing that fixed my tuning issues on one of my older RG's is replacing the trem posts and replacing, or fixing the knife edges on the trem itself.

[@23ograin53]

I had my choice in 1991 between a Gem and RG550 and I chose the 550 because the Gem looked goofy to me. The RG was my dream guitar, and that '91 has been my main 6-string ever since, with the Steve's Special / Air Norton pickup combo that Petrucci used to play.

[@ianedmonds9191]

I played a Jem around that time and I hated the neck. After playing the 91 RG570 the Jem neck felt very thick and clumsy. I'm not sure it was radiused differently but there was a lot more wood behind your fingers. To me it was a huge disappointment. Luv and Peace.

[@23ograin53]

@@ianedmonds9191 Yeah I forgot about the neck difference. That was a no go for the Gem also. I wonder if they made the Gem flatter after the RGs became so popular.

[@ponzo1967]

This is going to be a part of my midlife crisis I'm working on. I remember walking into a music store in 1988 and seeing these on the rack, my eyes lit up and I played it as well as I could at the time then fell in love with it. It was out of my price range but that feeling never left me. Now 34 years and 15 guitars later I'm getting one, flare red! If I remember right they were about $500 at the time and now it looks like they're around a thousand. This midlife crisis sure is getting expensive LoL

[@bondalero0074]

I bought the RG 550 (NP) & Ibanez hard case in Nov 2020 for my B-Day and Love it. I still have my first real guitar the 89’ Ibanez RG 570 I got as a teen in my Metal craze and picked up the RG 370 DX (white w/ shark tooth inlays) as everyday player(mint) from a friend for $250 in a bind for money till I got my new RG genesis!#Ibanez❤️#🎸#🤘🏻#🔥@Italrish

[@philomelodia]

I almost bought an Ibanez back in 1997. I went for a strat instead. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my Strat. But, there was always the feeling in the back of my head that I missed out on something special. A week ago, I corrected the situation and have my brand new road flare red rg550 it’s great!

[@ponzo1967]

@@philomelodia Congratulations! I've never owned a guitar that stays in tune better than this one. I found the Road Flare Red looks better in person than the videos and the pick ups are better than expected. I just wish I had bought one sooner, these are fun dependable great sounding guitars.

[@bondalero0074]

Nothing beats an RG! Welcome to the Gang!#Ibanez#89’RG570(JB)#20’RG550(NP)#🎸🤘🏻🔥@@philomelodia

[@xavierortiz2690]

I have a 2001 Sangria Red 550 with a tilt neck joint,no bubinga stripe and v1 v2 pups,pretty rare color too

[@erienbudhiyanto]

I have yellow one 2021 and its great sound n playability are very good

[@mylogify]

I bought RG550, after returning RG5120 due to it's heavy weight, because of it's mohagony body in that RG shape. I loved it! When is the RG565 video?? :)

[@IbanezGuy88]

Hopefully soon! I recorded the playthrough clips but recently moved so I'm arranging everything to get the review done soon hahah,

[@powerface71]

Just picked up a 97 RG-570 in Purple Neon, all original hardware and pickups! I am gonna restore it and sell it. I paid 25 bucks for it!!

[@Chrishagen]

Fantastic detailed video.. and a great guitar!

[@tubesoupio]

I've also got 5 original RG550's, all with F7 silver stickers...black, white, 2 desert yellows and my mint RFR (^__^)

[@izzysim9363]

Awesome!!! I'm finally getting one too!!!

[@wisnuadiputra4843]

RG 550 😍😍🙌🙌

[@zackamodeo-thomson8010]

I love your guitars nice ibanez collection

[@Jimmy-do8wv]

Hello! Would u mind to tell me the song's name of intro? That kind of songs have a name style, right? Ty and...yes, I'm in love with this guitar

[@IbanezGuy88]

The intro song is a working title for one of my solo ep's :)

[@upstage925]

I just bought one and received it a few days ago. This thing is so amazing! It is definitely my favorite guitar I have. Now I'm selling my poopie 470DX LMAO! Thanks for the vid. I bought the limited issue matching strap from across the globe and I will not say how much that cost me because it was ridiculous but it is a perfect match Ibanez sling for the guitar you and I have in the yellow so I had to get it =D

[@IbanezGuy88]

Good grab! I actually have a 370DX that was my first Ibanez ever. I hope you enjoy your new shred machine!!

[@imremedve953]

Fantastic playing and sound! Could you please tell me how to dial the solo sound? I have 2 RG550 guitars. An RG550 2002 model with maple fretboard loaded with Dimarzio Evolution pickups... It doesn't deliver this character at all... I also have an RG550XX 2007 20th anniversary model with rosewood fretboard, loaded with Dimarzio Air Norton and Dimarzio Steve Special... These guitars delivers Petrucci's sound but I'm looking for this vintage, rough sound like you nailed... Are V7, V8, S1 stock pickups loaded in your guitar? What's your signal chain? Did you use double tracking at recording? Thanks bro!

[@dav_e98]

I just ordered the same beast deser yellow. I hope I can get this down to C standard and smash some hard stuff

[@IbanezGuy88]

I actually use one for Drop C in my band DevilDriver currently!

[@giancarlom.]

goddamit I refuse to believe you're the same guy doing that crazy hair metal demoing at the intro~ XD XD XD

[@damonwolf793]

I'd like to see a review of your black universe with the green dots. I wonder if it's a premium or an actual 1991 universe prestige..

[@IbanezGuy88]

It's an original UV 1990! Hands down the thinnest and most comfortable 7 I've played so far :O

[@OscarBenben]

Do you think I should buy one ?

[@bondalero0074]

Yes!!!!!#Ibanez RG 550 is the pinnacle of metal guitars in a reasonable price range! My 20’ Genesis RG 550 is in neon purple and I Love it more than any other guitar I own or have owned!#Ibanez#RG#550🎸🤘🏻🔥❤️ @ Oscar ET SA GUITARE

[@richiechen1085]

Thanks very much for this awesome review and history sharing Alex. Great work. Do you share your AxeFx3 presets anywhere if i may ask? They sounds really good and raw without excessive effects like many out there.

[@IbanezGuy88]

Yeah you can hit me up on the fractal forums, I use the same name there so hit me up!

[@richiechen1085]

@@IbanezGuy88 awesome thanks so much Alex! Will reach out to you over there in a while

[@cavshjey9655]

Hi thank you so much for this video it's been so helpful , Quick question , Can 1997-2002's have not matching head's color?

[@eldritch6871]

hey Ibanez guy, do you know if the RG550s are going to still be produced and available to buy now that the 565s are out?

[@IbanezGuy88]

I do believe they are still available, most retailers right now are currently on a back order :(

[@ashiqueelahi2909]

As you played both RG 550 and 565 Genesis… if you were to pick just one guitar which one would you pick? Please do comment… I’m really confused. Rg 565 I heard is bit lighter in weight compare to 550.

[@IbanezGuy88]

That comes down to personal preference IMO. They both play identical, but it would go down to looks and number of pickups that you need. I would stick to my 550 due to playing them for many years, but you can't go wrong with either.

[@felipevancini7781]

which pickups did you install on your yellow RG 550?

[@billy89guitars]

I really wanna trade my road flare red for desert yellow now lol theyre just both so cool it was too hard to choose

[@BillyBlaze7]

I was wondering if you by chance have a JS1000? I bought the last one in Texas before they were disco's, i got the white model. I wish I had known how rare they were back then, I paid $750. out the door for mine and really wish I had kept it. I sold mine after the second string broke at a gig, I didnt realize how much time it took to restring the Floyds. I am looking at getting an RG550 now. Im no longer gigging so breaking strings arent a big deal like when you bust a string on stage.

[@crsmade]

I ordered one

[@aadityakiran_s]

What's a good step up from my beginner guitar from Ibanez for me if I wanna have a lot of tonal options, a very comfortable, ergonomic and light weight guitar which is dependable, very stable and can last a lifetime with min need for repair of taken care of.

[@IbanezGuy88]

I would say any range of RG or S series guitar with a fixed bridge. Trems do need some experience to work with like this Genesis but are stable as well. In most cases, I would try to find a model that fits your price range. Most guitars taken care of, and setup properly can last a very long time.

[@Misfit1026]

Still have my ‘93 RG550 I’ve got a fender American strat, Shecter, Kramer, SG, Jackson and a Charvette. 9 times out of 10, I grab my 550

[@IbanezGuy88]

It's a work horse for sure!

[@ZtpaRokhum]

👍👏

[@torcher78]

Truss rod is not titanium. The reinforcement rods running parallel on either side of the truss rod are.

[@iamsurmeli]

Awesome review video, thanks a lot! I am going to start playing guitar and thinking about to purchase RG550. People say I need to stay away from floyd rose kind of system as it may be difficult to maintain for a beginner. Do you agree? Should I check more affordable options? To give a context, I am 80s hair metal lover, will play it at home and use it for music production.

[@IbanezGuy88]

I would say it's easy, if you have the patience to understand how they function! My first guitar was a RG370DX and the only problem I had was over tightening the locking nut and string blocks. I stripped a part and long story short, they don't need to be that tight 😅

[@IbanezGuy88]

I'm sure with the time, patience, and willingness to learn you will be able to understand floyd bridges! I always say, if you can afford it, why not? I would go lower in price, if budgeting was an issue. You can find these in the used market for a decent price as well.

[@iamsurmeli]

@@IbanezGuy88 thanks a lot I bought my desert yellow rg550 a week ago, and started working on it. Thanks for the inspiration! 😊

[@islayporkers3529]

Hey man I’m looking at a gator titan series or an enki for my rg 550 genesis and it’s just for home use but I live in an area where it’s wildly cold winter and hot and humid summers... I just wanna get the best one possible to give the instrument the longest life. Is the enki weatherproof sealed ? I would really appreciate your opinion. Also I really enjoyed this video tons of rich history. Thanks in advance if you get to this !!!

[@jerk5959]

Always trust the character of a man who likes Quake.

[@FastRedPonyCar]

Kinda considering one of these to compliment my Charvel San Dimas... mainly I need 24 frets but I'm also torn between the RG652AHM and the RG5320C. I am trying to figure out why the 5320c is $400 more and how much of a difference the mahogany vs ash body will affect the tone.

[@IbanezGuy88]

I honestly can't tell the difference in tone wood, unless I'm playing it as an acoustic. I usually go by the weight of the instrument!