Ibanez RG550-DY - Guitar Review - Not just a SHRED machine 

Finally a review showing something different with the RG. I'm not a "shredder" by any means but really like this guitar so it was nice to hear some clean tones. I've been on the fence for weeks looking at these but I just bought one...same obnoxious color. Thanks.

I have wanted one of these since they came out in the 80's, finally getting mine this week

Thanks for making this video and talking about how the RG is for MORE than just metal. I had my doubts, now I'm sold!

I gotta say as well the opening sequence was funny. You were doing your 80's metal moves lol. You pieced it together in a cool way too. On top of the amp and humping the air. Very funny stuff. Well done man.

About the versatility: remember that the RG is basically a ''poor man's JEM'', as in a more basic, work horse version of Steve Vai's guitar without all the bells & whistles. And Steve Vai designed the JEM with Ibanez to be exactly a ''Swiss Army knife''-guitar that could do pretty much anything, from funky cleans to high-gain metal.

In the late 70s and early 80s Ibanez allowed us poor people to have great guitars.

I’ve owned a desert yellow RG550 for 30 years. All original. For half that time, it was the only guitar I owned. The 3-pickup setup is so versatile that I never needed another one. I’ve let it sit for literally a year and picked it up and it was still in perfect tune. The Screaming Yellow Ibanez, as it was named by a high-school friend, is a part of me.

I couldn't agree more, we are very much on the same wavelength here. Brilliant guitars, and a lot of fun to play! I have a purple neon version.

Got the white one and what an absolute delight to play! It almost shreds by itself

I ordered the Ibanez Purple RG 550 today “NEW” off Reverb. I have played my old 87’ purple RG 570 since being a teen and it has got me thru ALL my different hard rock genres. It has and always will be my favorite guitar!#IbanezRG❤️#RG550#🎸#🤘🏻#😎

Carol Kay is one of the most recorded musicians in Rock n roll history. Her favorite guitar these days is a lowly RG570. She mainly plays jazz on it.

Sunshine lollipops and rainbows. Great demo! Seemed like your camera was loving that yellow so much it couldn’t focus on anything. I’d really love play this guitar in comparison to an RG1070PBZ.

I like that you are not shreding and you are playing clean. Thank you.

Good video,I like trying out different styles so Ibanez fits the bill.I just ordered the RG 570 Genesis in black.Exactly the same as the 550 but it has no pick guard ,and a rosewood fretboard instead of the maple one.Can’t wait.

Happy to have found a guitar that the strap equally doesn't match to - I laughed hard many times during this video, keep up the fun!

Hmmmm never seen that HB bass before !! I just got the PJ-HT 4 last week & been happy with it so far !! And nice demo & such of the RG Andy sir !!

I used to like shreddy stuff and have own a few Ibanezes, but now mainly into blues. Nice to see someone do a review of non-shreddy stuff on the RG550 - thanks for that. Seem it has a lot of potential for blues. I am looking for a guitar with "straty" tones and Ibanez neck - perhaps this might fit the bill.

Cool review.

I saw it in my local guitar shop and it looked awesome, And it was the same it was super shiny! and bright but I just bought a pedal. I am going to get one for Christmas hopefully. Thanks 🙏

had one since 97, they are very versatile. I love mine.

I own a road flare red 20th anniversary RG550, and it is a blast to play. Super slick and super versatile. I swapped out the bridge and neck pickups with a set of Joe Satriani Dimarzios.

Those shred guitars were actually made to be very versatile which is why many of them had 2 kinds of pickups in the 80s before they became defacto metal guitars. My favorite 2 guitars to play jazz with are a Fender Telecaster and an Ibanez Universe UV70P, which is pretty much just a 7 string verson of a Ibanez RG550-DY and has a similar pickup configuration. Now Ive got my eye on that yellow RG, it looks incredible! Thank you for the review!

Man, that RG looks like the Ibanez Mikro guitars in your hands! But I totally agree with you about the warm tones the RG550s have. "Versatile" is how I have been describing it for many years years. I have a black '87 from' 90. I traded my 570 (I think that's it) which is the same layout, but body mounted pickups and no pickguard. I greatly preferred the 550. I really wanted a yellow one, but settled for the extraordinary black used one I took home with me. I'm very happy to own to 550s! An old and a good friend and the one is even better (the volute, five piece neck, and the improved neck to body construction). However my '87 is, I guess just more stable because it is much more broken-in. Absolutely fantastic, highly versatile, and well-built guitars. No flaws whatsoever in mine.

Awesome! Owned more ibanez guitars than any other, ibanez rg will be my next guitar. Either a rg550 or a rg prestige

I have a "will it Jazz" video on my 570 Genesis (similar guitar, rosewood fretboard, no pickguard). I'm currently playing in a praise band but unlike many other leads in that genera I play a lot of lead rather than alternative chord voiceings with tons of effects. I have received more complements on the tone of the 570 than my Les Pauls, Strats and AS153 combined. Great video! Love to see you enjoying all the myriad of guitars, the stuff with Thomann was great as well (not sure I commented on those vids) - Least appropriate song (but it will play it well) - Autumn Leaves, Metheny

Very good, honest, and complete review. Thank you for not amusing us to death. (But when he is funny he kills ... "Baby sick yellow" ... how does he find that?)

I was going to rant about this not being an #OnTheBench, but your looks, talent and quality have saved you once again...

Happy Trails, Andy.

Such a good color!

Still have my Ibanez rg 350 mdx ten years old,love it,just replace pickups and edges system and it’s a killer

I have the Desert Yellow 20th Anniversary RG550 to go along with my 86-87 flip-flop Pink Kramer American Pacer that I bought brand new. She is a sweet and versatile guitar that shares the room with other Japanese Charvel, Jackson and Aria guitars. Instruments that I could ill afford as a youngster I then bought most on the used market.

Great video

I absolutely loved that intro...... You frikin rock star!!!

I own one of the original Eighties specimen. These are beautiful guitars and while I'm not on the shreddy side of things I play it for versatility. And of course a neon yellow guitar makes you recognisable. I play prog rock and art rock. You can produce some nice cleans on these things as well. The RG 550 is for the eighties what the Les Paul is for the 70s. A timeless classic. Well revered outside the metal community as well (of course it's also a serious metal machine).

Hi guys , how does the thin neck feel to play, is it comfy I’ve had three of the newer jackson soloists which I really liked is it too far removed from that . I get on with most guitars thick (slash sig Gibson, Kramer tiger pacer ,84 etc ) also s series Ibanez,Charvel San dimas so cal etc . Love the spec on these & the awesome look

Love Ibanez so much it's my favourite guitar make. Grest video I saw you on instagram

I'm not an ibanez guy but you're making me want to play one quite badly. So thanks for that Andy. Thanks for making me more open minded you bastard! Haha 😂 And I don't know what is the least likely type of music to play on that beast since it's so versatile.

I just got one of these today, god I absolutely love it. Tones are incredible. The strange thing I found is how it just easily moulds to your playing .Sooo comfortable. . Colour amazing , love the edge term . I have a jem whv , but this Rg is becoming my favourite

Nice review. I got this. Your so right. I can’t believe how versatile this is. From Metallica to the Beatles all sound great .

My Guitar Gently Sweeps would be a weird one on that guitar. Love it

Who else is getting these annoying Simply Guitar ads in every guitar related video? These ads needs to go away.

I have a '97 RG570 (no pick guard version) and a '15 RG655 (Prestige version with DiMarzio pickups). When these come back in stock I'll probably buy one as well. They are very versatile. A little bit of dirt in your amp and you can do classic rock and blues, position 2 and 4 give you a dark Strat or Tele tone, and the middle pickup is fantastic. It will do heavy of course. The Edge trem is one of the best made. Don't fear the neck. It feels very foreign at first, but after a half hour of playing you just may prefer it.

Apache, the shadows lol 👍 thanks for the demo

I just got an RG550dx, possibly the last one for sale in my country as they are discontinued now. The laser blue and ruby red colour options in the DX variants are a lot less obnoxious lol. Amazing guitar. Never been so happy with any other

I love Ibanez guitars, I had a really nice jazz guitar, the AG95. So wonderful. And I agree, Rgs are versatile and you can certainly play blues on them. Ask Gary Clark Jr. XD

I have the original from the 90s though it's in poor condition - after saving up for some time to make sure I could cover it I'm sending it off to a luthier tomorrow and I can't wait! It was my first nice guitar, and tbh nothing else feels right if you love that Wizard neck. Don't forget you can also get some great Strat tones out of position 2 & 4 as well, where you get the single coil plus the closest side of the relevant humbucker.I've played everything from Sepultura to Pink Floyd to blues and funk on mine. Also the black is a little less jarring than the yellow! (Though I don't think the reissues come in black, at least the red or purple ones are a little more restrained...)

Just brought one of these beasts home!!!

Im glad i got this instead of the cheapest jem (bluefloral) its got a edge ii zero or w/e for 1600, rg550 legendary edge at 999 = best deal on the planet

Very cool, intelligent informative demo! Brill! My Funny Valentine!

Nice review. My choice for most inappropriate sing for that guitar is Aura Lee 🤘

Hey mate! Quick question how's the neck on it? Does it give you hand fatigue being too thin or is it super thin but still comfortable?

8:42 I have what I was told at the time of purchase in 2000, an RG 505, but it’s specs don’t line up, and I’ve recently found info it could be an RG 550, but again I still haven’t seen a 550 like this one. But still it’s an amazing axe, that can do it all

how is this guitar compared to a RG 6PFG MLTD?

Whilst my guitar gently weeps. Ibanez make serious guitars. Whether or not they are your thing, there is no denying that they are built well and built to last. I am a huge Ibanez fan for exactly that reason.

Nicely done. I'm still looking for my first Ibanez. Song choice.... Dust in the Wind by Kansas

Do they built back colour too?

Love the brits reviewers, they inspire you to play for hours as a monster and at the same time you feel like stopping and have a nice cup of tea. PS: can the action go low on this guitar or you need additional fretwork?

Oh.. I dunno, pretty much anything Andres Segovia might seem a little inappropriate to be played on ANY electric, let alone an RG550. Great demo Andy!

I am getting one of these soon. And I aspire to play dead serious songs during serious events (like weddings) on this yellow neon guitar..

I think this is , hand's down the best guitar I have ever owned! I just love it to bit's. Joe Doce "Shaddap You Face"

The intro music sounds like a french TV show theme song: "Motus". You could use it for your channel theme song too! 😉👍

I have that same RG350-M. Mine has a really nice birdseye fingerboard, and I put in a set of EMG's.

gonna buy one in purple neon color in next few days, so exciteeeeeeed , i wanted to buy an other e-guitar since 10 years ago

Since I have the tinest hands in the world (not to be fact checked) the wizard neck sounds tempting. You Are My Sunshine. (Some acid trip sunshine)

i owned a rg550 i believe it was a 89 square pocket it was awesome for the metals i just played white snake all day

I had that RG550 in Dessert Sun Yellow back in 1989. Bought it brand new. Sadly got rid of it in a trade around 1993.whats the difference between the original and the reissue? All the 80's hair metal and crazy blinding guitar paint colors weren't in style anymore when Grunge hit the scene.

I'm a simple man....i see Laboga and Ibanez i press like. FYI, the multilaminate neck has superior strength to a 1P neck, the grainalignment can be much better and countering slices can be glued together so they can counter each others movements. A scarfjoint is tje reason why we see headles Gibsons but none of headles Ibanez' The only thing where Ibanez buged a bit is when they decided to drill two huge holes to fix the locking nut on the older models making a huge weakpoint where there is a lot of stress.

I play blues and jazz on a Jackson 7 string multiscale (fan fret) guitar....so there...:) It's actually really inspiring playing guitars that are not meant for the music you are playing.

If you look at the rg550dx you'll find some more normal colors.i got mine yesterday in ruby red.yes I made it to the end of the video but I think this guitar could play anything 🤠

I admit I’m surprised by the soft tones. It’s a fun guitar but way out of my budget at the moment but I could see one in my collection some day. I dare you to play Jolene on it 😂😂

39 by Queen would be quite inappropriate. Will there be a follow up video with the least appropriate song?

All rg3xxx series have “TEAM J CRAFT” on the back of the neck but this model doenst have. Anyone know why ???

Bought this guitar today. I have no idea how to attach the whammy bar? Should the white plastic pieces be removed?

Tears in heaven

Could U try out the seven string Dinky from Jackson?

Hope I can buy this guitar for my birthday... It's my dream guitar

It's a Wonderful World

I played this same model a year ago and loved that neck too. I would own one of these in a second if I could play with a floating trem system. Cheers Andy!!

they should make more white RG550s why only that one limited while they keep making yellow red purple

@TheGuitarGeek you work at thoman, have you checked out the Ibanez Premium RG1070fm. Whats your thoughts about it?

I love guitars that can do everything well, despite looking like it's only for metal players. I love good metal guitars as well, but always prefer one that is as versatile as possible. I just wouldn't have it because of that color. Sounds beautiful tho. Floyd Rose puts me off as well, since it's not for beginners/initiates like me. Mary had a little lamb.

How are these compared to the originals?

One should be play a classic "Carol of the bells" by M.Leontovych

Ha I just sold my Les Paul for an rg 652 and play pride and joy and the thrill is gone on the neck pick up through a Mesa boogie California tweed!!!!

I think the guitar part of dueling banjos would be suitably ludicrous on this guitar :)

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. That out of the way, I own that exact guitar and a jazzmaster, its called musical freedom, try it sometime. What do I play on my RG550, whatever I want to.

I like the Finnish,Vlad's a cool dude! Greensleeves ....maybe? \m/

Sweet Home Chicago - Blues Brothers

A bet Mr. Sandman would sound perfect on this guitar.

Wouldn't be inappropriate to play autumn leaves on it?

The Wheels on the Bus.

I use my Inanez rg strictly for playing blues.

is this chinese made ? if it is I ll go up with the charvel san dimas mexican one.

Rocky Mountain High by John Denver.

All right now?

How do you rate the 350?

how about hurt - johnny cash?

Rg550 if you could only own one guitar thats it no matter what you play.

Pub with no beer - Slim Dusty

Ah if only this thing didn't have a FR style bridge I'd buy the hell outta it. Only Genesis option there currently is for us lefty's anyway