Differences between the Ibanez RG550 20th Ani. and the RG2550?

[andy7jem]

Deluxe I, archtop in black! Got her in '89 brand new. She's with me for life

Always got lots of admirers at gigs (the guitar....not me )

[rfrrockandroll]

the original Edge is the sickest trem ever period(.) The feel of it is nothing short of amazing. If you have played other trems (edge pro, lopro, etc.) just pick up a 20th and feel the original. It might take a few days to wear it in, and get it exactly how you like it. But after you reach that point, you can stand on it, and it will just smile.

[screamndemon69]

Less chance of a saddle breaking with an Edge compared to an Edge Pro

The Edge Pro has a nicer profile and cleaner look. Almost an apples to oranges discussion if you're not familiar with either.

You have locking studs with the Edge but the Edge Pro locking "stud mod" can be bought (ibanezrules.com) after market for cheap so not much of a discussion there either.

I say go with which one seems to be the more inspirational to you in your hands. If you can't try the RG20th but do try the RG2550 - if the RG2550 feels right, go with it. If it isn't insprirational when you play it then go with the RG20th. Just my 2 cents.

I have the BLK, RFR and just sold a DY and I'd say the maple board has a little more spank to it and cuts thru the mix a little easier than the rosewood board which does cut thru but the maple just has a little more "cut" to it.

I wouldn't let the pickups be a deciding factor - easily changed and most people change the RG2550 pups and it seems like a 50/50 ratio for the RG20th for swapping the pups. I haven't changed mine yet but might go with the name brand version over the stock pups in at least one of my 20ths.

[2minkey]

if you get the stud mod i'd go with the 2550. recent prestige necks are beefier and will sound a bit thicker. not that the older wizard necks aren't super cool.

[Dee]

Originally Posted by sniperfrommars1

and the newer tremolo is definitely superior.

Hmmm. Nope!

The 550 kicks the 2550's ass. For days. I played several 2550's and they don't have the magic at all. Not bad guitars, but not a patch on the 20th. Just my opinion.

2550 has an AANJ, some prefer it. I don't care because I'm not so much into noodling at the top of the neck these days. The 550 has a much larger contact area at the neck to body joint, even more so than the originals because there's no fretboard overhang -- it's built like the AANJ neck -- solid right to the end. Many say the old neck joint sounds better, including Mr. Paul Gilbert.

2550 may have slightly smoother fret ends. In reality, I can't feel the fret ends on the 20th, it feels just fine so this is a moot point for me.

2550 has a better case. 550 case feels a bit cheap.

550 has a titanium reinforced neck.

550 is less common, being a limited edition, and probably will end up being far more collectible.

550 stock pickups are great.

Galaxy black sucks. RF and DY don't.

[jkahrs]

Originally Posted by Dee

Galaxy black sucks. RF and DY don't.

Best Quote I've seen on here in a LONG time Dee! --Jason

[albee1952]

Galaxy black sux? I think it looks great....AFTER changing out the pickguard to a blue MOP. Actually. my 2550 has been modded to use an original Edge bridge and it does work smoother and nicer than the Edge Pro. I think the longer baseplate on the early trems makes it a bit smoother feeling.

[screamndemon69]

Pics albee?

I like Galaxy Black too but agree that there are so many more colors and shades to use.

[mike570]

RG2550 is awesome! I said it before... if it came in a real color, especially red, I'd buy it tomorrow.
The only thing that lacks with the 550 Limited is its lack of an AANJ. Original Edge is also better than Edge Pro as I see it. If I had the funds laying around I'd get one in black.
I don't mind the minor difference between "Original" and Prestige Wizard.
All things being equal... now that you can pretty much only get either one in black...I'd get the 2550.

[brothersnowgone]

Originally Posted by markg5150

IMO the edge gives the edge to the 550 although the 2550 is nice too

I had to read that 3 times to finally get what you were saying haha...

[dickieboy]

ive had both, but had to sell one to finance my jem, i still have my DY 550.. thats tells ya which i liked best.. the 2550 is a nice thing, but it aint as nice as the 550, neck feels better on the 20th for me, and galaxy black is just not for me..