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

[deoreo]

Howdy all, first post!

Ok, I've got major GAS for the Ibanez RG550 20th anniversary guitar.
After looking at the specs though, I'm wondering if the RG2550 may be a better choice.

From what I can tell, the differences are that the 2550 has the edge pro trem, the all access neck joint (as opposed to the edge trem, and tilted block neck joint) and a rosewood fretboard instead of maple, it also has a 1mm thicker neck, and a slightly more curved radius to the fretboard.

Anyone played both of these and have comments about the neck differences? I'm not too fussed about needing a reissue, or a specific color (although the desert yellow is cool.)

My experience with shred guitars is all with old school Jackson, Charvel, Kramer, and hot rod strats.

My number 1 is a Kramer Stagemaster custom, which I love, but I'm interested in owning a git with the wizard neck!!

[sniperfrommars1]

All the guitars you posted have thicker necks. So i assume you may tend to steer towards that. It will be a big change feel and tonewise for sure, and the newer tremolo is definitely superior.

[quiksilverdew]

If you play Kramers, which have a more curved radius, then pick up the 2550.

[Ironjose]

well i have both guitars...
the neck difference is not a major issue, both feel the same and the 1mm thicker is very comfortable.
the overall sounds is very drastic and the main issue here is the maple fretboard...its very trebleish... but the pups have some difference as well...
anyways... both guitars are awesome...

[jkahrs]

The fretboard radius is the same on both guitars; 430mm. The neck on the 2550 is 2mm wider (58mm) at the last fret than the 550. It's no contest to me, I'd go with the 550. --Jason

[mike80sguy]

The original Edge rules, there is NO substitute. Go with the 20th, in black its also Rosewood eqquipped if dont like the extra treble punch that comes with maple.

And 20th black is black as it meant to be no wierd metallic finish. Also the speedknobs have my pref over domes and overall its just way more classic/basic than a 2550.

[markg5150]

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

[Ploki]

that maple doesn't make that much of a difference (tone-wise, it does however affect the feel of the neck)
pickups make more difference

[bancika]

I got RG2550 cause it seemed better to me (doesn't mean that it will to you). I tried 550 black in the store briefly and neck feels pretty good. More "worn in" than 2550, noticeably thinner and narrower (depends on you if this is advantage or not). However, AANJ is much more comfortable on 2550 and pickups are better. Neck radius is the same or pretty close...

[andy7jem]

Can't go wrong with 20th

Nice to see another Stagemaster in the ranks too

[LethalAe86TypeR]

I wanted a 2550, i ended up with the 20th DY, I like the DY, but i havent tried the 2550, if i were you go with the DY. It looks cooler,lol.

[Ironjose]

if you can go with both guitars...

[andy7jem]

Originally Posted by Ironjose

if you can go with both guitars...

Wise words indeed

[deoreo]

Thanks for the input so far everyone!

I'm going to try out a 2550 tonight to see what it's like.

Those that prefer the original edge, what is it about it? The new pro seem pretty cool.

I've actually never played an original 550. I've played many Ibanez "shred" guitars over the years but never really paid attention to what model they were. 9 times out of 10 I was like "dang those are some HUGE frets" (which I like) even compared to my Kramers and Charvel.

I should just get a 20th. anni. because it will be pretty different from what I have already (kinda what I'm looking for) but wanted to hear some insight from people who have played both.

[deoreo]

Originally Posted by andy7jem

Nice to see another Stagemaster in the ranks too

Cool - what have ya got
Mine is a 1987 custom I (arched top with HB bridge and SC neck) in vintage white. I've had it for the last 12 or so years

Others have come and gone, but I've managed to hang onto it.