RG550 and RGA121

[Guitarmiester]

I was out today and came across an RG550 20th Ann. model. Played it through a Genz Benz El Diablo 100 w/ a G-Flex 2x12 cab for about an hour. I really liked it, but the neck is a little wider than I expected. Seriously considering buying the one I played today.

My question to anyone who has or has useful input on the 20th Ann. models, what would you say are the pro's and con's of the 550? It's been a while since I've played one of the older 550's. Should I go used or pick up the new 550?

They also had an RGA121 in stock that I've been dying to try, but didn't have enough time to play both. Any RGA121 players here that can give me some insight before I go back to play it?

Final question, which would be the better buy?

[southpaw_lefty]

They're both great guitars. The main question would be whether or not you want a floater.

[Guitarmiester]

I originally didn't want another guitar with a floating bridge, but after playing the 550 I really wouldn't mind. I hear the switch and pots on the 550 are crap?

[MattyCakes]

Originally Posted by Guitarmiester

I originally didn't want another guitar with a floating bridge, but after playing the 550 I really wouldn't mind. I hear the switch and pots on the 550 are crap?

there is nothing wrong with the pots on mine or switch. really trebley sound, the guitar would cut through any mix.
the trem stays in tune very very well, neck is smooth as butter

[jemjem]

I've had the RGA121 which I ended up selling to get the RGA321. The 121 plays great. I love the bridge...very smooth on the hand...same bridge as the RGA321. I just couldn't get into the "plain" factor of the RGA121 that I had...or maybe I couldn't get away from wanting the flamed maple top on the RGA321...either way though...the RGA121 and 321 fixed bridge guitars are killer players. Like others have said, how bad do you want another trem guitar??

[Ploki]

if you have another floater i'd say go with RGA121 ..
i have an RGA321, probably for the same reasons as jemjem. i ended up blocking the trems on my other floaters anyway. floyd really kills the tone

both guitars are actually in the same range, japanese made and with similar necks (the 550 has a different neck heel). i'd say just try RGA too, and decide either you want a floydrose or not

[Andelusion]

The RGA sounds very different to the RG tonally, the fixed bridge, maple top and overall body thickness make for a more cutting, aggresive sounding tone.

I've said over and over again, I love mine to bits, it's been in D standard (11-54s) since I got my Suhr, and it's got even MORE balls now. RGA + heavy gauge strings = world domination.

[Ploki]

i have 11-47 flatwounds on them atm
i've had 10-46's on my RG2120X (airnorton+ss) and RGA321(stock) and to be honest, RGA's clean sound makes Mahogany RG2120X look like an idiot. i don't want to imagine comparing the basswood one to it..
it really has balls. wish it would have thicker neck tho..