original 550 vs newer models and 20th annys

[callen3615]

in a few months i will be in the market for a better guitar. looking at 550s and im just curious what is the most "bang" for my buck? i like th rfr and dy but i also dont want to pay $800 for a 20th model. are the originals(1987) just as good? thanks!

[richard1973]

well everyone on here including myself are very happy with their 20ths. At least getting one of them it'll be brand new (or still new if 2nd hand), no parts need changing or mending, and if kept in top notch condition it will retain or increase in value due to being limited.


Unfortunately never tried the originals so i cant compare.

[Crazy_Guitar]

The neck joint is different: the original has the "step" and the 20th is "full size".
Try to search this forum for pictures... you'll get my point.

[nuno]

i've tried and worked on four Annis (2 BKs, 1 DY, 1 RFR) and countless older 550s (i also own quite a bit of those). all i really can tell is that the Annis are as sturdy as a tank, very well built and assembled (very stable neck/body joint). you just worry about playing with an Anni. the older 550s have a more "loosened" feel, and often they are, but hey, they sound as hell, especially those from early '90s (old-heel). you can barely feel tons of vibrations running down the neck and stepping onto your arm and belly. wow! the Annis i've tried didn't sound like that, they're probably too young, or it's because of the different neck construction (550s = 1-piece neck; Annis = 5-pieces neck). that's the most difference i've found.

so you got goodies from both, you just decide what's your cup of tea. of course they share common features: a very sleek and comfortable neck (Wizard) and fretboard, and a problem-free trem (Edge). great guitar, indeed.

[callen3615]

what about a 570 are they just as good? i think they are alittle cheaper, but i love the dys, and rfr!

[Rachmaninoff]

Originally Posted by nuno

and a problem-free trem (Edge)

That would be the greatest appeal to me.

[speedy mcfeely]

570s are just a rear routed 550.

[callen3615]

ok so the original has a 1 piece neck, that is more prone to warping, and the 20th has a 5 piece neck that is more sturdy. besides that there the same. are you saying that the originals are not made as well as the 20ths, you said they are "LOOSENED".

[Crazy_Guitar]

I think he was speaking "tone-wise".

[callen3615]

ok thats kool, thats what i thought, are the 1987 wizards prone to warping, or will they eventually warp?

[speedy mcfeely]

That really depends on the wood and the caretaker. There are a boatload of late '80s Ibbies out there. I had an '88 77fp that was rock solid. There are a lot of newer Ibbies that are warped.

[callen3615]

ok thats cool, so what should i take note of when looking to buy one, besides body condition, neck cracks, and trem condition. how do i identify a "warped neck"?

[Hikey Mikey]

Originally Posted by callen3615

ok thats cool, so what should i take note of when looking to buy one, besides body condition, neck cracks, and trem condition. how do i identify a "warped neck"?

Sight down the neck . . . hold the guitar up with the body very close to your face so that you are looking at the line formed by the end of the frets. They should be in a nice straight line (okay, with a little relief) just like soldiers at attention. If the neck is warped, it will be obvious. The fret line on the right side will not be parallel to the left.

[Hikey Mikey]

I found this page that illustrates what I'm talking about.

http://www.eltjohaselhoff.com/lesson_2.htm

[callen3615]

thats great, but i dont know where i can find any late 80s-early 90s rg550s that are not in an auction site. Im looking on here, and evilbay. so eyeballing the frets and neck probably wont be happening, but that is good information though.