RG550DY

[melun]

I've found two of these guitars. Both fit with pink DiMarzio Evo pickups. Both have a monkey grip routed out, too. Original hardware.

Both of them are asking for $850. Both MIJ, in 1991. Only difference I can see is, one has 12-24 scalloped while the other has the normal Vai scallop. Guitars are in great condition. Has the square heel, not AANJ.

Is this a good deal? I don't know which one to get. The pictures don't show the neck joint or the headstock close up, but from the looks of it, there aren't any cracks. Plus, It's always possible to replace the neck, anyways.

I'm leaning towards the Vai scalloped one, because I'm afraid I might not like the 12-24 fret scallops (I play hard, due to using .12s with a high action and playing fast on them, I tend to make thinner strings buzz on regular fretboards 'cause of the pressure I use. I know it's bad for my wrist, so I'm thinking the scallop might be good to get me out of the habit, but what if I can't kick the habit, and just keep throwing the guitar out of tune by pushing the string into the scallop due to excessive pressure?).


Of course, the more scalloped 550 would also improve my Vibrato and playing speed (Scallops DO increase playing speed, Yngwie just wants to make himself appear like a faster player by saying they slow you down. Regardless, Yngwie rules.) along with the problems that could develop if I keep pressing so hard.

I'll post pictures if needed.

[jim777]

It always helps to say something like "I'm in Burlington, Ontario, and the prices are CAD" or somesuch when asking about prices

[melun]

Originally Posted by jim777

It always helps to say something like "I'm in Burlington, Ontario, and the prices are CAD" or somesuch when asking about prices

Woops, sorry. Forgot to add that in.

+ what Jim said to the post.

[melun]

+ To make it easier for everyone to help me.

Do I get this used RG550 with JEM mods, or do I get a brand new RGR421EXFM (Is the Flamed Maple Top real on this? As in real, I mean not the Jackson veneer, or the Schecter 1/118th of an inch thick one. [Schecter's isn't actuall 1/118th of an inch thick, but they're so thin that sanding off the finish will usually sand off the flamed maple too.])

Pay $790.38 for the Fixed Bridge model brand new, or pay $850 for the used 550DY. The only problem I see with getting the DY would be bad frets (Assuming he hasn't changed the stock frets) and neck warping and the like. Also, the square neck joint. Yes, it offers more tone (allegedly, at least) but does it block off upper fret access?

I don't really have a lot of use for the tremolo, so it's not what would change my mind about buying one or the other. It's really the neck that'd get me. Replacement necks cost anywhere from $120 to $450 depending on what wood you use (Although, I'm pretty sure a 5 piece Maple/Wenge neck with a maple fretboard would cost somewhere around $290) so I wouldn't be able to replace the neck for about a year. The pictures don't really show the neck in much detail. Although, from what I hear the neck is great on the 421 and Indonesians have learnt how to fret pretty damn well. Only downside is color, if the FM top isn't real, then muddiness/darkness and the pickups.

[Trail of Dead]

Dude, get the RG550. Desert Sun Yellow is HIGHLY desirable. It sounds like a nice axe. I used to have a Lefty RG550 in DY and was dumb enough to let it go one day. Trust me, the AANJ isn't THAT much more comfortable than the square heel. The heel contour on those older RG's feels FAST and smooth. You'll only be doing yourself a favor by getting the RG550. Get IT!

[MTM2-live]

Originally Posted by Trail of Dead

Dude, get the RG550. Desert Sun Yellow is HIGHLY desirable. It sounds like a nice axe. I used to have a Lefty RG550 in DY and was dumb enough to let it go one day. Trust me, the AANJ isn't THAT much more comfortable than the square heel. The heel contour on those older RG's feels FAST and smooth. You'll only be doing yourself a favor by getting the RG550. Get IT!

I agree. I've had LOADS of different Ibanez guitars ovee the years.
Currently I'm mostly using my Original RG550DY and the Anniversary model.
Compared to my MTM2, which has the contoured heel, the RG's play just as well (even better, but that's not a surprise)
and I haven't had any issues with upper register fret access.