What is this RG ? 450 or 550?

DotNetTim · #1 05-04-2005, 08:07 PM

Hi guys.. I bought this guitar.. Well, I'm paying on it now, and will have it paid for on Saturday, but the guy I bought it off of says it's an RG 450 made in 1998? I looked at the catalog and don't see such a creature.. Also, the bridge looks like a model RG 550 to me? Can someone tell me if you also think it's a 550? If so, and the bridge is an edge.. Will it swap out with a OFR? Which is a better bridge, the edge or OFR? Does the edge and model 550 have a recessed trem enough that you can pull the notes up a lot? I mean can I play "for the love of god" by Steve Vai and really pull the notes up?

You can see a pic of the guitar here: http://209.200.112.112/temp/i.jpg

Also, I'm thinking of putting a Duncan Distortion in the bridge.. Wondering what other pickups would be good for this in the bridge for everything from Metal such as Ozzy - War Pigs to Lynard Skynard and Ted Nugent? What Dimarzio's are recommended for the bridge and what are recommended for the neck? I had a model 470 I think it was, and I had a Tone Zone in it, which I loved cranked, but I couldn't get it to clean up enough.. What's close at least but with a tad less power maybe?

Thanks so much guys. You guys are the best!
Tim from Indiana..

scanlan75018 · #2 05-04-2005, 08:15 PM

It looks like a 550, and the edge is good enough for everything

whatshisname · #3 05-04-2005, 08:21 PM

Fuzzy pic but it looks like it has an Edge, so, it's an RG550. A Floyd would work, but unless the Edge is very badly worn or damaged, I couldn't think of a reason to swap it out.

There was an RG450, made in '95(not postive about '98, but it's definetly not in the '98 catalog- I have a copy of it right in front of me), that had a dot inlayed maple fretboard, though. If you could get a better pic, or find out for sure what the trem is, then you'd know for sure. A Floyd would also be a direct fit for it, as well.

There should be a sticker on the back of the headstock, thatsays what model it is. So, I don't know why he'd say it was a 450 if it's not... Hmmm... I need a nap!

Flobanez · #4 05-04-2005, 08:24 PM

Definately an RG 550 BK. I have the '98 catalog right here and its in between the RG 570 JG and RG 520 GP.
Nice guitar and congratulations.

toshiro · #5 05-04-2005, 08:43 PM

Bubinga strip in the neck + Edge trem + barrel jack + F98 xxxxx SN# = 1998 RG550.

Flobanez · #6 05-04-2005, 08:57 PM

Nice equation, Toshiro.

DotNetTim · #7 05-04-2005, 09:01 PM

You guys rock.. I agree, it seems to be an RG 550.. When I asked him what it was, he said it was a RG450, but he also stated that it was a model made in 1998.. I think he bought it from someome that probably didn't remember the model number. I know this guy and I know he woudln't tell me wrong on purpose.. I got it for 275.00.. Is that a good price? That's shipped with a gig bag..
I'll keep the edge.. Does the edge trem work well? Can I pull up on it a lot? I mean, I know the Jem guitars have a recess that allows major trem movement if memory serves me, and they advertised it as such.. Does the RG have the same since it's the same trem or is it the recess that matters?
What pickups should I use since it's a basswood body and maple neck? Thanks so much guys.. I'll have it next week, and I'll take better pics and stick them up!
Thanks again. You guys rock!
Tim

DotNetTim · #8 05-04-2005, 09:04 PM

Does the Bubinga strip really help with keeping the neck straight? Just curios. I saw a neck like this on an ibanez, but it was a rosewood board, but it had the straightest neck I've ever seen on a guitar from the factory I do believe. It sure looked straight at least.. and being thin made it really look straight..
Tim

Quote:

Originally Posted by toshiro

Bubinga strip in the neck + Edge trem + barrel jack + F98 xxxxx SN# = 1998 RG550.

DotNetTim · #9 05-04-2005, 09:05 PM

Does anyone know where a guy could get a replacement neck? I'd like to get a reverse headstock, but just a thought.. Maybe with better wood and bigger neck ? Didn't know if it were out there, but though you folks would know!
Tim

toshiro · #10 05-04-2005, 09:10 PM

I dunno on the strip. I mean, I have 3 older wizard necks without it and they're all perfect...

DotNetTim · #11 05-04-2005, 09:17 PM

Can someone point me to a web page with specs about the RG550? I'd like to know if the pickups for instance are direct mounted? I saw that a RG570 was, and I was curios. Also, where can one get parts?

Thanks
Tim

Flobanez · #12 05-04-2005, 09:32 PM

Here are the specs-
Body-basswood
neck-wizard
fret-jumbo
bridge-edge
neck pu-v7
middle pu-s1
bridge pu-v8
color-bk

Tubarão Guitars · #13 05-04-2005, 11:06 PM

Lovely axe!
Congratz,

DotNetTim · #14 05-05-2005, 01:58 AM

Thank you Tubarao.. I appreciate it.. I'm hoping it is too! I don't get it until next week when it gets here, but it should be a good one.. I can't wait to change out the pickups and clean it up a little.. I need a cover for the trem cavity.. I guess I can get one online. I'm also thinking of buying a new pick guard to go with the pickups that I'm going to buy. I say this because I think I'll buy some really Steve Vai looking pickups and then change the pick guard to a wild color and be set!
Tim

cusplaya · #15 05-09-2005, 12:52 AM

Keep the edge, if it's good enough for Mr Vai, then I'm sure you won't be dissapointed. To find out for sure what model # your axe is, pull off the neck and it should be written in the neck pocket and stamped on the back of the neck. I'm with the 550BK crowd on this one. Nice axe too!!