Are there any differences between these two guitars, I know that the pickups are different but are there any other differences.

Neck profile is different, and the 1550 has an Edge Zero or Edge Pro bridge, vs original Edge on the 20th.

Also, RG1550 has the AANJ vs. RG550 20th has the original square plate neck joint.

heres a thought buy an orignal rg 550...it beats the hell out of both guitars

I like the rounder neck joint then the square type neck joint.

i like the 20th neck... slim and reinforced!!! and pups are awesome... everyone praises my sound when i play it

Well, if that's important to you, then the 1550 is the one you want.

Simply untrue. It's fine to have a high opinion of so-called "golden age" Ibanez guitars but the 20th has the same bridge, same pickups, same body wood, same finishes, and the neck has the same profile but an even better construction. We could quibble about which is "better" but neither "beats the hell out of" the other.

Peace

Mike

Best to try both and decide... biggest difference is the neck.

With the rounder neck joint on the rg1550m will this prevent neck stress cracks vs. the square neck joints that are on the RG550.

I've owned and own several of both. Most without neck joint stress cracks, some of each with. Through my experience the AANJ does not solve that issue. Although, this is completely superficial. It has no affect the guitar's playability whatsoever.

Both the RG1550 and RG550 20th play very nicely. I personally prefer the 20th. I've also owned original RG550s. I also believe that both the RG1550 and RG550 20th are superior to the originals. The neck is of a much better construction on both the newer offerings as compared to the originals, as previously stated by another Jemsiter.

I agree with DrewIvy....
I had several rg550's and rg2550 prestige. I own 4 rg550 20th anniversary's and love em!!!! love the necks on em.. solid they sound stellar, some I put in a full set of evoloution pickups and WOW !! next I'm putting on paf pros like the original jem777's excellent tone!!!!

How about some pics Nick!!!

nothing better than a little 550 porn!!!!

This! ^^^

I've wanted an RG1550 with an Edge Pro since getting my RG20th; not because I don't like the 20th but because of their differences. Overall I prefer the 20th. I love the tone of the square heel neck joint and the V2 bridge pickup. The big square joint IS a mountain to climb for my hand, though, compared to the AANJ 1550. My 1570 is fairly close but there's a tad bit different of a sound off a front-routed RG.
The Prestige Wizard is nice too. I hope it never goes away.

May I oblige?



Peace

Mike

The original 550s were pretty awesome... I picked one up at a pawn shop years ago. I liked the square heel design, but the AANJ turned out to be a lot nicer if you needed to get up on the neck.