[Shredder87]

Hi folks.

I am considering ordering an RG550 Genesis as I've always loved the original 550s and love the look/feel/tone of a maple 'board. Currently undecided which colour I'd go for as they're all awesome but probably RFR is my favourite... DY also tempting though...

My current RG is an '05 2550 that I've had since new. I love it and it was my main axe for many years when I was gigging and in bands so lots of special memories but I prefer a much sharper tone these days. It sounds a bit dark and muddy for my tastes and, as shallow as it seems, sparkly black isn't exactly inspiring to look at. I just don't feel inspired playing it any more. I much prefer the sharper tone of my S1XXV and my MIJ DK2M Pro. Plus nice bright colours are less depressing to look at!

I was thinking of selling the 2550 and DK2M and buying the 550 instead. I love the Jackson but prefer the Ibanez neck profile. It's a great guitar with superb tone but not as buttery and playable as the Ibanezes.

I know the 550 doesn't have AANJ but I wouldn't be too fussed about that.

What figures? Bite the bullet and go for the 550? Stick with what I've got? Just wondering how the quality compares with my present (very well made) 2550 and the superb DK2M.

Note:- Two axes would be my lot, edict from Mrs. Shredder '87 has stated I've got too many and with impending house move we need to offload extraneous items...!

Cheers muchly,

'87

 

[sepulchrave]

I'm absolutely mystified by your preference for the tone of the Infinity pickups in your S1XXV to the Dimarzios in the 2550, however you could consider moving the pickups from the DK2M which you say you like to the 2550 and treating the 2550 to a new paint job and pickguard, you could then sell the DK2M with the Dimarzios in it instead of the Duncans and the sale value of it would basically be unaffected. The sale would probably almost pay for the the refin and tech work

The 2550 is a better built guitar than the other two and certainly better built than the Genesis. I actually like the Galaxy black but strongly dislike the brown mirror pickguard so I would probably just change the pickguard myself.

 

[Shredder87]

It's just personal preference. The pickups in the 2550 are pretty good, however the basic tone of the body/neck is very mellow, too much so for my liking. IMO people focus too much on pickups in terms of sound; the woods used for the body, neck and fretboard construction give the guitar its core sound, the pickups IMO merely shape that sound.

I could try changing pickups (I have considered this for a while) but the basic tone of the guitar is too dark for my liking. I think a maple fretboard would make a difference, although I could be completely and utterly wrong admittedly. The S1 has a mahogany body which gives it a lot more bite. I don't mind the INFs at all. I wouldn't say I'm a tonehound but to my ears they sound just fine. I'm thinking that the maple 'board of the 550 will give it more bite (I did play an original late 80s 550 quite a few years ago and from memory it seemed a lot brighter than my RG, something I put down to the maple 'board).

I haven't made my mind up yet, as you can tell I'm pretty undecided. Although the fact its staying in its case more and more is starting to make me wonder if I should move it on.

'87

 

[sepulchrave]

It's just personal preference. The pickups in the 2550 are pretty good, however the basic tone of the body/neck is very mellow, too much so for my liking. IMO people focus too much on pickups in terms of sound; the woods used for the body, neck and fretboard construction give the guitar its core sound, the pickups IMO merely shape that sound.

I could try changing pickups (I have considered this for a while) but the basic tone of the guitar is too dark for my liking. I think a maple fretboard would make a difference, although I could be completely and utterly wrong admittedly. The S1 has a mahogany body which gives it a lot more bite. I don't mind the INFs at all. I wouldn't say I'm a tonehound but to my ears they sound just fine. I'm thinking that the maple 'board of the 550 will give it more bite (I did play an original late 80s 550 quite a few years ago and from memory it seemed a lot brighter than my RG, something I put down to the maple 'board).

I haven't made my mind up yet, as you can tell I'm pretty undecided. Although the fact its staying in its case more and more is starting to make me wonder if I should move it on.

'87

The original 550 from da 80's used V1/V2 pickups which are not as hot and therefore brighter, I have one, they sound great, nicer than the later V7/V8.

I'm sorry but all that gobbledygook about timber selection has brought me out in a rash, on a solidbody electric guitar the pickups are the core tonal tools after your fingers, that's not a matter of opinion, it's a matter of fact. I have enough different guitars made of enough different timbers to know this.

You should sell the 2550 since you still like and play the other two and your missus has said one of them has to go. Luckily I'm divorced so I'm allowed as many as I like although my eldest daughter does keep me in check a bit otherwise I'd never sell anything.

 

[Shredder87]

The original 550 from da 80's used V1/V2 pickups which are not as hot and therefore brighter, I have one, they sound great, nicer than the later V7/V8.

I'm sorry but all that gobbledygook about timber selection has brought me out in a rash, on a solidbody electric guitar the pickups are the core tonal tools after your fingers, that's not a matter of opinion, it's a matter of fact. I have enough different guitars made of enough different timbers to know this.

You should sell the 2550 since you still like and play the other two and your missus has said one of them has to go. Luckily I'm divorced so I'm allowed as many as I like although my eldest daughter does keep me in check a bit otherwise I'd never sell anything.

Best not ask all these custom guitar builders then about tonewoods from experience the wood is what matters first and foremost. Or maybe my ears are lying. Anyway I can't be bothered arguing. I asked a question, I got an opinion, thanks.

'87

 

[sepulchrave]

Best not ask all these custom guitar builders then about tonewoods from experience the wood is what matters first and foremost. Or maybe my ears are lying. Anyway I can't be bothered arguing. I asked a question, I got an opinion, thanks.

'87

Never ask anyone who has an interest in selling you something if you want the truth, people are idiots, they see what they want to hear before they even listen.

Confirmation bias.

 

[FalloutMaster]

Anyone have opinions on how the RG550 genesis pickups sound? I tend to put Seymours in everything guitar I own but if the pickups aren't bad they could be worth keeping. I'm considering getting one myself once I have some extra cash.

 

[mike570]

Anyone have opinions on how the RG550 genesis pickups sound? I tend to put Seymours in everything guitar I own but if the pickups aren't bad they could be worth keeping. I'm considering getting one myself once I have some extra cash.

I've typically changed out the V7/V8's that come stock in RG's but I've got to say I LOVE them in my RG521 Genesis. Maybe it's because this is the first fixed bridge I've got them in - I don't know. I usually install a Tone Zone, Super D, or Evo in the bridge and lately I've been digging the 36th Anniversaries. I'll probably leave the V7/V8's in.

 

[Shredder87]

I always liked the standard Ibanez pickups. I must be odd.