[bandrise]

Here's one you don't encounter very often. A vintage 1991 RG550 in JEWEL BLUE. Not even sure if I've ever seen an Ibanez catalog listing it as a color option, but maybe it's out there. My guess is that this model/color combo was mainly sold in greater Asia. Nevertheless, it's in superb condition, all original, and it sports a very unique and full 'tiger flaming' on the back of the neck which really pops on this one. Like most all other 'Golden Era' RG's, it practically plays itself. Check it out...

 

[KennyV]

You posted the other image in another thread,
But in any case,

That neck is amazing!
As a lefty all my necks are plain and boring.

It's interesting to see another 90/91 550.

My 90 is a black with the same electronics set up, but interestingly enough, I was under the impression that in 90 they switched from the Original Edge (which you have) to a Edge Pro (which I have).

The body routing is exactly the same. But in 91 they also moved the volume knob a bit lower.

So yours shows all the signs of a 91 with the exception of the original Edge tremolo.

 

[bandrise]

Hey, Kenny, and thanks for the comment! My understanding is that the original Edge Pro became mainstream around 1992, although I've seen a few RG's in my time with a '1991' serial number having them. I have a 1991 RG770DX with the earmark of a 1991 model (pick guard-mounted pickups. direct-mounted pickups debuted on them in 1992.), yet it has the Edge Pro which supposedly wasn't available on it until 1992 (according to their 1992 catalog.) Indeed, like Rich said in another post, Ibanez models/options during those days can be a real crap shoot. Anyway, cheers and stay safe!

 

[KennyV]

Completely true!

They don't really even know their own history at times it seems.

My 87 Rfr for example was base coated in PINK!

Then coated in orange and was still claimed as Road Flare Red "according to their catalogues"

I'm actually happy my 90 came with the edge pro. It's odd and out of catalogue but it's comfy.
And my 87 and Genny has the original edge so I can always get a taste of both.

 

[jemboyee]

What you guys mean to say is LoPro Edge, not Edge Pro. The Edge Pro was introduced in 2003.

 

[KennyV]

Well yes. But we understood what we were talking about haha.

 

[bandrise]

Indeed, LoPro Edge to be exact. I guess we just wrote it that way for brevity! IMHO, I still feel that nothing since beats the original Ibanez Edge and LoPro Edge trems. They are simply perfection.

 

[KennyV]

I agree.

All the newer ones feel... Kinda thin.
I also don't care for the trem stoppers that come on the newer ones.

I get why they have them and their uses. But I feel like it sacrifices Alot of sustain and tone cause you bet a little baby block on the trem now.

 

[720Guitars]

Love the blue with the maple...

 

[KennyV]

There is like 3 people on reverb selling a blue 550 body for about 100 bucks.

Can get a neck for like 150 after that.

 

[bandrise]

Thanks, and I agree. It looks even better in person. I was pleasantly shocked at how nice it is when I first opened the case. And most importantly, it feels and plays like a dream. A real keeper.

 

[bandrise]

Hey, why not build one from scratch?! If you could score the correct parts in decent condition, it could be done of course.