[K.nizm]

Hey
Would you buy a new rg550?
I am a little worried to buy a old one,since ive heard the neck can damage or twist over time.But the new neck i read it is built stronger even though it is thinner.
What color would you choose for the best resale value?
On the used marked where i live, looking at the old rg550 it seems like the red is the one that holds better resale value.

I would prefere the red rg550dx but i like the maple fretboard on the yellow one better, though i am thinking the yellow would loose it’s contrast making the color dull after many years,.Also the same with red regular rg550,going more orange over time..what do you guys think?is the new one worth the price?

 

[Rich]

30 years ago the clearcoats were UV susceptible and would yellow over time altering the original colors. That's not a concern with modern paints. And if you're choosing a color based on what it's going to be worth in a decade, tastes change. Buy the color you like the best, now.

 

[K.nizm]

Thanks man..that is nice to know,makes my choice easier.

 

[ajsfreily]

I suggest the Violet Chameleon color, it rocks!

 

[AlanH]

I bought a used 2018 RG550 Genesis about 6 months ago for just over £400 GB. It has a volute and a 5 piece neck to prevent cracks and twists. What's moee there's not 25+ years of wear and tear.

I gig and need well made, reliable instruments. Yes they have a reputation but why would I want to spend more and take a risk on an old RG550? It's white BTW.

 

[K.nizm]

I bought a used 2018 RG550 Genesis about 6 months ago for just over £400 GB. It has a volute and a 5 piece neck to prevent cracks and twists. What's moee there's not 25+ years of wear and tear.

I gig and need well made, reliable instruments. Yes they have a reputation but why would I want to spend more and take a risk on an old RG550? It's white BTW.

I agree with you,i am a little sceptical buying a used old rg550. .
The problem with a new one though,is the resale value.Like you said you got it for 400gbp and it cost about 800gbp new.

 

[AlanH]

I bought a used 2018 RG550 Genesis about 6 months ago for just over £400 GB. It has a volute and a 5 piece neck to prevent cracks and twists. What's moee there's not 25+ years of wear and tear.

I gig and need well made, reliable instruments. Yes they have a reputation but why would I want to spend more and take a risk on an old RG550? It's white BTW.

I agree with you,i am a little sceptical buying a used old rg550. .
The problem with a new one though,is the resale value.Like you said you got it for 400gbp and it cost about 800gbp new.

I think the seller was in a rush to move it. If you're buying a guitar with resale value as one of your priorities maybe it's not really want you want in the first place. You can always buy used for the best price. However new RG550 Genesis guitars were going for around £650 - £700 GB at the time I got mine. I can see new white ones here now for £700 GB currently. The 2018s will come down again at some point if you wait...

 

[atarilovesyou]

It seems you're worried about two things: resale value and condition. These RGs are actually pretty solid guitars. You will find tons of them used, usually Prestiges, more modern versions and they're great used deals. Most modern guitars are not going to keep a decent resale value except for Gibson LPs and some Strats. Those original RGs keep their colors fine as well, but realize the road flare red looks more orange in real life. I dont expect my desert sun Genesis to fade anytime soon, either.

Best advice I can offer is this: buy the guitar you WANT. Like, really-REALLY want. With the features you want. Buy it with the intent to keep it for life. Otherwise, you'll jut be disappointed with the hit you'll take when you sell it.

With the Genesis RGs, make sure play one before you buy because you may not like the heel. I was worried about it but made quick friends with that chunky heel. I have wanted one for a very long time though, so I just went ahead and did it and have zero regrets. It's just what I wanted out of that guitar. Sure I would have preferred an AANJ but then it wouldn't be as authentic, and I already have a Prestige RG that has an AANJ. It's fun to compare the two. I only wish it came with a hard case.

Good luck however you go.

 

[diablomozart]

i'll play devil's advocate here...i'm absolutely not afraid to buy an old one and have bought quite a few over the past 5-6 years...my reasoning is this...if the neck hasn't warped or twisted in almost 30 years i figure it's pretty stable at this point...most will need, at the very least, the frets replaced, but i'm cool with that...d.m.

 

[FalloutMaster]

I was very close to buying a genesis, but I ended up getting a good deal on an '87 RG550 I couldn't pass up. I wouldn't worry too much about the necks twisting, mine is straight as an arrow despite how thin it is. Vintage MIJ Ibanez guitars are very well built. Those necks are made of high quality wood and after being treated at the factory, they should never twist or warp so long as it was never dropped or abused/used as a street weapon. The bigger concern with buying an older guitar is that they usually need some love and attention to play as well as a factory new instrument. I had to set it up and tweak the trem a bit to get it to stay proper and in tune, and I had to have someone level the frets, but now it plays great. Now I need to replace the pots and redo all the wiring in mine because someone did a shoddy job on a pickup swap. That's kinda the price you pay for a nice vintage, worn in guitar.

Honestly you cant go wrong either way, the 550 is a great guitar new or old.

 

[The TPS Report]

I was very close to buying a genesis, but I ended up getting a good deal on an '87 RG550 I couldn't pass up..

Curious what you paid and what color?

(From an owner of an original 1987 in White)

 

[FalloutMaster]

Curious what you paid and what color?

(From an owner of an original 1987 in White)

Paid a little over $700 with shipping on reverb. It's white with a rosewood board, kind of a rare color I think, I've never seen another one like it. It's a really great instrument, I love mine. The faded white looks so good!

 

[K.nizm]

Thanks everyone,that is really helpfull.I am saving up for a new genesis.I prefere to buy new but i’m also looking out for god deals used.
Unfortunally the used rg550 i’v found for sale in my country atm are really too expensive (800-1200euro),they will never get that kind of money for theire guitar but still.I will not buy a used one over 600euro.
BTW are there more differences than color,fretboard and inlays on the new dx model?