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Posted by: Haas1mj Jul 18 2007, 09:35 PM

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Ibanez_RG_2550e_Review

Posted by: bmh1109 Jul 19 2007, 10:52 PM

Glad to see theres another satisfied Ibanez player. Your guitar looks awesome, hope you enjoy it.

Posted by: BurzuM Jul 21 2007, 03:09 PM

Nice axe, it looks great! I'm very interested in getting this guitar soon, but would you by chance be able to take a few more pictures of it in the light so I can see how that pickguard looks? You say it's an eggplant color..?

Posted by: Stratman58 Jul 23 2007, 09:04 PM

Same here... I'd like more pictures and possibly a sound file of you playing it?

Posted by: Pavel Jul 23 2007, 09:34 PM

Can there be an UN-satisfied Ibanez player? I think NOT!

Ibanez is amazing!!

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jul 23 2007, 09:51 PM

Not possible ...

Posted by: FretDancer69 Jul 23 2007, 11:43 PM

awesome dude, this is what i needed. I want this guitar so bad, this one is a prestige model right? man i cant wait! Thanks for the great review dude!

also it would be cool if we could have some more pics

Posted by: SLASH91 Jul 24 2007, 03:55 AM

I know dude...its torture waiting to get enough money

Posted by: Stratman58 Jul 24 2007, 04:25 PM

Well I've narrowed down from about 3 Ibanez guitars and 1 schecter to to this Ibanez 2550e. However, I've never had an opportunity to play it. The closest guitar center for me is a full tank of gas away (an $80 trip), so I can't really go out of my way to try it. Also, I hear that Guitar Center makes you buy the Ibanez prestige case, unlike online stores where they ship it in one...

So if anyone would like to compare this guitar or any other prestige model to a Fender Stratocaster in terms of neck size, speed, action, and tone, it'd be much appreciated!

Posted by: RobM Jul 28 2007, 07:15 AM

I was recently told that Guitar Center is in real trouble financially and that they were recently bought by a large firm name behr or something like that? I was told that they got themselves into trouble by all of the sales that they "used" to have as in their famous white sale where every guitar in the place that was white was at 50% off or something rediqulous like that. Of course not crazy if you were there wanting to buy a US Start and got one for like $500.00 us, lol. But nuts if you're a business with a board of directors that needs to show a profit. I was also told that the service you get at the guitar center is lousy and you pay thru the nose for it.

Just passing on what i was told. please don't kill the messenger.

Posted by: timono Jul 30 2007, 06:43 PM

hey

just saw your topic and i deffinaitly agree!!!
on the advise of andrew and pavel i went looking for an ibanez rg prestige and this was the one i picked. i bought it 2 weeks ago and i hope you will be as happy with it as i am =P

Posted by: FretDancer69 Jul 30 2007, 07:16 PM

awesome dude. Cant wait for mine.... and its not coming anywhere soon.

Posted by: Stratman58 Jul 30 2007, 08:46 PM

Yeah seriously... no one has em!

Posted by: timono Jul 31 2007, 09:45 AM

i was lucky with mine, went to the shop and asked for it (and some other ones ) and they got it! so i could take it with me cause i liked it most

=P

Posted by: Pavel Jul 31 2007, 04:18 PM

You were lucky m8! I go into my store here, and can't even get a pack of strings i want!

Posted by: FretDancer69 Jul 31 2007, 08:09 PM

hey i have a question:

Is this model (RG 2550e) always a Prestige Model, or are there 2 kinds of 2550e: Prestige and non-prestige?

Posted by: Haas1mj Jul 31 2007, 08:14 PM

I'm pretty sure it's always a Prestige

Posted by: FretDancer69 Jul 31 2007, 08:17 PM

oh, alright then, thanks alot.

Posted by: Pavel Jul 31 2007, 10:03 PM

If the RG model has 4-digit number in it (like RG1527, RG2550, RG2228) than you can be sure it's prestige!

Posted by: FretDancer69 Jul 31 2007, 11:41 PM

thats what i needed, thanks a bunch pavel!

Posted by: shredmandan Aug 1 2007, 12:50 AM

I beieve there can be.As for any brand guitar the under $200.00 Ibanez guitars wouldnt be anything i would like.I think there called gio models?I get your point though when paying a decent amount for an Ibanez you cant go wrong They really know how to set up a guitar for shred and heavy music.



Great review man
You decribed the guitar very well.I only wish i could just go buy one today.

Posted by: Sergeant_Ant Aug 1 2007, 12:52 AM

ok, i have a 350ex, i was wondering what the difference is between that and a prestige model or a JEM, all i know is the pickups are better and the neck is a 5 piece while mine is a 3. what makes the 5 piece better? is the prestige worth the price? would you reccomend a RG prestige or a JEM?

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 1 2007, 02:00 AM

The prestige and Jem are very similar, the Jem is more expensive because of the name basically - of course I think it is worth it since I have one!

Posted by: The Uncreator Aug 1 2007, 03:26 AM

I think the JEMS Neck alone justifies its price.....Its so Smooth, Fast, and just amazing.....God i want it so Bad...




















I played one today in a music store by the way

Posted by: Guitar34 Aug 1 2007, 08:04 PM

I have 1 almost exactly like it! they play nice

Posted by: Pavel Aug 1 2007, 09:41 PM

It's also the quality and precision of crafting, better parts... like for example to make a JEM they spend 20 days (speaking for example - don't get me wrong - i have no idea how long does it take to make a guitar) and to make and RG they spend 12 days. Tuners on JEM and Prestige models are much better than on simple RG series, cheaper RGs use "Edge Pro II" bridge while Prestige and JEM has "Edge Pro".

Necks - although it may seem the necks are the same - they are not! Even Prestige vs. JEM neck is a big difference. It may be the same by dimensions (width, length, etc.) - but the quality of the neck is totally recognizable. I played my friends RG Prestige and when i went back to JEM it was a big difference.

As Andrew said - JEM sure takes some of the price because it's a signature guitar but it is still worth spending extra bucks

It's almost as creating a custom guitar - when you create a custom guitar you build to the last detail, perfect. Well, consider JEM - Steve Vai's CUSTOM Ibanez - so it is perfect!

Posted by: Anomaly Aug 1 2007, 11:04 PM

Could you describe this big difference between the JEM and Prestige necks? Thanks!

Posted by: Webside Aug 2 2007, 01:28 AM

hehe, im a glad ibanez user too. great review! It may be my next guitar thou

Posted by: Otto Aug 2 2007, 09:16 AM

prestige necks are cool but lack soul imo , had a 2550 a year or so never got me into the right mood,
but hey hey hey its a fine guitar... I would go for a gibson or e fender
yiou will find out why

Posted by: Pavel Aug 2 2007, 10:03 AM

Can't explain it in words! You know not everything is a specification difference. JEM necks just have better feel, they are smoother, faster - even though they may be same by specs. but they are not same! You have to try it to get the difference!

Posted by: The Uncreator Aug 2 2007, 03:49 PM

Basically when you play a JEM, your response is...

"so THIS Is why everyone likes it so much!"

I think JEM's have the best necks ever.

Posted by: Rockwouldbe Aug 21 2007, 05:47 AM

This is my guitar


and i Love it!!

Posted by: ZakkWylde Aug 21 2007, 06:20 AM

2nd that
Ibanez guitars have no soul. Everything on them is so perfect but they have no character, they sound like plastic!

1. Yes I played the 2550e AND the Jem on Quality Amps
2. Yes everybody is going to hate me
3. No I will not change my mind on the sound question

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 21 2007, 06:22 AM

Gee, looking at your Avatar I just can't figure out why you would like Gibson guitars

I wouldn't go as far as to say Ibanez have no soul, but I do agree that they don't have all the answers. As versatile as they are, sometimes you need a strat or a Les Paul. Although the Jem is my first guitar, I am keeping my strat and will add an LP at some stage

Posted by: Pavel Aug 21 2007, 07:25 AM

Is that a smell of treason there?

Ibanez - no soul? ... i better stay out of this or we can have a big fight going on

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 21 2007, 07:45 AM

Its ok Pavel, I was only saying that to trick him and try to seduce him to the dark side ... of COURSE Jem is the only 6 string guitar ever needed

Posted by: rokchik Aug 21 2007, 08:28 AM

I've been watching these Ibanez reviews pretty closely the last few days now that I've decided to surrender and join the dark side....it's kinda fun over here though I must say

However I will always be a Gibson girl...I love my LP. It's my baby and it's been pretty good to me. That's why I bought it. For me Gibson will always be on top when it comes to guitars. (maybe I'm not on the dark side then...I'm sorta in guitar purgatory...fitting since I'm catholic ) But there is just some things I still have trouble playing on it. (legato for example) and I blame this on the neck...right, wrong whatever that is my theory. (Also it was a great excuse on the boyfriend to get a second axe ) So I decided to get a guitar with a slimmer neck. Since playing the Ibanez RG42FX I believe it was, I'm convinced that an Ibanez is what I'm looking for. I want a smooth fast neck attached to a not so heavy body....although anything will be light compared to my LP. I do have a few questions though:

1. How difficult is the Floyd rose system? (changing strings, general maintanence. That type of thing) It kind of intimidates me a bit to be honest but all the models that interest me have one. (with the exception of the Rg42FX)

2. Also with the FR how big of a difference...if any... is there to the sound?

3. What are the benifits to a through neck as apposed to a bolt on? not sure if there is any but that's why I'm asking.

I really liked this review of the 2550e and it is on my list as well as a few of the Prestige series. i decided to post this here as had a pretty good Ibanez discussion going.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 21 2007, 09:13 AM

If you only knew the power of the dark side ...



It needs to be respected but with a few simple rules you can make it painless.

1. Make sure the shop sets it up for your brand and gauge of strings before they ship it or you pick it up (sweetwater did this for me for free!)

2. When Changing strings use the same brand and gauge - this means no real tremelo adjustment. If you do change strings, all bets are off, it sin;t hard to do but readjusting will be a time consuming circular chore.

3. When changing strings either just change one at a time, or wedge the tremelo with a block of wood or something

My first string change took me about 20 - 30 minutes as opposed to 10 - 15 on a regular guitar. I would expect to get it down to the same range using the one at a time method.

That's it really



Between the same guitar with a fixed bridge? Don't know - but the floyd is a big part of the Ibanez appeal, you can learn lots of new tricks so I wouldn;t worry about it. I would say that regular tremelos can reduce sustain, but I don't know if that is true for Floyds, in any case my Jem has bags of sustain



These days not a lot. A thru neck is supposed to help with sustain but these days set and bolt on necks are pretty good, and I don;t believe this is really a factor - I asked the same question and eventually discounted it as there was no clear gain for the price and people disagreed over whether it even helped.

So thats about it - go for it!

Posted by: Pavel Aug 21 2007, 04:36 PM

Hehehe Welcome to dark side! We have cookies!!

Ibanez will soon offer Kris to sell GMC to them as this is the biggest collection of Ibanez fans in the world

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 21 2007, 08:44 PM

Milk too? Is that the irght image for the Dark Side???

Posted by: Pavel Aug 21 2007, 09:57 PM

That's the right image for the dark Side we endorse JEMs, milk and cookies!

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 21 2007, 10:18 PM

Ok, got it

Posted by: rokchik Aug 22 2007, 06:28 AM

Thanks for all the info Andrew

I've narrowed my choices to the Prestige RG1570 and RG2550e. I have a price hunt going on right now for the best deal so we'll see which one wins out. Both these models have the edge pro so at least I don't have to cut anything. This has eased my tensions a bit...but I may have all kinds of questions later. I know there is some FR questions on the forum so I'll do a bit of hunting.



It just keeps getting better


Thanks again to Haas1mj and Stratman58 for their reviews of the above mentioned guitars. They helped me a lot when trying to choose. I'll let ya know which guitar I get.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 22 2007, 06:32 AM

Great Choice - 2550e was my pick before I decided to go for a Jem

Posted by: rokchik Aug 22 2007, 06:40 AM

Yeah it's a pretty sweet guitar. Haas1mj's review helped me a great deal.

There is only like $200.00 in the price difference (give or take) and that has to do with the different pick ups and probably a little bit on the inlays. But right now I think I'm gonna go with whichever one I get the better deal on. I can always upgrade later.

Posted by: GodofFire16 Aug 22 2007, 06:53 AM

Me too! Do let us know once you've made your purchase

Posted by: Hemlok Aug 22 2007, 07:05 AM

Well I am thinking of an getting an ibanez, or a strat, dont know yet, perhaps i will buy both. But not until January next year, i have spent about $5000 on guitars this year

Posted by: rokchik Aug 22 2007, 07:28 AM

I went out specifically wanting a Strat and now I'm getting an Ibanez. I'll eventually get the Strat but the Ibanez is the better fit for what I want right now. I'm like you though...I've spent a lot of cash on guitar related items this year it's getting hard to justify spending more...to the boyfriend I mean...I'd keep spending if i could.

Posted by: BubbaJ Aug 30 2007, 12:42 PM

Can you buy a pickguard from an rg350ex and fit in this one or would that not work?

Thanks!

Posted by: Zephyr Aug 30 2007, 12:58 PM

Ibanez JEMs AND cookies?! Goodbye, light side...

Posted by: fkalich Aug 30 2007, 01:51 PM

I agree with you. Never assume that the herd is moving in a sensible direction. It also is pointless to argue with the herd, even if they are headed off a cliff. They just trample you, and then maybe poop on you to boot. Best to just let them go their way and you go yours.

edit: I replaced a word that might not make it by the censor with one that had a better chance.

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 30 2007, 08:25 PM

And the Ibanez playing censor-er is duly grateful

Word of defense for Ibanez from a herd member -

They do what they do very well, and what they do is what happends to be a focus for a lot of people on this site, e.g. shredding. However, I have a strat and a Variax, I will definately get a LP one day so I can pick the right guitar for the job. I woudn't use an Ibanez for blues or Jazz if I had an LP or Hollowbody, but if I am shredding, Ibanez it is!

Posted by: Pavel Aug 30 2007, 08:31 PM

I bet you can play Blues on Ibanez just as Satch does. It depends on HOW you play and how good you control the guitar.

Posted by: MickeM Aug 30 2007, 11:15 PM

I can't compare with Satch, obviously, but I've tried all variations with my two bands and my conclusions (humbly stating that it's not facts) were that the Ibanez fits better for the DT band - I can of course use it for blues and rock but playing the same things on my LP sound SOOOOOOOO much better, while the LP doesn't right cut it for DT.

The characteristics of a guitar is just there, you can't hide it with pedals and such but instead the characteristics should be brought up front and used for the purpose to fit the sound so what's being played.
Hence I use the LP with it's characteristics for blues, rock and hard rock. Ibanez for modern metal. The Charvel is still under construction (getting Breed pu's) and hopefully it will fit the DT sound, then I might move those pu's to the Ibanez and make an 80's metal axe out of the Charvel.

Posted by: Davidian Aug 31 2007, 04:03 AM

I think I'm half a member of the Dark Side. I have an Ibanez, but it isn't a JEM. It's a Flying V. I hope that counts too?

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 31 2007, 04:13 AM

You're currently on the grey side, but you can smell the milk and cookies

Posted by: Pavel Aug 31 2007, 04:31 AM

Hahahaha i thought the Dark Side welcomes all Ibanez owners!! Ok, now when Andrew is the eldest Dark Side member i have to listen to him

Posted by: MickeM Aug 31 2007, 04:48 AM

the emperor...

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Aug 31 2007, 06:20 AM

I am the elder, but I humbled by your words ... yea, all Ibanez owners, be they Jem, RD350X or Flying Vs are welcome!

Posted by: fkalich Aug 31 2007, 07:23 AM

Of course you can. My only issue with that, might be on sustain. Blues can get pretty slow at times. That is the price you pay for the slim necks, tapered bodies, and deep cutaways.

edit: I am not being critical here. I have a Firebird and love it. However, if I play something slow, it does not work because it does not have the sustain of the Paul. The notes won't hold long enough, especially on the 3rd string at the top. It might be just one note or two that don't make it, but they don't make it. But on the Paul, they make it. Especially on my 58. I think the long tenon and the big heavy neck give you more sustain, it definitely does over my les paul studio.

edit: if anyone is curious, the long neck tenon joint extends far into the body for added sustain. This feature is found on the original 1950s Les Pauls and current Historics.

Posted by: The JEM Nov 15 2007, 06:32 AM

lol. i probably have the only gibson on this site. but when i get the chance im gonna get ed roman to customize me a guitar.ps he's the most intelligent man on earth

Posted by: mattacuk Nov 16 2007, 05:30 AM

This is my next guitar , no question!!! I think its excellent value for money - great reveiw thankyou

Posted by: SLASH91 Nov 16 2007, 05:38 AM

Definitely get it dude. I own it, and it's an awesome guitar.

Posted by: mattacuk Nov 16 2007, 06:13 AM

It is a beautiful item for sure!

Posted by: preownedguitar Nov 19 2007, 08:37 AM

I bought one of these a few days ago. Still waiting to get it though, Oh the huge manatee's. Can't wait to have it in my hands, - insert evil dark side laugh here-.

Posted by: kevin-riff-after-riff Nov 25 2007, 08:41 PM

what is the S series equivilent of this guitar?

Posted by: Sentenced Nov 25 2007, 11:57 PM

Hello guitar players,

Thats my first post at GMC, so i introduce myself in short:

I am 20 years old and living in Germany. Im playing for about 1 year now and joined GMC some weeks ago.
I own a RG 2550 and really like how it looks (i love this pickguard...) and how it plays, but since i changed my string gauge i have some problems with the intonation, i tried to set it up properly on my own but still it's not perfect. So the tremolo can cause some problems when you are new to guitar set up and want to change the strings...but i hope i can handle it in the near future. And its good to be at the dark side

I want also to thank kris and all the instructors for this great homepage!

@Pavel
Your (Gallop) Metal lessons are really great! I have to play at 50 % of the speed but i hope i will get to speed some day

p.s. Sorry for my english

Posted by: buckjones Dec 6 2007, 09:02 PM

Another great review!!

You guys all have great taste in my book My main axe is an Ibanez RGA-121 Prestige and a long while back I wrote a post abouthow much I love it and I still do so anytime you have a chance to pickup an Ibanez definitely take the chance.

And on the subject of the guitar case at Guitar Center, you've got to remember these guys are on commission and if you make it a point that the guitar case will make or break the sale they will usually throw it in as they did with mine. Hope that advice will help you guys!

Posted by: tonymiro Dec 6 2007, 11:58 PM

Sentenced = there's some threads and a stickie about how to set up a floating trem when you change he strings - well worth a look. Oh and welcome to GMC .

Cheers,
Tony

Posted by: preownedguitar Dec 8 2007, 12:14 PM

Heres a couple of picture of from when I first got my hands on mine.
Not too shabby.

Posted by: Sentenced Dec 8 2007, 12:38 PM

@Tony

Thank you for your advice, i will check them out.

@preownedguitar

Wonderful pictures!

Posted by: Toni Suominen Dec 12 2007, 09:56 PM

Very nice guitar and review, great job!

Posted by: Dejan Dec 13 2007, 10:40 AM

Great review Haas1mj!

I'm also a fan of Ibanez guitars

Posted by: Milenkovic Ivan Dec 17 2007, 11:11 PM

Nice review man. 5 stars

Posted by: Pavel Dec 17 2007, 11:17 PM

Love the pictures of new guitars! Just too amazing

Posted by: Melodic Axeman Dec 21 2007, 06:51 PM

I have it. Is a great guitar, but I found that it has little sustain compared to other guitars

Posted by: Skewlbuzz Jan 4 2008, 10:22 PM

My local store has one of these, but with dot inlays. Find this kind of weird since everywhere I look the RG2550E is supposed to have "sharktooth" inlay :S

Maybe an older version or something?

Posted by: preownedguitar Jan 4 2008, 10:28 PM

That's right, when they first came out. They just had dot inlay. If you check on youtube you can see videos from when they "first got their 2550e" and they are all dot inlay. I like mine a lot more with the modified sharktooth.

Posted by: mattacuk Jan 5 2008, 09:49 AM

Man im sooo jealous !!!

Posted by: Tiltil Jan 19 2008, 09:55 AM

Bah, I need some relatives in America.. 879$?!... they cost like 1000€ in good old Germany... which is about 1462.00$.. hate

Great review though! Makes me wanna plaaay

Posted by: mattacuk Jan 19 2008, 09:56 AM

One thing is for sure, America is the place to buy guitars - so cheap there

Posted by: Tiltil Jan 19 2008, 10:22 AM

Despite my usual dislike for American policies... you're right

:'(

Posted by: mattacuk Jan 19 2008, 10:23 AM

maybe if im extra nice to Andrew he will BUY me one for my birthday haha yeah on second thoughts maybe not

Posted by: Tiltil Jan 19 2008, 12:09 PM

Would be a good opportunity for Mr. Theory to set up a reputation as patron of the arts

But as you said.. maybe not

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Jan 19 2008, 01:36 PM

ARe you guys kidding? I can't even afford the 5 new guitars that I need