1987 Ibanez Rg550

[RyanzGuitarz]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to get some input and opinions from you guys. So if I have the opportunity to get my hands on an 87 Ibanez Rg550, do you recommend going that route as opposed to anything new by Ibanez? I have little experience in buying older guitars. I'm just worried how the condition would be and the stability/playability of the instrument. Thanks a lot

[Alvin_Wilson]

Do you have the opportunity to check it out before buying? If not, I would suggest asking the seller for many detailed pics. I think '87 was the first year for these and are pretty sought after.

[markD]

get it. those are killer guitars. just check to see if it has bad cracking at the bolts where the lock nut is attached (on the back of the headstock by the scarf joint). some cracking there is normal. if the cracking goes past the bolts and moves toward the fretboard, walk away - or send it to a tech for some glue. just as an FYI, i have bought several with the cracks and it has never been an issue.

[RyanzGuitarz]

Thank you very much guys, unfortunately I do not have the opportunity to test the guitar out, but I do have access to detailed pics as I'm dealing with a friend of a friend online.

[Amerturk]

Also, make sure the trem is stock. Those trems IMO are much nicer than the OFR's and many people know that. Sometimes the seller will swap them out for one similiar in looks but lesser in quality. Agreed, killer guitars if you can find a nice one and the necks are very similar to the USA jackson necks/frets.

[RyanzGuitarz]

The trem is stock, that is good to know. Thank you

[Alvin_Wilson]

What color?

[RyanzGuitarz]

yellow, I don't know how others feel about the color, but I love the combination with the black pick guard and hardware.

[Maiden89]

I love that combo as well. I would get it if you can get a good deal and if it's in great shape.

[Alvin_Wilson]

I think that is called Desert Yellow...great color.

[DonP]

Yep - great color. I have a 1990 in black. It's a bit beat up, but sounds awesome and plays awesome. My first Ibanez. Got it for $CHEAP. Guy brought it into GC to trade in and they said F off the neck pickup is scratchy. I asked him how much, and he said he'd take 1/2 of $CHEAP. I gave him double that (full $CHEAP) because I felt bad for him. I have it loaded with a PAF Pro neck, some DP402 virtual blues middle, and a Super D in the bridge. The Super D sounds so fat I thought it was a Tone Zone at first.

[mr426]

I have an original 87 RG550 that I bought new in Dec 87. By far one of the best guitars I ever owned. I have the neck crack and the pocket crack and it never gave me any trouble. These guitars just plain kill

[straycat]

Great guitars I have been searching for a Desert Yellow 87 for years.

[guitarguy2237]

I played something similar not too long ago. Damn thing was amazing.

[dvscool]

Awesome guitars! I have a few from 88-89. best players I have. Hopefully the bridge is in good condition. if it is, you've got a great AXE ! who cares about the overall body condition.