Ibanez RG3550MZ

http://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/eg_page09.php?area_id=2&data_id=729&color=CL01&year=2009&cat_id=1&series_id=221

For my metal tastes, the bridge pickup needs more output.

No flaws, but poor setup.

Seems well made, as good as anything else I own... Jackson, Gibson, etc.

Been playing for 42 years (ouch!). I don't really care for the pickguard and I'll probably swap it for a black H-H and dump the middle pickup. Brilliant intonation adjustment system. The Edge-Zero springs are too stiff.

Perfect pickup combination in the Tone Zone/True Velvet/Air Norton selection

24 fret bound Maple fretboard

Edge Zero trem that I absolutely love!!

Again, perfect combination of pickups..

Very versatile! This instrument covers all the bases..

I am stunned by the amount of sustain from this instrument..

Perfect.. Just PERFECT..

Mine is Galaxy White. The Gold flakes are very subtle. Very classy looking instrument. The fretwork is flawless. All instruments require a setup to conform to the owners likes. This instrument required very little to mine.

I did remove the Zero hardware and springs to make mine free float.

Out of the case this guitar was absolutely flawless. I've been over t with a fine tooth comb numerous times.. I've yet to find even the most minute imperfection on it..

I haven't owned long enough to give a valid opinion but I see no reason why this instrument shouldn't prove to be extremely reliable & durable..

No experience with Ibanez customer support..

I've owned multiple Jems.. This instrument is Jem quality with out the handle and price..

I've done tons of reviews here for all kinds of other instruments and gear..

I've never given 10s across the board.. Until today...

Given the present price range of a Gibson Standard LP and a Fender Am Dlx strat, this instrument is a very good value.. I would buy another in a FLASH!!!

I've owned countless Jems & RGs over the years.. Probably 40-50 and I can't recall a better model.. Ibanez hit it out of the park with this model

The RG3550MZ features the new Super Wizard 24 fret neck. The pickup configuration is H-S-H with a Dimarzio Tone Zone in the bridge, a Dimarzio True Velvet in the middle, and a Dimarzio Air Norton in the neck position. The body is made of basswood with a maple fretboard. I was very surprised when I received the guitar because I ordered Galaxy White, and given the photos on Ibanez.com, I was unable to see the beautiful "gold" specks throughout. The guitar features Gotoh tuners and the Edge Zero bridge w/ZPS3 tremolo (awesome). The guitar included the nicest case I've ever seen, as well as a comprehensive owner's manual, the tremolo arm, and the necessary wrenches.

I have been playing for more than 25 years and play a variety of styles from Satriani to Van Halen, to Boston to Rush. I have a great deal of equipment, but to date have played it through a Fractal Audio Axe-FX Ultra and a pair of Event monitors. The guitar is extremely fflexible and suited to a great variety of styles. I would characterize the overall tone as bright, dynamic, and very responsive for the bridge and center pickups and warm and tight when using the neck pickup.

The guitar came setup to perfection directly from the factory with no flaws whatsoever. The guitar features the same neck radius as the the JEM series guitars and is extremely flat. After comparing the width of the guitar neck to my other guitars and to those on the web, the neck is definitely wider than most. It took a bit of getting used to, but I adjusted very quickly. I have owned many guitars from Ibanez (JS1000 and S Model), Carvin, Gibson (Les Paul), Peavey (Vandenberg), Charvel/Jackson (Model 375), among others and have played practically every guitar imaginable over the past 2+ decades, but have never played a more impressive guitar. The build quality is outstanding.

I've only owned the guitar a few days, so I really can't speak to it's reliability/durability, but the guitar is extremely solid, with quality hardware, and a beautiful finish. I wouldn't hesitate to gig without a backup.

No idea about customer support. The limited warranty is 1 year from the date of the original retail purchase.

Like I said earlier, I've been playing for more than 25 years and have owned amps, effects, and guitars from many, many manufacturers. In fact, a friend of mine who also plays guitar has commented that I'm his on personal researcher for the finest guitar gear. : )

If the guitar were lost of stolen, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. I truly love everything about it. Aside from the thin, fast, super wizard neck, I really love the responsiveness of the guitar. Notes seem to leap from the guitar with ease. I have never written a musical gear review, but decided to do this because I was unable to find user reviews for this particular guitar prior to purchase. I'm glad I made the leap of faith (the return policy from American Musical Supply didn't hurt either!).