Great video. Wish i saw this a few months ago, you could have saved me some money. I've got little tiny hands so i went with the tiniest production neck on he market. Been playing for like 30 years and never bought a brand new electric guitar and figured, may as well get the Lamborghini of guitars for my midlife crisis. It's only coming into the store in November though, i think they're in high demand
I have a 2018 Jewel Blue RG570, wish they still made that one. My son who is a bass player wants a guitar so looking at the RG470DX or 470PB, great review on the differences! Edge is probably my favorite bridge of all time but the Edge Zero II is definitely a nice bridge, much better than the fake FRs Ibanez puts on some of their low end models and IMHO much better than an FR Special... I would rank it similar to the FR 1000 series. Never had an issue with them on the Premium models I have owned at all so very happy to see them on the normal models again.
The big difference is the tremolo. I had the RG 350 , now I have an RG 550. Pickups can be changed easily, the tremolo no so easy. if you don't use the tremolo the 450 is the best for the money.
I contacted Sweetwater yesterday and they confirmed that both the 450 and the 470 now come with the Edge II tremolo system. Thus, more bang for your buck.
I’m a big fan of Ibanez guitars 570’s, 560 USA art model.. 550’s and prestige’s over the years. wish I kept them.. but with journey in gear I’ve landed with my single cuts.. but I’ve been wanting to get another RG and I think the 470/450 might be the ticket for me. I’m always modding guitars with pickup swaps anyways.. so this would be perfect!
The Zero II is just as stable as the Edge and id argue has much better colors. For the price of the 550 you can get a 450/70 and buy aftermarket pickups which the 550 needs anyway since the V pickups were made to be cheapo pickups to bring the cost down from the Jems dimarzios for the 550 as the poor mans Jem
I mostly agree with all that except the edge zero II it’s not comparable to the edge original and edge Lo pro, if the edge is a seiko or a citizen (fine Japanese watches) the edge zero II is like a timex they do the same job but one is obviously higher quality and will last longer. I’d go as far to say that the Indonesian built Ibanez are as good as the MIJ as far as fit and finish goes especially the premium line, the major difference is the hardware the edge II is way better than the old lo trs , but it’s not a world class trem like the edge,FR original and the Gotoh 1996t . If you like the edge II and it’s reliable for you then that’s great I found it to be clunky and just not built with the same tolerances of the Edge Original and Edge LoPro. In all honesty Ibanez could put the Edge on anything over 500 dollars and put the other companies on notice putting FR specials on 1000 dollar guitars. I do actually prefer the newer five piece necks though they feel a little more substantial in the hand and are probably much stronger than the older necks. I have a 95 ish RG550 LTD and mine don’t have the typical cracks around the nut bolts and I actually prefer the AANJ heal over the neck plate but I don’t think it makes a ton of difference it’s just what I’m used to.
@brandonjackson5865 while I agree that the edge and lo pro edge are higher quality, the Zero II has harder knife edges and harder posts than any other bridge in the Ibanez lineup and had locking posts which the other two bridges dont. Sure you might strip a saddle screw when overtightening during intonation, but in terms of tuning stability the Zero and Zero II are both more stable bridge systems than the Edge and Lo-Pro, because of the harder steel used in the critical pivot points and the locking studs that eliminate all play present in both the Edge and Lo-Pro posts
@@BryanMiranda96 my lo pro has locking posts mine is a 94-95 RG550 LTD, I’m not sure when they started using the locking posts but mine does have it. I’ve always adjusted my string action strung up and in tune the edge is about the only unit you can get away with that on, I’m sure the edge II is far better than a lot of other tremolo’s but I just didn’t care for it. I wasn’t aware the edge II had harder knife edges and posts but like I said mine has locking posts so I assumed the edge always did so I’m guessing the very early ones didn’t, I do believe the locking posts make a huge difference in stability.
Only cons of this RG550 "reissue" is that the 5 way selector switch used in this guitar are somehow low quality. Mine and lots of people on internet, their RG550 started acting up after couple of use. I replaced mine with Gotoh -- it is not that expensive! Just better quality and sturdier. RG Prestiges uses better quality and even my old RG370dx has better switch.
Yeah felt disapppointed knowing some people RG550 consider this as prestige. I've never experience this with all my Ibanez. I love my RF and fixable issue won't stop me from getting the DY soon
I have The 550 brand new with the switch problem. Very disappointing, but the rest of the guitar is amazing. Use of a eq pedal could save you the money for new pickups (maybe) about the 550 neck, it take a little getting use to. And yes it is fast as h… 😊
Thanks for the review! I'm deciding between cheaper models like Ibanez grg121 or gr330 and a more expensive model like the rg470. I just don't want a guitar that gets out of tune and starts having problems after 1 or 2 years of playing. In Begium the price difference between these models is about €200 to €300. I'm still a beginner, but maybe the rg470 is better because it might be a great guitar for long term playing? Or would you still recommend to start out with the cheaper ones? Only thing I'm a bit concerned of with the rg470 is the floating bridge. In a different review someone said it's not so easy to tune?
That was a great comparison Ben. Personally I'd go with the 470 for a few reasons. I can't play guitars with maple fretboards because of my eyesight, I would prefer the thicker neck, I prefer the fret markers, and the look without the pickguard. Add to that less guilt for swapping pickups and the choice is clear for me. I don't play live so the 470 would make more sense overall.
Thanks Colin. Yeah, I personally think the RG470/RG450's are great guitars. My older RG450EXB is what got away from Strats and back to Ibanez, after over a decade of being a strat guy. I need to get the Duncan's installed in this one. Had them a week now:)
this is a great comparison, but I think the real comparison needs to be between the 550 and a prestige set up the same way. there is about a $1000 difference between them and I want to see if that’s worth it. I have a prestige and I have the 470 but the 550 is smack dab in the middle. my prestige was around $2200 and obviously the 470 is around $500. The 550 crosses over between them. and another guitar that I am waiting to get my hands on is a J custom. because I want to comparison between that and a prestige as well. The RG is and always has been my favorite guitar so I like to check them out in all variations. Eventually, I will get them all. I’m sure.
I would have to get a Prestige on a heck of a sale to do that comparison. I personally don't think they are worth the difference in price. However, I also preferred my RG550 to the Prestige. I will keep a look out for one.
@@benpowersguitar i tend to agree, I feel like the main difference is the heel joint on the prestige is a little better otherwise same guitar. kind of why I threw this out there to make people realize that. i got a rgt neck throough at $500 it’s super solid as well.
@@9th_note I can't remember who it is, that did the comparison last year, and came to that exact conclusion. I would like to do the vid myself though. Have to keep an eye on Reverb. Been thinking about the neck through. Glad to hear it's solid.
@@benpowersguitar yeah if you’re a big RG fan then I think you’re gonna love the neck through version. The one I have is from a Korean factory, so it’s pretty good as far as fit and finish. I have not tried an Indonesian version though, so if you end up picking one of those up, keep me posted. my Indonesian RG121 does have some fit and finish discrepancies, but it doesn’t hinder its playability. So I definitely would be curious about that as far as a neck through version.
Awesome video man. Still trying to decide on a guitar. Leaning towards the 550 for sure. But I'm also digging the new jackson pro plus dinky. Made in China is kinda making me think about that though. How does the 550 neck feel compared to a jackson neck? Love the jackson necks. Thanks
I haven't tried the Pro series yet. On the list for the next couple months. The arch top isn't my fav personally. They spec out pretty nice though. Looking at the DK2 Ash in Green Glow myself.
hi there! Pretty informative and detailed video :). I have been thinking about buying a RG470DX but i recently stumbled upon the JEMJR. Their about the same price in my area and now Im wondering which one I should get, could I get your opinion? Thanks!
Hi, I appreciate you watching. If you want a little better trem with wider spacing, go with the new RG470. Though there is nothing wrong with the JemJr's trem. I have it on my RG450EXB and love it. The pickups were different on the 2 models, though I think new models of the JemJr are using the same Quantums now. Honestly, unless the trem makes that much difference to you, get the one you like the look of best.
2 beautiful guitars. Unfortunately I have severe OCD related to aesthetics/symmetry and both have some minor details that act as a trigger so I have to pass. 😮💨
@@andyy6481 No idea how they do live, as I don't play live anymore. That was the concern I stated. And some just don't like the tone of Ibanez pups. I have Quantums in other guitars, so am planning on trying a SD Mayhem set in this one. Though, I may leave it stock, as it really doesn't need the change, for me anyway.
Watch Next: My JAMS Playlist - ua-cam.com/video/PqvBqy9iYfc/v-deo.html
Thank You !
Great video, thanks for sharing!
great vid, learned so much. Thank you.
Thanks, this is exactly the video I was looking for
Enjoying my RG550 a ton. Tremolo is rock solid.
That's awesome. Loving mine too.
Awesome guitars, great comparison video Ben!
Now the Rg550 has 2 more color options. I'm really in love with mine.
Great video. Wish i saw this a few months ago, you could have saved me some money. I've got little tiny hands so i went with the tiniest production neck on he market. Been playing for like 30 years and never bought a brand new electric guitar and figured, may as well get the Lamborghini of guitars for my midlife crisis. It's only coming into the store in November though, i think they're in high demand
Fuck! Been playing since 99 , turned 40 this month, had never bought a brand new guitar and am looking to buy one too 😭😭 midlife crisis 💔🤘
I have a 2018 Jewel Blue RG570, wish they still made that one. My son who is a bass player wants a guitar so looking at the RG470DX or 470PB, great review on the differences! Edge is probably my favorite bridge of all time but the Edge Zero II is definitely a nice bridge, much better than the fake FRs Ibanez puts on some of their low end models and IMHO much better than an FR Special... I would rank it similar to the FR 1000 series. Never had an issue with them on the Premium models I have owned at all so very happy to see them on the normal models again.
The big difference is the tremolo. I had the RG 350 , now I have an RG 550. Pickups can be changed easily, the tremolo no so easy. if you don't use the tremolo the 450 is the best for the money.
here is one of your supporters again with like and full listen!! Happy day and good vibes!!! ♥
Hi Melani. Thank you for your continued support. I hope you're having a great week.
I contacted Sweetwater yesterday and they confirmed that both the 450 and the 470 now come with the Edge II tremolo system. Thus, more bang for your buck.
Awesome!
I have rg550 genesis but dont like the v8 pickup. Prefer ibanez quantum pickup than v8
Man that rg470 mouth watering 😋
Get you one. You might like it.
I’m a big fan of Ibanez guitars 570’s, 560 USA art model.. 550’s and prestige’s over the years. wish I kept them.. but with journey in gear I’ve landed with my single cuts.. but I’ve been wanting to get another RG and I think the 470/450 might be the ticket for me. I’m always modding guitars with pickup swaps anyways.. so this would be perfect!
Oh heck yeah. I have one I put a Wildes L500XL in the bridge and a Duncan '59 in the neck (Nuno setup) with a 3 way switch. Great guitar.
The Zero II is just as stable as the Edge and id argue has much better colors. For the price of the 550 you can get a 450/70 and buy aftermarket pickups which the 550 needs anyway since the V pickups were made to be cheapo pickups to bring the cost down from the Jems dimarzios for the 550 as the poor mans Jem
I mostly agree with all that except the edge zero II it’s not comparable to the edge original and edge Lo pro, if the edge is a seiko or a citizen (fine Japanese watches) the edge zero II is like a timex they do the same job but one is obviously higher quality and will last longer. I’d go as far to say that the Indonesian built Ibanez are as good as the MIJ as far as fit and finish goes especially the premium line, the major difference is the hardware the edge II is way better than the old lo trs , but it’s not a world class trem like the edge,FR original and the Gotoh 1996t . If you like the edge II and it’s reliable for you then that’s great I found it to be clunky and just not built with the same tolerances of the Edge Original and Edge LoPro. In all honesty Ibanez could put the Edge on anything over 500 dollars and put the other companies on notice putting FR specials on 1000 dollar guitars.
I do actually prefer the newer five piece necks though they feel a little more substantial in the hand and are probably much stronger than the older necks. I have a 95 ish RG550 LTD and mine don’t have the typical cracks around the nut bolts and I actually prefer the AANJ heal over the neck plate but I don’t think it makes a ton of difference it’s just what I’m used to.
@brandonjackson5865 while I agree that the edge and lo pro edge are higher quality, the Zero II has harder knife edges and harder posts than any other bridge in the Ibanez lineup and had locking posts which the other two bridges dont. Sure you might strip a saddle screw when overtightening during intonation, but in terms of tuning stability the Zero and Zero II are both more stable bridge systems than the Edge and Lo-Pro, because of the harder steel used in the critical pivot points and the locking studs that eliminate all play present in both the Edge and Lo-Pro posts
@@BryanMiranda96 my lo pro has locking posts mine is a 94-95 RG550 LTD, I’m not sure when they started using the locking posts but mine does have it. I’ve always adjusted my string action strung up and in tune the edge is about the only unit you can get away with that on, I’m sure the edge II is far better than a lot of other tremolo’s but I just didn’t care for it. I wasn’t aware the edge II had harder knife edges and posts but like I said mine has locking posts so I assumed the edge always did so I’m guessing the very early ones didn’t, I do believe the locking posts make a huge difference in stability.
Only cons of this RG550 "reissue" is that the 5 way selector switch used in this guitar are somehow low quality. Mine and lots of people on internet, their RG550 started acting up after couple of use. I replaced mine with Gotoh -- it is not that expensive! Just better quality and sturdier. RG Prestiges uses better quality and even my old RG370dx has better switch.
Interesting, I haven't had any issues, but I will keep an eye for it.
Yeah felt disapppointed knowing some people RG550 consider this as prestige. I've never experience this with all my Ibanez. I love my RF and fixable issue won't stop me from getting the DY soon
I have The 550 brand new with the switch problem. Very disappointing, but the rest of the guitar is amazing. Use of a eq pedal could save you the money for new pickups (maybe) about the 550 neck, it take a little getting use to. And yes it is fast as h… 😊
@@janolesen8938 Wow that sucks. Mine's still great, with pretty heavy play over the past year. Definitely have to watch it.
Rg470ahz is best bang for the buck, edge zero ii is fine, rg550 is pretty sweet too, have both and no real preference
Thanks for the review! I'm deciding between cheaper models like Ibanez grg121 or gr330 and a more expensive model like the rg470. I just don't want a guitar that gets out of tune and starts having problems after 1 or 2 years of playing. In Begium the price difference between these models is about €200 to €300. I'm still a beginner, but maybe the rg470 is better because it might be a great guitar for long term playing? Or would you still recommend to start out with the cheaper ones? Only thing I'm a bit concerned of with the rg470 is the floating bridge. In a different review someone said it's not so easy to tune?
I personally don't recommend any type of locking tremolo for beginners. I like my grg121, would recommend spending a little more for the RG421.
@benpowersguitar great! thanks a lot
I dont really like purple but the fade on that guitar is great. I just wish it had off-white or aged pups instead of bright white.
I appreciate you watching. Yeah, I am putting in black Duncan's. The bright white is a bit much.
That was a great comparison Ben. Personally I'd go with the 470 for a few reasons. I can't play guitars with maple fretboards because of my eyesight, I would prefer the thicker neck, I prefer the fret markers, and the look without the pickguard. Add to that less guilt for swapping pickups and the choice is clear for me. I don't play live so the 470 would make more sense overall.
Thanks Colin. Yeah, I personally think the RG470/RG450's are great guitars. My older RG450EXB is what got away from Strats and back to Ibanez, after over a decade of being a strat guy. I need to get the Duncan's installed in this one. Had them a week now:)
this is a great comparison, but I think the real comparison needs to be between the 550 and a prestige set up the same way. there is about a $1000 difference between them and I want to see if that’s worth it. I have a prestige and I have the 470 but the 550 is smack dab in the middle. my prestige was around $2200 and obviously the 470 is around $500. The 550 crosses over between them. and another guitar that I am waiting to get my hands on is a J custom. because I want to comparison between that and a prestige as well. The RG is and always has been my favorite guitar so I like to check them out in all variations. Eventually, I will get them all. I’m sure.
I would have to get a Prestige on a heck of a sale to do that comparison. I personally don't think they are worth the difference in price. However, I also preferred my RG550 to the Prestige. I will keep a look out for one.
@@benpowersguitar i tend to agree, I feel like the main difference is the heel joint on the prestige is a little better otherwise same guitar. kind of why I threw this out there to make people realize that. i got a rgt neck throough at $500 it’s super solid as well.
@@9th_note I can't remember who it is, that did the comparison last year, and came to that exact conclusion. I would like to do the vid myself though. Have to keep an eye on Reverb. Been thinking about the neck through. Glad to hear it's solid.
@@benpowersguitar yeah if you’re a big RG fan then I think you’re gonna love the neck through version. The one I have is from a Korean factory, so it’s pretty good as far as fit and finish. I have not tried an Indonesian version though, so if you end up picking one of those up, keep me posted. my Indonesian RG121 does have some fit and finish discrepancies, but it doesn’t hinder its playability. So I definitely would be curious about that as far as a neck through version.
Awesome video man. Still trying to decide on a guitar. Leaning towards the 550 for sure. But I'm also digging the new jackson pro plus dinky. Made in China is kinda making me think about that though. How does the 550 neck feel compared to a jackson neck? Love the jackson necks.
Thanks
I haven't tried the Pro series yet. On the list for the next couple months. The arch top isn't my fav personally. They spec out pretty nice though. Looking at the DK2 Ash in Green Glow myself.
hi there! Pretty informative and detailed video :). I have been thinking about buying a RG470DX but i recently stumbled upon the JEMJR. Their about the same price in my area and now Im wondering which one I should get, could I get your opinion? Thanks!
Hi, I appreciate you watching. If you want a little better trem with wider spacing, go with the new RG470. Though there is nothing wrong with the JemJr's trem. I have it on my RG450EXB and love it. The pickups were different on the 2 models, though I think new models of the JemJr are using the same Quantums now. Honestly, unless the trem makes that much difference to you, get the one you like the look of best.
Alright, thanks for the help!
2 beautiful guitars. Unfortunately I have severe OCD related to aesthetics/symmetry and both have some minor details that act as a trigger so I have to pass. 😮💨
what is wrong with the pickups?
What do you mean?
@@benpowersguitar oh you said you need to replace them, so what is wrong with them?
@@andyy6481 No idea how they do live, as I don't play live anymore. That was the concern I stated. And some just don't like the tone of Ibanez pups. I have Quantums in other guitars, so am planning on trying a SD Mayhem set in this one. Though, I may leave it stock, as it really doesn't need the change, for me anyway.
Short answer? No the 550 isn’t worth double the price.
Now...
Now...
Now...
Now...
Now...
I'll play on just about any size neck, but I prefer Ibanez and Jackson necks. They force you to play faster. 🤣