Ibanez RG560 Japan vs 2550z Prestige

[PhantomLimbFisting]

Early 90s rg560 in Grape Ice. Good condition for $475 or 2550z Prestige in Mint condition for $775 ? What is the better deal and how do they compare in quality?

 

[Pippo]

Depending on the year (before 1995) the 570 has the tilt joint, whereas the 2550 has the AANJ. Also the stock pickups are different. The 570 has the Ibanez produced V2/S1/V1. Later versions of the 2550 already came stock with the DiMarzio Tone Zone/True Velvet/Air Norton combo. Before they had DiMarzio IBZs
The RG570 has the original wizard that is 1mm thinner than the Wizard Prestige on the RG2550.
Also the trem is different. Original Edge/Lo-Pro Edge on the 570 vs. Edge Zero on the 2550.
Quality-wise there shouldn’t be much difference. Both were made in Fujigen.
Objectively, I would recommend the RG570, if you’re comfortable with the tilt neck joint and if the condition is fine (only finish flaws, not that much fretwear, no neck cracks) and maybe upgrade the pickups, if you don’t like them. Personally, I would go with the RG2550, but only, because I hate the tilt joint
Do you have any pictures?

 

[jl-austin]

not a fan of the edge zero.

I'd go RG560 (and purple also!!!!!) in a heart beat. They aren't that common, if you don't like the RG560 you can pick up something like the 2550 later.

 

[KentBrockman]

Either would be a good bet. My preference is the RG2550Z. I have an RG2550Z along with a slew of other Prestiges and it's probably my favorite one. Here is my reasoning:

- Outstanding finish (I have the white pearl metallic one - I assume it's shinier than the old galaxy white finish) and the pickguard completes the look. As far as solid finish Ibanezes go, this is probably the best one I have seen.
- Already came with Dimarzio Tone Zone/True Velvet/Air Norton
- The Edge Zero is a VERY stable bridge after you take the ZPS bar out (and this is easy because Ibanez designed it so that you can easily remove it).
- Good flutter after removing the ZPS bar
- Locking studs

My only complaints are:

- I don't like the ZPS system (but it is good that using it is optional)
- The trem routing at the front looks long, probably designed because everything behind the saddle moves when adjusting intonation

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Depends on how they've been treated over the years. Even the RG2550Z could be nearly 15 years old.

So knowing absolutely nothing about the age and condition, I'd probably grab the RG560. Less risk (cheaper) and should be easy to flip again.

But I can sort these out in my sleep, if you're not as "hands on" it might be more worthwhile to grab the newer guitar.

 

[CrushingAnvil]

Depends on how they've been treated over the years. Even the RG2550Z could be nearly 15 years old.

So knowing absolutely nothing about the age and condition, I'd probably grab the RG560. Less risk (cheaper) and should be easy to flip again.

But I can sort these out in my sleep, if you're not as "hands on" it might be more worthwhile to grab the newer guitar.

The "hands on" part is really the crux of the choice. If OP doesn't want to shell out for fretwork, then the 2550Z might be a surer bet. I think the 560 would have way more charm. A lot of the guitar's from the 2550's era are so boring and those tiny dot inlays remind me of Milhouse Van Houten when he takes off his glasses. I think the frets could be gooched on either one, so my advice would be the 560 + setting aside a couple hundred for a refret (doesn't have to be stainless). Provided there are no issues with the guitar, I think a 560 would slay. The necks of the newer Prestige guitars will be stronger and more stable, and something to note is that if OP feels like having an HSS guitar, he can build an HSS pickguard very easily. I think the tonal options of the 560 are way tastier. Just my two cents!