In pictures: Ibanez RG550XH unboxed
![Ibanez RG550XH](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6abc71174577a91669f612ca38ab9173-320-80.jpg)
Ibanez RG550XH
When we first heard about Ibanez's RG550XH, our interests were certainly piqued – and not just because of that Red Sparkle finish: it has 30 freakin’ frets!
Now that we finally have our hands on one, join us as we take you on a guided tour of this besparkled shred beauty…
For the full review of the Ibanez RG550XH, check out Total Guitar issue 250, on sale 20 January.
![Ibanez RG550XH](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3dc179c4a34a33b86fd4c49f786b2eac-320-80.jpg)
Ibanez RG550XH
Just look at it! The RG550XH is certainly a flashy beast, with that huge lower cutaway and Red Sparkle finish
![Ibanez RG550XH](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a70e1bb1533d48010769287da958e13b-320-80.jpg)
Ibanez RG550XH
There you have it: 30 frets on a 648mm (25.5-inch) scale fretboard – you’d better have nimble fingers!
![Ibanez RG550XH](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/92e4c57df259a608b340fd6b3c461e00-320-80.jpg)
Ibanez RG550XH
Two Infinity pickups provide the sounds, while a battery-powered Neck Pickup Simulator ensures tonal versatility despite the extra frettage
![Ibanez RG550XH](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6b4f920c04cece857c096f29a177f7b0-320-80.jpg)
Ibanez RG550XH
There’s plenty of whammy action on hand, too, courtesy of the rock-solid Edge-Zero II locking vibrato
![Ibanez RG550XH](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a6076439c844030feb35e08bc2c93308-320-80.jpg)
Ibanez RG550XH
The rear of the guitar houses the easily adjustable Zero Point vibrato and nine-volt battery compartment for the Neck Pickup Simulator
![Ibanez RG550XH](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d661ce79f2b283e73b2167262c9fe939-320-80.jpg)
Ibanez RG550XH
The RG550XH is a brave new sparkly world for the long-running RG series