In pictures: Ibanez RG550XH unboxed

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.

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Ibanez RG550XH

Just look at it! The RG550XH is certainly a flashy beast, with that huge lower cutaway and Red Sparkle finish

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Ibanez RG550XH

There you have it: 30 frets on a 648mm (25.5-inch) scale fretboard – you’d better have nimble fingers!

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Ibanez RG550XH

Two Infinity pickups provide the sounds, while a battery-powered Neck Pickup Simulator ensures tonal versatility despite the extra frettage

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Ibanez RG550XH

There’s plenty of whammy action on hand, too, courtesy of the rock-solid Edge-Zero II locking vibrato

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Ibanez RG550XH

The rear of the guitar houses the easily adjustable Zero Point vibrato and nine-volt battery compartment for the Neck Pickup Simulator

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Ibanez RG550XH

The RG550XH is a brave new sparkly world for the long-running RG series

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