Ibanez: RG655

This is one of Ibanez's subsequent batch of Prestige models, it has only three digits in its model alpha numerics reference- RG655 - as opposed to the traditional 4-digit assignments in this range. Despite this 'lesser' attribute, the RG655 is actually 'more'.

Construction/ fit/ finish

Nothing wimpy in this assessment, it is a Prestige model after all. There is no particular highlight in this department when it comes to the body (I personally feel it's a lacklustre affair) but the neck is as Prestige as it gets; very well finished in terms of details, no wayward fret edges to account for either. The rosewood fretboard is a commendable grade, no dry spots detected.

Playability/ tone

When it comes to an upper tier Ibanez, playability & tone are everything. The RG655 sports a Super Wizard neck & this is the proverbial carve that propelled Ibanez into ultimate playability before the turn of the century. It's given a fighting chance to re-ignite acceleration in guitar playing & it seems to have hit the mark. There is this immediate presence upon handling & as one plays the instrument, the urge to go up a notch in terms of speed is very tempting- I was in single coil mode most of the time but that didn't slow things down.

There are 3 DiMarzios here to manage some splendid tones: Air Norton (N), True Velvet (M) & Tone Zone (B). As the line up suggests, there is a good palette of tones to work with. You get a good mix of high output, very drive oriented tones working well with creamy, wooly tones. That True Velvet single coil there is simply an exciting pickup to work with when it comes to contemporary cleans & very distorted performance, highly recommended if you are not too into Strat-type single coils.These DiMarzios might work equally well in other guitars but in the RG655, they simply complement the instrument in its expected pedigree; a respectable shred flag-bearer. It's very capable in managing heavy songs & mind you, things can get jazzy with the neck pickup or its combination with the middle single coil. Whammy-wise, the return of the original Edge bridge is everything Ibanez needs (the RG especially) to further buffer its reputation as the manufacturer with a reliable bridge performance. Let's remind ourselves that the Edge was the standard to beat, even Floyd Rose was markedly challenged in its presence. It's simply a formula (or contraption for that matter) that works & should be preserved in its entirety.

Conclusion

Now that the Genesis models are not in the manufacturer's catalog any more, the RG655 is suspect; it might be a re-branded RG550 because it feels very much like one. Tone-wise, the RG655 is one-up, thanks to the DiMarzios in there, wimpy servings are out of the question. If you are new to this 'thinner is more shred-worthy' camp, the RG655 is an excellent embrace. Unlike its other Prestige siblings, the Super Wizard neck was the industry standard. It got tweaked along the way with critical results. Personally, I'm of the opinion that the asking price is a very reasonable figure considering that it's an upper tier made-in-japan Ibanez with branded pickups & a hard case in the asking price.

Rating: 88%

Ibanez: RG655

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

Price: $1,199