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What Inspired the Alien-Like Design of the Ibanez RG550DX Electric Guitar?
If you are a guitar player or a fan of heavy metal and shredding, you may have seen or heard of the Ibanez RG550DX electric guitar. Introduced in the late 1980s, this iconic instrument has a unique look that blends futuristic, sci-fi, and fantasy elements into a cohesive and striking design. From its sleek and angular body shape to its colorful and intricate graphics, the RG550DX stands out from the crowd and has become a symbol of Ibanez’s innovation, quality, and rebellious spirit. But what inspired this alien-like design? Let’s explore some of the possible influences and ideas behind the creation of the RG550DX.
The Origins of the RG Series
To understand the RG550DX, we need to go back to the origins of the RG series. In the early 1980s, Ibanez was already a respected guitar brand, known for its craftsmanship and versatility. However, it faced a challenge from the emergence of a new style of music that demanded faster and more precise playing techniques. Heavy metal, thrash metal, speed metal, and other subgenres of hard rock relied on virtuoso guitarists who could shred, sweep, and tap their way through complex and fast-paced riffs and solos. To meet this demand, Ibanez decided to develop a new line of guitars that would cater to the needs of these players, while also pushing the limits of design and performance.
The first RG guitar, the RG550, was introduced in 1987 and featured a slim and contoured body shape made of basswood, which was lighter than the traditional mahogany or ash used in other guitars. It also had a bolt-on maple neck with a thin profile and 24 frets, a double-locking tremolo bridge, and high-output humbucking pickups made by DiMarzio. These features allowed the RG550 to produce a bright and fast sound, with a wide range of tonal options and ease of playing. The RG550 soon became a hit among guitar players who wanted a high-quality and modern guitar that could handle both heavy distortion and clean tones.
However, the RG550 was not only notable for its technical specs but also for its visual style. The RG550 had a sharp and edgy appearance, with a pointed headstock, angled cutaways, and a metallic finish that reflected the light in captivating ways. The RG550 looked like a weapon or a spaceship, ready to blast off into the unknown. The RG550 also featured an iconic graphic design that combined abstract patterns, bold colors, and surreal details. Created by the Japanese artist Yusuke Tsukamoto, the RG550 graphic was inspired by fractal geometry, computer graphics, and pop art, and became one of the most recognizable and collectible guitar designs of the 1980s.
The Success and Evolution of the RG Series
The RG550 was a success for Ibanez, and it spawned a whole series of RG guitars that expanded and refined its features and aesthetics. The RG570, for example, added a rosewood fingerboard and a sharktooth inlay pattern that became a signature feature of the RG line. The RG770 introduced a maple top and a quilted finish, as well as a new type of bridge called the Edge. The RG1550 enhanced the playability and versatility with a 5-way pickup selector and a coil-tap switch that allowed the humbuckers to sound like single-coil pickups. The RG-7, launched in 1994, was a 7-string RG that extended the range and expression of the series, catering to the growing interest in low-tuned and heavy styles of music.
Throughout the years, the RG series also experimented with different materials, colors, and textures, reflecting the changing tastes and trends of the guitar market. Ibanez released RG guitars with bodies made of mahogany, ash, alder, and even titanium. They also introduced new finishes such as the mirror-like Chromeboy, the textured Desert Sun Yellow, and the iridescent Laser Blue. Some RG guitars featured ergonomic designs, such as the RGA series with beveled edges and arched tops, or the RG Axion label with sculpted horns and a smooth neck heel. However, despite these variations, the RG series maintained its core identity as a high-performance and futuristic guitar that appealed to players who valued speed, precision, and creativity.
The Possible Influences and Ideas Behind the RG550DX Design
Now that we have seen the evolution and diversity of the RG series, let’s focus on the RG550DX and try to decipher its design inspirations and influences. At first glance, the RG550DX looks like a continuation of the RG550 and its siblings, with its basswood body, maple neck, and 24 frets. However, the RG550DX adds several features that set it apart from the rest of the RG line, particularly in terms of its look.
One of the most striking aspects of the RG550DX design is its graphic pattern, which features a mesmerizing blend of colors, shapes, and textures that seem to evoke the natural and the supernatural. Some have described the RG550DX graphic as resembling a nebula or a galaxy, with its swirling clouds of dust and gas, its vivid hues of purple, blue, pink, and yellow, and its sharp lines and edges that contrast with the smooth curves of the body. Others have compared it to a fantasy landscape or a psychedelic trip, with its alien flora and fauna, its glowing gems and crystals, and its geometric structures and symbols that suggest a hidden order and meaning.
To understand the inspiration behind this graphic pattern, we need to look at the cultural and artistic context of the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the RG550DX was released. This was a time of great creativity and experimentation in popular and underground culture, with influences from science fiction, fantasy, comics, manga, video games, and new age spirituality. The RG550DX graphic could be seen as a reflection of these influences, as well as a way of standing out from the more traditional and conservative designs of other guitar brands.
However, the RG550DX design also has some specific references and allusions that could shed light on its meaning and intention. For example, the headstock of the RG550DX features a stylized symbol that looks like a combination of an eye and a star. This symbol is called the “Lion’s Claw,” and it has become a trademark of Ibanez’s high-end guitars. The Lion’s Claw is also a reference to the mythical creature of the sphinx, which has the body of a lion and the wings of a bird, and is known for posing riddles and challenging the intellect and courage of humans. By using the Lion’s Claw symbol, the RG550DX could be seen as inviting its players and fans to explore their inner strengths and mysteries, and to face the challenges of playing and creating music with imagination and skill.
Another possible influence on the RG550DX design is the Japanese culture and aesthetics, which have played a major role in shaping Ibanez’s identity and reputation. The RG550DX was made in Japan, and it bears the mark of Ibanez’s craftsmanship and attention to detail. The RG550DX also features some elements that could be interpreted as nods to Japanese art and mythology, such as the cherry blossom pattern on the tremolo cover, the dragon-shaped inlay on the 12th fret, and the curved and pointed contours of the body and the horns. By incorporating these elements, the RG550DX could be seen as a homage to Ibanez’s roots and heritage, as well as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures that have contributed to the guitar’s evolution and popularity.
Conclusion: The Legacy and Impact of the RG550DX Design
In conclusion, the alien-like design of the Ibanez RG550DX electric guitar was a product of various influences and ideas that blended together into a unique and captivating vision. The RG550DX combined the technical excellence and versatility of the RG series with a cosmic and surreal graphic pattern that reflected the cultural and artistic context of its time. The RG550DX also added some symbolic and cultural references, such as the Lion’s Claw and the Japanese motifs, that enhanced its meaning and identity. The RG550DX became a popular and recognizable guitar that inspired many players and fans around the world, and that helped establish Ibanez as a leader in the guitar industry.
If you are interested in getting your hands on an RG550DX or any other RG guitar, you can visit Ibanez’s official website or your local guitar store to check their availability and prices. You can also explore the rich history and culture of the RG series by watching videos, reading blogs, and listening to music that showcase its unique sound and style. By appreciating and learning from the legacy and impact of the RG550DX design, you can become a part of a community of guitar enthusiasts who share a passion for innovation, creativity, and self-expression.
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