"CALDERA"
With this design, the Japan Custom Shop wanted to create a contemporary, artistic take on the classic RG550, while still preserving the characteristics that make this model instantly identifiable, such as a HSH pickup configuration, top rout design with a pickguard, and a bolt-on neck joint. Several of the custom features include a beautiful Figured Koa top, hybrid mother of pearl/resin Tree of Life inlay, and a super-unique custom pickguard made from a combination of wood and resin. The dynamic of the earth tones of the Koa playing off of the blue resin of the pickguard creates an image reminiscent of the hot springs of a volcanic caldera, the natural phenomenon after which this guitar is named. The final result clearly and fully embodies the classic RG550, but does so with a specialized, custom take on the original design, while incorporating hand-applied modern details.