The RGP550 differs most obviously from the standard RG550 in that it has a clear pickguard rather than the usual black. In addition it has a rosewood fretboard instead of maple which is more common on an RG550. In reality the RGP550 is actually more like an RG570 since the transparent pickguard necessitates that the volume and tone pots be mounted via a rear control cavity as in the RG570. The RGP550 was available only for a limited period in 1991 and 1992. As such, this is a fairly rare guitar.