The previous RG450 was made in Japan and was an intended to be a more affordable alternative to the RG550 with a few modifications. The RG450 introduced in 1994 was a Korean-made model. With the production moving to Korea several changes were made, including a new set of pickups, a different tremolo and the neck profile. Like all RG models, the Korean RG450 also got the sleeker All Access Neck Joint. A notable new feature was the maple fingerboard instead of rosewood.