Re: Is this rare? hunting one down
Tremolo's were, unfortunately, routinely added as "aftermarket" additions, and it's getting harder and harder to find original one's. Of course, if you use a tremolo, then this could be considered a bonus.
The DT 555's aren't exceptionally rare, but they are still cool... Phil Collens original guitars were "modified" to accomodate this, and Ibanez introduced the first factory tremolo in 1984. Not particularly great, but they worked.
Just so you know, an Ibanez Destroyer is the Explorer shaped (exact),
http://www.edromanguitars.com/avail/guitar/ibanez/images/setExp_950.jpg
The Destroyer II is the one like the DT 555.(thus the II designation)
The most sought after DII is actually this one...
http://www.daysguitars.com/images/electrics/electrics/1980s Ibanez Destroyer II.htm
Another one, but with an added Kahler....
http://www.guitarshop.net/ibanezdestroyer2sunburst2b.htm
If you look at the back, you'll notice the "transparent" red over Mahogany.
Most DII's were basswood and the back had a solid red paint. The DT 555 is basswood, as is this DTII currently on Ebay....
http://www.frankspawnshop.com/images/ebay/destroyer 3.JPG
Although it's a bad picture, you can see it has a very solid paint color and the ding in the bottom right exposes the lighter basswood, also notice the binding around the headstock as opposed to the pictures above.
Mahogany has a tendency to resonate more than basswood, but all in all, unless you are seriously collecting them, it really doesn't matter.
They all play great, even the bolt-on neck's........happy hunting
Jeff Seal