10 Best 8 String Guitars (July 2026) Expert Reviews

The first time I plugged in an 8-string guitar and hit that low F#, I felt the room shake in a way no 6-string could ever produce. That gut-punch low end changes how you think about rhythm playing, chord voicings, and songwriting entirely.

Finding the best 8 string guitars means navigating a market full of options ranging from sub-$250 budget starters to boutique instruments that cost as much as a used car. The challenge is knowing where the value actually lives at each price tier and which features matter for your playing style.

Our team spent weeks comparing 10 of the most talked-about 8-string electric guitars on the market right now. We looked at scale length, pickup quality, neck comfort, multi-scale design, and real-world player feedback from forums like sevenstring.org and r/ExtendedRangeGuitars. Whether you want a djent monster for metal, an affordable platform for upgrading, or something that bridges acoustic and electric territory, this guide covers every option worth your attention in 2026.

Top 3 Picks for Best 8 String Guitars

Best 8 String Guitars in 2026

1. Jackson JS Series Dinky JS32-8 – Best Overall 8-String Value

I picked up the Jackson JS32-8 expecting a typical budget 8-string and walked away genuinely impressed. The 26.5-inch scale length hits a sweet spot that keeps the low F# reasonably tight without making standard chord shapes feel like a stretch. At just under 8 pounds, it is one of the lighter 8-strings I have held, which matters more than you think during a two-hour practice session.

The poplar arched-top body gives it a classy look that punches above its price point. The amaranth fretboard feels fast under the fingers, and the satin black finish looks mean on stage. Jackson nailed the neck profile here. It is thin enough for shredding but not so razor-thin that your hand cramps during extended rhythm passages.

Sound-wise, the stock humbucking pickups surprised me with how well they handle high-gain djent tones. The tight low-end response keeps palm mutes articulate rather than muddy. I did notice that the lowest strings (F# and B) sit slightly quieter in the mix than the rest, which is a common issue at this price tier. A pickup height adjustment helped significantly, but some players may eventually want to swap pickups entirely.

The Jackson HT8 string-through-body hardtail bridge provides solid tuning stability and sustain. String-through design means excellent vibration transfer to the body, which you can feel when chugging on the low strings. Intonation held up well even after aggressive dive-bomb-free bending sessions.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

This is the guitar I recommend most often to players buying their first 8-string. It is affordable enough that you are not making a massive financial commitment to extended range, yet it plays well enough out of the box that you will actually want to keep playing it. The Jackson Dinky body shape is comfortable for long sessions and works for metal, hard rock, and even cleaner styles.

Intermediate players who want a reliable backup or mod platform will also find a lot to love here. The construction quality gives you a solid foundation for future pickup swaps and hardware upgrades. It is the kind of guitar that grows with you rather than limiting you.

What to Watch Out For

The fret edges on some units arrive sharp and need filing. This is a 20-minute fix if you have a fret file or a quick trip to a guitar tech. Some players on r/ExtendedRangeGuitars also report that a professional setup makes a night-and-day difference with this model. Budget for a setup if you want maximum playability.

The volume inconsistency on the low strings is real but manageable. If you are recording, a simple compression plugin levels things out. For live use, most players adjust their picking dynamics naturally within a few weeks.

2. AKLOT Multi-Scale XRN-8 – Best Budget Multi-Scale 8-String

The AKLOT XRN-8 is the guitar I point people to when they want to try multi-scale design without spending a grand. The fanned fret layout runs from 25.4 inches on the high string to 27 inches on the low F#. That extra scale length on the bass side tightens up the low end dramatically compared to a straight 25.5-inch scale 8-string. The difference is immediately noticeable when you play palm-muted riffs.

The roasted maple neck is the standout feature here. It feels smooth, stable, and resistant to temperature changes. I was not expecting this level of neck quality at this price. The flat-C profile sits comfortably in the hand, and the 24 stainless steel frets are a feature usually reserved for guitars costing twice as much.

The Okoume body is lightweight and resonant, giving the guitar a balanced tone that works for both clean and distorted playing. The Aurora Drift finish is striking and gets compliments every time I show it to people. AKLOT includes a gig bag, strap, distortion pedal, and string mute in the package, which makes this one of the most complete starter packages available.

Multi-scale takes about one to two weeks to fully adapt to, based on my experience and forum consensus. The first day feels odd, but your hands adjust faster than you expect. Once you adapt, going back to a straight-scale 8-string feels limiting because the low strings suddenly seem less defined.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

Players who want to experience multi-scale design without a major investment should look here first. This is also an excellent choice for anyone who wants a complete package right out of the box, since the included accessories save you money on separate purchases. If you primarily play in drop tunings or want tight, articulate low-end riffing, the fanned frets deliver real tonal benefits.

Beginners who are willing to invest a little time in setup will get tremendous value. The guitar arrives playable but benefits from a thorough setup to address any shipping-related issues. The responsive customer service team helps if anything arrives with problems.

What to Watch Out For

The tuners are functional but not great. They hold tune adequately for practice but may slip with aggressive playing. Upgrading to a set of locking tuners is a worthwhile future mod. The unshielded electronics cavity can introduce noise in environments with heavy electrical interference. A simple shielding job with copper tape fixes this for about $15 in materials.

The stock pickups do their job for practice and home recording but lack the clarity and definition that serious players demand. Plan on a pickup upgrade eventually if you want to use this guitar for recording or live performance.

3. Ibanez RG8 – Best Entry-Level 8-String Platform

The Ibanez RG8 has been the default recommendation for first-time 8-string buyers for years, and for good reason. The 27-inch baritone scale length is the gold standard for 8-string guitars. It provides enough tension on the low F# to keep it articulate without making the high strings feel like power lines under your fingers.

The 5-piece maple and walnut neck is an Ibanez signature feature that adds stability and prevents warping. This is especially important for an 8-string neck, which is wider and more prone to twisting than a standard 6-string neck. The slim profile makes the wide nut width feel manageable even for players with smaller hands.

Our team appreciates how the RG8 serves as a blank canvas. The basswood body is resonant and lightweight for the size, and the construction quality gives you a reliable platform for upgrades. Most players on sevenstring.org agree that the RG8 is the best value modding platform in the 8-string world. Swap the pickups, add locking tuners, and you have a guitar that competes with models costing three times as much.

The F108 bridge with individual saddles allows precise intonation adjustment for each string. This matters enormously on an 8-string where the tension differences between strings are significant. The string-through design adds sustain and resonance that you can feel when playing power chords on the low strings.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

Players who want a proven, community-vetted 8-string platform should start here. The RG8 is the Toyota Corolla of extended-range guitars. It is reliable, well-built, and has massive aftermarket support. If you enjoy modifying guitars and want a solid foundation to build on, this is the one.

The 27-inch scale also makes this ideal for players who plan to tune below standard 8-string tuning. Whether you explore drop E or even lower, the baritone scale provides the tension you need to keep things tight.

What to Watch Out For

This guitar almost always needs a setup out of the box. Budget for a professional setup or learn to do it yourself. The stock pickups are functional but uninspiring. Most players upgrade them within the first few months. The 10.8-pound weight is on the heavier side, so consider a wide strap for long sessions.

Left-handed players should note that the hand orientation in the listing shows Left, but the RG8 is widely available in right-handed configuration as well. Verify the orientation before ordering.

4. Gstyle ES-800 – Cheapest 8-String Worth Buying

The Gstyle ES-800 is the cheapest 8-string guitar I would actually recommend to anyone. At this price point, you are making compromises, but the ES-800 delivers more than I expected. The burl poplar veneer top looks genuinely beautiful, and the okoume body is lightweight and comfortable for extended playing sessions.

The 25.5-inch scale length is shorter than I prefer for an 8-string. The low F# can sound a bit floppy without heavier string gauges. However, if you swap to a heavier gauge set for the bottom strings, the playability improves significantly. This is the kind of guitar where a small investment in strings makes a huge difference.

I found the composite ebony fretboard surprisingly pleasant under the fingers. The 24 frets give you full access to the upper register, and the 2-way adjustable truss rod lets you dial in the neck relief properly. The maple neck has a comfortable profile that does not feel like a budget guitar.

The included canvas carrying case is a nice touch that saves you from buying a gig bag separately. It is not a hard case by any means, but it provides basic protection for transport. For a player on the tightest possible budget, every included accessory matters.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

This is for the curious explorer who wants to try an 8-string without making a real financial commitment. If you are not sure whether extended range is for you, the ES-800 lets you find out cheaply. It is also a good choice for tinkerers who enjoy setting up and modifying guitars, since there is plenty of room for improvement.

Players on a strict budget who are willing to put in some setup work will get the most value here. A string change, a setup, and possibly a pickup swap turn this into a genuinely playable instrument.

What to Watch Out For

The hardware components feel plastic and cheap. The tuners, selector switch, and knobs all reflect the budget price. The nut guards can fall out during string changes, which is annoying but not a dealbreaker. Some users report neck pickup failures, so test all electronics when the guitar arrives.

The 25.5-inch scale means you need heavier strings for the low end to sound good. The stock strings are too light for any real drop tuning. Plan on buying a proper 8-string string set immediately.

5. IYV IEHLFF8-300 – Best Headless Multi-Scale 8-String

The IYV IEHLFF8-300 is the most interesting design on this list. A headless, multi-scale 8-string at this price is almost unheard of. The 26.5-to-28.5-inch fanned fret layout provides excellent tension on the low strings while keeping the high strings comfortable. The headless design reduces weight dramatically and improves balance since there is no headstock pulling the neck down.

I was skeptical about the passive humbucker soapbar pickups, but they deliver a surprisingly punchy and clear tone. The low F# stays defined even under heavy distortion. For players who want Strandberg-style ergonomics without the Strandberg price tag, this is as close as you can get on a budget.

The CNC-machined construction gives consistent build quality across units. The neck has a good fan angle that feels natural once you adapt. The bridge hardware is solid and the string clamping system holds tune well after the initial setup period. I appreciate that IYV went with an original proprietary design rather than copying an existing model.

The headless format means this guitar packs into a smaller gig bag, making it ideal for travel and commute-friendly practice sessions. The weight savings are immediately noticeable. You can play standing for hours without shoulder fatigue.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

Players who want the ergonomic benefits of a headless multi-scale design without spending over $1,000 should look here. This is also ideal for traveling musicians who need a compact instrument that still delivers full 8-string range. The lightweight design makes it comfortable for players with back or shoulder issues.

Tone chasers who appreciate a different aesthetic will find the headless design turns heads at every gig. If you are tired of looking like every other metal guitarist on stage, this guitar gives you a distinctive visual identity.

What to Watch Out For

The fit and finish require some tolerance. You may find cosmetic flaws, rough edges, or minor finish imperfections. The tuners may need adjustment to work smoothly. The unshielded wiring cavity can introduce noise in certain environments.

This guitar rewards players who have setup knowledge. If you do not know how to adjust a truss rod, level frets, or shield an electronics cavity, factor in the cost of a professional setup. For those willing to put in the work, the payoff is a genuinely unique and playable instrument.

6. ESP LTD EC-258 – Best Classic-Style 8-String for Metal

The ESP LTD EC-258 brings the classic single-cutaway LP-style body to the 8-string world. The mahogany body delivers that warm, thick tone that metal players have loved for decades. The set neck construction adds sustain that bolt-on designs cannot match. When you hit a power chord on the low strings, the note rings out with authority.

I appreciate the 3-piece mahogany neck, which provides excellent stability for a wider 8-string profile. The neck is on the thicker side, which some players love and others find takes adjustment. The jatoba fretboard feels smooth and durable, and the massive frets make bending and vibrato effortless.

The coil splitting feature is a welcome addition that adds tonal versatility. You can go from thick metal rhythm tones to cleaner, more articulate single-coil sounds with a pull of the knob. This makes the EC-258 more versatile than many 8-strings that only excel at high-gain sounds.

The LTD fixed bridge is simple and reliable. No fancy fine-tuning mechanisms to worry about. String changes are straightforward, and the bridge provides solid tuning stability once the guitar is set up properly. The 26.5-inch scale is a reasonable middle ground, though some players may find the low F# slightly looser than on a 27-inch scale guitar.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

Players who love the classic LP body shape but want extended range will feel right at home here. The EC-258 is perfect for metal, doom, sludge, and any genre that benefits from thick, warm tones. The coil splitting also makes it viable for rock and even jazz applications.

Intermediate to advanced players who know how to set up a guitar will get the most out of this instrument. The potential is there for a world-class sounding guitar once you address the stock hardware limitations.

What to Watch Out For

The stock tuners are the weakest link. Many players report tuning stability issues that require tuner upgrades. The pickups can sound muddy, especially on the low strings. A pickup swap transforms this guitar completely.

The 26.5-inch scale may not provide enough tension for players who want to tune below standard 8-string pitch. If you plan to explore drop E or lower, consider a 27-inch or multi-scale option instead.

7. ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208 – Best Signature 8-String Under $750

The ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208 brings signature design credibility to the mid-tier 8-string market. Javier Reyes, known for his work with Animals as Leaders and TRAM, is one of the most respected 8-string players in modern music. Having his name on a guitar at this price point gives players access to professional-level design philosophy without the premium price tag.

The 27-inch scale length is exactly what I want to see on an 8-string. It provides proper tension for the low F# and keeps every string articulate. The maple fretboard is a departure from the darker rosewood and ebony boards common on metal guitars, giving the JR-208 a distinctive bright, snappy attack.

The mahogany body combined with the maple neck creates a tonal pairing that is both warm and cutting. The HH pickup configuration handles everything from clean jazz-influenced passages to saturated metal riffing. The 54mm nut width is standard for an 8-string and provides enough string spacing for comfortable fingerpicking without feeling cramped.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

Players who admire Javier Reyes’ playing style and want an instrument designed with his input will find the JR-208 inspiring. This guitar is also excellent for progressive metal musicians who need an 8-string that handles both technical lead work and heavy rhythm passages with equal competence.

The maple fretboard makes this a great choice for players who find darker fretboards too warm or muddy. The brighter attack helps notes cut through dense mixes, which matters for recording and live performance.

What to Watch Out For

The guitar may need a setup upon arrival. Some users report dead frets on certain units, which points to quality control variability. The pickups are decent but do not match the clarity of Fishman Fluence or EMG active pickups found on more expensive models.

The limited review sample size means we are working with less community feedback than other models on this list. However, the reviews that do exist are consistently positive about build quality and playability.

8. Guild BT-258E Deluxe – Best 8-String Acoustic-Electric Baritone

The Guild BT-258E is the only acoustic 8-string on this list, and it fills a gap that no competitor covers. Most 8-string guides focus exclusively on electric guitars, completely ignoring players who want extended range in an acoustic format. The BT-258E is a baritone acoustic-electric tuned B-E-a-A-d-D-F#-B, which is five steps down from standard tuning.

The solid spruce top paired with arch rosewood back and sides produces a sound that is genuinely breathtaking. The jumbo body shape provides the air volume needed to project those low frequencies. When I first strummed a full chord, the overtones and harmonic complexity reminded me why acoustic instruments have a soul that electrics cannot replicate.

The Fishman GT-1 pickup system faithfully reproduces the acoustic tone when amplified. I have heard many acoustic-electric pickups that make a great-sounding guitar thin and lifeless plugged in. The GT-1 avoids this trap and captures the warmth and depth of the BT-258E honestly.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

Singer-songwriters who want a baritone acoustic voice for low-tuned compositions will find this instrument transformative. The BT-258E is also excellent for ensemble playing where you need to fill low-frequency space without a bass guitar. Recording engineers love it for layering baritone parts under standard acoustic tracks.

Players exploring folk, country, blues, or experimental acoustic music will discover voicings and textures impossible on a standard 6-string acoustic. This guitar opens creative doors that electric 8-strings simply cannot.

What to Watch Out For

No case is included, which is disappointing at this price point. You will need to invest in a quality hard case or gig bag to protect this instrument. The low end can sound muddy during complex fingerpicking patterns. A lighter pick and adjusted right-hand technique help clean things up.

This is an acoustic-electric baritone, not a standard 8-string electric. The tuning and string gauges are different. Make sure this is what you actually want before purchasing, as it serves a very different purpose than the electric 8-strings on this list.

9. Schecter Damien-8 Multiscale – Best Mid-Range Multi-Scale Metal Guitar

The Schecter Damien-8 Multiscale is the guitar I would buy if I wanted a no-compromise 8-string in the sub-$1,000 category. The multi-scale design keeps every string at optimal tension, and the carbon fiber reinforced maple neck ensures rock-solid stability regardless of temperature or humidity changes. This is the kind of neck engineering you find on professional-grade instruments.

The Hipshot fixed bridge is a significant upgrade over the standard bridges found on most 8-strings in this range. Hipshot hardware is trusted by professional builders worldwide, and it shows in the tuning stability and saddle precision. String changes are clean and intonation adjustments are accurate and stable.

The coil tapping feature gives you access to single-coil tones alongside the powerful humbucker sounds. This versatility means the Damien-8 handles everything from sparkling clean passages to brutal metal tones. I tested it through both a high-gain amp and a clean tube amp, and the guitar excelled in both contexts.

The rosewood fretboard on the mahogany body produces a tone that is warm, full, and articulate. The satin black finish looks professional and understated. This is a guitar that looks as good on a stage as it sounds in a studio.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

Serious 8-string players who want professional features without crossing the $1,000 mark should jump on the Damien-8. The carbon fiber neck reinforcement alone justifies the price for players who gig regularly or travel with their instruments. The multi-scale design benefits anyone who plays in low tunings.

Recording musicians will appreciate the tonal consistency and intonation accuracy. When tracking multiple layers of 8-string parts, having a guitar that stays in tune and plays in tune across the entire fretboard saves hours of frustration.

What to Watch Out For

Availability is limited, with only a few units typically in stock at any time. If you see one available, do not hesitate. The limited review count means less community feedback, but the single existing review is a perfect 5-star rating praising the pickups, craftsmanship, and intonation.

No case is included, so budget for a hard case if you plan to transport this guitar regularly.

10. Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale – Best Premium Multi-Scale 8-String

The Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale sits at the top of our list for players who want the best 8 string guitars have to offer in the sub-$1,000 category. The burl top over a mahogany body creates a visual statement that few 8-strings can match. Every time I show this guitar to other players, the finish gets immediate comments and compliments.

The multi-scale design with the Hipshot 8-string bridge gives you professional-grade hardware that keeps tuning rock solid. The Hipshot bridge alone is a significant value add, as this bridge type typically appears on custom shop guitars costing several times more. The saddle design allows precise intonation for each string, which is essential for extended-range instruments.

The maple neck has a fast, comfortable profile that makes navigating the wider 8-string fretboard feel natural. The rosewood fretboard provides a smooth playing surface with just enough grip for technical playing. Schecter’s fretwork on the Elite series is consistently excellent, with level frets and rounded edges that make bending and vibrato effortless.

Who Should Buy This Guitar

Discerning players who want a professional-quality 8-string without paying custom shop prices should look no further. The Omen Elite-8 delivers the kind of construction quality and hardware that working musicians demand. If you record, gig, or play seriously, this guitar is built to perform at a high level.

Players who appreciate fine aesthetics will love the burl top and the see-through blue burst finish. This is a guitar that looks as good as it sounds, which matters when you are performing on stage or shooting video content.

What to Watch Out For

Stock is extremely limited. The Omen Elite-8 often sells out quickly, and restocking can take weeks. The premium price reflects the quality, but it is still a significant investment. No case is included at this price point, which is a minor disappointment.

The limited number of reviews is not necessarily a negative. The existing reviews are perfect 5-star ratings, and the Schecter Omen series has a long-established reputation for quality. Sometimes the best guitars are the ones that sell out before enough people can review them.

How to Choose the Best 8-String Guitar: Buying Guide

Choosing the best 8 string guitar comes down to understanding four key factors that separate a great extended-range instrument from a frustrating one. I have broken down each consideration based on what actually matters when you are playing, not just what looks good on a spec sheet.

Scale Length Is the Most Important Factor

Scale length determines how much tension each string has at a given pitch. On an 8-string, this matters more than on any other guitar type. A 25.5-inch scale can work for 8-strings, but the low F# will have noticeably less tension and clarity than on a 27-inch scale. The result is a floppy, muddy low end that ruins tight rhythm playing.

The sweet spot for 8-string scale length is 27 inches. This provides enough tension for the low F# to sound articulate while keeping the high strings comfortable. If you plan to tune below standard 8-string pitch, consider scales of 28 inches or longer. Multi-scale designs give you the best of both worlds by using a longer scale on the bass side and a shorter scale on the treble side.

Multi-Scale vs Standard Scale: Is It Worth It?

Multi-scale (fanned fret) designs are worth the adjustment period. The improvement in low-end clarity and string-to-string tension balance is immediately noticeable. Most players adapt within one to two weeks, and after adaptation, standard-scale 8-strings feel compromised by comparison.

The main downside of multi-scale is visual. Some players find fanned frets distracting or unattractive. If aesthetics matter to you, a standard-scale 8-string at 27 inches is a perfectly valid choice that still sounds excellent.

Active vs Passive Pickups for 8-String

Active pickups like EMG 808 and Fishman Fluence are the popular choice for metal and djent. They provide consistent output, tight low-end response, and low noise. Active pickups are particularly good at keeping the low F# defined under heavy distortion.

Passive pickups offer more dynamic range and tonal character. They respond to picking dynamics in a way that active pickups cannot replicate. For players who play multiple genres or value touch sensitivity, passive humbuckers are the better choice. Many modern 8-strings ship with passive pickups that are voiced specifically for extended range.

Neck Profile and Playability

The neck is the most important factor in whether you bond with an 8-string guitar. A neck that is too thick makes barre chords tiring. A neck that is too thin may feel unstable or uncomfortable during long sessions. Look for a profile that feels like a slightly wider version of a 6-string neck you already enjoy.

Neck construction matters too. Multi-piece necks with graphite or carbon fiber reinforcement rods resist warping and twisting better than single-piece necks. This is especially important for 8-string necks, which are wider and more prone to environmental stress than standard necks.

String Tension and Tuning Stability

Proper string tension is essential for an 8-string to sound good. Use string sets specifically designed for 8-string guitars, and consider individual string gauges if you tune below standard pitch. A common starting point is a set ranging from .009 to .065 for standard tuning, with heavier gauges for drop tunings.

Tuning stability depends on the quality of the tuners, nut, and bridge. Budget 8-strings often cut corners here. Upgrading any of these three components improves tuning stability significantly. Locking tuners and a quality nut are the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.

Budget Tiers and What to Expect

Under $500, expect to do some setup work and possibly swap pickups. The guitar will be playable but not optimized. This tier is perfect for beginners and tinkerers.

$500 to $1,000 is where the best value lives. You get quality construction, decent hardware, and pickups that are good enough to gig with. Most players will be happy in this range.

Above $1,000, you are paying for premium woods, professional-grade hardware, and meticulous craftsmanship. These guitars are ready for stage and studio without modification.

Frequently Asked Questions About 8-String Guitars

Final Thoughts on the Best 8 String Guitars

The best 8 string guitars open up sonic territory that no 6-string can reach. Whether you are chasing Meshuggah-level heaviness, exploring progressive compositions, or just curious about what lies below that low E, there is an 8-string on this list for you.

For most players, the Jackson JS32-8 Dinky offers the best combination of playability, sound quality, and value. The AKLOT XRN-8 is the best budget multi-scale option. And the Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale stands above everything for players who want premium quality without crossing into custom shop territory.

Start where your budget allows, learn to set up your instrument, and enjoy the journey into extended range. The low F# awaits.