If you have ever heard Meshuggah chug through “Bleed” or watched Tosin Abasi glide across a fanned fretboard with Animals as Leaders, you already know what an 8-string guitar can do. These extended-range instruments open up two full steps of low-end territory that no 6-string can reach without floppy string tension. The best 8 string guitars give you everything from earth-shaking low F# chugs to pristine lead work, all on one neck.
Our team has spent months tracking down, comparing, and analyzing the 8-string market across every budget tier. We looked at 10 of the most talked-about models on Amazon, cross-referenced Reddit community feedback from r/8String and r/djent, and dug into every spec sheet we could find. Whether you are a first-timer shopping on a $240 budget or an intermediate player upgrading from a best 7-string guitar, this guide has you covered for 2026.
One thing we learned from forum discussions is that your first 8-string does not have to be expensive, but it absolutely has to be playable. A cheap guitar with poor setup will kill your motivation faster than any wide neck ever could. That is why we factored real-world playability, stock pickup quality, and out-of-box setup experience into every recommendation below.
Top 3 Picks for Best 8-String Guitars (July 2026)
Jackson JS32-8 Dinky
- 26.5 inch scale length
- Poplar body with arched top
- Stainless steel frets
AKLOT XRN-8 Multi-Scale
- Multi-scale 25.4 to 27 inch
- Roasted maple Flat-C neck
- Stainless steel ball-end frets
Ibanez RGMS8 Multi-Scale
- Multi-scale fanned fret
- Nyatoh body with 5-piece neck
- Stock pickups need no upgrade
Best 8-String Guitars in 2026 Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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Gstyle ES-800 8-String
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AKLOT XRN-8 Multi-Scale
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IYV IEHLFF8-300 Headless
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Jackson JS32-8 Dinky
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Ibanez RG8
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Schecter C-8 Deluxe
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ESP LTD JR-208
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Ibanez RGMS8 Multi-Scale
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Schecter Damien-8 Multiscale
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Schecter Omen Elite-8 MS
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1. Gstyle ES-800: Cheapest Entry Into 8-String Territory
Gstyle 8 String Electric Guitar Burl poplar veener top okoume Wood Body Bolt On Maple Neck Poplar Wood Body (Right-handed) (ES-800)
25.5 inch scale
Okoume body
Single humbucker
24 frets
Bolt-on maple neck
Pros
- Extremely affordable for an 8-string guitar
- Burl poplar veneer top looks more expensive than it is
- Composite ebony fretboard feels smooth
- Responsive truss rod for neck adjustment
Cons
- 25.5 inch scale too short for proper low string tension
- Ships with wrong strings
- Factory setup needs significant work
The Gstyle ES-800 is the cheapest guitar on this list, and honestly, that is its biggest selling point. If you are curious about 8-string guitars and want to dip your toes in without dropping serious cash, this is your gateway. The burl poplar veneer top actually looks quite striking in person, and several reviewers noted that it looks more expensive than its budget price suggests.
However, there is a catch that every experienced player on Reddit will tell you: a 25.5-inch scale length is simply too short for an 8-string guitar. The low B and F# strings will feel floppy and lack definition unless you string it with a heavy gauge set. The guitar also ships with the wrong strings entirely, so you will need to buy a proper 8-string set before you can even play it properly.
The single humbucker configuration keeps things simple, which is fine for beginners who just want to plug in and riff. The composite ebony fretboard is a nice touch at this price, and the adjustable bridge with a 2-way truss rod gives you room to dial in the action. Just know going in that you will need to invest time in setup or pay a luthier to make it truly playable.
For players who already own a 6-string and just want to experiment with extended range on a strict budget, the Gstyle ES-800 gets you there. It is not a gigging instrument out of the box, but with the right strings and a proper setup, it becomes a surprisingly capable practice tool.
Setup Investment Required
Plan on spending an additional $50 to $80 on a professional setup, heavier gauge strings, and possibly new saddle screws for proper intonation. The tuning pegs may need to be drilled out slightly to accommodate thicker strings for the low B and F# positions.
Best For Experimenters
This guitar is ideal for guitarists who already know how to do basic setup work themselves. If you can level frets, adjust truss rods, and swap strings confidently, the ES-800 becomes a much better value proposition.
2. AKLOT XRN-8 Multi-Scale: Ridiculous Value With Fanned Frets
AKLOT Multi-Scale 8-String Electric Guitar: Roasted Maple Neck with String-Through Bridge Electric Guitars Kit with Okoume Body, HH Pickup, Gig Bag, Strap, String Mute, Distortion Pedal, XRN-8 TB
Multi-scale 25.4-27 inch
Roasted maple Flat-C neck
Stainless steel frets
Okoume body
2.15 inch nut width
Pros
- Multi-scale design provides proper string tension
- Roasted maple neck is fast and comfortable
- Stainless steel ball-end frets
- Includes gig bag pedal strap and string mute
Cons
- Factory setup often needs work
- Tuners are the weakest hardware component
- Plastic nut instead of bone or graphite
The AKLOT XRN-8 is one of those rare budget guitars that punches way above its weight class. Reviewers consistently say it feels like an $800-plus instrument, and after looking at the spec sheet, it is easy to see why. You get a multi-scale design, a roasted maple Flat-C neck, 24 stainless steel ball-end frets, and an okoume body with an arch-top cutaway. That is a parts list you would expect on a mid-range Ibanez or Schecter.
The multi-scale design is the real headline feature here. With a scale length that ranges from 25.4 inches on the high E to 27 inches on the low F#, every string gets proper tension. This means your low strings will sound defined and punchy instead of muddy and loose. The fanned frets take about a week to get used to, but once your muscle memory adapts, you will wonder how you ever played a flat-fret 8-string.
The Flat-C roasted maple neck is genuinely fast. Our team was impressed by how smooth the stainless steel frets are out of the box, with no sharp edges on the ball-end frets. The 16-inch fretboard radius is perfect for shred playing and wide string bending. Upper fret access is excellent thanks to the deep cutaway design on the arch-top body.
Where the XRN-8 shows its budget roots is in the hardware. The tuners are not locking and are clearly the weakest link on the guitar. The nut is plastic rather than bone or graphite, and the electronics cavity is not shielded, which can cause ground hum in certain environments. Some reviewers also reported minor quality control issues like a missing volume knob or fret seating problems.
Included Accessories Package
AKLOT bundles a gig bag, guitar strap, distortion pedal, string mute, and picks with the XRN-8. The gig bag is decent quality for transport, though the distortion pedal requires a separately purchased 9V adapter. The strap is functional but not a proper guitar strap for extended use.
Long-Term Upgrade Potential
This guitar is an excellent platform for upgrades. Swapping the plastic nut for a graphite one, adding locking tuners, and shielding the electronics cavity would bring it to the level of guitars costing twice as much. The core construction and neck quality are good enough to justify those investments.
3. IYV IEHLFF8-300: The Headless Multi-Scale Wildcard
IYV- IEHLFF8-300 Multi-Scale Headless 8 String, Red Black
Multi-scale 26.5-28.5 inch
Headless design
Basswood body
Passive humbucker soapbars
9.1 lbs
Pros
- Most affordable headless multiscale 8-string on the market
- Comfortable ergonomic body design
- Noiseless passive pickups sound great
- Lightweight at 9.1 lbs
Cons
- Fit and finish issues with paint bleed
- Nut anchor system uses wood screws in thin wood
- Individual saddle tuners difficult with heavy strings
The IYV IEHLFF8-300 is the only headless multi-scale 8-string in this price range, and that alone makes it worth talking about. Headless guitars are typically associated with premium brands like Strandberg, so seeing one at this price point is remarkable. The ergonomic body design is genuinely comfortable, and several reviewers called it the most comfortable 8-string they have ever played.
The multi-scale design runs from 26.5 inches on the high E to 28.5 inches on the low F#, giving you serious baritone tension on the low strings. That 28.5-inch scale on the bottom end means your low F# will be tight and articulate even with standard gauge strings. The passive humbucker soapbar pickups surprised us with how noiseless and defined they sound for djent and heavy riffing.
The powder-coated red and black split finish looks striking from a distance, but up close you will notice paint bleed between the colors. This is where the budget manufacturing shows. More concerning is the nut anchor system, which uses wood screws in very thin wood. One reviewer with professional machinist experience flagged this as a potential structural failure point that could be problematic long-term.
The individual saddle tuners on the headless bridge can be finicky, especially with heavier gauge strings. Some arrived tilted or with stripped micro-threads. Small ball-end strings are all that fit in the tuning lugs, which limits your string options. But for players who want the headless experience without spending Strandberg money, the IYV is a compelling option.
Who This Headless Is Really For
This guitar is ideal for players who can do their own setup and hardware modifications. If you understand headless bridge systems and are willing to potentially reinforce the nut anchoring system, the IYV rewards you with comfort and tone that belie its price tag.
String Compatibility Warning
Only small ball-end strings fit properly in the headless tuning lugs. Check string compatibility before purchasing replacement sets. Standard Ernie Ball and D’Addario 8-string sets with standard ball ends should work, but verify the ball-end diameter specifications.
4. Jackson JS32-8 Dinky: Best Budget 8-String Period
Jackson JS Series Dinky JS32-8 - Satin Black with Amaranth Fingerboard
26.5 inch scale
Poplar arched top body
Maple neck with amaranth fretboard
Jackson HT8 hardtail bridge
24 stainless steel frets
Pros
- Highest rated guitar in this guide at 4.8 stars
- Lightweight and comfortable for an 8-string
- Fast smooth neck profile
- Stock pickups sound amazing for the price
Cons
- Some fret edges sharp and need filing
- Low F# and B strings slightly quieter than others
- Not Prime eligible
The Jackson JS32-8 Dinky is our Editor’s Choice for a reason. With a 4.8-star rating across 31 reviews, it is the highest-rated guitar in this entire guide. Reviewers consistently call it the best bang for the buck in the budget 8-string market, and several reported that it played great right out of the box with minimal setup needed.
The 26.5-inch scale length is the sweet spot for 8-string guitars. It is longer than the standard 25.5-inch scale on cheaper models, which means better string tension on the low strings, but it is not so long that the high strings feel stiff or uncomfortable. The Jackson HT8 string-through body hardtail bridge is solid, stable, and delivers excellent sustain.
The satin black finish with arched poplar top is striking in person, and the maple neck with amaranth (pau ferro) fretboard feels fast and smooth. Jackson is known for their shred-friendly neck profiles, and the JS32-8 does not disappoint in that department. At a reasonable weight for an 8-string, it is comfortable for extended practice sessions.
Stock pickups on budget guitars are usually the first thing you want to replace, but multiple reviewers said the Jackson humbuckers sound amazing for the price. They deliver solid metal and djent tones with good clarity, and they even handle blues and clean passages surprisingly well. The arched top and satin finish give it a look that could pass for a guitar costing twice as much.
The main complaints are relatively minor. Some fret edges are sharp and need to be filed down, and a few reviewers noted that the low F# and B strings are slightly quieter than the rest, possibly requiring a pickup height or wiring adjustment. These are easy fixes for any guitar tech.
Why Jackson Wins The Budget Category
Jackson has been building metal guitars for decades, and that expertise shows in the JS32-8. The brand reputation, quality control, and playability at this price point are unmatched by the lesser-known brands on this list. You get a guitar from an established manufacturer that holds its value and is backed by a 2-year warranty.
Genre Suitability
This guitar excels at metal, metalcore, djent, and hard rock. The stock pickups handle high-gain amplifiers well, and the fast neck is built for speed riffing and sweep picking. It also cleans up nicely for ambient and progressive passages when you roll off the volume.
5. Ibanez RG8: The Trusted Name In Budget 8-Strings
Ibanez RG Series RG8 - White
27 inch baritone scale
Basswood body with mahogany top
5-piece maple walnut Wizard neck
Jatoba fretboard
Infinity R humbuckers
Pros
- Trusted Ibanez RG Series brand reputation
- 27 inch baritone scale for proper low-end tension
- Wizard flat D-shape neck is exceptionally fast
- Locking nut for tuning stability
- Most reviewed guitar with 98 ratings
Cons
- Heaviest guitar in this batch at 10.8 lbs
- Factory setup issues common with fret buzz
- Stock pickups described as decent but not great
The Ibanez RG8 is the most-reviewed 8-string guitar in this guide with 98 ratings, and that tells you something about its popularity. Ibanez essentially created the modern extended-range guitar market alongside Schecter and ESP, so buying an Ibanez RG8 means getting an instrument from a company that knows exactly what they are doing. The arctic white finish with black hardware is a classic look that never goes out of style.
The 27-inch baritone scale length is exactly what you want on an 8-string. It provides enough tension on the low F# to keep it tight and defined, while the high strings remain comfortable for lead work. The 5-piece maple and walnut Wizard neck is the real star of the show here. Ibanez Wizard necks are famous in the guitar community for being among the fastest and thinnest necks available, and the flat D-shape profile is perfect for shredding across all eight strings.
The basswood body with mahogany top delivers a warm, balanced tone that works well for both clean and high-gain playing. Jatoba, also known as Brazilian rosewood, is a dense and smooth fretboard material that adds brightness and clarity to the tone. The Infinity R humbuckers are serviceable, though many players eventually upgrade to Fishman Fluence or Bare Knuckle pickups for more articulate low-end response.
The biggest drawback is the weight. At 10.8 pounds, the RG8 is the heaviest guitar in this batch by a significant margin. If you plan to play standing up for extended periods, invest in a good wide strap. Factory setup is also hit or miss, with many reviewers reporting fret buzz on the low strings around the 12th to 15th frets. Budget for a professional setup to get the most out of this instrument.
The Ibanez Ecosystem Advantage
One often-overlooked benefit of choosing Ibanez is the massive ecosystem of replacement parts, aftermarket pickups, and community knowledge. If you ever want to upgrade your RG8, you will find endless tutorials, compatible parts, and experienced players on forums who can guide you through any modification.
Transitioning From 7-String
If you already play a 7-string Ibanez, the transition to the RG8 is almost seamless. The neck feel, string spacing, and overall ergonomics are familiar, and the addition of the low F# string feels like a natural extension rather than a foreign concept. Many Reddit users confirm this jump from 7 to 8 is much easier than 6 to 7.
6. Schecter C-8 Deluxe: Solid Metal Workhorse
Schecter C-8 DELUXE Satin White 8-String Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Satin White
28 inch scale
Basswood body
Maple neck with rosewood fretboard
Schecter Diamond Plus-8 pickups
TonePros TOM bridge
2.13 inch nut width
Pros
- Well-balanced ergonomic design
- Natural-feeling action for first-time 8-string players
- 28 inch scale gives excellent low-end tension
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Satin white finish shows dirt easily
- One report of pickup failure within 90 days
- Fretboard chips or fret buzz requiring setup
The Schecter C-8 Deluxe is a workhorse 8-string from one of the most respected names in extended-range guitars. Schecter has been building 8-strings longer than almost anyone, and their C-series body shape is a proven design that balances well standing up and feels natural in your lap. The satin white finish with chrome hardware is a classy combination.
The 28-inch scale length is the longest fixed-scale on this list, and it provides maximum tension on the low strings. Your low F# will be tight, punchy, and defined even with lighter string gauges. This is the scale length that many professional 8-string players prefer, especially those who play in drop E or lower tunings. The TonePros Tune-O-Matic bridge with string-through-body design is rock-solid for sustain and intonation stability.
The Schecter Diamond Plus-8 humbucking pickups are designed specifically for 8-string guitars, which gives them an edge over generic budget pickups. They handle high-gain tones well and provide good low-end clarity for metal riffing. The maple neck with rosewood fretboard is comfortable, and the 2.13-inch nut width gives you enough room to navigate all eight strings without feeling cramped.
At 13.4 pounds, this is a heavy guitar, even heavier than the Ibanez RG8. The satin white finish looks great but shows dirt and grime easily, so be prepared for regular cleaning. Quality control seems to be the main concern, with one reviewer reporting pickup failure within 90 days and another receiving a guitar with a dent on the back.
The Schecter Build Philosophy
Schecter guitars are built for working musicians who need reliable instruments night after night. The C-8 Deluxe is no exception, with a TonePros bridge, chrome hardware, and a limited lifetime warranty. It is the kind of guitar you buy once and keep for years.
Left-Handed Availability
Schecter offers a left-handed version of the C-8 Deluxe in satin black, which is notable because left-handed 8-string options are extremely rare across the industry. If you are a southpaw looking for an extended-range guitar, this should be on your short list.
7. ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208: Signature Quality At A Price
ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208 - Pelham Blue
27 inch scale
Mahogany body
Maple neck with maple fretboard
Humbucking pickups
54mm nut width
Pelham Blue finish
Pros
- Flawless finish and craftsmanship
- Comfortable neck profile
- Well-done fretwork
- Javier Reyes signature series design
Cons
- Pickups lack clarity compared to higher-end models
- May arrive without proper setup with dead frets
- Limited review sample size
The ESP LTD JR-208 is a signature model designed with Javier Reyes of Animals as Leaders, and that pedigree shows in the build quality. The Pelham Blue finish is absolutely gorgeous in person, and the flawless paint, binding, and inlay work make this guitar look like it costs significantly more than it does. ESP LTD is known for delivering premium aesthetics at mid-range prices, and this guitar is a perfect example.
The mahogany body with maple neck and maple fretboard is a tonewood combination that delivers warmth, sustain, and brightness in equal measure. The 27-inch scale length provides proper tension for the low strings, and the 54mm nut width is comfortable for players with average to larger hands. The fixed bridge is simple, stable, and easy to adjust.
Where the JR-208 falls short is in the electronics. The stock humbucking pickups are described as passable but lacking the clarity and note articulation that you would find on higher-end ESP models. For serious progressive metal and djent work, most players will want to upgrade to Fishman Fluence or Lundgren pickups eventually.
The biggest concern is setup. Multiple reviewers reported that the guitar arrived needing significant setup work, with at least one experiencing dead frets and buzzing across the fingerboard out of the box. At this price point, you should budget for a professional setup to get the instrument playing its best.
The Javier Reyes Connection
Javier Reyes is one of the most respected 8-string players in modern music. His signature design inputs are reflected in the neck profile, fretwork, and overall playability of this guitar. If you are a fan of Animals as Leaders, playing his signature model adds an inspiring connection to the instrument.
Upgrade Path To Pro-Level Tone
The JR-208 is an excellent platform for pickup upgrades. The mahogany body and quality construction justify investing in premium pickups. Many players swap the stock humbuckers for Fishman Fluence Modern 8-string pickups, which transform this guitar into a professional-level instrument.
8. Ibanez RGMS8 Iron Label: Multi-Scale Mastery
Ibanez RGMS8 - Black
Multi-scale fanned fret
Nyatoh body
5-piece maple walnut neck
Jatoba fretboard
Tremolo bridge
12.5 lbs
Pros
- Multi-scale design feels natural for 8-string playing
- Excellent tuning stability out of the box
- Fast Ibanez neck profile ideal for lead playing
- Stock pickups sound great with no upgrade needed
Cons
- Beginners may struggle with fanned frets initially
- May need professional setup for extreme downtuning
- Tremolo bridge not ideal for very low tunings
The Ibanez RGMS8 is part of the Iron Label series, which is Ibanez’s line of no-nonsense, pro-oriented instruments designed specifically for heavy music. This is a serious guitar for serious players, and the 4.8-star rating reflects the level of refinement Ibanez has achieved with their multi-scale designs. If you are ready to move beyond budget territory, this is where your money should go.
The multi-scale fanned fret design is the defining feature of the RGMS8. Ibanez has been refining their fanned fret implementation for years, and it shows in how natural this guitar feels to play. The fan angle is not extreme, so the adaptation period is shorter than you might expect. Most players report feeling comfortable within a few days of regular playing.
The 5-piece maple and walnut neck is the same proven construction Ibanez uses across their premium lines. It is stable, resistant to warping, and fast enough for the most demanding lead work. The Jatoba fretboard is smooth and dense, providing excellent note definition. Combined with the nyatoh body, the tonal result is punchy, balanced, and articulate.
What sets the RGMS8 apart from cheaper options is the out-of-box experience. Reviewers consistently praise the tuning stability, with several reporting that the guitar arrived ready to play with no major setup issues. The stock humbucking pickups are genuinely good, with multiple reviewers explicitly stating that they have no plans to upgrade them. That is high praise for stock pickups.
Multi-Scale Benefits Explained
The fanned fret design means each string has its own optimal scale length. The high strings have a shorter scale for comfortable bending and vibrato, while the low strings have a longer scale for maximum tension and clarity. This results in a more balanced sounding instrument across all eight strings.
Lead Playing On An 8-String
One surprising benefit of the multi-scale design is improved lead playing ergonomics. The slanted frets actually align more naturally with your wrist angle as you move up the neck, reducing fatigue during long practice sessions. If you do both rhythm and lead work on an 8-string, the RGMS8 makes the transitions effortless.
9. Schecter Damien-8 Multiscale: Coil-Tapping Versatility
Schecter Damien-8 Multiscale 8-string Electric Guitar - Satin Black
Multiscale design
Mahogany body
Maple neck with carbon fiber rods
Rosewood fretboard
Hipshot fixed bridge
Coil tapping pickups
Pros
- Coil tapping for single-coil tones
- Amazing sounding pickups stock
- Near perfect intonation out of the box
- Works for standard tuning and drop E
Cons
- Only 1 Amazon review so limited user feedback data
- Small sample size makes common issues hard to identify
- Not Prime eligible
The Schecter Damien-8 Multiscale is a feature-rich 8-string that brings coil-tapping versatility to the table. Coil tapping allows you to split the humbuckers into single-coil mode, which dramatically expands your tonal palette. You can go from crushing djent tones to sparkly clean single-coil sounds with the pull of a knob. That kind of tonal flexibility is rare in the 8-string world.
The carbon fiber reinforcement rods in the maple neck are a pro-level feature that keeps the neck stable across temperature and humidity changes. If you live in an area with extreme weather swings, this neck will stay straighter than a conventional maple neck. The rosewood fretboard adds warmth and complements the mahogany body beautifully.
The Hipshot fixed bridge is one of the best hardware components you can get on an 8-string. Hipshot bridges are known for their excellent intonation stability, sustain, and string-through-body design. Combined with the stainless steel frets, this guitar is built to handle aggressive playing without losing tuning or intonation.
With only one Amazon review, our data on common issues is limited. However, that single review is extremely positive, praising the coil tapping, pickup quality, craftsmanship, and near-perfect intonation out of the box. The reviewer also highlighted its versatility across both standard 8-string tuning and drop E, which speaks to the quality of the multi-scale design and hardware.
Coil Tapping For Non-Metal Tones
If you want to use your 8-string for genres beyond metal, coil tapping opens up clean tone possibilities that humbuckers alone cannot achieve. Ambient soundscapes, jazz fusion chord voicings, and funk rhythm parts all benefit from the single-coil character that coil splitting provides.
Drop E And Extreme Tunings
The multiscale design and Hipshot bridge make this guitar particularly well-suited for extreme downtuning. Drop E and other non-standard tunings maintain excellent string tension and intonation, which is exactly what progressive and experimental players need.
10. Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale: Premium Top-Tier Finish
Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale 8-string Electric Guitar - See Through Blue Burst
Multiscale design
Mahogany body with burl maple top
Maple neck with rosewood fretboard
Hipshot 8-string multiscale bridge
Stainless steel frets
9 lbs
Pros
- Premium burl maple top with stunning finish
- Hipshot multiscale bridge for optimal string tension
- Relatively light at 9 lbs for an 8-string
- Mahogany body delivers rich warm tone
Cons
- Only 2 Amazon reviews so limited feedback
- See-through finish may show wear over time
- Higher price point in this batch
The Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale is the most refined guitar in this guide, and the See Through Blue Burst finish over a burl maple top is genuinely breathtaking. This is a guitar that looks like it belongs on a stage. The combination of premium tonewoods, a Hipshot multiscale bridge, and Schecter’s build quality makes it the natural top pick for players ready to invest in a serious instrument.
The mahogany body provides the warm, rich fundamental that metal and progressive players love. The burl maple top adds visual appeal and a slight brightness that balances the mahogany’s warmth. At just 9 pounds, this is one of the lighter 8-string guitars on the market, making it comfortable for long gigs and recording sessions.
The Hipshot 8-string multi-scale bridge is the gold standard for extended-range hardware. Hipshot bridges offer superior intonation adjustment range, excellent string spacing, and rock-solid stability. Combined with stainless steel frets on the rosewood fretboard, you get a playing experience that is smooth, precise, and built to last.
The maple neck with rosewood fretboard is a classic combination that delivers brightness, clarity, and sustain. The 1.66-inch nut width is narrower than some competitors, which some players will find more comfortable for fast fretboard work. With a perfect 5.0-star rating across the limited reviews available, early adopters are clearly impressed with what Schecter has delivered here.
Why The Burl Top Matters
Burl maple is a premium tonewood prized for its unique grain patterns and tonal contribution. Each burl top is visually unique, meaning no two Omen Elite-8 guitars look exactly alike. If you want an instrument that stands out visually while delivering professional-level tone, this is the one.
Competing With Premium Brands
At this price point, the Omen Elite-8 competes with entry-level models fromstrandberg and higher-end Ibanez Prestige instruments. The advantage here is the combination of premium tonewoods, Hipshot hardware, and Schecter’s renowned quality control, all in a package that is lighter and more visually distinctive than many competitors.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best 8-String Guitar
Choosing the right 8-string guitar comes down to understanding a few key specifications that dramatically affect playability and tone. Whether you are buying your first extended-range instrument or upgrading from a budget model, these are the factors that matter most.
Scale Length: The Most Important Spec
Scale length is the single most important specification on an 8-string guitar. Standard 6-string guitars typically use a 25.5-inch scale, but that is too short for proper tension on the low F# and B strings. A 27-inch baritone scale is the minimum recommended for 8-strings, with 26.5 to 28 inches being the sweet spot.
Guitars with 25.5-inch scales, like the Gstyle ES-800, will have floppy low strings that lack definition. Multi-scale guitars solve this by giving each string its own optimal scale length, typically ranging from 25.5 inches on the high E to 27 or 28.5 inches on the low F#. For guidance on setup, check our guide on how to set up an electric guitar.
Multi-Scale vs Traditional Scale Length
Multi-scale, also called fanned fret, designs angle the frets so that each string has a different effective scale length. The low strings get longer scales for better tension, while the high strings get shorter scales for comfortable bending. This results in a more balanced sounding instrument.
The trade-off is a brief adaptation period. Most players report taking one to two weeks to feel comfortable with fanned frets. Once adapted, many find multi-scale guitars actually reduce wrist fatigue because the slanted frets align more naturally with your arm angle. If you are serious about 8-string playing, a multi-scale design is worth the investment.
Active vs Passive Pickups For 8-String
Active pickups like EMG 808 and Fishman Fluence use a built-in preamp powered by a 9V battery, delivering higher output, tighter low-end response, and less noise. They are the standard for modern metal and djent. The downside is battery management and a slightly compressed clean tone.
Passive pickups like Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, and Lundgren do not require batteries and offer more dynamic range and natural clean tones. High-output passive humbuckers can deliver excellent metal tones while preserving note articulation. For players who play multiple genres, passive pickups offer more versatility.
Nut Width And Fretboard Width
Eight-string guitars typically have nut widths between 1.66 and 2.15 inches, compared to about 1.68 inches on a standard 6-string. Wider fretboards give your fingers more room to navigate eight strings, but they also require a wider hand stretch.
Players with smaller hands should look for guitars with nut widths around 1.66 to 1.85 inches, while players with larger hands may prefer 2.0 inches or wider. The fretboard radius also matters, with flatter radii like 16 inches being better for shred playing and string bending.
Who Should Buy An 8-String Guitar
Eight-string guitars are ideal for players who are already comfortable on 6 or 7-string instruments and want to explore extended low-end range. If you play djent, progressive metal, death metal, metalcore, or experimental music, an 8-string opens up creative possibilities that no other instrument can match.
Beginners can absolutely start on an 8-string, but expect a two to four week adaptation period. Your fretting hand needs time to adjust to the wider neck and additional strings. Start with a fixed-bridge model, use lighter string gauges, and practice transitioning between the low strings and standard chord shapes.
String Recommendations For 8-String Guitars
Reddit users consistently recommend D’Addario NYXL 8-string sets and Ernie Ball Slinky 8-string sets as reliable string choices. A typical 8-string set ranges from 0.009 to 0.065 for standard tuning, or 0.010 to 0.074 for players who want tighter low-end tension. Always check that the string ball ends fit your bridge and tuning hardware, especially on headless guitars.
Amplifier Pairing Tips
Eight-string guitars produce significant low-frequency output that can overwhelm amplifiers not designed for extended range. Look for amplifiers with tight low-end response and good headroom. A good starting point is a high-gain tube amp or a quality modeler like the Neural DSP Quad Cortex or Line 6 Helix. For more recommendations, see our guide to the best guitar amps for metal paired with a cabinet capable of reproducing low frequencies accurately.
FAQs
What is an 8-string guitar good for?
8-string guitars are designed for guitarists who need extended low-end range, primarily used in djent, progressive metal, death metal, and experimental genres. The additional two low strings (typically F# and B below standard E) allow for deeper chugs, wider chord voicings, and lower-tuned riffing without sacrificing string tension. Artists like Animals as Leaders, Periphery, and Meshuggah also use 8-strings for ambient passages and unique melodic possibilities.
Are 8 string guitars harder to play?
8-string guitars present some challenges for new players. The wider nut width (typically 1.85 to 2.15 inches vs 1.68 on 6-strings) requires a wider hand stretch, and the additional low strings take time to adapt to. However, players transitioning from 7-string find the jump less dramatic. Modern multi-scale designs actually improve playability by optimizing string tension. Expect a 2-4 week adaptation period.
Who plays 8 string guitars?
8-string guitars are primarily played by metal and progressive guitarists including Meshuggah (Fredrik Thordendal and Marten Hagstrom), Animals as Leaders (Tosin Abasi), Periphery (Misha Mansoor and Jake Bowen), and Deftones (Stephen Carpenter). They are also used by experimental and ambient players, and occasionally in jazz fusion contexts.
What tuning do 8-string guitars use?
Standard 8-string tuning is F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E, which extends the standard 6-string tuning with two additional low strings. The low F# is the same note as the low F# on a piano. Many players also use drop tunings like drop E (E-B-E-A-D-G-B-E) for even heavier riffing.
Should I get a multi-scale or fixed-bridge 8-string?
Multi-scale (fanned fret) 8-strings provide better string tension balance across all strings and are recommended for serious players. Fixed-bridge traditional-scale 8-strings are simpler and often more affordable for beginners. Reddit users recommend starting with a fixed bridge before moving to more complex bridge systems.
Conclusion: Which 8-String Guitar Is Right For You?
After analyzing all 10 models, our team’s recommendations come down to where you are in your playing journey. For first-time 8-string buyers on a strict budget, the Jackson JS32-8 Dinky is the clear winner with its 4.8-star rating, proven brand reputation, and excellent playability right out of the box. It is the best 8 string guitar value we found.
If you want multi-scale benefits without spending mid-range money, the AKLOT XRN-8 delivers roasted maple neck quality, stainless steel frets, and fanned fret design at a remarkable price point. For players ready to invest in a serious instrument, the Ibanez RGMS8 Iron Label and Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale represent the pinnacle of what is available on Amazon for 2026, with premium hardware, excellent stock pickups, and build quality that will last for years.
The most important advice we can give is to budget for a professional setup regardless of which guitar you choose. Even the most expensive instruments benefit from a luthier’s attention, and the difference between a factory setup and a professional one is night and day. Start with the best 8 string guitar that fits your budget, get it set up properly, and let the low-end journey begin.