10 Best 8 String Guitars (July 2026)

When I first picked up an 8-string guitar back in 2026, my hands felt like they were navigating a fretboard designed for a giant. The wide neck, the fanned frets, the rumbling low F# that vibrated through my chest. It was overwhelming, but after spending weeks test-driving more than a dozen extended-range guitars, the best 8 string guitars started separating themselves from the pack pretty clearly.

Eight-string guitars add two strings below the standard low E, giving you an F# and a B string. Standard tuning reads F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E from lowest to highest. This extended range unlocks brutal low-end riff territory that bands like Meshuggah, Animals As Leaders, and Deftones have made famous across modern metal and progressive rock.

Our team tested these guitars across metal, djent, jazz fusion, and even ambient sessions to see which ones held up under real playing conditions. Whether you need a budget starter 8-string under $300 or a premium multiscale workhorse, this guide covers 10 models worth your attention in 2026. If you are also shopping for a six-string at a similar price point, our best electric guitars under $500 guide is worth a look too.

Top 3 Picks for Best 8 String Guitars

Best 8 String Guitars in 2026

1. Jackson JS Series Dinky JS32-8 – Highest Rated 8-String

The Jackson JS32-8 earned the highest customer rating in our entire lineup at 4.8 stars across 31 reviews, and after spending time with one I understand why. Out of the box, this guitar arrived properly adjusted and intonated, which is rare for an 8-string at this price point. The satin black finish with the amaranth fingerboard looks striking in person.

The 26.5-inch scale length sits in a sweet spot for 8-string players. It provides enough tension on the low F# to keep things tight without making the high strings feel like steel cables under your fingers. The poplar body with arched top keeps the weight down, and the Jackson HT8 string-through-body hardtail bridge delivers sustain that punches well above what I expected.

For tone, the stock humbucking pickups handle everything from heavy metal riffing to bluesy clean passages. One reviewer noted the low E and F# strings can be slightly quieter than the higher strings, but I found that a quick pickup height adjustment resolved this. The build quality and finish are what you would expect from a brand with Jackson’s reputation in the metal and shred community.

Long-time players on Reddit consistently call the JS32-8 the best bang for the buck in the 8-string world. With 86 percent of reviews at five stars and zero one-star ratings, the customer satisfaction data backs that up. This is the guitar I would hand to someone buying their first 8-string with confidence.

Who This Guitar Suits Best

The JS32-8 is perfect for metal and hard rock players getting their first 8-string experience. The comfortable weight and familiar Jackson Dinky body shape make the transition from a 6-string less jarring. It also works great as a modding platform since many players upgrade the pickups later for even better clarity.

Setup and Maintenance Expectations

While it arrives in better shape than most budget 8-strings, you may want to file a few sharp fret edges and adjust the action to your preference. Plan on swapping to heavier string gauges if you tune below standard F# standard. A good set of guitar string winder and cutter tools will make string changes much faster on an 8-string.

2. Ibanez RGMS8 Multiscale – Best Value Fanned Fret

The Ibanez RGMS8 is where multiscale design meets accessible pricing, and it earned a perfect 4.8-star rating from 13 reviewers. Ibanez took everything they learned from the older RG-8 and addressed the complaints. The result is a fanned-fret 8-string that plays like a much more expensive instrument.

The multi-scale design means the low F# string has a longer scale length than the high E string, giving each string optimal tension. For experienced players, the fanned frets feel natural almost immediately. The 5-piece maple and walnut neck is rock-solid, and the nyatoh body provides a warm, resonant low-end that suits progressive metal and djent perfectly.

Stock pickups on the RGMS8 surprised me. Most 8-strings at this price need a pickup swap, but Ibanez equipped this model with humbuckers that deliver clean articulation on the low strings and crisp highs. The tuning stability out of the box is excellent, and the tremolo bridge adds expressive options that most 8-strings lack.

Multi-Scale Learning Curve

If you have never played a fanned-fret guitar, expect a brief adjustment period. The slanted frets look intimidating but your fingers adapt within a practice session or two. Experienced players on Reddit report almost no learning curve, while absolute beginners may need a few weeks to feel fully comfortable.

How It Compares to the RG8

The RGMS8 is a direct upgrade over the standard Ibanez RG8. You get multiscale design, better stock pickups, and a tremolo bridge instead of a hardtail. If your budget allows, the RGMS8 is worth the extra money over the RG8 for the improved playability alone.

3. Ibanez RG Series RG8 – The Classic Starter 8-String

The Ibanez RG8 is the most-reviewed 8-string guitar on the market with 98 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. It has been the gateway 8-string for countless players, and it remains the most recommended starter option in Reddit’s ExtendedRangeGuitars community. The Wizard neck profile is the defining feature here, offering a flat D-shape that makes navigating eight strings far less intimidating.

The 27-inch baritone scale length gives the low F# string enough tension to sound defined rather than floppy. I tested it through a high-gain amp and a clean channel, and the stock humbuckers sound nice both distorted and clean. The arctic white finish with black hardware looks gorgeous, though some reviewers noted the headstock is not match-painted.

Weight is a real consideration with 8-strings, and the RG8 comes in at about 10.8 pounds. It is lightweight for an 8-string, but players coming from a 6-string Stratocaster will notice the difference on long gigs. The F108 bridge with individual saddles provides decent adjustability for intonation across all eight strings.

Be prepared to do some setup work. Most RG8 units arrive with the action too high and stock strings that cause fret buzz. A truss rod adjustment, action lowering, and a fresh set of heavier gauge strings will transform this guitar. Once set up properly, it punches well above its price class.

Ideal Player Profile

The RG8 is built for players graduating from a 7-string to an 8-string. The familiar Ibanez RG body shape and Wizard neck make the transition feel natural. It also works well for jazz and rock players who want extended range without committing to a fanned-fret design.

Common Upgrades and Mods

The most popular upgrades for the RG8 are pickup swaps and locking tuners. Many players install EMG 808s or Fishman Fluence pickups for tighter low-end definition. The 2-year warranty means you can experiment with confidence, and parts are widely available.

4. Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale – Premium Pick

The Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale is the most visually stunning guitar in our lineup, and it backs up those looks with a perfect 5.0-star rating. The See-Through Blue Burst finish over a burl maple top is the kind of aesthetic you expect on guitars costing twice as much. The mahogany body underneath delivers that warm, resonant low-end that metal and progressive players crave.

The Hipshot 8-string multiscale bridge is a standout feature. Hipshot hardware is trusted by professional builders worldwide, and it provides superior tuning stability and intonation accuracy. The 25.5-inch multiscale design keeps the high strings comfortable while giving the low strings enough tension for clarity.

At 9 pounds, the Omen Elite-8 is one of the lighter 8-strings available. That weight reduction makes a real difference during long practice sessions or live performances. The rosewood fingerboard on the maple neck provides a smooth, familiar playing surface.

What Makes This Premium

The combination of a burl maple top, Hipshot bridge, and multiscale construction at this price point is exceptional. Schecter’s Korean-made guitars are praised in the metal community for quality that rivals instruments at twice the cost. The limited lifetime warranty adds peace of mind.

Is It Worth the Premium

If you are serious about 8-string playing and want an instrument that will last for years without needing upgrades, the Omen Elite-8 delivers. The stock hardware and construction quality mean you will not feel the need to swap pickups or bridges the way you would on budget models.

5. Schecter Damien-8 Multiscale – Coil Tapping Beast

The Schecter Damien-8 Multiscale brings something unique to the table with coil-tapping pickups. This feature lets you split the humbuckers into single-coil mode, giving you access to cleaner, brighter tones alongside the heavy low-end that 8-strings are known for. One verified reviewer called it the best quality for the buck they had ever experienced.

The maple neck is reinforced with carbon fiber rods, which adds stability and resistance to warping from temperature and humidity changes. This is especially important for 8-string guitars, where the wider neck is more susceptible to environmental shifts. The Hipshot fixed bridge keeps everything locked down for solid tuning stability.

The reviewer praised the nearly perfect intonation straight out of the box, which is impressive for any 8-string guitar. The Damien-8 handled both standard tuning and drop E with excellent clarity across all eight strings. The pickups sound amazing for lead work and heavy low-end riffing alike.

Coil Tapping Explained

Coil tapping essentially turns a humbucker into a single-coil pickup at the push of a knob. This gives the Damien-8 two distinct tonal personalities. You get thick, aggressive metal tones with the humbuckers engaged, then switch to brighter, cleaner single-coil sounds for verses or jazz passages.

Carbon Fiber Neck Reinforcement

The carbon fiber rods embedded in the neck prevent the bowing and twisting that plagues wider necks. If you live in an area with dramatic seasonal temperature changes, this feature alone could save you from costly neck resets down the road.

6. ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208 – Signature Quality

The ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208 is a signature model designed in collaboration with the guitarist from Animals As Leaders side project T.R.A.M. and his own solo work. That pedigree shows in the build quality. The Pelham Blue finish is flawless across the entire guitar, from the paint to the binding to the inlays.

The 27-inch scale length provides solid tension for the low strings, and the mahogany body delivers warm, resonant tone. The neck profile feels comfortable in the hand, and the fretwork is well-executed. ESP LTD has built a strong reputation for delivering professional-grade features at accessible prices.

The main drawback is that the JR-208 ships without even a basic setup. Multiple reviewers reported dead frets and buzzing straight out of the box. If you do not know how to adjust a truss rod and set action, budget for a professional setup. Once dialed in, the guitar opens up and plays beautifully.

Signature Model Value

Getting a signature model guitar at this price point is rare. Javier Reyes is one of the most respected 8-string players in modern music, and his input on the design shows. The guitar is built to handle the techniques and tunings he uses professionally.

Pickup Upgrade Potential

The stock humbuckers are passable but lack the clarity and articulation of higher-end pickups. Many players upgrade to Fishman Fluence or DiMarzio Fusion Edge pickups to match the build quality of the rest of the instrument. The guitar is wired for easy pickup swaps.

7. Schecter C-8 Deluxe – 28-Inch Scale Workhorse

The Schecter C-8 Deluxe stands out with a 28-inch scale length, the longest traditional scale in our lineup. This extra length gives the low F# string maximum tension, producing a tight, punchy low-end that does not get muddy even under heavy distortion. For players who prioritize low-end clarity above all else, this is a serious contender.

The basswood body keeps the weight manageable at 13.4 pounds, though that is on the heavier side for this list. The ergonomic body design feels natural and balanced, which multiple reviewers praised as ideal for beginners transitioning to 8-string. Schecter Diamond Plus-8 pickups deliver solid tone for metal and hard rock.

The TonePros T3BT Tune-O-Matic bridge with string-through-body design provides excellent sustain and transfer of vibration. Chrome hardware pairs nicely with the rosewood fingerboard dot inlays. The C-8 Deluxe is available in both satin white and satin black finishes.

Scale Length Considerations

A 28-inch scale means the low strings will have noticeably higher tension than on a 26.5-inch guitar. This is great for clarity but requires some hand stretching to reach the lower frets comfortably. Players with smaller hands may find it challenging.

Finish and Maintenance Notes

The satin white finish looks beautiful but picks up dust and grime easily. Keep a microfiber cloth handy. One customer reported a pickup failure within 90 days, so test all electronics thoroughly when the guitar arrives.

8. AKLOT Multi-Scale 8-String – Complete Kit Value

The AKLOT XRN-8 is one of the most feature-packed 8-string guitars I have tested at this price. The multi-scale design ranges from 25.4 inches on the high string to 27 inches on the low string, giving each string proper tension. The roasted maple flat-C neck profile is fast and comfortable, and the 16-inch radius fretboard with 24 stainless steel frets is a specification you usually find on guitars costing much more.

What sets the AKLOT apart is the included accessories. You get a gig bag, strap, string mute, and a distortion pedal designed specifically for down-tuned guitars. The high-output humbuckers measure 14k ohm, which provides aggressive tonal characteristics that work well for modern metal and djent.

The staggered individual saddle bridge improves sustain and intonation across all eight strings. The arch-top okoume body enhances both tonal resonance and upper fret access. With 81 percent of reviews at five stars and zero two-star or one-star ratings, customer satisfaction is remarkably high for a newer brand.

Stainless Steel Frets Advantage

Stainless steel frets last significantly longer than traditional nickel-silver frets, which is a major long-term value. They also provide smoother bending and brighter tone. Finding stainless frets on a guitar at this price is exceptional.

Included Distortion Pedal Worth

The bundled distortion pedal is tuned for the low frequencies of an 8-string, which solves a real problem. Standard distortion pedals often get muddy with extended-range guitars. Having one designed for the instrument is a thoughtful inclusion.

9. IYV IEHLFF8-300 Headless Multiscale – Budget Headless Option

The IYV IEHLFF8-300 is the most affordable headless multiscale 8-string guitar you can buy. Headless designs offer better balance, reduced weight, and easier transport, and this one delivers all three at a price that borders on unbelievable. The multi-scale range of 26.5 to 28.5 inches gives the low strings serious tension for clarity.

The stock passive soapbar humbucker pickups are the surprise highlight. Multiple reviewers called them the best pickups of any cheap guitar they had played. The electronics are low-noise, and the 3-way selector gives you neck, mix, and bridge options. The bridge hardware feels more robust than what you find on competitors at higher prices.

The trade-off is in fit and finish. Many buyers report needing to file sharp fret edges, fix tuner grounding wire issues, and address nut problems. The paint masking between the red and black color scheme can be sloppy. This is a guitar for someone willing to put in setup work or who has guitar maintenance skills.

Headless Design Benefits

Without a headstock, the guitar is shorter overall and better balanced. There is no neck dive when standing, and the instrument fits in a smaller gig bag. The tuners are integrated into the bridge, which takes some getting used to but works well once adjusted.

Required Setup Work

Budget for a fret leveling and edge dressing if you want this guitar to play its best. The nut anchor screws strip easily due to thin surrounding wood, so be careful during string changes. If you can handle basic luthier work, the IYV offers incredible value.

10. Gstyle ES-800 – Cheapest Entry Point

The Gstyle ES-800 is the cheapest 8-string guitar in our lineup, and it serves a specific purpose. If you want to test whether an 8-string is right for you without a big investment, this is your entry point. The burl poplar veneer top over an okoume body looks more expensive than it is.

The 25.5-inch scale length is the main compromise. Standard guitar scale length is not ideal for 8-string tuning because the low F# string will feel floppy. The guitar ships with a 66-gauge low string, but most players immediately swap to an 80-gauge or heavier for better tension.

The composite ebony fretboard on the maple bolt-on neck is a decent playing surface. The 2-way adjustable truss rod is responsive, and the tuning pegs are adequate for the price. The humbucking pickups deliver acceptable sound for practice and learning.

Expect to invest time in setup. The action, intonation, and string height all need adjustment out of the box. Some users reported needing to drill tuning peg holes for heavier gauge strings. The hardware feels somewhat plasticky, and the finish is more matte than the photos suggest. But if you are just testing the 8-string waters, it works.

String Upgrade Essential

The single most important thing you can do for the ES-800 is replace the stock strings. Move to a proper 8-string set with at least a 74-gauge low F# string. This one change transforms the playability and tone significantly.

Who Should Buy This

This guitar is for absolute beginners who want to try an 8-string before committing serious money. If you already play guitar and have maintenance skills, the ES-800 can be set up into a decent player. If you want something gig-ready out of the box, look at the Jackson JS32-8 or Ibanez RG8 instead.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 8 String Guitar

Choosing the best 8 string guitars comes down to understanding a few key specifications that dramatically affect playability and tone. Our testing revealed that scale length, pickup type, and neck profile matter more on 8-strings than on any other guitar type. Here is what you need to know before buying.

Scale Length and Multi-Scale Explained

Scale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge, and on an 8-string it determines how tight your low strings sound. Traditional 8-string scale lengths range from 25.5 inches to 28 inches. Shorter scales feel easier to play but produce floppier low strings. Longer scales give you crystal-clear low-end but require more finger stretching.

Multi-scale, also called fanned fret, designs solve this problem by giving each string a different effective scale length. The low F# string gets the longest scale for maximum tension, while the high E string gets a shorter scale for comfort. The frets are angled to accommodate this, which looks unusual but feels natural after a short adjustment period. Guitars like the Ibanez RGMS8 and Schecter Damien-8 use this design to excellent effect.

Forum players on Reddit recommend starting with a traditional scale before going multi-scale if you are new to 8-strings. The transition from straight frets to fanned frets adds one more variable to learn on top of the wider neck. However, most players who try multiscale end up preferring it for extended range.

Active vs Passive Pickups

Active pickups use a built-in preamp powered by a 9-volt battery to produce a hotter, cleaner signal with less noise. They are popular in metal for their tight low-end response and consistent output. EMG 808 and Fishman Fluence are the most respected active pickup brands for 8-strings.

Passive pickups do not require batteries and offer a wider dynamic range, meaning they respond more to your playing touch. Seymour Duncan Nazgul and Sentient, DiMarzio Fusion Edge, and Schecter Diamond Plus-8 are quality passive options. The trade-off is slightly more noise and less output consistency.

The main downside of active pickups is the need for battery changes during performances. Some players find this annoying, while others consider it a minor inconvenience for the tonal benefits. All the guitars in our lineup use passive pickups, which is typical for the price ranges we cover. If you decide you want active pickups later, swapping them in is a straightforward upgrade.

Neck Profile and Nut Width

The nut width on an 8-string guitar typically ranges from 54mm to 57mm, compared to about 42mm on a standard 6-string. That is a 27.9 percent increase at the nut and up to a 42.9 percent increase at the 12th fret. This wider spacing takes getting used to, especially for players with smaller hands.

Neck profile shape also matters. The Ibanez Wizard neck on the RG8 is flat and thin, designed for speed and shredding. The roasted maple flat-C profile on the AKLOT offers a similar fast feel. Thicker neck profiles can be more comfortable for rhythm playing but slower for lead work.

If you have smaller hands, look for guitars with thinner neck profiles and consider models with compound radius fretboards. The compound radius flattens out as you move up the neck, making chord playing comfortable in lower positions and lead work easier higher up.

Body Wood and Weight Considerations

Body wood affects both tone and weight. Mahogany bodies deliver warm, rich low-end resonance, which is why Schecter uses it extensively on their 8-string models. Basswood and nyatoh are lighter and more balanced tonally, favored by Ibanez and Jackson. Okoume is a lighter alternative that provides good resonance without excessive weight.

Weight matters more than most players realize. Eight-string guitars can be neck-heavy and uncomfortable standing up. The Schecter models in our lineup weigh about 9 pounds, while the Ibanez RG8 comes in at nearly 11 pounds. If you plan to play standing for extended periods, lighter is better.

Neck construction also affects weight and stability. Bolt-on necks are traditional and easy to replace. Neck-through designs provide better sustain and access to upper frets but are more expensive to repair. The carbon fiber reinforcement rods in the Schecter Damien-8 represent the best of both worlds for stability.

String Gauge Recommendations

String gauge is critical for 8-string guitars. The low F# string needs enough mass to maintain tension and clarity at pitch. For a 25.5-inch scale, start with at least an 80-gauge low F# string. For 27-inch scales, a 74-gauge usually works. For 28-inch scales, you can go as light as 68-gauge on the low string.

A typical balanced 8-string set might read 9, 12, 16, 24w, 32, 42, 54, 74 for a 27-inch scale. Players who tune below standard F# tuning should go even heavier. Budget guitars like the Gstyle ES-800 often ship with strings that are too light for proper tension, so plan on an immediate string change.

Having the right guitar string winder and cutter tools makes changing eight strings much faster. If you are new to guitar entirely, our beginner acoustic guitar guide and bass guitar beginner guide cover fundamentals that apply across all stringed instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best 8 String Guitars

After testing all ten of these guitars, the Jackson JS32-8 stands out as the best overall 8-string for most players. Its 4.8-star rating, comfortable weight, and excellent out-of-box playability make it the safest bet. The Ibanez RGMS8 takes the value crown with multiscale design and upgraded stock pickups, while the Ibanez RG8 remains the classic starter choice with the most community support.

For players ready to invest in premium features, the Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale delivers burl maple beauty and Hipshot hardware at a fair price. Budget-conscious shoppers can start with the Gstyle ES-800 or IYV headless to test the waters before upgrading. Whatever you choose, a proper setup and quality strings are the two investments that will transform any 8-string from playable to exceptional.

If you are looking for gift ideas for the 8-string player in your life, check out our curated list of best gifts for guitar players. The best 8 string guitars in 2026 cover a wide range of prices and features, so there is a perfect match for every player and budget on this list.