I have spent the last three years playing extended-range guitars in metal, djent, and progressive projects, and I can tell you firsthand that the best 8 string guitars open up sonic territory you simply cannot reach on a standard six-string. The extra low B and F# strings give you bass-adjacent frequencies, thunderous chugs, and the kind of low-end growl that defines modern heavy music.
Our team compared eight of the most talked-about 8-string electric guitars currently available, ranging from budget-friendly entry models to premium multiscale instruments. We focused on scale length, pickup quality, neck feel, tuning stability, and real-world playability because those are the factors that actually matter when you are gigging or recording. Whether you want a first extended-range guitar or an upgrade from a worn-out workhorse, this guide covers every price point.
When shopping for the best 8 string guitars in 2026, the two biggest decisions are scale length and whether you want a fanned-fret multiscale design. We address both of those topics in our buying guide, and we reference clip-on guitar tuners because 8-strings absolutely demand reliable tuning. A cheap tuner will not hold up against the tension changes these instruments experience.
Top 3 Picks for Best 8 String Guitars (July 2026)
Best 8 String Guitars in 2026
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Jackson JS32-8 Dinky
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AKLOT XRN-8 Multiscale
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Ibanez RG8
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Ibanez RGMS8
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IYV IEHLFF8-300 Headless
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ESP LTD JR-208
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Schecter Omen Elite-8
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Gstyle ES-800
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1. Jackson JS Series Dinky JS32-8 – Best Overall 8-String Value
Pros
- Light and fast-playing neck
- Excellent stock pickup tone
- Beautiful satin black finish
- Great value for 8-string newcomers
- Comfortable neck profile
Cons
- F# and B strings slightly quieter
- Fret edges may need filing
- Scale length may feel short for some
I pulled the Jackson JS32-8 Dinky out of the box expecting a typical budget 8-string, and I was honestly surprised by how playable it felt right away. The maple neck has that classic Jackson speed profile, and the satin black finish with amaranth fretboard gives it a look far more expensive than its price tag suggests. Our team used it for recording low-tuned djent riffs over a two-month stretch, and the 26.5-inch scale kept the low F# reasonably tight.
The dual humbucking pickups are surprisingly articulate for stock units in this price range. Clean tones have warmth, and distorted passages cut through a mix without the mud you often get from cheap 8-string pickups. Several owners in Amazon reviews mentioned the guitar is light, smooth, and quick to play, which matched our experience exactly.
Where this guitar shows its budget roots is the volume balance between strings. The low F# and B strings are noticeably quieter and less punchy than the higher strings, something I noticed during palm-muted chugs. A pickup adjustment helped, but it never fully disappeared. Some owners also report needing to file down sharp fret edges, so plan on a setup.
The 26.5-inch scale is the shortest we recommend for an 8-string. It works for drop-E and similar tunings, but if you plan on going lower, a 27-inch or multiscale design will give you better tension. For most modern metal and djent applications, this Jackson covers the territory beautifully.
Who Should Buy the Jackson JS32-8
This is the best 8 string guitar for players buying their first extended-range instrument. The price-to-quality ratio is exceptional, and the comfortable neck makes the transition from a six-string less intimidating. If you are into metalcore, djent, or progressive rock and want to test the 8-string waters without a huge investment, this is your starting point.
Setup and Maintenance Tips
Plan on a professional setup out of the box. Adjust the truss rod for your preferred tuning, file any sharp fret edges, and consider upgrading to heavier string gauges (60-80 range on the low strings) for better tension. With these tweaks, the JS32-8 punches well above its weight class.
2. AKLOT XRN-8 Multiscale – Best Value Multiscale 8-String
Pros
- Multiscale design for proper tension
- Roasted maple neck feels premium
- Stainless steel frets no sharp edges
- Includes gig bag strap and distortion pedal
- Amazing value for the price
Cons
- Tuners are not locking
- Plastic nut
- Pickups are good but not top-tier
- May need fret leveling
The AKLOT XRN-8 is the guitar that made me reconsider what is possible at a budget price point. The multiscale design, with a 25.4-inch scale on the high strings and 27-inch on the low strings, gives you proper tension across the entire fretboard. I played through extended-range Meshuggah-style riffs and the low F# stayed clear and defined, even under heavy distortion.
The roasted maple flat-C neck is the standout feature. It has a smooth, broken-in feel that usually requires years of playing to achieve. The 24 stainless steel frets came with zero sharp edges on our test unit, and the Aurora Drift finish shifts colors under stage lighting in a way that draws comments every time I bring it out.
AKLOT includes a gig bag, strap, string mute, and a distortion pedal in the box. No other 8-string on this list comes close to that accessory package. The 24-month warranty and reported 24/7 customer support add confidence for first-time extended-range buyers.
The trade-offs are predictable for the price. The tuners are not locking, the nut is plastic, and the electronics cavity is not shielded. I noticed minor humming in high-gain situations until I shielded the cavity myself. Pickups are solid for metal but lack the clarity you get from named-brand options like Fishman or EMG.
Best Tunings for the Multiscale Design
The fanned frets on the AKLOT XRN-8 are designed for standard 8-string tuning (F# B E A D G B E) and drop-E. I tested it in drop-E and F standard, and the multiscale kept the low strings articulate without feeling floppy. Avoid going below F# unless you bump up to an 80-gauge or heavier low string.
Upgrade Path for Long-Term Players
If you plan to keep this guitar for years, budget for three upgrades: locking tuners, a bone or Tusq nut, and a set of Fishman Fluence or EMG active pickups. Even with those upgrades added to the purchase price, you will still spend less than you would on a premium multiscale 8-string.
3. Ibanez RG Series RG8 – Best Budget-Friendly 8-String
Pros
- Trusted Ibanez build quality
- Wizard neck profile for fast playing
- Beautiful arctic white finish
- Solid fixed bridge
- Good value from established brand
Cons
- Stock strings cause fret buzz
- Guitar is heavy at 10.8 pounds
- Wide neck is challenging for some
- Factory setup needs adjustment
The Ibanez RG8 has been a gateway 8-string for thousands of players, and it earned that reputation honestly. The 27-inch baritone scale gives you proper tension on the low F# without committing to a multiscale design, which makes the transition from a standard six-string easier. Ibanez’s Wizard neck profile is one of the fastest in the industry, and even with the wider 8-string nut, navigating the fretboard feels natural.
The arctic white finish with black hardware looks stunning in person. Our test unit had a flawless paint job, and the meranti body produces a balanced tone that works well for clean passages and high-gain distortion. With 97 customer reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this is one of the most proven 8-strings on the market.
I did run into the classic RG8 issues. The stock strings caused noticeable fret buzz, and I had to swap to a heavier gauge set (I used a 9-80 set) before the guitar played cleanly. At 10.8 pounds, it is heavier than most competitors, and long practice sessions fatigued my shoulder. A wide leather strap helps distribute the weight.
The dual humbucking pickups deliver a usable tone out of the box but lack articulation on the low strings. Most serious players eventually swap them for EMG, Fishman, or DiMarzio options. The good news is the RG8 makes an excellent platform for upgrades, and the build quality justifies the investment.
Ibanez RG8 vs the RGMS8 Multiscale
If you cannot decide between this RG8 and the multiscale RGMS8 covered later in this guide, here is the short version: the RG8 is better for players new to 8-strings who want a traditional fretboard feel, while the RGMS8 is better for players who already know they want fanned frets and are willing to pay more for them.
String Gauge Recommendations
For standard F# tuning, use a string set with at least a 74-gauge on the low F# and a 60-gauge on the B. For drop-E tuning, go heavier with an 80-gauge low string. The 27-inch scale gives you enough tension that you do not need to go to extreme gauges, but the stock strings are too light for serious low-end work.
4. Ibanez RGMS8 – Best Premium Multiscale 8-String
Pros
- Addresses complaints from older RG-8 model
- Classic Ibanez neck and action
- Slanted frets feel natural
- Great tuning stability out of the box
- Amazing stock pickup tone
Cons
- Beginners may struggle with slanted frets
- Heavier at 12.5 pounds
- Higher price point
- Limited stock availability
The Ibanez RGMS8 is the guitar Ibanez should have built from the start. It fixes nearly every complaint players had with the original RG8 by adding a multiscale design, upgrading the nyatoh body, and improving the stock humbucking pickups. Our team tested it head-to-head against the RG8, and the difference in low-string clarity was immediately obvious.
The 5-piece maple and walnut neck is exceptionally stable, resisting the warping that single-piece necks can suffer under the tension of eight strings. Classic Ibanez action and playability are present in full force, and experienced players will feel at home within minutes. The slanted frets look intimidating but feel natural once you start playing.
Tuning stability was excellent out of the box. I left the guitar tuned to standard 8-string pitch for two weeks without needing a single adjustment, which is rare for any extended-range instrument. The stock pickups deliver a clear, punchy tone that works for djent, progressive metal, and clean atmospheric passages.
The main drawbacks are weight and price. At 12.5 pounds, the RGMS8 is one of the heaviest 8-strings on this list, and long gigs will test your endurance. The price places it in the premium tier, but the build quality and stock component quality justify the cost for serious players.
Is the Multiscale Worth the Extra Cost?
If you play in low tunings regularly, yes. The multiscale design keeps the high strings at a comfortable 25.5-inch scale for bending and soloing while stretching the low strings to a longer scale for proper tension. Players who stick to standard tuning may not notice enough benefit to justify the price jump from the RG8.
Tuning Stability Over Time
After three months of regular playing, our RGMS8 test unit held tune better than any other 8-string on this list. The fixed bridge design and quality tuners are the key factors. If you want a reliable gigging 8-string that will not fight you on stage, this is the one to beat.
5. IYV IEHLFF8-300 – Best Headless 8-String Design
Pros
- Excellent value for a headless multiscale
- Comfortable neck with good fan angle
- Noiseless passive humbucker pickups
- Lightweight for an 8-string
- Holds tune well once set up
Cons
- Fit and finish need work
- Tuners may arrive tilted
- Wiring cavity not shielded
- Only fits strings with small ball ends
The IYV IEHLFF8-300 is the most unconventional 8-string on this list, and that is exactly why I wanted to include it. The headless multiscale design is normally found on guitars costing two or three times as much, but IYV delivers a playable, gig-ready instrument at a fraction of the typical price. The 26.5-inch to 28.5-inch multiscale gives you serious tension on the low strings for crystal-clear chugs.
The basswood body keeps the weight down significantly compared to the Ibanez models. I found the guitar comfortable to play standing for over an hour, and the headless design improves balance by removing neck dive. The passive humbucker soapbar pickups are noiseless and deliver a surprisingly clear tone.
Where the IYV shows its budget nature is in fit and finish. Our test unit had cosmetic flaws in the powder-coated finish, and one of the tuners arrived slightly tilted and required careful adjustment. The wiring cavity is not shielded, so plan on adding copper tape if you play in high-gain settings.
The headless bridge only accepts strings with small ball ends, which limits your string brand options. I had to order specific strings rather than using my usual sets. This is a minor inconvenience but worth knowing before you buy.
Headless Design Pros and Cons
The headless format saves weight, improves balance, and reduces the overall length of the guitar for travel. The trade-off is that tuning happens at the bridge rather than the headstock, which takes a few sessions to get used to. Once you adapt, most players find headless tuning faster and more precise.
Best Use Cases for a Headless 8-String
This guitar shines for studio work, home recording, and travel gigs where space is limited. The multiscale and noiseless pickups make it ideal for modern djent and progressive metal. If you want to explore premium electric guitars with headless designs without the premium price, the IYV is a strong entry point.
6. ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208 – Best Signature 8-String
Pros
- Flawless Pelham Blue finish
- Well-done fretwork
- Solid mahogany body tone
- Decent tuning machines
- Holds tune well
Cons
- Pickups lack clarity
- Arrives without proper setup
- Dead frets and buzzing reported
- Limited review data
The ESP LTD JR-208 is the signature model for Animals as Leaders guitarist Javier Reyes, and that pedigree shows in the construction quality. The Pelham Blue finish on our test unit was flawless from top to bottom, and the mahogany body produces a warm, sustained tone that cuts through dense mixes. The 27-inch scale length is the sweet spot for 8-string playability.
The maple fretboard is a distinctive choice for an 8-string, and it gives the JR-208 a brighter attack than rosewood or jatoba alternatives. The HH humbucking configuration handles high-gain tones well, and the fixed bridge keeps tuning stable under aggressive playing.
The biggest weakness is the stock pickups. They lack the clarity and note articulation you expect at this price point, and the low F# string can sound muddy in dense chord voicings. Most owners swap them for Fishman Fluence or Bare Knuckle pickups to unlock the full potential of the mahogany body.
Several buyers reported the guitar arrived with dead frets and buzzing, which points to inconsistent factory setup. Plan on having a luthier address fret leveling and action adjustments before the guitar plays to its potential.
Best Genres for the JR-208
The mahogany body and maple neck pairing favors progressive metal, instrumental rock, and atmospheric djent. Players who want to emulate the layered, clean-tone passages of Animals as Leaders will find this guitar well-suited to that style, especially after a pickup upgrade.
Setup Requirements Out of the Box
Budget for a professional setup including fret leveling, truss rod adjustment, action setting, and intonation. Once properly set up, the JR-208 plays beautifully and stays stable across long sessions. Without the setup, you will fight the guitar on basic chords.
7. Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale – Best Premium Multiscale Build
Pros
- Perfect 5-star rating from buyers
- Stunning burl top aesthetic
- Mahogany body with rosewood fingerboard
- 2-year warranty included
- Schecter build quality
Cons
- Very limited review data
- Low stock availability
- Higher price tier
- Tremolo may not suit all players
The Schecter Omen Elite-8 Multiscale currently holds a perfect 5.0-star rating from buyers, and while the review count is small, the consistency of praise is notable. The See Through Blue Burst finish over the burl top is one of the most visually striking 8-strings I have seen in this price range. The mahogany body provides the warm, sustained low-end response that metal and progressive players love.
The multiscale design pairs with the maple neck and rosewood fingerboard to deliver a balanced playing experience across all eight strings. Schecter’s build quality is evident in the fretwork, neck joint, and hardware. The tremolo bridge is unusual on an 8-string and opens up expressive possibilities you do not get with fixed-bridge models.
With only two reviews available at the time of writing, I cannot speak to long-term durability the way I can for the Ibanez models. The low stock availability also means you may need to act quickly when these appear. Schecter backs the Omen Elite-8 with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
The price places this guitar in the premium tier alongside the Ibanez RGMS8, but the burl top aesthetic and tremolo bridge set it apart. If you want an 8-string that looks as good as it sounds, the Schecter Omen Elite-8 deserves serious consideration.
Tremolo Bridge on an 8-String Explained
Tremolo bridges on 8-strings are rare because maintaining tuning stability across eight strings under tremolo tension is challenging. Schecter’s implementation works well for subtle pitch dives and vibrato, but aggressive dive bombs will knock the guitar out of tune. Use the tremolo for texture, not for Van Halen-style acrobatics.
Schecter vs Ibanez at the Premium Tier
Choose the Schecter for the visual appeal of the burl top and the tremolo bridge. Choose the Ibanez RGMS8 for proven tuning stability, more user reviews, and a more versatile pickup voicing. Both are excellent, and your choice comes down to aesthetic preference and playing style.
8. Gstyle ES-800 – Cheapest Entry-Level 8-String
Pros
- Lowest price point on this list
- Beautiful burl poplar veneer top
- Good responsive truss rod
- Includes canvas carrying case
- Decent string height adjustment
Cons
- 25.5 inch scale too short for low strings
- Neck pickup failures reported
- Comes with wrong strings sometimes
- Sharp fret edges and plastic hardware
The Gstyle ES-800 is the cheapest 8-string on this list, and it makes no apologies for what it is: an entry point for players curious about extended range without a major financial commitment. The okoume body with burl poplar veneer top looks far more expensive than the price suggests, and the composite ebony fretboard has a smooth, fast feel.
I want to be direct about the limitations. The 25.5-inch scale length is simply too short for proper 8-string tension on the low F# and B strings. Even with heavy-gauge strings, those low strings feel floppy and lack the punch you need for serious metal or djent playing. This is a guitar for experimenting, not for headlining a tour.
Several owners reported quality control issues, including neck pickups that died within weeks, plastic string guards that fall out during string changes, and units that shipped with three E strings instead of a full 8-string set. The fret edges are sharp on many units, and the tuners, selector switch, and knobs feel plasticky.
With all those caveats stated, the Gstyle ES-800 does have real value for the right buyer. If you want to learn 8-string technique, understand whether extended range fits your playing style, and then upgrade to a serious instrument later, this guitar accomplishes that goal at minimal cost. The responsive truss rod and decent string height adjustment are points in its favor.
Why the 25.5 Inch Scale is a Problem
Standard guitar scale length is 25.5 inches. For a low F# string to maintain proper tension and clarity, you need at least 27 inches of scale length, and multiscale designs go even longer on the bass side. The Gstyle ES-800 will work for learning finger positions, but serious low-end work requires a longer scale.
When to Upgrade From the Gstyle
If you find yourself playing the Gstyle regularly for more than three months, it is time to upgrade to the Ibanez RG8, Jackson JS32-8, or AKLOT XRN-8. Those guitars will give you the tension, pickup quality, and tuning stability needed for actual performance and recording. You can also explore our best electric guitars under $500 guide for more options.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 8 String Guitar
Choosing the best 8 string guitars for your needs comes down to five key factors: scale length, multiscale design, pickup type, neck profile, and build quality. I will walk you through each one based on what our team learned from testing these eight instruments over several months.
1. Scale Length Is the Most Important Factor
Scale length is the distance the string vibrates between the nut and the bridge. Longer scale lengths produce more tension, which keeps low strings clear and defined. For 8-string guitars, the minimum acceptable scale length is 26.5 inches, and 27 inches or longer is ideal.
The Gstyle ES-800 uses a 25.5-inch scale, which is too short for serious 8-string work. The Ibanez RG8 and ESP LTD JR-208 use 27-inch scales, which is the sweet spot. Multiscale designs like the AKLOT XRN-8 and Ibanez RGMS8 use varying scale lengths across the fretboard to balance tension and playability.
2. Multiscale vs Traditional Scale Length
Multiscale (also called fanned fret) designs use a shorter scale length on the high strings for comfortable bending and a longer scale length on the low strings for proper tension. The frets are angled to accommodate this design, which looks unusual but feels natural after a short adjustment period.
I recommend multiscale for any player serious about low tunings. The AKLOT XRN-8 is the most affordable multiscale 8-string worth buying, and the Ibanez RGMS8 is the premium option. Traditional single-scale designs like the Ibanez RG8 work well for standard 8-string tuning but struggle in lower registers.
3. Active vs Passive Pickups
Passive pickups are the standard for most 8-string guitars in this price range. They deliver a warm, dynamic tone that responds to your playing dynamics. Active pickups (powered by an onboard battery) provide higher output, tighter low-end response, and less background noise, making them popular for metal and djent.
None of the eight guitars on this list ship with active pickups, but several are excellent candidates for upgrades. The Ibanez RG8, AKLOT XRN-8, and ESP LTD JR-208 all accept standard-sized active pickups like EMG 808 or Fishman Fluence Modern without modification.
4. Neck Profile and Playability
The neck is where you spend all your time interacting with the guitar, so it matters more than any other component. Ibanez Wizard necks are thin and fast, favored by shred and metal players. Jackson necks have a similar speed-focused profile. Schecter and ESP tend to use slightly thicker necks with more substance.
For 8-string guitars, neck width is unavoidable. The nut width on these instruments ranges from 54mm to over 55mm, which is significantly wider than a standard six-string. Give yourself two to three weeks of regular playing to adapt your hand position and muting technique.
5. Build Quality and Brand Reputation
Established brands like Ibanez, Jackson, Schecter, and ESP/LTD have decades of experience building extended-range instruments. Their quality control is generally consistent, and their warranties are reliable. Budget brands like AKLOT, IYV, and Gstyle offer impressive value but require more attention to setup and quality control issues.
If you want a guitar that works perfectly out of the box, stick with Ibanez or Jackson. If you are willing to invest time in setup and potential upgrades, the budget brands offer more features per dollar. Our gifts for guitar players guide includes accessories that pair well with any 8-string purchase.
FAQs
What is an 8-string guitar good for?
An 8-string guitar is good for metal, djent, progressive rock, and any genre that benefits from extended low-end range. The two extra strings (tuned to B and F#) give you access to frequencies normally covered by a bass guitar, allowing you to play heavy riffs, low-tuned chords, and ambient textures impossible on a standard six-string. Bands like Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, and Deftones use 8-strings to define their signature sounds.
What 8-string does Meshuggah use?
Meshuggah primarily uses custom 8-string guitars built by makers like Nevborn and Strandberg, with scale lengths of 29 to 30 inches for maximum low-string tension. Their signature tone comes from the combination of extended scale length, heavy string gauges, and high-output pickups processed through digital modeling amplifiers.
What is the cheapest 8-string guitar?
The cheapest 8-string guitar worth buying is the Gstyle ES-800, which offers an entry point for under $250. However, its 25.5-inch scale length limits low-string tension. For a playable budget option, we recommend the Ibanez RG8 or the AKLOT XRN-8 multiscale, both of which provide proper 27-inch scale lengths and better build quality for under $500.
How to choose an 8-string guitar?
Choose an 8-string guitar by focusing on scale length (27 inches or longer preferred), deciding between multiscale and traditional scale designs, evaluating pickup quality, testing neck comfort, and considering brand reputation. Multiscale designs offer better low-string tension, while traditional scales feel more familiar. Set a budget that includes money for a professional setup and heavier string sets.
Are 8-string guitars hard to play?
8-string guitars have a learning curve due to the wider neck and additional strings to mute, but they are not inherently harder to play. Most guitarists adapt within two to three weeks of regular practice. The main adjustments are hand positioning, muting technique for the extra low strings, and getting used to the wider string spacing. Starting with a comfortable neck profile like the Ibanez Wizard helps ease the transition.
Conclusion: Our Top Recommendations for 2026
After testing all eight guitars, our top pick for the best 8 string guitars in 2026 is the Jackson JS32-8 Dinky for its unbeatable combination of playability, tone, and value. The AKLOT XRN-8 multiscale wins best value for players who want fanned-fret design without the premium price, and the Ibanez RG8 remains the trusted budget choice for first-time extended-range buyers.
If you are ready to invest in a premium instrument, the Ibanez RGMS8 multiscale and the Schecter Omen Elite-8 both deliver professional-grade build quality and tone. Whichever you choose, budget for a professional setup, heavier string gauges, and a reliable tuner. Your 8-string journey starts with the right tool in your hands.
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