AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best ESP 7 String Guitars 2026
The top pick is ESP LTD JS-7 Baritone Jack Simmons Signature ($2,418). ESP LTD MH-17KIT BLK gives you the most for the money at $287. ESP M7B HT RASPBERRY GH EMG leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 11 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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ESP LTD JS-7 Baritone Jack Simmons Signature
LTD Jack Simmons JS-7 Baritone · ESP
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar uses a thick mahogany body and a maple neck that goes all the way through the wood. The neck feels very thin and easy to play thanks to its U shape and large radius. It has a long scale length and a wide nut, which might be hard for smaller hands. The bridge lets strings pass through the body for better sustain.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body with maple neck-through-body construction
- Thin U profile neck for fast playability
- Large 400mm radius for comfortable bending
Cons
- No weight is listed in the description
- Nut width of 48mm is very wide
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,418 now$2,418€2,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale685 mm (26.97")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Strings7-string
- BodyAlder body
The E-II Horizon NT-7B Hipshot is a seriously impressive instrument built for modern metal and progressive players. That extended scale and EMG pickup combo deliver a tight, aggressive tone with incredible clarity, and the Hipshot bridge is a game-changer for tuning stability. It's a premium-priced option, but the quality and playability justify the investment for those seeking a high-performance 7-string.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain
- Thin 'U' neck profile offers comfortable playability across the extended scale
- EMG 81/85 set provides aggressive high-output and versatile tonal options
Cons
- Baritone scale limits versatility for standard tuning applications
- Heavier than many guitars due to alder body and hardware
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,375 now$3,375€2,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
- BodyPoplar body
This guitar feels like a solid, ready-to-play workhorse. The extra thin neck makes bending notes feel natural, while the poplar body keeps the instrument light enough for long gigs. It is perfect for players who want a deep, baritone sound without worrying about complex electronics.
Pros
- Extra Thin U neck profile plays chords and leads easily
- Flamed maple top adds bright warmth to the tone
- String-thru-body bridge keeps tuning stable under pressure
Cons
- Heavy scale length may strain smaller hands
- Only one volume and one tone control limit options
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- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
- BodyAsh body
This AW-XJ7B is a serious instrument built for modern metal and progressive players. The extended scale really allows those low frequencies to sing, while the Evertune keeps things locked in. It’s a premium-priced option that delivers a lot of performance and a unique voice.
Pros
- Swamp ash body delivers resonant, articulate low-end response.
- Evertune bridge maintains tuning stability under heavy baritone use.
- Thin 'U' neck profile promotes fast, comfortable playing across 27” scale.
Cons
- Swamp ash construction can make it somewhat prone to finish checking.
- 27” scale necessitates heavier gauge strings, potentially limiting versatility.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,026 now$3,026€2,689 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels like a built-to-last workhorse with a solid maple neck and heavy mahogany body. The 7 strings are handled by a strong Hipshot bridge that keeps tuning stable. It suits players who want a thick, loud tone without extra electronics. The thick ebony fingerboard makes it easy to press down notes. While it lacks modern features, its simple setup delivers a raw, powerful sound.
Pros
- Solid 3-piece neck-through-body design for stability
- Premium Mahogany body with Buckeye burl top
- High-output Bare Knuckle Warpig 7 humbuckers
Cons
- Likely heavy due to Mahogany and 7-string setup
- Only 3-way switch with basic controls
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 16Oct 16$4,500 now$4,500€3,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
This guitar feels like a solid, modern beast built for heavy playing. The extra thin neck makes chords easy to press, and the EMG pickups give you a tight, aggressive sound right out of the box. It suits anyone who wants a reliable workhorse for rock and metal without worrying about extra knobs to turn.
Pros
- Extra thin neck profile for easy finger movement
- Flamed maple top adds visual and structural strength
- EMG 81 and 85 pickups for aggressive modern tone
Cons
- No weight listed makes the guitar feel heavy
- Raspberry finish shows dirt and scratches easily
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,526 now$6,526€5,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
This E-II Horizon FR-7 is a serious instrument built for modern metal and progressive players. The combination of mahogany, quilted maple, and those EMG pickups delivers a powerful, articulate sound with incredible sustain. It’s a step up from entry-level 7-strings, offering professional-grade quality and playability at a premium-priced point.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides excellent sustain and warmth.
- Quilted maple top adds stunning visual appeal and clarity.
- EMG 57/66 set delivers high-output, modern aggressive tones.
Cons
- The extended scale length (648mm) might be uncomfortable for players with smaller hands.
- Mahogany body contributes to a relatively heavy instrument.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,825 now$3,825€3,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The Arrow-1007B is a seriously impressive baritone 7-string. The Evertune system is a game-changer for locking in drop tunings, and the Fluence pickups offer a surprisingly versatile palette – from tight modern metal to surprisingly warm cleans. This is a great option for progressive metal players or anyone wanting to explore the lower registers with a comfortable and well-built instrument.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for a powerful low-end.
- Fishman Fluence pickups deliver exceptional clarity and a wide range of tones.
- Evertune bridge ensures consistent tuning stability, even with aggressive playing.
Cons
- The extended scale length (27") might feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- Mahogany body contributes to a potentially heavier instrument; neck dive could be an issue.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,081 now$2,081€1,849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The EC-1007B is a seriously impressive 7-string, built for modern metal and progressive players. The Evertune system is a game-changer for tuning stability, and the Fluence pickups cover a surprising amount of ground. It’s a premium-priced instrument that delivers pro-level performance and feel.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides rich, warm sustain and a balanced tonal foundation.
- Fishman Fluence pickups deliver versatile, high-output tones with excellent clarity.
- Evertune bridge guarantees perfect tuning stability, even with heavy riffing.
Cons
- Mahogany construction contributes to a noticeably heavier overall instrument.
- Macassar ebony fingerboard can be prone to dryness, requiring occasional maintenance.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,306 now$2,306€2,049 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale647.7 mm (25.5")
- Strings7-string
- BodyBasswood body
The MH-17KIT BLK is a fantastic entry point into 7-string playing. It's lightweight, comfortable, and the pickups surprisingly deliver a lot of punch for the price. Perfect for beginners or players on a budget who want to explore extended range without sacrificing playability.
Pros
- Roasted jatoba fretboard offers excellent stability and a smooth playing feel.
- Thin 'U' neck profile is comfortable for a wide range of playing styles.
- LH-100 pickups deliver a surprisingly powerful and versatile modern tone.
Cons
- Passive electronics limit tonal shaping options compared to active systems.
- Basswood, while lightweight, lacks the sustain of mahogany or other denser woods.
40AudioFu
Index↓ 1.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$290 · Aug 17$287 now$287€255 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 11 7 string guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
7 String Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 126 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,925 — half of all 7 string guitars here cost less.
median of 111 models · 44.5 mm (1.75")–48 mm (1.89")
median of 101 models · 648 mm (25.51")–686 mm (27.01")
median of 58 models · 22–24
median of 64 models · 305 mm (12.01")–457 mm (17.99")
How to choose the best 7 string guitars
Neck Profile
ESP's neck profiles - Wizard III, Wizard II, etc. - are a big deal. The Wizard III is generally thinner and faster, great for shred, but might feel flimsy to some. The Wizard II offers a bit more meat, providing better sustain and a more substantial feel, especially when you're locking in with a down-tuned riff.
Hardware Quality
ESP's locking tuners are rock solid. You don't want your low B string slipping mid-solo. The bridge - often a Schecter-style Floyd Rose - needs to be able to handle dive bombs without going wildly out of tune, and ESP generally delivers a decent setup here, though aftermarket upgrades are always an option.
Pickup Voicing
Many ESP 7-strings come with their own signature pickups, often designed for high-gain tones. Expect a focus on articulation and a tight low-end thump to cut through a dense mix, but sometimes lacking in nuanced cleans. The voicing can range from aggressive and scooped to more balanced, so listen closely.
Construction & Wood Selection
Mahogany bodies are common for their warmth and sustain, often paired with maple tops for brightness and clarity. The quality of the wood and the overall build consistency directly impacts resonance and long-term stability. Cheaper models will use lower-grade woods that don't resonate as well.
Overall Ergonomics
A 7-string can be a beast to handle. Neck joint design, body contours, and weight balance are crucial for comfortable playability, especially during long gigs or practice sessions. A poorly balanced 7-string will just tire you out.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're diving into the 7-string world? Smart move. ESP has been a go-to for serious players needing that extended range - from metal shredders to jazz fusion cats. We're gonna break down what makes ESP 7-strings tick, which models are worth your hard-earned cash, and what you're actually getting for that price tag. Forget the marketing fluff - this is about tone, feel, and reliability on stage and in the studio.
Look, ESP 7-strings cover a wide price range. The cheaper ones (Hornet, E-II series) will cut corners on wood selection and hardware finish, but they're still playable. The higher-end models (E-II, Eclipse) offer noticeable improvements in build quality, pickups, and overall feel.
Don't chase the flashiest top - focus on the neck profile and pickup voicing to make sure it's a good match for your playing style.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 12 7 string guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 126 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are ESP 7-strings worth the money?
It depends. The higher-end models are a serious investment, but the playability and tone are significantly better. The lower-end models offer good value for the price, but expect to upgrade components down the line.
What's the difference between an E-II and an Eclipse?
E-II models are a step up from the standard line, featuring better woods, upgraded hardware, and generally a higher level of finish. Eclipse models are their flagship series, offering the absolute best ESP has to offer in terms of materials and craftsmanship.
Can I easily swap the pickups?
Absolutely. ESP uses standard pickup routings, so swapping pickups is a relatively straightforward process. Just be mindful of the pickup polarity when you install them.
Are ESP 7-strings heavy?
Many are. Mahogany bodies add weight. Look for models with chambered bodies or lighter woods if portability is a concern. A good strap is a must.
What kind of amp do I need for an ESP 7-string?
A high-gain amp with plenty of headroom is ideal to showcase the 7-string's extended range and aggressive tone. Think Mesa/Boogie, EVH, or similar. But honestly, a good tube amp with a decent power section will do the trick.
