AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 7 String Guitars for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Ibanez RGRB720 Iron Label ($1,077). Ibanez RGA742FM Standard gives you the most for the money at $591. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 87 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
This is a seven-string electric guitar with a nyatoh body, a maple neck, and two DiMarzio humbucker pickups. It has a locking nut and an Edge-Zero Tremolo, so you can bend strings and still keep it in tune. It suits you if you want a seven-string guitar with a flat black matt finish and a fast, slim Wizard II neck.
Pros
- Nyatoh body and maple 3-piece neck make up the guitar's core build
- Two DiMarzio D Activator Humbucker 7 pickups cover the neck and bridge positions
- Locking nut and Edge-Zero Tremolo help you keep the tuning in place when you bend strings
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control, with a 5-way switch and dyna-MIX10 Alter Switch, limits hands-on tone changes
77AudioFu
Index↓ 15.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,268 · Aug 17$1,077 now$1,077€965 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
You get a 7-string electric with a mahogany body, a burl poplar top, and two Diamond Heretic humbuckers. The thin C neck and 24 X-Jumbo frets give you plenty of room to play across the fretboard. It suits you if you want a 7-string with a slim neck and a simple set of controls.
Pros
- Mahogany body with a burl poplar top
- Two Schecter Diamond Heretic humbucker pickups
- Thin C neck with 24 X-Jumbo frets
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control for both pickups
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$758 now$758€679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
This is a seven-string electric with a nyatoh body and a roasted maple neck. It has two DiMarzio humbuckers, a 3-way switch, and a coil-tap switch, so you can change the pickup setup right on the guitar. It suits you if you want a seven-string with a long 26.5" scale and a black flat finish.
Pros
- Nyatoh body paired with a roasted maple bolt-on neck
- Two DiMarzio D Activator 7 (H) humbuckers with a coil-tap switch
- Gotoh MG-T locking machine heads hold the strings at the tuners
Cons
- Scale length of 673 mm (26.5") is long, so it suits players used to that feel
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,082 now$1,082€969 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Strings7-string
- BodyMahogany body
This is a 7-string electric guitar with a mahogany body, a burl poplar top, and two humbuckers. It suits you if you want a seven-string with a thin neck and a hardtail bridge. The 673 mm scale length and 24 X-Jumbo frets give you a clear, roomy layout for lower-tuned riffs and fast playing.
Pros
- Mahogany body with a burl poplar top gives it a striking look and a sturdy base
- Two Schecter Diamond Heretic humbuckers cover the neck and bridge positions
- Thin C neck with 24 X-Jumbo frets gives you plenty of room to play fast passages
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control, so you cannot adjust each pickup on its own
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$736 now$736€659 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyNyatoh body
If you want a 7-string guitar with a bolt-on maple neck and an ebony fretboard, this one is worth a look. It has two humbuckers, one volume knob, a 3-way switch, and Gotoh MGT locking tuners. It suits you if you want a 7-string in a black flat finish with a simple set of controls.
Pros
- Nyatoh body with a bolt-on maple neck and ebony fretboard
- Two DiMarzio Fusion Edge 7 humbuckers with a 3-way toggle switch
- Gibraltar Standard II-7 bridge with Gotoh MGT locking machine heads
Cons
- Only one volume control, with no separate tone control included
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,048 now$1,048€939 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings7-string
- BodyAlder body
The A1.7LN Canibalismo+ is a serious contender for modern players needing a 7-string. The Duncan Solar+ pickups really deliver that aggressive, high-gain sound, and the Evertune system is a game-changer for staying in tune during intense playing. This is ideal for progressive metal, djent, and anyone who wants a shred-ready instrument with excellent build quality.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Duncan Solar+ pickups deliver high-output, modern rock/metal tones.
- Evertune bridge genuinely locks in tuning, a huge convenience for 7-string players.
Cons
- The 'C' neck profile might not suit players preferring a flatter, wider neck.
- The neon lemon matte finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
61AudioFu
Index↓ 18.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,506 · Aug 17$1,227 now$1,227€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
This is a seven-string electric guitar with a Meranti body, a maple neck and a jatoba fingerboard. You get two Quantum 7 humbuckers, a volume and tone control, and a 5-way switch, so you can pick from several pickup combinations. It suits you if you want a seven-string guitar with a 25.5" scale and 24 jumbo frets.
Pros
- Meranti body with a bolt-on 3-piece maple neck
- Jatoba fingerboard with white off-set dot inlays
- Two Quantum 7 humbucker pickups with a 5-way switch
Cons
- Plastic nut rather than a bone or metal nut
71AudioFu
Index↓ 3.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$613 · Aug 17$591 now$591€529 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Strings7-string
- BodyNyatoh body
Jake Bowen’s signature Ibanez JBM27 is a seriously well-built modern 7-string. It’s a shredder's dream – fast, responsive, and equipped with pickups that cut through any mix. If you’re into progressive metal, djent, or anything requiring extended range and aggressive tones, this is a fantastic, high-performance option.
Pros
- Wizard II neck profile provides incredibly fast and comfortable playability.
- DiMarzio Titan pickups deliver high-output, modern, aggressive tones.
- Edge Zero II-7 tremolo offers exceptional tuning stability for extended use.
Cons
- Nyatoh body can feel a bit less resonant than more premium woods.
- The extended scale length demands a bit of hand strength and reach.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,395 now$1,395€1,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings7-string
The A2.7 C is a solid 7-string option for players wanting a quality instrument without the premium price tag. The C-profile neck is comfortable and familiar, and the Solar pickups provide a good balance of aggression and clarity. This guitar shines for modern rock, metal, and progressive genres where a tight low-end and articulate highs are essential.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant low-end and sustain
- Ebony fingerboard provides a snappy, articulate playing feel
- Graphite nut minimizes friction and tuning instability
Cons
- Mahogany body contributes to a noticeably heavier overall instrument
- Limited pickup versatility compared to coil-splitting or more complex wiring
59AudioFu
Index↓ 16.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$892 · Aug 17$744 now$744€666 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyMeranti body
The RG7420EX-BKF is a fantastic entry point into the 7-string world. It's built for players who want a shred-friendly neck, powerful pickups, and a tremolo system that can handle aggressive playing—perfect for metalheads and progressive rock enthusiasts on a budget.
Pros
- Meranti body delivers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Wizard II-7 neck profile is exceptionally fast and comfortable for extended playing.
- Quantum 7@+ pickups offer high output and clarity for modern metal and progressive genres.
Cons
- Matt polyurethane finish, while cool, can show fingerprints and smudges easily.
- Jatoba fretboard, though durable, can feel slightly harder than rosewood or ebony.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$678 now$678€607 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 87 7 string guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Schecter Sunset 7 ExtremeSunset -7 Extreme SB · Schecter55Stable$1,271€1,138$1,271€1,138Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez RGA217P1PBDRLIbanez55↓ 20.8%$1,415€1,267$1,415€1,267Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez ICTB721 Iceman Iron LabelICTB721-BKF · Ibanez54Stable$1,428€1,279$1,428€1,279Check ↗
- 14
Schecter Damien-7 MultiscaleDamien 7 Multiscale SB · Schecter52Stable$1,037€929$1,037€929Check ↗
- 15
Ibanez RGD7521PBRGD7521PB-DSF · Ibanez51Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 16
Solar Guitars T2.7FBB-Flame Black BurstSolar Guitars47Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 17
Ibanez RGD721FA-WUFIbanez47↓ 1.8%$1,205€1,079$1,205€1,079Check ↗
- 18
Solar Guitars A1.7FRCLN CanibalismoSolar Guitars47Stable$1,450€1,299$1,450€1,299Check ↗
- 19
Sterling John Petrucci JP70 SBKSterling · 2 finishes46Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 20
Sterling Kaizen 7 FMPSSterling · 2 finishes46Stable$1,283€1,149$1,283€1,149Check ↗
- 21
Ibanez QX527PB-ABSIbanez46↓ 0.6%$1,321€1,183$1,321€1,183Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez RGMS7PB-CBSIbanez49↓ 6.2%$680€609$680€609Check ↗
- 23
ESP LTD M-207B DX STBLK SatinESP · 2 finishes46Stable$713€639$713€639Check ↗
- 24
Hagstrom Krona-7 SBKHagstrom · 3 finishes45Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 25
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-7Hellraiser Hybrid C-7 TBB · Schecter45Stable$1,450€1,299$1,450€1,299Check ↗
- 26
Sterling John Petrucci MAJ170X ADRSterling45↓ 13.3%$1,450€1,299$1,450€1,299Check ↗
- 27
Schecter Omen Elite-7 See Blue BurstSchecter43Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 28
Solar Guitars A2.7Canibalismo+Solar Guitars43Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 29
Jackson Pro MM Jugg HT 7 Sig YellowJackson43Stable$1,205€1,079$1,205€1,079Check ↗
- 30
Schecter Sunset -7 Extreme Grey GhostSchecter43Stable$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 31
Jackson Pro MM Jugg HT 7 P CHLRN BRSTJackson43Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 32
Jackson Pro MM Jugg HT 7 SLVR BLK BRSTJackson43Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 33
Jackson Pro Series Mark Heylmun RR24-7Jackson43Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 34
Schecter C-7 Hellraiser BCHSchecter · 3 finishes43Stable$1,395€1,249$1,395€1,249Check ↗
- 35
Jackson JS Series JS22-7 DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth FretboardJS22-7 KV Satin Black · Jackson · 3 finishes77↓ 7.6%$298€267$298€267Check ↗
- 36
Ibanez GRG7221QA GioGRG7221QA-TKS · Ibanez73↓ 2.2%$347€311$347€311Check ↗
- 37
Ibanez RG7421EXL Standard Left-HandedRG7421EX-BKF · Ibanez54↓ 2.8%$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 38
Jackson X Series Surfcaster HT7 MET BKJackson42↓ 1.0%$847€759$847€759Check ↗
- 39
Cort KX707 Evertune Open Pore BlackCort41Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 40
Schecter Omen Extreme 7 STBLKSchecter40Stable$736€659$736€659Check ↗
- 41
Ibanez RGD71ALMS-BAMIbanez40Stable$1,261€1,129$1,261€1,129Check ↗
- 42
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted B w/CaseHarley Benton47Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted BurstAmarok-7 BKRD Quilted Burst · Harley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 44
Schecter Diamond Omen 7 Extreme BCHSchecter47↓ 15.8%$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 45
Legator Ninja N7SS BKLegator38Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 46
Cort KX507MS Pale Moon EbonyCort37Stable$948€849$948€849Check ↗
- 47
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted w/BagHarley Benton45Stable$624€559$624€559Check ↗
- 48
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKNT Flame Bur w/CaseHarley Benton41Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 49
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKNT Flame w/BagHarley Benton40Stable$624€559$624€559Check ↗
- 50
Ibanez K7YIN / K7RGA24M2 James "Munky" Shaffer SignatureK7YIN · Ibanez · 2 finishes72Stable$2,063€1,848$2,063€1,848Check ↗
7 String Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 124 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,227 — half of all 7 string guitars here cost less.
median of 108 models · 44.5 mm (1.75")–49.5 mm (1.95")
median of 102 models · 648 mm (25.51")–686 mm (27.01")
median of 59 models · 22–24
median of 66 models · 350 mm (13.78")–457 mm (17.99")
How to choose the best 7 string guitars
Playability
A comfortable neck profile is crucial. Chunky necks can be fun, but a thicker neck can be a real hindrance when you're developing your technique. We're looking for something that allows for accurate fretting and easy access to those high strings without feeling like you're wrestling with a tree trunk.
Pickup Voicing
That low B string isn't going to sound good with a thin, brittle pickup. You need something with enough low-end thump and headroom to cut through the mix without getting muddy. Bright pickups can work, but they need to have enough definition to avoid becoming a harsh, ice-picky mess.
Hardware Quality
Tuners are the first thing to go on a budget 7-string. Cheap tuners mean constant retuning, which kills your momentum and makes gigging a nightmare. A stable, intonated instrument is essential, especially when you're learning extended-range techniques.
Scale Length
26.5" is pretty standard for 7-strings, but a slightly longer scale (27") can improve string tension and intonation, especially with heavier gauge strings. A shorter scale might feel easier initially, but can compromise string tension and clarity.
Construction & Build Quality
Let's be honest, cheaper guitars cut corners. Check for fret buzz, sharp fret ends, and sloppy finish work. These aren't deal-breakers, but they'll impact your playing experience and can be a pain to fix.
Buying guide
So, you're leveling up from six strings and eyeing that extended range? A 7-string can open up a whole new world of low-end chugs and djent-y textures, but they're not all created equal, especially when you're not a seasoned pro. This isn't about chasing the latest shred machine; it's about finding a 7-string that's playable, inspiring, and won't leave you wrestling with intonation issues after three songs. Let's find you a 7-string that'll actually help you improve.
As an intermediate player, you're past the point of needing a cheap, unplayable axe. Invest in something that inspires you and won't hold you back. Don't be swayed by flashy aesthetics - focus on playability and hardware.
A good setup from a qualified tech is worth the money - it'll make even a mid-range 7-string feel like a dream.
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 124 7 string guitars from the Thomann catalogue. 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
What gauge strings should I use on a 7-string?
Generally, 10-46 or 10-52 is a good starting point. It'll depend on your neck preference and tuning, but heavier gauges help maintain tension and prevent floppy low strings.
Is a 27" scale length really worth it?
It's not a must, but it can make a noticeable difference in intonation and string feel, especially when you're pushing the limits of the low B string. It's a worthwhile upgrade if you can find it at a reasonable price.
What's the deal with fan fret necks?
Fan fret necks address the string tension issue with longer scale lengths - the bass strings have a longer radius than the treble strings. They can be tricky to get used to, so try before you buy.
I'm on a budget, where can I save money?
Don't skimp on the setup. A professional setup will be more valuable than a flashy pickup upgrade. Also, consider used instruments - you can often find great deals.
Will a 7-string be harder to play than a 6-string?
Absolutely. The increased string tension and wider neck require more finger strength and coordination. Start slow, focus on clean playing, and don't get discouraged!





