AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 7 String Guitars for Metal 2026
The top pick is Jackson JS Series JS22-7 DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth Fretboard ($298). Harley Benton R-457MN LH WH gives you the most for the money at $189. Ibanez K7YIN / K7RGA24M2 James "Munky" Shaffer Signature leads the high end. 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.
-
Jackson JS Series JS22-7 DKA HT Dinky Archtop with Amaranth Fretboard
JS22-7 KV Satin Black · Jackson
36 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyPoplar body
You get a King V style 7-string guitar with a poplar body, a bolt-on maple neck and two high-output humbuckers. It suits you if you want a 7-string with a long 26.5 inch scale and 24 jumbo frets. Expect a simple control layout with just volume, tone and a 3-way switch.
Pros
- Poplar body with a bolt-on maple neck and amaranth fingerboard
- Two Jackson high-output 7-string humbuckers for heavy playing
- 24 jumbo frets with pearloid piranha tooth inlays
Cons
- Only volume, tone and a 3-way toggle switch for controls
- Ships without a case or bag
77AudioFu
Index↓ 7.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$323 · Aug 17$298 now$298€267 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 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")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyPoplar body
This is a 7-string electric guitar with a poplar body, a quilted maple top, and a maple neck. It has two Infinity R humbuckers, a 648 mm scale, and 24 Jumbo frets, so it suits you if you want to play lower tunings and want plenty of frets to work with. It has a black-hardware, transparent black sunburst look that many players will like.
Pros
- Quilted maple top over a poplar body gives it a striking look
- Maple neck paired with a New Zealand pine fretboard
- Two Infinity R humbuckers with an F107 bridge
73AudioFu
Index↓ 2.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$355 · Aug 17$347 now$347€311 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez K7YIN / K7RGA24M2 James "Munky" Shaffer Signature
K7YIN · Ibanez
20 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
This is a 7-string electric guitar with a nyatoh body, a maple and walnut neck, and an ebony fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets. It has two DiMarzio Blaze humbuckers and a Lo-Pro Edge 7 tremolo with U-Bar. It suits you if you want a 7-string with a 25.5" scale and a tremolo for bends and dive effects.
Pros
- Nyatoh body with a maple and walnut bolt-on neck
- Ebony fingerboard with K-7 Special inlays and fluorescent side dots
- Two DiMarzio Blaze humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,063 now$2,063€1,848 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 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 ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
This left-handed R-457MN is a seriously impressive value for the money. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price point, and those pickups have a definite aggressive edge. It's perfect for budding metalheads and rock players looking for a 7-string without a huge investment.
Pros
- Solid poplar body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers snappy response and comfortable, familiar feel.
- Hi-Gain humbuckers deliver thick, aggressive tones ideal for modern metal and rock.
Cons
- ABS nut can be a weak point; upgrading to Tusq or bone is recommended.
- Poplar body, while good, lacks the premium sustain of mahogany or basswood.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$189 now$189€169 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
Ibanez RGR762AHBF PrestigeRGR762AHBF-WK · Ibanez64Stable$1,975€1,769$1,975€1,769Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez RG7420EX StandardRG7420EX-BKF · Ibanez61Stable$678€607$678€607Check ↗
- 13
Solar Guitars A1.7LN Canibalismo+Solar Guitars · 6 finishes61↓ 18.5%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez JBM27 Jake Bowen SignatureJBM27 Jake Bowen · Ibanez60Stable$1,395€1,249$1,395€1,249Check ↗
- 15
Solar Guitars A2.7CSolar Guitars · 3 finishes59↓ 16.7%$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 16
Ibanez UV70P Steve Vai Signature UniverseUV70P-BK · Ibanez58Stable$1,607€1,439$1,607€1,439Check ↗
- 17
Schecter Sunset 7 ExtremeSunset -7 Extreme SB · Schecter55Stable$1,271€1,138$1,271€1,138Check ↗
- 18
Ibanez RGA217P1PBDRLIbanez55↓ 20.8%$1,415€1,267$1,415€1,267Check ↗
- 19
Ibanez RG2027RXL PrestigeRG2027RXL-DTB · Ibanez55Stable$1,930€1,729$1,930€1,729Check ↗
- 20
Ibanez AZ24047 PrestigeAZ24047-BK · Ibanez55Stable$2,511€2,249$2,511€2,249Check ↗
- 21
ESP E-II Horizon NT-7B HipshotESP55Stable$3,348€2,999$3,348€2,999Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez RG7421EXL Standard Left-HandedRG7421EX-BKF · Ibanez54↓ 2.8%$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 23
Ibanez ICTB721 Iceman Iron LabelICTB721-BKF · Ibanez54Stable$1,428€1,279$1,428€1,279Check ↗
- 24
ESP LTD JS-7 Baritone Jack Simmons SignatureLTD Jack Simmons JS-7 Baritone · ESP53Stable$2,399€2,149$2,399€2,149Check ↗
- 25
Schecter Damien-7 MultiscaleDamien 7 Multiscale SB · Schecter52Stable$1,037€929$1,037€929Check ↗
- 26
Ibanez RGD7521PBRGD7521PB-DSF · Ibanez51Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 27
Ibanez RGDR4327R PrestigeRGDR4327R-NTF · Ibanez51Stable$2,790€2,499$2,790€2,499Check ↗
- 28
Ernie Ball Music Man Jason Richardson Signature Cutlass HT 7Cutlass 7 Jason Richardson KF · Music Man51Stable$4,577€4,099$4,577€4,099Check ↗
- 29
Ibanez RGMS7PB-CBSIbanez49↓ 6.2%$680€609$680€609Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez A527-NSHIbanez · 2 finishes49Stable$2,076€1,859$2,076€1,859Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted BurstAmarok-7 BKRD Quilted Burst · Harley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 32
Solar Guitars S1.7C+Solar Guitars · 3 finishes48Stable$1,674€1,499$1,674€1,499Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez AZ447P1QM-COBIbanez48Stable$1,763€1,579$1,763€1,579Check ↗
- 34
Ibanez ICWH727 Wes Hauch Signature IcemanICWH727 Wes Hauch · Ibanez48Stable$10,047€8,999$10,047€8,999Check ↗
- 35
Schecter Diamond Omen 7 Extreme BCHSchecter47↓ 15.8%$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted B w/CaseHarley Benton47Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 37
Solar Guitars T2.7FBB-Flame Black BurstSolar Guitars47Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 38
Ibanez RGD721FA-WUFIbanez47↓ 1.8%$1,205€1,079$1,205€1,079Check ↗
- 39
Solar Guitars A1.7FRCLN CanibalismoSolar Guitars47Stable$1,450€1,299$1,450€1,299Check ↗
- 40
Solar Guitars T1.7DBOPSolar Guitars47Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 41
Schecter C-7 SLS Evil Twin SBKSchecter · 3 finishes47Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 42
Solar Guitars VAR1.7SP Silver SparkleSolar Guitars47Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 43
Ibanez ICMS721-IPT Iceman w/GBIbanez47↓ 2.9%$1,841€1,649$1,841€1,649Check ↗
- 44
Harley Benton MultiScale-7 TPBHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 45
ESP LTD M-207B DX STBLK SatinESP · 2 finishes46Stable$713€639$713€639Check ↗
- 46
Sterling John Petrucci JP70 SBKSterling · 2 finishes46Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 47
Sterling Kaizen 7 FMPSSterling · 2 finishes46Stable$1,283€1,149$1,283€1,149Check ↗
- 48
Ibanez QX527PB-ABSIbanez46↓ 0.6%$1,321€1,183$1,321€1,183Check ↗
- 49
Jackson Pro Signature DD WR7 M FYJackson · 2 finishes46Stable$1,562€1,399$1,562€1,399Check ↗
- 50
Ibanez SFS727 Stephan ForteIbanez46Stable$3,348€2,999$3,348€2,999Check ↗
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
Low-End Response
A 7-string lives or dies by its low-B string. It needs to be tight, punchy, and articulate - not just a muddy rumble. If the B string feels like it's flailing, it's not going to cut through a dense metal mix.
Pickup Voicing
You're almost certainly going for high-gain tones, but the voicing matters. Do you want a scooped, modern sound, or something with a bit more warmth and vintage character? Passive pickups offer a certain organic breakup, while active pickups provide more headroom and a more aggressive attack.
Neck Profile & Playability
A comfortable neck is crucial for those extended playing sessions and blistering runs. A thin, shred-friendly profile is popular, but it's gotta feel right in your hand. High fret access is also a must - you'll be reaching for those 24th frets, trust me.
Hardware Quality (Tuners & Bridge)
Cheap tuners will have you retuning every other song, especially when dropping to Drop A or lower. A stable, well-intonaed bridge is equally important for sustain and tuning stability across all seven strings.
Overall Construction & Resonance
A well-built guitar will resonate better, sustain longer, and just feel more solid. This isn't just about aesthetics; it impacts the overall tone and responsiveness of the instrument.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're diving into the 7-string world for metal? Smart move - that extended range opens up a whole new dimension of low-end chug and chaotic riffing. But not all 7-strings are created equal; some are just glorified 6-strings with an extra string awkwardly tacked on. This list breaks down the best options for serious metal players, covering everything from budget-friendly shredders to high-end studio weapons.
Don't get seduced by flashy top hats and killer finishes. Seriously. Focus on the neck profile, the bridge stability, and how the low-B string responds.
Budget 7-strings often cut corners on tuners and the lower fretboard radius, which can make playing those lower strings a real chore. Paying a bit more for quality hardware and a comfortable neck is always worth it; it'll save you frustration and money in the long run.
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
Is a 7-string really necessary for metal?
Not strictly. Plenty of incredible metal has been made on 6-strings. But a 7-string unlocks a different level of low-end possibilities and opens up new creative avenues for riffing and soloing.
What tuning should I use on a 7-string?
Drop A is the most common, but Drop B or even Drop G are gaining popularity. Experiment! Just be aware that lower tunings require heavier gauge strings and a more stable instrument.
Are active pickups better for metal?
Not inherently. Active pickups offer more output and headroom, which can be great for high-gain tones, but passive pickups can have a more natural, dynamic response. It's a matter of preference.
What gauge strings should I use?
For Drop A, you're looking at something around 10-58 or 10-60. For lower tunings, you'll need even heavier gauges. String tension is key for playability and tuning stability.
What's the deal with fan fret vs. straight fret 7-strings?
Fan fret spacing compensates for the longer scale length of the low strings, improving playability. Straight fret necks are cheaper to manufacture but can feel awkward when playing the lower strings. It's a personal preference, but fan fret is generally preferred by serious players.
