AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 7 String Guitars Under $2,000 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 RGR762AHBF Prestige leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 68 models across 10 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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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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale648 mm (25.51")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius430 mm (16.93")
- Strings7-string
This is a seven-string electric guitar with an ash body, a maple and wenge neck, and two DiMarzio humbuckers. You get a 25.51 inch scale and 24 jumbo frets, which suits you if you want the extra low range that seven strings give. It comes with a case, so you can carry it to a gig or keep it stored safely at home.
Pros
- Ash body paired with a five-piece bolt-on maple and wenge neck
- Two DiMarzio PAF 7 humbucker pickups, one at the bridge and one at the neck
- Wizard-7 neck profile with 24 jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control paired with a 5-way switch
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,975 now$1,975€1,769 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 68 7 string guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ibanez RG7420EX StandardRG7420EX-BKF · Ibanez61Stable$678€607$678€607Check ↗
- 12
Solar Guitars A1.7LN Canibalismo+Solar Guitars · 6 finishes61↓ 18.5%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez JBM27 Jake Bowen SignatureJBM27 Jake Bowen · Ibanez60Stable$1,395€1,249$1,395€1,249Check ↗
- 14
Solar Guitars A2.7CSolar Guitars · 3 finishes59↓ 16.7%$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 15
Ibanez UV70P Steve Vai Signature UniverseUV70P-BK · Ibanez58Stable$1,607€1,439$1,607€1,439Check ↗
- 16
Schecter Sunset 7 ExtremeSunset -7 Extreme SB · Schecter55Stable$1,271€1,138$1,271€1,138Check ↗
- 17
Ibanez RGA217P1PBDRLIbanez55↓ 20.8%$1,415€1,267$1,415€1,267Check ↗
- 18
Ibanez RG2027RXL PrestigeRG2027RXL-DTB · Ibanez55Stable$1,930€1,729$1,930€1,729Check ↗
- 19
Ibanez RG7421EXL Standard Left-HandedRG7421EX-BKF · Ibanez54↓ 2.8%$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 20
Ibanez ICTB721 Iceman Iron LabelICTB721-BKF · Ibanez54Stable$1,428€1,279$1,428€1,279Check ↗
- 21
Schecter Damien-7 MultiscaleDamien 7 Multiscale SB · Schecter52Stable$1,037€929$1,037€929Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez RGD7521PBRGD7521PB-DSF · Ibanez51Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 23
Ibanez RGMS7PB-CBSIbanez49↓ 6.2%$680€609$680€609Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted BurstAmarok-7 BKRD Quilted Burst · Harley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 25
Solar Guitars S1.7C+Solar Guitars · 3 finishes48Stable$1,674€1,499$1,674€1,499Check ↗
- 26
Ibanez AZ447P1QM-COBIbanez48Stable$1,763€1,579$1,763€1,579Check ↗
- 27
Schecter Diamond Omen 7 Extreme BCHSchecter47↓ 15.8%$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted B w/CaseHarley Benton47Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 29
Solar Guitars T2.7FBB-Flame Black BurstSolar Guitars47Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez RGD721FA-WUFIbanez47↓ 1.8%$1,205€1,079$1,205€1,079Check ↗
- 31
Solar Guitars A1.7FRCLN CanibalismoSolar Guitars47Stable$1,450€1,299$1,450€1,299Check ↗
- 32
Solar Guitars VAR1.7SP Silver SparkleSolar Guitars47Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 33
Schecter C-7 SLS Evil Twin SBKSchecter · 3 finishes47Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 34
Solar Guitars T1.7DBOPSolar Guitars47Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 35
Ibanez ICMS721-IPT Iceman w/GBIbanez47↓ 2.9%$1,841€1,649$1,841€1,649Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton MultiScale-7 BBBHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 37
ESP LTD M-207B DX Crimson SatinESP · 2 finishes46Stable$713€639$713€639Check ↗
- 38
Sterling John Petrucci JP70 SBKSterling · 2 finishes46Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 39
Sterling Kaizen 7 SBKSterling · 2 finishes46Stable$1,283€1,149$1,283€1,149Check ↗
- 40
Ibanez QX527PB-ABSIbanez46↓ 0.6%$1,321€1,183$1,321€1,183Check ↗
- 41
Jackson Pro Signature DD WR7 M FYJackson · 2 finishes46Stable$1,562€1,399$1,562€1,399Check ↗
- 42
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted w/BagHarley Benton45Stable$624€559$624€559Check ↗
- 43
Hagstrom Krona-7 BCCHagstrom · 3 finishes45Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 44
Sterling John Petrucci MAJ170X ADRSterling45↓ 13.3%$1,450€1,299$1,450€1,299Check ↗
- 45
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-7Hellraiser Hybrid C-7 TBB · Schecter45Stable$1,450€1,299$1,450€1,299Check ↗
- 46
Solar Guitars A1.7FRCAR Sustainiac+Solar Guitars45Stable$1,674€1,499$1,674€1,499Check ↗
- 47
Solar Guitars A1.7FRBOP Sustainiac+Solar Guitars45Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 48
Schecter Omen Elite-7 See Blue BurstSchecter43Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 49
Solar Guitars A2.7Canibalismo+Solar Guitars43Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 50
Jackson Pro MM Jugg HT 7 Sig YellowJackson43Stable$1,205€1,079$1,205€1,079Check ↗
7 String Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 102 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,037 — half of all 7 string guitars here cost less.
median of 87 models · 44.5 mm (1.75")–49.5 mm (1.95")
median of 84 models · 648 mm (25.51")–686 mm (27.01")
median of 50 models · 22–24
median of 55 models · 350 mm (13.78")–508 mm (20")
How to choose the best 7 string guitars
Neck Profile
A comfortable neck is crucial, especially when playing lower tunings. You'll be fretting tighter chords and deeper lows, so a neck that feels good for hours is non-negotiable. Look for something that isn't a super-thin shred neck or a chunky vintage profile - a moderate C or D shape is often a good compromise.
Pickup Voicing
7-strings live in a lower register, so pickups need to handle that without getting muddy. You'll want something with clarity and articulation - a bit of high-end sparkle is good, but avoid anything ice-picky. A humbucker set with decent output will be your friend, but listen for that midrange honk that helps you cut through a dense mix.
Hardware Quality
Tuners are essential. Cheap tuners mean constant retuning during gigs - a total pain. Locking tuners are a huge bonus for stability and ease of string changes, but decent standard tuners are acceptable if they hold pitch. The bridge needs to be stable too - avoid anything flimsy that'll warp or break under the tension of those low strings.
Construction & Finish
Solid body construction is preferable, but a well-built laminate can still be decent. Pay attention to fretwork - sharp fret ends are a dealbreaker. The finish doesn't affect tone, but a well-applied finish shows attention to detail and often indicates better overall build quality.
Sustain & Resonance
A 7-string needs to sustain. It's part of the appeal. Look for guitars with a well-set-up neck, a solid wood body (or a good laminate), and a bridge that transfers string vibrations efficiently. This is what gives you those long, singing notes - vital for progressive metal and djent.
Buying guide
Alright, so you want a 7-string without draining your bank account? It's totally doable, but you gotta know what to look for. Forget the shredder fantasy - we're talking about instruments that can actually gig, record, and hold their own without sounding like a cheap toy. This list focuses on getting you serious bang-for-your-buck in the under-$2000 range.
At this price point, you're trading off somewhere. You won't get boutique-level fretwork or exotic woods, but you can get a very playable and capable 7-string. Don't chase the 'looks' - focus on feel and functionality.
A good setup from a qualified tech is absolutely worth the investment - it'll transform a decent guitar into a great one. Be realistic about your needs - if you're just bedroom practicing, you can get away with more compromises than if you're gigging every weekend.
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 102 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
Are all 7-strings heavy?
Generally, yes. The longer scale and extra hardware add weight. Look for models with lighter woods if portability is a concern, but don't expect miracles.
What's the deal with extended scale lengths?
7-strings typically have a 28.5" scale length or longer. This is needed to keep the low B string from becoming a floppy mess. It affects string tension and feel - be prepared for a slightly different playing experience.
Can I use any pickups in a 7-string?
Technically, yes, but not all pickups are voiced for the low frequencies of a 7-string. High-output humbuckers are common, but make sure they have good clarity to avoid muddiness.
What about neck dive?
Longer necks are more prone to neck dive (the headstock drooping). Check reviews and videos to see if a particular model has this issue, and consider a neck strap with good support.
Is it worth getting a 7-string if I mostly play standard tuning?
Probably not. A 7-string is a specialized tool. If you're not planning on exploring dropped tunings or extended range compositions, you're better off with a 6-string.





