AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 7 String Guitars Under $800 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. Schecter Omen Elite-7 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 23 models across 6 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
- 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")
- 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")
- 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
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 RG7421EX-BKF is a solid choice for players wanting a 7-string with serious shred capabilities. The slim neck and powerful pickups make it ideal for modern metal and progressive genres, while the Jatoba fingerboard offers a unique feel. It's a well-built instrument that punches well above its price point, perfect for gigging musicians or aspiring virtuosos.
Pros
- Meranti body offers a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- Wizard II-7 neck profile is incredibly fast and comfortable for extended playing.
- Quantum 7 pickups deliver a high-output, modern tone with good clarity.
Cons
- Matt polyurethane finish can show fingerprints and smudges easily.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while fast, lacks the sustain of a set-neck design.
54AudioFu
Index↓ 2.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$596 · Aug 17$579 now$579€519 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings7-string
This RGMS7PB-CBS is a seriously capable 7-string for players wanting a modern, high-gain platform. The Wizard III neck makes it a joy to play fast, and the pickups cut through the mix beautifully. It's a great option for metalheads and progressive players on a budget who want a professional feel and performance.
Pros
- Nyatoh/Poplar burl combo offers surprisingly resonant, attractive aesthetics.
- Wizard III neck provides exceptionally fast, comfortable playability for shredders.
- Array 7 MS pickups deliver a tight, modern high-gain tone suitable for metal.
Cons
- Nyatoh body might lack the tonal complexity of mahogany for some players.
- Jatoba fretboard can feel a bit harder and less 'oily' than rosewood initially.
49AudioFu
Index↓ 6.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$725 · Aug 17$680 now$680€609 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 23 7 string guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted BurstAmarok-7 BKRD Quilted Burst · Harley Benton · 2 finishes48Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 12
Schecter Diamond Omen 7 Extreme BCHSchecter47↓ 15.8%$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted B w/CaseHarley Benton47Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton MultiScale-7 BBBHarley Benton · 2 finishes46Stable$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 15
ESP LTD M-207B DX Crimson SatinESP · 2 finishes46Stable$713€639$713€639Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKRD Quilted w/BagHarley Benton45Stable$624€559$624€559Check ↗
- 17
Schecter Omen Elite-7 See Blue BurstSchecter43Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKNT Flame Bur w/CaseHarley Benton41Stable$635€569$635€569Check ↗
- 19
ESP LTD MH-17KIT BLKESP40↓ 1.2%$285€255$285€255Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton Amarok-7 BKNT Flame w/BagHarley Benton40Stable$624€559$624€559Check ↗
- 21
Schecter Omen Extreme 7 STBLKSchecter40Stable$736€659$736€659Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton MultiScale-7 BBB BundleHarley Benton26Stable$345€309$345€309Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton MultiScale-7 TPB BundleHarley Benton26Stable$345€309$345€309Check ↗
7 String Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 42 models we track, not a sample.
Median $345 — half of all 7 string guitars here cost less.
median of 41 models · 48 mm (1.89")–50.8 mm (2")
median of 33 models · 648 mm (25.51")–686 mm (27.01")
median of 17 models · 24–24
median of 21 models · 350 mm (13.78")–406 mm (15.98")
How to choose the best 7 string guitars
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
A thick neck profile can be brutal for extended playing, and high action kills sustain and articulation. We're looking for something comfortable enough to gig with, even if it needs a minor setup.
Pickup Voicing
7-strings need pickups that can handle low tunings without getting muddy or losing definition. We want a balanced response, not just scooped mids and a fizzy high end.
Hardware Quality (Tuning Stability)
Let's be real - cheap locking tuners are a luxury at this price point. But anything that won't stay in tune mid-song is a dealbreaker. Consistent intonation is a must.
Construction & Materials
Don't expect mahogany bodies and figured tops. We're looking for solid construction-no sharp fret edges, no obvious finish flaws that will impact sustain-that can withstand the rigors of gigging.
Overall Tone & Versatility
Can it handle djent? Can it lay down a clean jazz chord progression? A good 7-string needs a decent amount of tonal range to be useful in multiple genres.
Buying guide
Alright, so you want into the 7-string world without emptying your bank account? It's doable, but you gotta know what you're getting. We're not talking boutique instruments here; we're talking about getting a solid, playable 7-string that won't sound like garbage through a cheap amp. This list focuses on bang-for-your-buck- instruments that offer the most sonic and playability value under $800.
At this price point, compromises are inevitable. Expect simpler hardware, potentially less resonant woods, and maybe a neck that needs a bit of tweaking. Don't chase aesthetics; prioritize playability and a decent pickup voicing.
A good setup by a local tech can make a world of difference in how a budget 7-string feels and sounds.
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 42 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 these guitars ready to gig out of the box?
Probably not. Budget guitars almost always benefit from a professional setup - new strings, intonation adjustment, and possibly fret leveling. Factor that into your budget.
What about locking tuners? Are they worth it?
They're a huge upgrade for tuning stability, especially when dropping tunings. If it's in your budget, absolutely go for them. Otherwise, be prepared to adjust your tuning frequently.
Can I record with these guitars?
Absolutely! With the right amp modeling software or a decent interface, you can get surprisingly good results. Just be mindful of the pickup voicing - you might need to EQ to cut through the mix.
What's the deal with neck dive?
Neck dive is common on longer scale guitars, and budget models are often less balanced. Try before you buy if possible, and consider a neck rest if it's a problem.
Will this guitar sound like a $2000 7-string?
No, it won't. It will, however, give you a solid foundation for exploring the 7-string world without breaking the bank. Manage your expectations and focus on what you can get for your money.





