Best 8 String Guitars 2026
So, you're thinking about an 8-string? Good choice - they open up a whole new world of low-end rumble and extended chord voicings. But they're not just bigger guitars; they're a different beast altogether. Getting the right one for your needs, whether it's crushing drop tunings in a deathcore band or adding some serious depth to your progressive metal, requires a little more consideration than your standard six-string.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
Ibanez RG5328R-LDK
- • Solid ash body offers strong resonance and projection
- • Maple/Wenge bolt-on neck ensures stability and easy setup
- • 24 jumbo frets allow faster playing on the upper frets
- • DiMarzio Fusion Edge 8s deliver tight, modern humbucker tone
- • Lightning Through A Dark finish shows every scratch and dent
- • 8-string scale length is very long at 27 inches
- • Simple controls limit tone shaping compared to multi-pickup models
Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH
- • Bolt-on maple neck offers snappy response and easy playability.
- • DLX bridge provides stable tuning and improved sustain compared to basic options.
- • Hi-Gain humbuckers deliver a surprisingly thick and aggressive tone for the price.
- • Left-handed model makes extended-range access accessible and affordable.
- • Poplar body, while resonant, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or basswood.
- • ABS nut can contribute to tuning instability and may benefit from an upgrade.
- • Speed D neck profile might be too thin for players preferring a thicker feel.
Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal
- • Lundgren M8P pickups deliver crushing, articulate Meshuggah-style tones.
- • 7-piece maple/walnut neck with KTS Titanium reinforcement offers exceptional stability.
- • Ash body provides a resonant foundation with a tight low-end.
- • Edge III-8 bridge ensures reliable tuning and string anchoring for extreme playing.
- • The extended scale length (686mm) demands adaptation for players used to shorter scales.
- • Weight can be considerable due to the ash body and 8-string hardware.
- • Limited tonal versatility; designed for a specific, aggressive sound.
Ibanez A528-CMG
- • Parallel neck design offers easy string access
- • Basswood body keeps the guitar light
- • Ceramic bridge pickup cuts through mix well
- • Extra long scale length tightens tuning
- • Single volume control limits tone shaping
- • No weight spec listed in description
- • Plastic nut may feel less smooth than bone
Ibanez A528-IPT
- • Multi-scale neck reduces string tension on high notes
- • Fishman Fluence pickups offer clean and noisy modes
- • Solid basswood body keeps instrument lightweight
- • Parallel Wizard AS neck profile aids playability
- • Single volume and tone control limits sound shaping
- • Plastic nut may wear down over time with heavy use
- • No active preamp switch for pure acoustic tone
Schecter Damien Platinum 8 SBK
- • Mahogany body delivers warmth and sustain, a great foundation.
- • EMG 808 pickups provide aggressive high-output, modern tones.
- • Carbon-reinforced neck enhances stability, resisting warp over time.
- • Grover tuners offer reliable tuning stability, crucial for 8-string use.
- • The thin C neck profile isn’t for everyone; might feel too slender.
- • Mahogany body contributes to a heavier instrument, potentially fatiguing.
- • Scale length, while standard for 8-strings, can feel unwieldy initially.
Ibanez RG8EX-BKF
- • Meranti body offers a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- • Wizard III neck profile is exceptionally fast and comfortable for extended playing.
- • Jatoba fingerboard provides a snappy feel and resists wear well.
- • Super 8 pickups deliver high output and a modern, aggressive tone.
- • Matt polyurethane finish can feel a bit plasticky to some players.
- • F108 bridge, while functional, is a basic design lacking advanced locking features.
- • Longer scale length demands heavier gauge strings, increasing tension and potential fatigue.
Harley Benton R-458MN WH MS w/Case
- • Multi-scale design improves intonation and string tension across 8 strings.
- • Nubone nut enhances sustain and tuning stability compared to standard plastic.
- • Speed neck profile offers comfortable, fast playing for modern styles.
- • Included Gator case provides excellent protection for transport and storage.
- • Poplar body, while decent, lacks the resonance of mahogany or alder.
- • Basic controls (1 volume, 1 tone) limit tonal shaping versatility.
- • Bolt-on neck construction can impact sustain compared to set-neck designs.
Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive w/Bag
- • Solid poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- • Maple neck with a comfortable 'Speed' profile enhances playability for faster runs.
- • The included DLX die-cast machine heads provide reliable tuning stability.
- • Hi-Gain humbuckers deliver a thick, modern sound suitable for heavier genres.
- • Poplar body, while good, lacks the sustain of mahogany or other premium woods.
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits high-end sustain and vintage feel.
- • ABS nut can introduce a bit of friction and may benefit from an upgrade later on.
Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive Series
- • Poplar body offers a surprisingly balanced and resonant tone for the price.
- • Speed D neck profile is comfortable and fast, ideal for modern playing styles.
- • DLX die-cast tuners provide reliable tuning stability, crucial for 8-string guitars.
- • Hi-Gain humbuckers deliver a thick, aggressive tone suitable for metal and progressive genres.
- • Maple fingerboard can be a bit dry; consider oiling for improved feel.
- • Bolt-on neck construction lacks the sustain and complexity of a set-neck.
- • ABS nut might be a point of future upgrade for discerning players.
Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale
- • Roasted maple neck offers excellent stability and a smooth feel.
- • Multiscale design improves intonation and string tension across 8 strings.
- • Nubone nut enhances sustain and tuning stability compared to standard plastic.
- • Hi-Gain humbuckers deliver a thick, modern tone suitable for metal and progressive genres.
- • Poplar body, while resonant, lacks the premium tonal complexity of mahogany or alder.
- • Bolt-on neck construction may lack the sustain of a set-neck design.
- • Hardware, while functional, is a cost-saving measure and may feel less refined.
Harley Benton R-458MN WH MS w/Bag
- • Multi-scale design improves intonation and string tension across the extended range.
- • Nubone nut enhances sustain and tuning stability compared to standard plastic.
- • Speed neck profile offers comfortable, fast playability for technical players.
- • Hi-Gain humbuckers deliver a thick, aggressive tone suitable for modern genres.
- • Bolt-on neck construction lacks the resonance and sustain of a set-neck design.
- • Simplified controls (1 volume, 1 tone) limit tonal shaping options.
- • Poplar body, while functional, doesn't offer the premium tonal characteristics of mahogany.
Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale
- • Multi-scale design enhances intonation across extended range
- • Nubone nut improves sustain and tuning stability
- • Speed D neck profile is comfortable for fast playing
- • Hi-Gain humbuckers deliver aggressive, modern tones
- • Poplar body can lack the resonance of mahogany or alder
- • Bolt-on neck construction may limit high-end sustain
- • Budget hardware might require upgrades for serious players
Solar Guitars A1.8AAN
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- • Fishman Fluence Modern pickups deliver a versatile, high-output sound
- • Evertune bridge ensures exceptional tuning stability, even with heavy playing
- • Maple neck and ebony fretboard offer a fast, comfortable playing experience
- • The longer scale length might feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales
- • Aged Natural Matte finish can be susceptible to fingerprints and smudges
- • Limited control options – one tone knob restricts tonal shaping possibilities
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 TBB
- • Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for aggressive tones
- • EMG 57/66 pickups deliver high-output, modern metal articulation
- • Carbon-reinforced neck enhances stability and reduces fret buzz on the long scale
- • Ultra-thin C neck profile offers comfortable, fast playability for extended sessions
- • The extended scale length can be challenging for players with smaller hands
- • Mahogany body contributes to a relatively heavy instrument, potentially fatiguing
- • Limited tonal versatility – excels in modern genres, less suited for vintage sounds
Every 8 string guitars that matches
28 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Legator Ninja N8FSS PUR | Scale 673 mm (26.5") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 8-string · Body Mahogany body | $1,221 |
| 17 | Legator Ninja N8FSS BK | Frets 24 frets · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 8-string · Body Mahogany body | $1,221 |
| 18 | Jackson JS32-8 Dinky DKA SBK AH | Scale 673 mm (26.5") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 8-string · Body Poplar body | $546 |
| 19 | Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB Bundle | Nut width 56.6 mm (2.23") · Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") · Strings 8-string · Body Poplar body | $476 |
| 20 | Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB Bundle | Nut width 56.6 mm (2.23") · Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") · Strings 8-string · Body Poplar body | $476 |
| 21 | Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB | Nut width 56.6 mm (2.23") · Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") · Strings 8-string · Body Poplar body | $465 |
| 22 | Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB | Nut width 56.6 mm (2.23") · Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") · Strings 8-string · Body Poplar body | $465 |
| 23 | Harley Benton R-458BK MS w/Bag | Nut width 54 mm (2.13") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Strings 8-string · Body Poplar body | $255 |
| 24 | Harley Benton R-458BK MultiScale | Nut width 54 mm (2.13") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Strings 8-string · Body Poplar body | $232 |
| 25 | Harley Benton R-458 BK Prog. Series w/Bag | Nut width 54 mm (2.13") · Scale 673 mm (26.5") · Strings 8-string · Body Poplar body | $220 |
| 26 | Harley Benton R-458 BK Progressiv Series | Nut width 54 mm (2.13") · Scale 673 mm (26.5") · Strings 8-string · Body Poplar body | $208 |
| 27 | Harley Benton R-458FFB Roasted MultiScale | Nut width 54 mm (2.13") · Strings 8-string · Body Poplar body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $290 |
| 28 | Cort KX508MS II Marina Blue Burst | Nut width 56.5 mm (2.22") · Strings 8-string · Body Okoume body | $1,005 |
8 String Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 28 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
How to Choose the Best 8 String Guitars
Scale Length
The longer scale (typically 28.5" or longer) is crucial for maintaining string tension with drop tunings. Too short, and you'll get floppy, muddy low notes and intonation nightmares. A longer scale generally means a tighter, more defined low end, which is what you want.
Neck Profile
Eight-string guitars tend to be thicker, so the neck profile is even more important. A comfortable, well-fitting neck is vital for those extended chords and complex riffs - a chunky neck can be a serious fatigue factor after a long set.
Fretwork & Intonation
This is critical. Eight strings amplify any fretwork issues. Uneven frets or poor intonation will be painfully obvious, especially when playing low-tuned riffs. Check the intonation at the 12th fret - it needs to be spot-on.
Pickup Voicing
Many 8-string guitars come equipped with high-output pickups geared towards aggressive genres. But consider the tonal palette you want. Do you need a scooped midrange for that modern deathcore sound, or something with a bit more clarity and a fat midrange honk for progressive metal? Don't be afraid to swap pickups.
Hardware Quality
Cheap tuners and a flimsy bridge will ruin even the best-sounding 8-string. Solid hardware ensures tuning stability, especially when you're dropping down to ridiculously low tunings and putting serious tension on those strings. Cheap hardware will buzz and fail.
Buying Guide
An 8-string is a significant investment. Don't chase the flashy aesthetics - focus on playability and build quality. Corners often get cut on fretwork and hardware in cheaper models, so be extra thorough when checking them out. Paying a bit more for a reputable brand with a solid reputation for quality control is usually worth it; you'll save headaches down the line.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 28 8 string guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.