AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 8 String Guitars 2026
The top pick is Jackson JS Series JS32-8 DKA Dinky Archtop with Amaranth Fretboard ($512). Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH gives you the most for the money at $211. Ibanez RG5328R Prestige leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 15 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Narrow the chart
All 8 String GuitarsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
Jackson JS Series JS32-8 DKA Dinky Archtop with Amaranth Fretboard
JS32-8 Dinky DKA SBK AH · Jackson
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings8-string
- BodyPoplar body
This Jackson Dinky DKA 8-string is a solid entry point for modern metal and djent players. The matte black finish looks slick, the neck profile is comfortable for fast playing, and the pickups deliver plenty of gain. It's a great value for the money if you're looking for a shred-ready 8-string without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a balanced, resonant tone for extended range.
- Graphite reinforcement rods prevent neck warp, crucial for 8-string stability.
- Piranha inlays add a touch of aggressive style and visual flair.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck joint can lack the sustain of a set-neck design.
- High-output pickups might be too aggressive for cleaner, nuanced tones.
65AudioFu
Index↓ 2.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$524 · Aug 17$512 now$512€458 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width54 mm (2.13")
- Scale673 mm (26.5")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius510 mm (20.08")
- Strings8-string
This Harley Benton R-458MN LH is a seriously impressive entry point into the world of 8-string guitars. It's perfect for left-handed players looking to explore extended-range metal and progressive genres without spending a fortune. The build quality is surprisingly solid, and it offers a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width54 mm (2.13")
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- Strings8-string
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Damien Platinum 8 is a seriously impressive instrument for the price. It’s built to shred – the EMG pickups and comfortable neck profile make it ideal for metal, djent, and progressive players who want a modern, powerful sound with a touch of visual flair. This guitar delivers pro-level features and performance without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- The thin C neck profile isn’t for everyone; might feel too slender.
- Mahogany body contributes to a heavier instrument, potentially fatiguing.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,116 now$1,116€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-8
Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 TBB · Schecter
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width54 mm (2.13")
- Scale711 mm (27.99")
- Strings8-string
- BodyMahogany body
This Hellraiser Hybrid C-8 TBB is a serious contender for modern metal and progressive players. The combination of mahogany warmth, EMG pickups, and a comfortable neck makes it a shredder's dream. It's a premium-priced instrument that delivers a lot of bang for your buck if your focus is on heavier, more contemporary styles.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- The extended scale length can be challenging for players with smaller hands
- Mahogany body contributes to a relatively heavy instrument, potentially fatiguing
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,529 now$1,529€1,369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width55 mm (2.17")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius430 mm (16.93")
- Strings8-string
This eight-stringer packs a solid ash body with a long scale and jumbo frets for speed. The bolt-on neck keeps it sturdy, but the flashy black finish hides wear easily. It suits players who need extra strings without complex controls.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Lightning Through A Dark finish shows every scratch and dent
- 8-string scale length is very long at 27 inches
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,345 now$2,345€2,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- Strings8-string
- BodyBasswood body
This eight-string guitar uses a light basswood body and a parallel neck to make playing easier. The ceramic bridge pickup helps your sound cut through a loud band, while the extra long scale keeps notes tight. It suits players who want more strings without too much weight on their shoulders.
Pros
- Parallel neck design offers easy string access
- Basswood body keeps the guitar light
- Ceramic bridge pickup cuts through mix well
Cons
- Single volume control limits tone shaping
- No weight spec listed in description
48AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,233 · Aug 17$2,189 now$2,189€1,959 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width56.6 mm (2.23")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings8-string
- BodyPoplar body
This Harley Benton is a seriously impressive value for an 8-string. The multiscale design really opens up tuning possibilities, and the pickups have a modern, aggressive voice perfect for metal and progressive genres. It's a great entry point into the world of extended-range guitars for players looking for a lot of bang for their buck.
Pros
- Quilted maple top adds visual flair and improved resonance.
- Okume/Nato neck-thru design offers sustain and comfortable access.
- HBZ Custom pickups deliver high-gain output with surprising clarity.
Cons
- The multi-scale design demands precise setup and may require adjustments.
- Poplar body, while good, isn’t as tonally complex as mahogany.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$446 now$446€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width55 mm (2.17")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings8-string
- BodyMeranti body
The RG8EX-BKF is a solid entry point into the world of 8-string guitars. It's built for players who want a fast neck, a modern aggressive sound, and a reliable platform for shredding, especially those drawn to djent and progressive metal. The overall package provides excellent value for the price.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- Matt polyurethane finish can feel a bit plasticky to some players.
- F108 bridge, while functional, is a basic design lacking advanced locking features.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$619 now$619€554 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez FTM33 Fredrik Thordendal Signature 8-String
FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal · Ibanez
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width55 mm (2.17")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings8-string
- BodyAsh body
This FTM33-WK is Fredrik Thordendal’s vision brought to life – it’s built for the kind of polyrhythmic brutality Meshuggah is known for. The neck profile is comfortable despite the width, and those Lundgren pickups are a huge part of the sound. It's perfect for progressive metal players and anyone chasing that unique, percussive tone.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,300 now$2,300€2,059 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width54 mm (2.13")
- Scale686 mm (27.01")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This guitar feels solid thanks to its alder body and maple neck, but the heavy build might tire your arms. The stainless steel frets give a crisp sound that stands out in a mix. It suits players who want tight tuning and clear highs, though the single volume knob means fewer tone tweaks.
Pros
- Alder body paired with maple neck for solid stability
- Stainless steel frets offer a bright, clear attack
- Evertune bridge keeps intonation perfect under heavy use
Cons
- Heavy build may feel fatiguing during long sessions
- Only one volume knob limits tone variation choices
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 31Oct 31$1,675 now$1,675€1,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 15 8 string guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Solar Guitars A1.8AANSolar Guitars37Stable$1,842€1,649$1,842€1,649Check ↗
- 12
Cort KX508MS II Marina Blue BurstCort34↓ 0.7%$957€857$957€857Check ↗
- 13
Legator Ninja N8FSS PURLegator · 2 finishes33↑ 23.8%$1,451€1,299$1,451€1,299Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB BundleHarley Benton26Stable$457€409$457€409Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB BundleHarley Benton26Stable$457€409$457€409Check ↗
8 String Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 29 models we track, not a sample.
Median $457 — half of all 8 string guitars here cost less.
median of 26 models · 48 mm (1.89")–56.6 mm (2.23")
median of 19 models · 305 mm (12.01")–508 mm (20")
median of 29 models · 8-string–8-string
most common · 27 models
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
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.
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 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 29 8 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 tuning should I use on an 8-string?
That's up to you! Drop C is common, but many players experiment with lower tunings like Drop B or even lower. Just be mindful of string gauge and neck relief to avoid excessive neck warp.
Are 8-string guitars hard to play?
They take some getting used to. The wider neck and longer scale require a different technique. Start slow, focus on clean fretting, and build up your finger strength.
Do I need a special amp for an 8-string?
A good amp with plenty of headroom is helpful, especially if you're playing loud. Low frequencies need space to breathe, so avoid amps that color the tone too much. A sub-bass boost can also be your friend.
What string gauge should I use?
It depends on your tuning, but heavier gauges (10-52 or even heavier) are generally needed to maintain tension in lower tunings. Experiment to find what feels comfortable and sounds best.
Can I use standard 6-string picks on an 8-string?
You can, but a thicker pick (1.5mm or higher) often provides better control and articulation, especially when navigating those wider string spacing. It's a subtle difference, but it can make a big impact.
