AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 8 String Guitars for Modern Metal 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
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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
Low-End Response
Modern metal demands serious low-end - not just muddiness, but clarity and definition. We're looking for guitars where the low strings don't just rumble, they speak with attack and sustain.
Pickup Voicing
High-gain pickups are a given, but the voicing matters. Too bright and they'll sound ice-picky; too dark and they'll lose articulation. We prioritize pickups that offer a good balance - enough aggression without sacrificing clarity.
Neck Profile & Playability
Those low tunings put a lot of tension on the strings, so a comfortable neck profile is essential. We look for necks that are fast and easy to play, even when chugging down on the 8th fret - and that the action can be set low without fret buzz.
Hardware Quality (Especially the Bridge)
A cheap bridge on an 8-string is a recipe for tuning instability and a generally frustrating experience. We're looking for robust hardware that can handle the extra string tension and aggressive playing.
Overall Construction & Resonance
An 8-string is a big, complex instrument. Solid construction and good resonance are crucial for sustain and overall tonal character. Cheap guitars often cut corners here, resulting in a lifeless feel and weak low-end.
Buying guide
So, you're diving into the 8-string world for modern metal? Smart move - that extended range opens up a whole new universe of drop tunings and brutal riffage. But not all 8-strings are created equal; a cheap one can be a frustrating experience. This list isn't about just listing guitars; it's about finding the ones that'll actually deliver the low-end thump and aggressive articulation you need to cut through the mix.
Eight-string guitars are a significant investment, and you're paying for more than just strings. Be wary of super-budget options - they'll likely have compromised hardware and construction that'll hold you back. Consider the neck profile - what feels good in your hand is paramount.
Don't be afraid to try before you buy; that 'fat midrange honk' is subjective and best experienced firsthand.
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
Are 8-string guitars hard to play?
They require more finger strength and a slightly different technique than 6-string guitars, especially with low tunings. It's a learning curve, but manageable with practice.
What's the best tuning for an 8-string?
Drop C and Drop B are popular for modern metal, but it's really about what suits your style. Experiment to find what sounds best for your riffs.
Do I need a special amp for an 8-string?
Not necessarily, but a high-wattage amp with good low-end headroom will help those low strings cut through. A good preamp pedal can also compensate if your amp is lacking.
What about string gauge?
You'll need heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension in low tunings. 70-74 gauge strings are a good starting point, but experiment to find what feels comfortable and sounds best.
Are extended range guitars inherently less versatile?
They're certainly more specialized, but with careful pickup selection and a good amp, you can still get a wide range of tones. It's just not as easy to dial in a clean jazz sound!
