Best 8 String Guitars for Progressive Metal 2025

Perfect 8 string guitars for progressive-metal - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Djent For Progressive Metal For Experimental For Modern Metal For Extended Range For Ambient

BRANDS: Harley Benton

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB Bundle

by Harley Benton

Extended Range Ambient Djent

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Excellent for experimentation

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Requires specialized skills

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB*8-String Multiscale...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 561134

$464

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB Bundle

by Harley Benton

Ambient Modern Metal Experimental

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Great for complex arrangements
• Unique tonal possibilities

✗ CONS

• Complex string management
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB*8-String Multiscale...

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 561137

$466

Buy at Thomann View Details

Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 Natural

by Strandberg

Progressive Metal Ambient Modern Metal

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Modern metal capabilities
• Maximum extended range

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Limited mainstream applications

Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 Natural8-String Electric GuitarSolid basswood bodyFlamed maple veneerMaple neck with...

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 549289

$1,846

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.8SVART - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars A1.8SVART

by Solar Guitars

Extended Range Experimental Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Maximum extended range
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Requires specialized skills

Solar Guitars A1.8SVART8-String Electric GuitarBody: AlderNeck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: EbonyFluorescent Luminlay...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584883

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.8AAN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Solar Guitars A1.8AAN

by Solar Guitars

Extended Range Ambient Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Maximum extended range

✓ PROS

• Great for complex arrangements
• Unique tonal possibilities

✗ CONS

• Complex string management
• Very wide neck profile

Solar Guitars A1.8AAN8-String GuitarAlder bodyMaple neckEbony fretboard24 Stainless steel fretsNut width: 54 mmScale:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 538117

$1,869

Buy at Thomann View Details

Legator Ninja N8FSS PUR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Legator Ninja N8FSS PUR

by Legator

Ambient Modern Metal Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Very wide neck profile
• Complex string management

Legator Ninja N8FSS PUR8-String Multiscale Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Quilted mapleBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605294

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez RG5328-LDK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Ibanez RG5328-LDK

by Ibanez

Djent Progressive Metal Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Great for complex arrangements
• Maximum extended range

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Complex string management

Ibanez RG5328-LDK8-String Electric GuitarBody: AshBolted neck: Maple / wengeSet Makassar ebony fretboardNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 456257

$2,155

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal

by Ibanez

Djent Extended Range Ambient

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Very wide neck profile

Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal8-String Electric GuitarFredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah) Signature ModelBody:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 406157

$2,265

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB

by Harley Benton

Modern Metal Experimental Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Excellent for experimentation

✓ PROS

• Maximum extended range
• Excellent for experimentation

✗ CONS

• Complex string management
• Very wide neck profile

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB8-String Multiscale Electric GuitarBody: PoplarTop veneer: quilted maple5-Piece...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 461578

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Legator Ninja N8FSS BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Legator Ninja N8FSS BK

by Legator

Ambient Extended Range Experimental

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Modern metal capabilities

✗ CONS

• Significant learning curve
• Limited mainstream applications

Legator Ninja N8FSS BK8-String Electric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Quilted mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 605293

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton R-458FFB Roasted MultiScale - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton R-458FFB Roasted MultiScale

by Harley Benton

Experimental Djent Modern Metal

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Modern metal capabilities
• Maximum extended range

✗ CONS

• Very wide neck profile
• Requires specialized skills

Harley Benton R-458FFB Roasted MultiScale8-String Multiscale Electric GuitarProgressive SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 550472

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD EC-258 Black Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD EC-258 Black Satin

by ESP

Djent Progressive Metal Modern Metal

Key Feature:

• Modern metal capabilities

✓ PROS

• Excellent for experimentation
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Very wide neck profile
• Complex string management

ESP LTD EC-258 Black Satin8-String Electric GuitarBody: Mahogany3-Piece Set-Thru neck: mahoganyFretboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 431684

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB

by Harley Benton

Djent Experimental Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Maximum extended range

✓ PROS

• Great for complex arrangements
• Modern metal capabilities

✗ CONS

• Requires specialized skills
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB 2020 DLX8-String Multiscale Electric GuitarBody: PoplarTop veneer: quilted maple5-Piece...

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 461579

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale

by Harley Benton

Experimental Modern Metal Djent

Key Feature:

• Excellent for experimentation

✓ PROS

• Excellent for experimentation
• Unique tonal possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires specialized skills
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale8-String Multiscale Electric GuitarLeft-handed modelProgressive SeriesBody:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 570062

$285

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton R-458 BK Prog. Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton R-458 BK Prog. Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Djent Ambient Modern Metal

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Requires specialized skills
• Very wide neck profile

Harley Benton R-458 BK Prog. Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton R-458 BK Progressiv Series*8-String...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 543905

$226

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 8 String Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 8 string guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best 8 String Guitars for Progressive Metal 2025

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB Bundle

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB Bundle

Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 Natural

Solar Guitars A1.8SVART

Solar Guitars A1.8AAN

Legator Ninja N8FSS PUR

Ibanez RG5328-LDK

Ibanez FTM33-WK Fredrik Thordendal

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB

Legator Ninja N8FSS BK

Harley Benton R-458FFB Roasted MultiScale

ESP LTD EC-258 Black Satin

Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB

Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale

Harley Benton R-458 BK Prog. Series w/Bag

How to Choose the Best 8 String Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 8 string guitars?

How much should I spend on 8 string guitars?

Are expensive 8 string guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 8 string guitars?

Should I buy 8 string guitars online or in-store?

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