AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 8 String Guitars Under $1,000 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. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 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 width56.6 mm (2.23")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings8-string
- BodyPoplar body
This Harley Benton QEB is a seriously impressive 8-string for the money. The multi-scale design really improves the feel and intonation, and those custom pickups have a surprisingly refined high-gain character. It's perfect for players looking to explore extended-range metal and progressive genres without completely emptying their wallet.
Pros
- Quilted maple top adds visual flair and slight resonance
- Okume/Nato neck-thru construction enhances sustain and feel
- Custom-wound HBZ pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate high-gain tone
Cons
- Poplar body can feel a bit 'soft' and prone to dents
- Hardware, while functional, might be a future upgrade point for serious players
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 ↗ -
- Nut width56.5 mm (2.22")
- Strings8-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Cort KX508MS II is a seriously impressive 8-string for the price. The multiscale design really shines, making those low strings playable and in tune, while the Fluence pickups give you a huge range of tones. It's perfect for progressive metal players or anyone wanting a modern, versatile 8-string experience without premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Okoume/Poplar construction delivers a balanced, resonant tone with surprising warmth.
- Fishman Fluence Modern pickups offer incredible versatility – clean, crunchy, and high-gain.
- Multiscale design minimizes fret buzz and optimizes string tension across 8 strings.
Cons
- Okoume can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- Hardtail bridge limits tremolo/vibrato options; a fixed design.
34AudioFu
Index↓ 0.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$964 · Aug 17$957 now$957€857 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width56.6 mm (2.23")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings8-string
- BodyPoplar body
This Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB is a seriously impressive offering for the price. The multiscale design makes playing those low strings surprisingly comfortable, and the pickups deliver a modern, aggressive tone perfect for metal and progressive genres. It's an excellent entry point into the 8-string world for players looking for a lot of bang for their buck.
Pros
- Quilted maple top provides stunning aesthetics and improved resonance
- Okume/Nato neck-thru design enhances sustain and upper fret access
- Custom-wound HBZ pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and aggressive tone
Cons
- Poplar body, while decent, isn't as tonally vibrant as mahogany or ash
- Hardware, while functional, might feel a bit budget-oriented to experienced players
26AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$457 now$457€409 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width56.6 mm (2.23")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- Strings8-string
- BodyPoplar body
The Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB is a seriously impressive package for the price. The multi-scale design and custom pickups make it surprisingly versatile, handling everything from djent to soaring melodies. It's a great option for players wanting to explore 8-string territory without a huge investment.
Pros
- Quilted maple top offers striking aesthetics and enhanced resonance.
- Okume/Nato neck-thru construction provides excellent sustain and comfortable access.
- HBZ Custom Wound pickups deliver high-gain output suitable for modern genres.
Cons
- Poplar body may lack the tonal complexity of mahogany or ash.
- Purpleheart fretboard can show wear and tear more readily than rosewood.
26AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$457 now$457€409 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
8 String Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 19 models we track, not a sample.
Median $278 — half of all 8 string guitars here cost less.
median of 18 models · 54 mm (2.13")–56.6 mm (2.23")
median of 13 models · 350 mm (13.78")–400 mm (15.75")
median of 19 models · 8-string–8-string
most common · 19 models
How to choose the best 8 string guitars
Neck Profile
This is huge. An uncomfortable neck profile will kill your playing speed, especially when you're chugging in drop C#. We're looking for something that fits your hand - D-shapes and comfortable C profiles are common, but ultimately, it's personal preference.
Pickup Voicing
8-strings live and die by their pickups. You want something that can handle low tunings without getting muddy or losing articulation. A lot of these guitars come with generic pickups, so consider a future upgrade if the stock ones are lacking that 'modern metal' clarity.
Hardware Quality
Tuners and bridges are the unsung heroes. Cheap tuners will have tuning stability issues on stage, and a flimsy bridge will sap sustain. Solid locking tuners are a massive plus, even if they add a little to the price.
Construction & Finish
Let's be honest, you're not getting figured maple tops and flawless nitro finishes at this price. We're looking for decent construction - no sharp fret edges, minimal neck dive, and a finish that doesn't flake off after a few gigs.
Sustain & Resonance
Eight strings need to sing. A well-built guitar, even with budget components, should have a decent amount of sustain and resonance. This translates to a fuller, more powerful sound, especially when you're playing heavier riffs.
Buying guide
Alright, so you want an 8-string but your bank account isn't screaming 'platinum'. It's totally doable. Forget the boutique custom shops - we're talking about getting serious low-end rumble and extended range without mortgaging your apartment. This list is for the working musician who needs that extra string for drop tunings and modern metal, but still needs to eat.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect boutique-level quality. The biggest corners cut are usually in the pickups and hardware - these are the first things you'll probably want to upgrade down the line.
Focus on neck comfort and overall construction; a playable, well-built guitar is more valuable than fancy pickups you'll replace anyway.
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 19 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 these guitars going to be heavy?
Yeah, most 8-strings are. The longer neck and extra hardware add weight. If you're worried about neck dive or shoulder fatigue, look for guitars with a lighter body wood like mahogany, and consider a strap lock system.
What about pickup upgrades? What should I look for?
Active pickups are popular for 8-strings due to their higher output and clarity in low tunings. Fishman Fluence, EMG, and Bare Knuckle are all great options, but budget accordingly - they can easily cost $200+ for a set.
What's the deal with fan fret vs. straight fretboards?
Fan fretboards are almost essential for 8-strings to maintain proper string tension across the extended range. Straight fretboards will result in a floppy low end and a tight high end - it just won't sound right. Most guitars in this price range will have fan frets.
Can I realistically gig with a guitar under $1000?
Absolutely. As long as the build quality is decent and you're willing to do some basic maintenance (string changes, intonation adjustments), you can definitely gig with an 8-string in this price range. Just don't expect it to last forever.
What about warranty and return policies?
Always check the retailer's warranty and return policy before you buy. A solid warranty can offer peace of mind, and a reasonable return policy allows you to try the guitar out and make sure it's a good fit for you.
