Best 8 String Guitars Under $300 2025

Affordable 8 string guitars under $300 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 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 R-458FFB Roasted MultiScale - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Djent Extended Range Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Excellent for experimentation
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Complex string management
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive...

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 539827

$226

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH

by Harley Benton

Djent Progressive Metal Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Great for complex arrangements

✓ PROS

• Excellent for experimentation
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Very wide neck profile
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH8-String Electric GuitarLeft-handed modelBody: PoplarNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570068

$208

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

Harley Benton R-458BK MultiScale - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton R-458BK MultiScale

by Harley Benton

Progressive Metal Extended Range Ambient

Key Feature:

• Excellent for experimentation

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Excellent for experimentation

✗ CONS

• Requires specialized skills
• Very wide neck profile

Harley Benton R-458BK MultiScale8-String Electric GuitarProgressive SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on maple neckFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 410821

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale

by Harley Benton

Experimental Extended Range Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Excellent for experimentation

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream applications
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale8-String Electric GuitarProgressive SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on maple neckFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 427252

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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-458BK MS w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton R-458BK MS w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Djent Experimental Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Great for complex arrangements

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal possibilities
• Great for complex arrangements

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream applications
• Significant learning curve

Harley Benton R-458BK MS w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton R-458BK MultiScale*8-String Electric...

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 539140

$244

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MS w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MS w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Ambient Djent Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Great for complex arrangements

✓ PROS

• Maximum extended range
• Modern metal capabilities

✗ CONS

• Requires specialized skills
• Limited mainstream applications

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MS w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale*8-String Electric...

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 543894

$248

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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Best 8 String Guitars Under $300 2025

Harley Benton R-458FFB Roasted MultiScale

Harley Benton R-458MN WH Progressive w/Bag

Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH

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

Harley Benton R-458BK MultiScale

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale

Harley Benton R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale

Harley Benton R-458BK MS w/Bag

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MS 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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