AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 8 String Guitars Under $500 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH ($211). Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 4 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Top 4
Full detail for the 4 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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 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 16 models we track, not a sample.
Median $245 — half of all 8 string guitars here cost less.
median of 16 models · 54 mm (2.13")–56.6 mm (2.23")
median of 13 models · 350 mm (13.78")–400 mm (15.75")
median of 16 models · 8-string–8-string
most common · 16 models
How to choose the best 8 string guitars
Neck Profile
This is HUGE. A thick, unwieldy neck on an 8-string is a nightmare. Look for something comfortable, ideally a C or D profile. If the neck feels like a baseball bat, it's going to be a slog to play extended chords and sweep picking.
Pickup Voicing
Many budget 8-strings ship with generic pickups. You're not going to get boutique clarity or a perfectly scooped modern tone. Expect a slightly muddy low-midrange, but listen for articulation - can you still hear individual notes in a palm-muted riff?
Hardware Quality
Tuners are critical. Cheap tuners mean constant retuning, especially when dropping to lower tunings. Look for sealed tuners, even basic ones, over flippy vintage-style tuners. Bridge stability is also important for sustain and minimizing string buzz.
Construction & Finish
Don't expect flawless finishes or premium woods. Look for solid construction - no obvious cracks or glue issues. A decent satin finish is preferable to a thick, glossy one that can feel sticky.
Action & Setup
A poorly set-up guitar is frustrating regardless of price. Be prepared to take it to a tech for a proper setup - lowering the action, adjusting intonation, and ensuring the neck is straight. This is almost mandatory on budget instruments.
Buying guide
Okay, so you want an 8-string. Smart. That low-end thump is addictive, especially for modern metal and djent. But let's be real, dropping serious cash on an 8-string isn't always feasible. We've hunted down the best 8-string guitars you can realistically get for under $500, focusing on bang-for-your-buck and actual playability - not just spec sheets.
At this price point, you're making compromises. The woods will likely be basswood or mahogany - functional, but not tonewoods that'll inspire poetry. The pickups will probably be serviceable, but not stellar.
The key is to find something with a comfortable neck and decent hardware that a tech can tweak into shape. Factor in the cost of a setup - it's essential to get the most out of these guitars.
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 16 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 really gig-worthy?
Potentially, yes. But be realistic. Don't expect it to withstand a brutal thrashing like a $2000 instrument. Solid construction and a good setup are vital for gigging.
Can I upgrade the pickups?
Absolutely. Pickups are the easiest and most impactful upgrade you can make. Aftermarket pickups can dramatically improve clarity and articulation, especially in the low-midrange.
What about the finish? Will it chip easily?
Budget guitars often have thinner finishes. Handle it with care, especially during setup and transport. A little lemon oil and careful cleaning can help.
What's the deal with the 'extended scale length'?
8-strings need longer scale lengths (typically 28.5" or longer) to maintain reasonable tension when tuned low. This can feel different than a standard 25.5" scale - give it some time to adjust.
Is it better to buy used?
Often, yes. You can sometimes find a higher-end model used within your budget. Just be sure to inspect it thoroughly for any damage or setup issues.
