AudioFu

Best 8 String Guitars Under $500 2025

Affordable 8 string guitars under $500 - 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 MultiScale-8 QEB Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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-458MN WH MS w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton R-458MN WH MS w/Case

by Harley Benton
Djent Extended Range Ambient
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal possibilities
  • • Maximum extended range
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string management
  • • Very wide neck profile

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 543895
$329
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QEB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Harley Benton MultiScale-8 QBB Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Jackson JS32-8 Dinky DKA SBK AH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Jackson JS32-8 Dinky DKA SBK AH

by Jackson
Experimental Djent Progressive Metal
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal possibilities
  • • Great for complex arrangements
✗ CONS
  • • Significant learning curve
  • • Complex string management

Jackson JS32-8 Dinky DKA SBK AH8-String Electric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck with graphite reinforcement: Maple and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 457343
$472
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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