AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 8 String Guitars Under $800 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 6 models across 3 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 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 width56.6 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 18 models we track, not a sample.
Median $278 — half of all 8 string guitars here cost less.
median of 17 models · 54 mm (2.13")–56.6 mm (2.23")
median of 13 models · 350 mm (13.78")–400 mm (15.75")
median of 18 models · 8-string–8-string
most common · 18 models
How to choose the best 8 string guitars
Neck Profile
This is huge. A thick, unwieldy neck will make those low strings a wrestling match. Look for something comfortable, ideally a modern C or D profile - anything too vintage-shaped might feel clunky with eight strings.
Hardware Quality (Tuners & Bridge)
Cheap tuners will have you retuning every other song. A flimsy bridge will kill sustain and make intonation a nightmare. Don't expect locking tuners, but decent sealed tuners are a must.
Pickup Voicing
Eight-string guitars need pickups that can handle low frequencies without getting muddy. We're looking for pickups with clarity and a bit of punch - something that can cut through a dense mix without losing definition in the lower registers.
Build Quality & Setup
Let's be honest, corners get cut. Check the fretwork carefully - sharp fret ends are a pain. A decent setup from the factory is a bonus; be prepared to adjust the action and intonation yourself.
Overall Ergonomics
Body shape and weight matter, especially when you're playing for hours. A neck dive can kill your enthusiasm faster than a bad tone. Consider the balance and how it feels hanging from a strap.
Buying guide
So, you're chasing that extended range vibe but your bank account isn't exactly overflowing? Eight-string guitars used to be a luxury, but the market's shifted. We've rounded up the best 8-string guitars you can realistically snag for under $800 - instruments that'll actually inspire you to write some low-end mayhem, not just gather dust in your room. Let's be clear, we're not expecting boutique quality here, but we can find some serious value.
At this price point, expect compromises. You're unlikely to find flawless fretwork or top-tier pickups. Prioritize a comfortable neck profile and decent hardware - those are the foundation for a playable and enjoyable experience.
Don't chase 'amazing' tone; aim for a solid, reliable platform that you can upgrade later if you choose. A good setup from a tech can often make a bigger difference than a pricier pickup.
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 18 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 playable for beginners?
Eight-string guitars have a steeper learning curve than six-string. While these are playable, be prepared for a bit more finger stretching and coordination required. Start slow and build up your strength.
Can I record with these guitars?
Absolutely! While you won't get boutique studio tones, these guitars can record very well, especially with a decent preamp and some EQ. Just be mindful of muddiness in the low end - careful EQing is key.
What kind of music are these guitars suited for?
Djent, progressive metal, modern rock - anything that utilizes extended range. They're not ideal for blues or country unless you're deliberately going for a weird vibe.
Can I upgrade the pickups later?
Yes, pickups are easily swapped. It's often a cost-effective way to improve the tone of an affordable guitar, but factor in the cost of the pickups and potentially professional installation.
What's the deal with string gauge?
You'll need heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension and intonation on an 8-string. Expect to be using 56-126 gauge strings or heavier. Experiment to find what feels comfortable and sounds best with your setup.
