The 7 Best 8-String Guitars for Every Budget: Jazz, Djent, and Beyond
For Beginners and Pros alike!
The Best 8-String Guitars for Every Budget: Jazz, Djent, and Beyond · Source: Schecter
8-string guitars can open up a whole new range of sonic possibilities, from deep, resonant chords to intricate, piano-like chord voicings. Once a niche instrument for metal virtuosos, these monstrous guitars have now found their way into progressive rock, djent, ambient music, and even jazz. In this guide, we’ll explore the best 8-string guitars for any budget.
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From Six to Eight: How did we get here?
8-string guitars go back well before metal: 19th-century concert guitarists like Giulio Regondi and Luigi Legnani performed on eight-string instruments. Later on, the concept resurfaced in modern jazz when Ralph Patt began experimenting with an eight-string archtop in the 1960s. Classical guitarists later embraced designs such as Paul Galbraith’s 1994 “Brahms guitar,” while in jazz and funk, Charlie Hunter popularized a Novax-built 8-string that split bass and guitar registers for simultaneous lines.
The 8-string boom as we know it come through metal. It was Meshuggah pushing ultra-low, polyrhythmic riffs on custom 8-strings, and their influence set the template for djent and beyond. In 2007, Ibanez launched the RG2228, widely regarded as the first mass-produced 8-string electric guitar, which standardized scale length, hardware, and pickup solutions for the low F♯/E range.
What to Look for When Shopping for the Best 8-String Guitar
When you’re thinking of moving from a typical 6-string to one of the best 8-string guitars, the first thing you should think about is scale length and neck design. The guitar’s going to need a longer scale for the two extra strings (usually the lower ones), which can be 27″-28″ or more. This way, you can be sure you’ll get the right string tension, clarity, and less “flop” on the low end.
Extended-range guitars, like 8-strings, often feature multiscale or fanned-fret designs (with a shorter treble side and a longer bass side) to further optimize tension and intonation. Also, make sure you check the quality of the hardware and the pickup voicing. When it comes to electronics, you’ll want to look for pickups that can clearly catch the super low notes (like F♯ or E below a standard low E) without getting muddled, while still keeping the higher strings nice and clear.
When you’re looking for the best 8-string guitars, consider how you’ll actually play it. If you’re used to a 6-string, you’ll notice the difference right away: a wider fingerboard and more space between the strings. If you pick a model of the best 8-string guitars with features that’ll make it easy to upgrade (good pickups, stable hardware, enough headroom in the tone), you’ll get an instrument you enjoy now and still use in years to come. As always, this list of the best 8-strings guitars is strictly ranked by price.
Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale
The Harley Benton R-458MN WH MultiScale offers a lot for its price. Its poplar body and bolt-on maple neck give it a snappy, balanced tone, perfect for thunderous djent riffs. The multiscale design (27.2″ to 25.6″) ensures consistent tension across all eight strings, keeping the low F# crisp while maintaining smooth playability up top. And with its 24 fanned medium-jumbo frets, offset dot inlays, and Speed-D neck profile, this model feels faster and more ergonomic than its price tag would suggest.
The model’s two humbuckers provide plenty of punch for modern metal tones. To dial in your sound, a simple three-way switch and tone/volume layout keep things easy.. For players exploring extended range on a budget, the R-458MN earns its place among the best 8-string guitars in its price class. Check it out at Thomann*.
Jackson JS32-8 Dinky
The Jackson JS32-8 Dinky brings the brand’s famous speed and aggression into extended-range territory. Its poplar body and bolt-on maple neck, reinforced with graphite for extra stability, make this guitar ideal for low tunings. The compound-radius amaranth fingerboard (12″–16″) feels fast and comfortable, and with 24 jumbo frets and Jackson’s sleek Dinky body shape, the JS32-8 is made for modern metal players.
Its two high-output Jackson humbuckers deliver plenty of power and punch, while this model also comes with a simple 3-way switch and volume/tone controls. The fixed HT8 bridge anchors tuning even under heavy right-hand attack, and the matte black finish completes the stealthy, stage-ready aesthetic. It’s available from Thomann here*.
ESP LTD EC-258 Black Satin
The ESP LTD EC-258 Black Satin combines classic single-cut style with the extended range and power of a modern 8-string. Its mahogany body and three-piece mahogany neck deliver warmth and sustain, while the roasted jatoba fretboard adds smooth playability and a touch of brightness to the tone. And with a moderate 26.5″ baritone scale, the EC-258 keeps the low strings tight and defined without feeling overly stretched.
The 22 extra-jumbo frets and sleek set-thru neck construction give this guitar the feel and response of a far more expensive model. Plus, a pair of ESP-designed LH-308 humbuckers delivers ample output and clarity across the entire frequency range. The control layout (dual volumes, a master tone, and a 3-way switch) lets you dial in your sound quickly. The EC-258 is a versatile workhorse that stands confidently among the best 8-string guitars for players who want premium tone and playability at a mid-level price. Get it from Thomann*.
Cort KX508MS II Marina Blue Burst
Moving up the range, the Cort KX508MS II in Marina Blue Burst features an Okoume body and a beautiful poplar burl top, along with a five-piece maple/amaranth neck and an ebony fretboard. Its 26.5–28-inch multiscale design keeps the lowest string tight and articulate, even with extreme tunings, while maintaining a natural feel across all 24 frets.
In terms of tone, the KX508MS II delivers serious sonic firepower thanks to a pair of Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, versatile, noise-free pickups that can get you just about any clean or driven sound you want. Plus, the through-body hardtail bridge and locking tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability. For players ready to move beyond entry-level instruments, the KX508MS II is a model that easily earns its place among the best 8-string guitars. Buy it from Thomann*.
Schecter Omen Elite-8 MS Charcoal
The Schecter Omen Elite-8 MS in Charcoal demonstrates why Schecter has become a go-to brand for extended-range players. Its carved poplar burl top and satin charcoal finish give it a dark, high-end look that is unmistakably Schecter. And its multiscale neck (26.5–28 inches) ensures that the low strings sound punchy and stable. The body contouring and ultra-accessible heel make this 8-string surprisingly comfortable.
What really sets this model apart is its tonal flexibility. The Schecter Diamond Heretic humbuckers deliver ear-piercing clarity for modern metal, but they can also clean up beautifully when you dial down the volume. Combined with the fixed bridge, quality tuners and Schecter’s famously solid build, the Omen Elite-8 MS feels like a professional instrument in disguise. Get a closer look this entry on our list of the best 8-string guitars at Thomann*.
Solar Guitars V1.8SVART
At the top end of this lineup, the Solar Guitars V1.8SVART is everything you’d expect from a brand founded by YouTube metal powerhouse Ola Englund: aggressive, precise, and unapologetically modern. It features an Evertune F-Type bridge, ensuring every note rings true no matter how hard you dig in. In addition, the 27″ scale keeps the low F# tight and articulate, while the stainless-steel frets and ebony fretboard make for a slick, fast-playing surface.
A pair of Duncan Solar humbuckers delivers crushing output with enough definition for complex chords or rapid-fire leads, and the push/pull tone control adds coil-split versatility for cleaner passages. Combined with locking tuners, a set neck for added sustain, and that stealthy carbon matte finish, this guitar is a serious performer built for the heaviest modern sounds. For those chasing the pinnacle of precision and reliability, the Solar V1.8SVART stands proudly among the best 8-string guitars money can buy from Thomann*.
Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8
The Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 offers a massive 28″ long scale on the bass side and 26.5″ on the treble side. It also features high-grade stainless-steel frets, a deeply sculpted neck joint, and revised NX hardware that enhance comfort and overall feel. This level of engineering and precision earns it a spot on any serious list of the best 8-string guitars, especially for those who want something beyond the “budget 8-string” form while still getting tremendous value.
Tonally and build-wise, the Boden Standard NX 8 features OEM-designed humbuckers and fixed-bridge hardware, delivering real stability and clarity. Its light weight (about 5.9 lbs) and ergonomic body contours make it easy to handle in long sessions, and the headless layout helps keep balance and mobility in check. Clearly one of the best 8-string guitars on the marktet Check this headless model out at Thomann*.
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