Guitars are very expressive musical instruments; it has been featured in a wide variety of music styles and cultures. However, when it comes to musical expression, musicians and players are always a bit eager to go the extra mile.
Traditionally, guitars are made of six strings, making them a lot more musically versatile than many other musical instruments. The guitar spans almost four octaves; there are typically 20 frets which equals 20 semitones on a guitar.
However, because it is in the nature of many musicians to always go the extra when it comes to musicianship, artistry and self-expression, it is normal for many professional players to seek the addition of some more strings on their guitars. This is where the 8-string guitar comes in.
Obviously, an 8-string guitar in the right hands will open up the door for more musical and overall creative possibilities. Regardless of your style of music, having some more notes just goes a long way in helping you stretch your musical expressivity.
The remarkable thing about playing an 8-string guitar is that you don’t just play higher-pitched notes, you can also play lower-pitched notes that only bass players will typically play. A standard six-string guitar is tuned E, A, D, G, B, and E.
However, with an 8-string guitar, this tuning becomes F♯, B, E, A, D, G, B and E. Also, many players opt to tune the supposed F♯ to a low E instead. These added low notes give the 8-string a much fuller and richer overall tone—it is more like playing the bass and the lead simultaneously.
Although six-strings remain standard and most popular (for now), 8-strings are slowly becoming popular and gaining ground. You will most likely come across 8-strings in genres and styles like Jazz, Blues, Metal, and Classical music.
In this article, we will present to you 15 amazing 8-string guitars you will ever lay your hands on. It matters not what your musical preferences are, there will be an 8-string guitar for you on this list.
Table of Contents
15 Best 8-String Guitars
- Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32 – 8 DKA HT
- Schecter C-8 Multiscale Silver Mountain
- ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208
- Ibanez Prestige RG5328 – Lightning Through A Dark
- Schecter Omen-8 walnut
- Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLAT8 Multi-Scale
- Cort KX508MSII Marina Blue Burst
- Ibanez RGMS8 Iron Label Multi-Scale
- ESP LTD EC-258
- Strandberg Boden 8 Sarah Longfield Edition
- Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty 8
- Shecter John Browne Tao-8
- Ibanez RG5328 Prestige
- ESP E II HRF NT-8 Baritone
- ESP LTD EC-1008 Evertune Electric Guitar
Review of 15 Best 8-String Guitars
Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32 – 8 DKA HT
- 8-string JS Series Solidbody Electric Guitar with Poplar Arched Top Body
- 2 Humbucking Pickups – Satin Black
- Amaranth Fretboard
- Maple Neck
Specification
Body: Poplar
Neck: Bolt-on Maple
Frets: Jumbo, 24
Scale: 26.5
Fingerboard: Amaranth
Pickup: 2x Jackson high output 8-string humbucker
Controls: 1x tone, 1x volume, 3-way pickup selector
Hardware: Jackson HT8
Finish: Black
The Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32-8 DKA HT is a very playable and fun 8-string guitar. It is designed for utmost playability and is highly recommended for beginners.
The JS32 from the Jackson JS series follows the theory and fundamental rules of guitar design. However, with slight modifications due to the number of strings. There is critical support in the graphite and build not similar to the regular 6 strings guitar.
The neck of the Jackson series Dinky Arch Top is a 12-16 compound radius and 26.5 scales that feel just comfortable and smooth to the touch. The Dinky body is very ergonomic and pleasing to carry and play with.
An S-style guitar body contour for modding. It also offers a powerful rhythmic tone that is strong enough to damage worn-out structures if the volume is at its extreme.
This Jackson series JS32 8-string guitar features a fiery Jackson humbucker capable of teasing harmonic squeals.
Watch more about the Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS32-8 DKA HT here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Less heavy | A very basic design and not exactly innovative |
| Solid material | |
| Incredible 8-string chug | |
| Less expensive | |
| Great for beginners |
Schecter C-8 Multiscale Silver Mountain
Specification
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Deep insert, carbon fibre reinforced, mahogany
Frets: Extra jumbo stainless steel, 24
Scale: 25.5-27
Fingerboard: Ebony
Pickup: 2x Schecter USA Sonic seducer humbuckers for neck and bridge
Controls: 2x volume, 1x tone, 3-way pickup selector
Hardware: Schecter Locking tuners, hipshot hardtail
Finish: Silver mountain
Schecter is one of the best brands in the market building incredible 8-string guitars. The Schecter C-8 multiscale silver mountain is unarguably one of the best 8-string guitars.
The design of the silver mountain 8-string guitar is a product of several years of experience in guitar-making technology. This 8-string guitar by Schecter contrasts the 80s shred style and the body and neck are meticulously designed. Suitable for metal music.
Schecter C-8 multiscale silver mountain produces a rich, warm, and thick tone. The volume, tones, and 3-way selector switch offer a wide range of tones. Another unique feature that is impressive and worth mentioning is the Sonic Seducer.
The combination of this sonic seducer and the Schecter in-house pickups gives you a bright sound that is goofy as it comes.
You also have free access to the upper fret easily because the mahogany neck feels like a neck-through build. The Silver Mountain 8-string guitar also has a set of locking tuners and a solid hipshot bridge.
Watch more about the Schecter C-8 multiscale silver mountain here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Quality build and setup | The finish may not be great for all |
| Coil tap and a variety of tone options | |
| Sonic seducers | |
| Professional sounds | |
| Amazing look |
ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208
- Construction: Bolt-On
- Body: Mahogany; Neck: Maple; Fingerboard: Roasted Jatoba
- Bridge: LTD Fixed Bridge w/ string thru
- Neck PU: ESP Designed LH-308N *(Pull Tone for Split); Bridge PU: ESP Designed LH-308B *(Pull Tone for Split)
Specification
Body: Mahogany
Neck: bolt-on maple
Frets: Extra jumbo, 24
Scale: 27
Fingerboard: Roasted jatoba
Neck Pickup: ESP design LH-308N humbucker
Bridge Pickup: ESP design LH-308B humbucker
Controls: 1x volume, 1x tone, 3-way pickup selector switch
Hardware: LTD fixed bridge with string through gold
Finish: pelham blue, black
The ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208 is a signature model 8-string guitar different from the Superstrat format that most 8-string guitars conform to.
The JR-208 is ergonomically round, features an offset double cutaway, and chamfering in both cutaways enhancing access to the upper fret. It has a full 27-baritone scale length and features an awesome tone across all frequencies.
The thin U-profile neck is a flat 15.7 fretboard radius which makes it very comfortable for musical exhibitions and performances. The Pelham blue finish is similar to the popular classic Gibson guitar of yore.
However, it is an 8-string guitar. The ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208 also offers classic gold hardware and a maple neck with a low-profile heel joint.
Watch more about the ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208 here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing look | The pickup is not that solid |
| Satisfying body feel | |
| Ergonomic body shape | |
| Awesome finish | |
| Unique S-Style |
Ibanez Prestige RG5328 – Lightning Through A Dark
Specification
Body: Ash
Neck: Maple/wenge, bolt-on, five-piece
Frets: stainless steel, jumbo, 24
Scale: 27
Fingerboard: Ebony
Pickup: 2x DiMarzio Fusion edge 8 humbuckers
Controls: 1x master tone, 1x master volume, 5-way blade pickup switch, 1x mini coil tap
Hardware: Gotoh MG-T locking tuners, Gibraltar Standard II-8 hardtail
Finish: satin
The Ibanez Prestige RG5328 is one of the best 8-string guitars in the market. It is excellently designed with an incredible finish.
It features a luxurious feel that we would expect from a Japanese-built model; it is prestigious and features an ebony fingerboard and prestige fret edge.
Over the years, Ibanez had geared toward designing guitars that would be incredible with great playability and tonal variety. The RG series is popular and already in the heart of many guitarists. Also, the RG5328 8 string is very versatile.
The hot Dimarzio fusion edge humbuckers are very dynamic and the profound coil tap switch can be expanded. This gives it a lot more tonal possibilities.
The Ibanez Prestige RG5328 features quality hardware, a maple five-piece wizard neck, and a wenge that is super smooth. The maple neck is measured 19mm deep at the first fret and 55mm wide at the nut.
The RG5328 also features a Gibraltar Standard II-8 hardtail bridge, a set of locking Gotoh tuners up top, and slight indications such as the Luminlay side dot fret markers.
Watch more about the Ibanez Prestige RG5328 – Lightning Through A Dark here :
| Pros | Cons |
| Great sound | Not multiscale |
| Variety of tones | |
| Wizard neck profile | |
| Quality build | |
| Great for metal chug | |
| Very versatile |
Schecter Omen-8 walnut
Specification
Body: Basswood
Neck: Maple
Frets: 24 extra-jumbo
Scale: 26.5
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Pickup: 2x Diamond plus ceramic humbuckers
Controls: 1x volume, 1x tone, 3-way pickup selector
Hardware: 15.1 tuners, custom 8 hardtail
Finish: Walnut satin, vintage white
The Schecter Omen-8 walnut is one of the best 8-strings on this list with a price that is quite friendly. This guitar is well-known for its distinct feel and solid body build.
The low-end eighth strings of the Omen 8 produces a reasonable balance between the approachable 26.5 scale length and the string tension required. This balance when compared to the weight makes this shredded 8-string playable and fun.
Schecter Omen 8 Walnut uses the Ernie Ball Music Man strings running from 010-074. It is a factory setup. Omen 8 also features a solid maple neck with a good feel, a fairly flat 16-fingerboard that is made of rosewood, and 24 extra-jumbo frets.
The overwound passive pickup Schecter may not be suitable for all when compared to an active pickup, but it does a great job. The 2x Diamond plus ceramic humbuckers in the Schecter Omen 8 are designed to merely translate low ends and high gain.
However, this pickup will take care of your metal style and some other styles. Omen 8 is also best recommended to a beginner guitarist who is new to guitar with more strings.
Watch more about the Schecter Omen-8 walnut here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique build | Not active pickup |
| Well balanced | |
| Shred ready | |
| Less expensive | |
| Great value |
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLAT8 Multi-Scale
- 8-string Electric Guitar with Basswood Body
- 2 Active Humbucking Pickups – Gloss Black
- Laurel Fingerboard
- Maple Neck
Specification
Body: Basswood
Neck: Maple neck through
Frets: Jumbo, 24
Scale: 26-28
Fingerboard: Laurel
Neck Pickup: 2x EMG 909 humbuckers
Bridge Pickup: 2x EMG 909 humbuckers
Controls: 1x volume, 1x tone, 3-way selector pickup
Hardware: Jackson Sealed Die-Cast tuners, Staggered Individual Saddles bridge, black
Finish: Gloss Black
The Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLAT8 Multi-Scale combines the neck through features and the S-style body shape.
It is undoubtedly one of the best 8-string guitars that is very outstanding. The solid neck offers sustain while the S style wears the extra range perfectly.
The Top Slat8 features a pair of EMG 909 humbuckers at bridge and neck pickup that are capable of delivering any sound.
The neck pickup mellows the sizzling sound at the high end, while the bridge adds a biting sound. You can add an amazing texture to your riff by engaging both pickups.
You don’t have to be worried about getting confused with the 8-string of the Jackson x series SLAT8 as the low F will guide your fingertip.
The neck is measured 12- 16 compound radius and 53.85mm at Nut width. The maple neck-through build is slightly straightforward.
Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLAT8 Multi-Scale offers a welcoming proposition for 8 strings neophytes and a less crampy laurel fingerboard.
Watch more about the Jackson X Series Soloist Arch Top SLAT8 Multi-Scale here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Solidly built | A bit pricey |
| Highly playable | |
| Active pickup | |
| EMG 909 humbuckers | |
| Neck-through |
Cort KX508MSII Marina Blue Burst
Specification
Body: Sassafras or swamp ash with poplar burl top
Neck: Bolt-on 5pc Maple and purple heart
Frets: 24
Scale: 26.5-28
Fingerboard: Macassar Ebony
Pickup: Fishman fluence modern humbucker
Controls: 1 push/pull volume, 1 push/pull tone, 3-way pickup selector
Hardware: Black Nickel
Finish: Mariana Blue Burst
Cort KX508MSII Marina Blue Burst is one of the best 8-string guitars with a high-quality body build, finish, and incredible pickups. Cort Guitars seem to have decided over the years to design guitars that are over the bar in performance while still managing to look awesome.
The KX508MSII is one of these guitars made by Cort Guitars. It looks great and features one of the best pickups. The Cort KX508MSII offers the Fishman fluence humbucker pickup which is very versatile due to its push and pull features.
These features allow you to access two voices via the push and pull control. Giving you the benefits of both a passive and active pickup. Meaning the Cort KX508MSII produces classic, organic humbucker tones and also modern and searing tones.
Cort KX508MSII also features beautiful and exotic woods, and high-quality hardware with a multi-scale measured at 26.5-28.
Watch more about the Cort KX508MSII Marina Blue Burst:
| Pros | Cons |
| Great pickup | Not Budget-friendly |
| Amazing build and finish | |
| Value for price | |
| Balanced low ends | |
| High quality |
Ibanez RGMS8 Iron Label Multi-Scale
Specification
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Walnut/maple five-piece Bolt-on
Frets: Jumbo, 24
Scale: 25.5-27.2
Fingerboard: Jatoba
Neck Pickup: 2x Ibanez Array 8 MS humbuckers
Bridge Pickup: 2x Ibanez Array 8 MS humbuckers
Controls: 1x volume, 1x tone, 5-way pickup selector
Hardware: Ibanez die-cast sealed tuners, 8-saddle Mono-rail bridge, Cosmo Black
Finish: Black Doppler Gloss Wizard III-8, 15.75 in. 55 mm nut width
This Ibanez RGMS8 Iron label multi-scale is made more like a musical weapon than a musical instrument. The guitar made by Ibanez in the RG series proposes a great value for sound.
This powerful 8-string guitar features S-style playing with a 5-way pickup selector switch. This 5-way pickup selector opens you up to a wide range of tonal options. And also allows you to access both pickups.
Ibanez RGMS8 is great for modding due to the outer coil position that gives a very clean and persuasive tone. All you have to do is to add a little modulation to the parallel or outer coil position. It features a very impressive control.
The RGMS8 iron label multiscale also allows you to easily control the neck pickups in series. Both the inner, bridge, and outer pickups are easily accessed.
The first fret is measured at 20mm deep with a very gentle taper at 21mm at the 12th. The neck is made of maple and walnut.
Watch more about the Ibanez RGMS8 Iron Label Multi-Scale here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Impressive body build | May require setting/adjustment |
| 5-way switch pickup selector | |
| Wide range of tonal options | |
| Great value | |
| Stays in tune | |
| Allows for super fast play |
ESP LTD EC-258
Specification
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany set
Frets: extra jumbo, 22
Scale: 26.5
Fingerboard: Roasted Jatoba
Pickup: ESP design LH 308N
Controls: 2x volume, push and pull tone, 3-way pickup selector
Hardware: LTD fixed bridge with strings through that is black
Finish: Satin black
ESP LTD EC-258 is a robust 8-string guitar that is beautifully designed with amazing modern humbuckers. Its flashy look gives it a timeless look. This is great for musicians that love guitars that are spiky and have classic body shapes.
ESP LTD EC-258 produces a warm and bright sound that will serve heavy musical styles such as djent and contemporary metal.
This 8-string guitar is one of the best due to its versatility and ability to produce bone-crunching tones. The EC-258 also allows you to switch between these bone-crunching tones and a soft and quiet tone using the push/pull control.
The combination of the fishman fluence modern humbuckers with the push/pull for volume and tones also offers players a smooth transition between loud and soft music.
The ESP LTD EC-258 8-string guitar features a comfortable thin U-neck that is easy to access. And also a 26.5 baritone scale for stable tuning and tight bottom. This particular 8-string, designed by ESP is one of the few best 8-string in the market that is cheap and affordable.
Watch more about the ESP LTD EC258 here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Impressive look | Edge may not be suitable for all |
| Wide range of tone | |
| Versatile | |
| Great pickup | |
| Less pricey |
Strandberg Boden 8 Sarah Longfield Edition
Specification
Body: Chambered basswood with quarter-inch maple top
Neck: Bolt-on roasted maple
Frets: Jumbo Jescar stainless steel, 24
Scale: 26.5-28
Fingerboard: Ebony
Pickup: 2x Fishman Fluence modern humbuckers for neck and bridge
Controls: 1 volume (push/pull coil split), 1x tone (push/pull with voicing selector), 3-way switch Pickup selector.
Hardware: Strandberg EGS Series 5 Fixed Bridge and String Locks, Black
Finish: Black Doppler Gloss
The Strandberg Boden 8 Sarah Longfield Edition is one of the best 8-string guitars that we can describe as avant-garde. This guitar does not have any headstock.
All the features are new, exciting, and in one word, premium. It features amazing and premium outstanding Jescar stainless steel frets and roasted maple board. The Sarah 8 Longfield edition presents a maple-topped chambered and basswood that makes it highly playable.
The Boden 8-string is also less heavy with a flat 20-radius fingerboard for a highly enhanced performance and music experience. The Boden 8 Sarah Longfield edition also uses the modern Fishman fluence humbucker pickups which are known to be very versatile.
This pair of pickups comes with a dual bank that will allow you to switch between two different sounds thereby opening you up a wide tonal option to manipulate.
The Boden 8 is also quite expensive. Nevertheless, the Sarah Longfield edition gives you high quality, a promising range for delivery, and a more worthy outlay.
Watch more about the Strandberg Boden 8 Sarah Longfield Edition:
| Pros | Cons |
| Less weight | Maybe too avant-garde for some people |
| Straight design format | Very expensive |
| Wide range of sound | |
| Incredible Modern humbuckers | |
| Easy to use |
Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty 8
Specification
Body: Mahogany, basswood
Neck: Mahogany, through-neck
Frets: 24, medium jumbo
Scale: 25.5-27
Fingerboard: Ebony
Pickup: DiMarzio Dreamcatcher (Humbucker/Passive) for bridge and neck
Controls: 2x volume, 1x tone, 3-way switch
Hardware: Schaller M6-IND locking (Chrome) tuners
The Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty 8 is player friendly and will produce a high-end with a balanced low-end that is great for metal music.
It is best known for its comfort, playability, and incredible speed. With an impressive sound that makes it a real deal for musicians trying to explore wide ranges. This signature 8-string is popularly referred to as the king of progressive metal because of John Petrucci.
The Music Man Majesty 8 is capable of delivering what several guitars can and with additional roles. It is not just an 8-string guitar that is designed for just technical melodies. It is designed beyond this speciality.
The Music Man Majesty 8 is best recommended for guitar players that are tired of the standards and are out seeking to explore new expressions. The Majesty 8 is a very versatile, sleek modern-style guitar with a multi-scale design that enhances performance.
Watch more about the Ernie Ball Man music man Majesty 8 here:
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality build | No strap lock |
| Neck-through | Very expensive |
| Wide range of tone | |
| Great pickup | |
| Stainless steel frets | |
| Comfortability |
Schecter John Browne Tao-8
Specification
Body: Hipshot Fixed Bridge bridge
Neck: Wenge/Padauk 5-Ply neck
Frets: XL jumbo stainless,
Scale: 27
Fingerboard: Ebony
Pickup: Schecter USA Colossus (Humbucker/Passive)
Controls: 1x volume, 3-way switch
Hardware: Hipshot Fixed Bridge bridge
The Shecter John Browne Tao-8 is a straightforward 8-string design with numerous exceptional qualities. Do not allow the deceptive custom look of this guitar to confuse you, the Schecter Tao-8 has incredible specs.
It is meticulously designed to meet the standard of John Browne of the Monument band. John is a metal master with great guitar dynamics. The Tao 8 is a very versatile 8-string guitar that gives you killer tones suitable for progressive metal music.
It also offers a grip lock tuner for stable tuning and a 3-way switch that is push and pull.
Watch more about the Schecter John Browne Tao-8 here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Locking tuners | No strap lock |
| High-quality wood | Not neck-through |
| Coil split selector switch | |
| Great pickup | |
| Stainless steel fret | |
| Left-handed available |
Ibanez RG5328 Prestige
Specification
Body: Ash
Neck: maple /wenge
Frets: 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
Scale: 27
Fingerboard: Bound Macassar Ebony
Pickup: DiMarzio Fusion Edge 8 (Humbucker/Passive) for neck and bridge.
Controls: 1x volume and 1x tone
3-way pickup selector Switch
Hardware: Gibraltar Standard II-8 bridge
Finish: satin finish
The Ibanez RG5328 Prestige is a solid body 8-string guitar that is lightweight and produces a sound suitable for djent and jazz music. Ibanez combined the old Japanese method of design with the modern high-tech techniques available to make RG5328 Prestige.
It is precise, highly playable, and great for performance. It is also seen in the hands of rock and metal guitar players. The Fusion Edge 8 humbucking pickup matches the electric 8-string guitar and presents a wide range of tones.
Watch more about the Ibanez RG5328 Prestige here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing satin finish | Very expensive |
| Great resonating sound | |
| Less heavy | |
| Timeless look | |
| Strong and compact |
ESP E II HRF NT-8 Baritone
Specification
Body: Alder body
Neck: Thin U neck through, 3pc maple
Frets: 24 XL Jumbo frets
Scale: 15.75 at radius, 27
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge Pickup: EMG 81-8H (Humbucker/Active)
Neck Pickup: EMG 85-8H (Humbucker/Active)
Controls: 1x volume and 1x tone
3-way pickup selector Switch
Hardware: Hipshot w/ String Thru bridge
Finish: Black satin
The ESP E II HRF NT-8 Baritone is one of the best 8-string guitars with conceivable quality and characteristics. It offers an expansion for the low-end range for the guitarist who wants to go above the standard six.
The ESP E II HRF NT-8 Baritone gives you an articulated and aggressive tone that is great for metal music.
The Alder body of this NT-8 is comfortable to hold and perform, the fingerboard is Ebony, and the neck is a 3-piece maple neck.
ESP E II HRF NT-8 Baritone also offers advanced calibre features such as bone nut, Schaller strap lock, Gotoh locking tuners, and a Hipshot fixed bridge.
Watch more about the ESP E II HRF NT-8 Baritone here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Great sustain | No push and pull |
| Comfortable neck | No switch selector |
| Strong and compact | |
| Bone Nut |
ESP LTD EC-1008 Evertune Electric Guitar
Specification
Body: Mahogany (solid)
Neck: Thin U shape, truss rod, 3-piece mahogany
Frets: extra jumbo, 24
Scale: 26.5
Fingerboard: Macassar Ebony
Pickup: EMG active Humbucker pickups
Controls: 1x volume, 1x tone, 3-way pickup selector,
Hardware: pearl block inlays4
Finish: Gloss finish
The ESP LTD EC-1008 is one of the best 8-strings that will stay in tune for a longer period after being tuned to the correct tuning temperature. The Evertune 8-string electric guitar by ESP LTD gives you an incredible sound as well as a remarkable design.
The EC-1008 produces a bright and rhythmic tone for metal styles of music. It is also recommended for guitar players at all levels.
This guitar is suitable for both studio session musicians and live gig musicians. It is made with high-quality materials to serve demands both indoors and outdoors.
The slim thin U-neck allows you to comfortably access the 8 strings while giving you a clean sound with an attack.
The ESP LTD EC-1008 offers adequate tone production and regulations through active pickups. The neck pickup is EMG 60-8 and the bridge pickup is EMG 81-8.
Watch more about the ESP LTD EC-1008 Evertune Electric Guitar:
| Pros | Cons |
| Stable tuning | A bit pricey |
| Comfortable neck | |
| Distinct sustain sound | |
| Heavy duty pickup | |
| Amazing single-cut design |
Why Choose an 8-String Guitar?
An 8-string guitar gives one more range and power for better performance. They are frequently chosen and used by rock and metal guitarists. The 8 strings also have a wider range of sounds. It also gives you that timeless look.
It is sonically impressive and will open you up to new playing approaches. It is also easier and quicker to tune than several other guitars. The 8-string also allows you to play both lead and bass at the same time.
What a beautiful scenario to back up your melody and harmony with corresponding low-end root notes. Charlie Hunter during one of his performances demonstrated this with the 8-string guitar.
Multi-Scale Neck vs Traditional Scale Length
The multi-scale neck offers you less length in the higher string and more length in the lower strings.
A guitar with a multi-scale neck will not sound muddy. You don’t also have to worry about more tension on the lower strings.
Traditional scale lengths incorporate a range of pitches from 6, 7, 8 strings, and even above within a single scale length.
As much as this may have numerous benefits such as comfortability for players with small hands and also speedy play, it also presents a downside. Guitars that are traditional scale length may not stay in tune, lower notes may be floppy and higher pitches may sound brittle.
However, a multi-scale neck seems to compensate for that downside. Each string is considered with an appropriate length. This makes multi-scale necks have little leverage over traditional scale lengths. Regardless, neck choice should be based on preference.
Remember that what is best for A may not be best for B. It is often advisable you figure out what is best for you. You may want to consider the size of your hands and the genre of music you will be playing.
Active vs Passive Pickups – Which is Best for 8-Strings?
Active pickups will offer you more output and a sustainable sound while passive pickups will offer you a wide range of tones and options. Active pickups feature a preamp for a signal boost. Making it produce high-frequency sound.
The best pickup for 8-string guitars is a passive pickup. Passive pickups match with the 8 strings and can handle the clarity needed at low ends. Passive pickups will give you incredible low ends as they are normally lower in output.
Passive pickups are more dynamic and will produce raw and clean tones that are not oversaturated. On the contrary, active pickups lack the capability to produce sound with high frequency in 8 strings with clarity.
Famous Players Who Use(d) the 8-String Guitar
The 8-string guitars have been used and are still being used by Famous players ever since it was made. Initially, 8-string guitars were found and associated with metal bands when they first debuted.
The major inspiration behind the 8-string was the Swedish progressive bands. And later the Animal as Leaders band.
Now it is found in the hands of not just metal guitar players but also jazz, classical, djent, and rock. The following are names of famous guitar players seen playing 8-string guitar.
- John Petrucci
- Dave504
- Charlie Hunter
- Guitarist Nikolai Svishev
- Robert Conti
- Alex Nazaretski
- Kyrylo Barakhtianskyi
- John Butler
- Jason Crawford
- Drew Henderson
Pros and Cons of Using an 8-String Guitar
Pros
- Extra range: 8 string gives you an expanded range of pitch, octave, and keys that comes with the additional two strings.
This is one of the most important aspects of the 8 strings as the added strings are ideal for enhancing sonic possibilities.
- Low ends: The lower 7th and 8th strings give you incredible low ends. This low end is different from several other guitars.
- Non-standard tuning: With the 8 string a lot of things are possible such as having a different tuning.
You can tune your 8-string guitar to a non-standard tuning such as a major third tuning.
Cons
- Not for short fingers: Guitar players with short fingers may have a hard time playing 8-string guitar.
Players may require little patience as they continue to practice to be able to adjust the neck.
- Scarcity: since the 8-string is not a traditional and regular guitar, it may be hard to see it in some localities.
Especially, if your strings are ruined and you need replacement. Nonetheless, you may need to depend solely on online stores these days.
Conclusion
Continue to explore the world of expression you seek with any of these fifteen best 8-string guitars listed here in no particular order.
Any of these 8-string guitars will allow you to satisfy the quest to execute your musical prowess without limitations.
You have added octaves, keys, and even controls that are not found in six and seven strings. These expanded features are precise and comfortable.
If you are new to 8 string, you are wondering how you will play this strange instrument. Do not panic.
Welcome to a dimension of playing with no limitations. You have more than enough at your disposal now. Go ahead and experiment.
All you have to do is dedicate time, practice, and make music out of your 8-string guitar. That is what it is all about.
If you have been jamming the 8 string already, it will make more sense to you now after reading. You have been doing more than the standard. Bravo!
Remember, listed here are the best 8-string guitars that are designed and manufactured by different brands.
Decide which will be suitable for you based on your personal preference and worry less. Anyone you end up with will serve you greatly.
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