Unleash Your Musical Creativity: The 12 Best 8 String Guitars for Versatile Playing

Are you ready to dive into the world of eight-string guitars? With their unique sound and versatility, these instruments are quickly becoming a favorite among guitar enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll review eight exceptional eight-string guitars on the market, covering their features, pricing, and what musicians are saying about them. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this roundup will provide the information you need to make an informed decision on your next guitar purchase.

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Reviews

ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208 8-String Electric Guitar - Black Edition

Craft your own innovative music with the ESP LTD Javier Reyes JR-208, an affordable and high-quality 8-string baritone guitar. It boasts a 27” scale and includes a mahogany body, a bolt-on maple neck, and ESP Designed LH-308N and LH-308B pickups. With its accessible design and impressive sound, this guitar is perfect for expanding your musical horizons.

ESP LTD JR-608 8-String Electric Guitar Faded Blue Sunburst

Experience the dynamic play of the ESP LTD JR-608, crafted by Javier Reyes of the progressive metal band Animals as Leaders. This 8-string guitar is a versatile masterpiece, featuring a swamp ash body and quilted maple top, providing both beauty and sound. With custom Dimarzio JR pickups tailored to Reyes’ finger-style playing, you’ll have a responsive and versatile tone at your fingertips. The neck-thru-body design promotes comfort, while premium gold hardware, a Schaller Hannes-8 bridge, and LTD locking tuners ensure a high-quality experience.

Taylor Custom Grand Symphony 8-String Baritone Koa Guitar

Experience the magic of music with the Taylor Custom Grand Symphony All Koa Baritone 8-String. This beautifully crafted acoustic-electric features exquisite Select-grade Hawaiian koa for its back, sides, and top, alongside a Florentine cutaway and state-of-the-art ES2 electronics with a built-in TaylorSense unit. With custom octave middle pairs of strings, you’ll enjoy a unique voice that combines the tones of a bass and guitar. This grand masterpiece also boasts a stunning array of custom appointments for an unforgettable playing experience.

Legator Black Widow 8-String Electric Guitar: Buckeye Burl Top, Multi-Scale Wenge/Maple Neck, and Fishman Fluence Pickups

Discover unparalleled guitar versatility with the Legator G8FX Ghost - the 8-string multi-scale electric guitar that’s impossible to put down. The black widow features an enthralling California buckeye burl top, which harmoniously blends with the ash body, creating an eye-catching design. The satin finish not only enhances durability but also adds an elegant touch. The 5-piece wenge/maple neck boasts a Modern C profile, ensuring a perfect, comfortable feel. Dual Fishman Fluence Alnico/Ceramic humbuckers equip you with a myriad of tones, making it perfect for shredding with style. Its high-quality, headless bridge and tuners provide superior reliability. Add to that the affordable price point, and the Legator G8FX Ghost is an exceptional choice for those seeking premium guitar features without compromising on their budget.

High-Performance 8-String Ghost Electric Guitar

The Legator G8FP Ghost Performance 8-string electric guitar offers a versatile and striking addition to any guitarist’s collection. With its 8-string multi-scale design, this custom-built instrument excels in performance and sound quality. The ash body, headless bridge and nut, and Legator Hive high-output passive humbuckers create an array of tones that can be tailored to taste. Its ergonomic contours and balanced fanned fret design ensure a comfortable playing experience, while the no-scratches, mint condition adds to the overall appeal. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this guitar is not only visually appealing but also durable and stays in tune well. It’s no wonder reviewers rate it highly for its playability, comfort, and impeccable quality.

Legator Ninja Overdrive Arctic 8-String Electric Guitar

Prepare to be amazed by the Legator N8FOD Ninja Overdrive 8, featuring an 8-string electric guitar with a breathtaking buckeye burl top, ultra-fast, ultrathin neck, and lightweight body. This high-performance guitar is perfect for enhancing your speed and technique, and its amazing tone, comfortable playing, and balanced tension across the fretboard will leave you impressed. With Legator’s proprietary monorail bridge, locking tuners, and alnico humbucking pickups, you’ll have everything you need to unleash your full potential, whether you’re shredding, chugging, or laying down a technical solo.

ESP LTD Javier Reyes Signature 8-String Electric Guitar - Metallic Gold

Experience music like never before with the ESP LTD Javier Reyes JRV-8 8-string baritone guitar. This stunning instrument is perfect for those who crave new challenges and daring adventures in the world of sound. Featuring a comfortable offset body shape, an extended range 8-string construction, and EMG’s signature pickup combination, the JRV-8 unlocks tonalities from tight rhythms to soaring solos with ease, capturing the fiery passion and emotion of its namesake, Javier Reyes. With its neck-through construction, slim profile, and versatile tuning options, this guitar is the perfect companion for experimenting with wild alternate tunings and exploring various musical genres. The JRV-8’s H/S/S pickup configuration and LTD locking tuners offer both innovation and reliability, while its 8-string double-locking Floyd Rose tremolo and gold hardware round out the package. Included with this guitar is an ESP deluxe hardshell case, ensuring safe and secure transport for your new musical companion.

Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 - Blue Mint Condition 8-string Electric Guitar

Discover the seamless playability of this Strandberg Boden Standard NX 8 electric guitar, an extraordinary 8-string instrument presented in an exquisite translucent blue finish. In pristine condition, the guitar boasts a lightweight construction that’s sure to invigorate your musical journey. With its expansive sonic capabilities spanning a broad array of styles, you’ll find yourself eager to explore the farthest reaches of your music-making potential. This impressive package comes complete with everything you need for a hassle-free extended range experience.

Legator Ninja N8FX 8-String Guitar with Ebony Fretboard and Fishman Fluence Pickups

Make your strumming sessions unforgettable with the Legator Ninja N8FX Multi-Scale 8-string Guitar. With its Ebony fretboard and Fishman Fluence pickups, you’ll be treated to an epic range of tones right at your fingertips. Whether you’re a pro guitarist or just starting out, this guitar is an investment you won’t regret. Don’t miss out on the chance to get your hands on this phenomenal piece of music gear!

Ibanez RGMS8 Multi Scale 8 String Electric Guitar Black

Experience the versatility of multi-scale with the Ibanez RGMS8, an 8-string electric guitar that offers a unique blend of comfort and exceptional sound quality. The trapezoidal scale for 7-string and 27.26”/25.5” scale for 8-string ensures equalized tension for a lively, open tone. The Jatoba fretboard provides a rich mid-range with a crisp high end, while jumbo frets contribute to smooth playability. The Nyatoh body creates a rich mid-low end, perfect for your music needs. With its Array-8 MS pickups and innovative Ibanez Mono-Rail bridge, this guitar is designed for both stability and sustain. Perfect for those looking for an affordable, high-quality 8-string guitar that won’t break the bank.

Legator Iris Fade Purple 8-String Electric Guitar

Satisfy your modern electric guitar cravings with the Legator N8FP Iris Fade. This 8-string gem, part of the Ninja Performance series, boasts a figured ash body and high-quality humbuckers. With its smooth Modern Thin neck profile and comfortable ergonomic body contours, it’s a true performer in extended-range format. Whether you’re a prog-metal composer or just a lover of aggressive sound, this guitar has got you covered.

Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Wisteria Blossom 8-String Guitar

The Ernie Ball Music Man Majesty 8-string is truly a game-changer, with its sleek design, versatile electronics, and impressive tones. The Wisteria Blossom finish adds a stunning visual appeal, while the non-tremolo mahogany neck-through-body ensures a comfortable and accurate playing experience. The multi-scale fretboard offers the optimal balance of tension and traditional feel, making it perfect for both intricate solos and powerful chord progressions. With a 3-way toggle that incorporates a piezo bridge system, this guitar truly shines with its wide range of tones and impressive versatility.

Buyer’s Guide

Gear up for expanding your musical horizons with an 8-string guitar! This versatile instrument offers unique tonal possibilities and opens up a world of creative opportunities for players. Before diving into the intriguing world of 8-string guitars, let’s explore the essential features, considerations, and general advice to help you make an informed decision.

Key Features of 8-String Guitars

When it comes to 8-string guitars, there are several defining features that set them apart from their 6-string counterparts. Here are some of the most important ones to consider:

1. Extended range: 8-string guitars offer a wider range of tones, which can be useful for playing various styles of music or exploring different tunings. 2) Thicker strings: With two additional strings, the strings on an 8-string guitar are thicker than on a 6-string guitar. This change in string gauge may require the use of heavier-gauge picks and can also affect playability and tuning stability. 3) Different tuning options: 8-string guitars can be tuned in various ways, including standard, extended range, or even synapse tuning for an entirely new sound. 4) Versatility: Thanks to their extended range, 8-string guitars can be used for various styles of music, from metal and rock to blues and jazz.

Choosing the Right 8-String Guitar

1. Consider your playing style: If you’re primarily interested in heavy, drop-tuned music, an 8-string guitar may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer lighter tones or need to play in higher tunings, you may want to consider a 7-string guitar. 2) Assess your skill level: The transition from a 6-string to an 8-string guitar can be challenging, particularly when it comes to string tension and finger positioning. If you’re a beginner, it might be more accessible to start with a 7-string guitar and progress to an 8-string as your skills develop. 3) Playability factors: Due to the added string, 8-string guitars may have some compromises in terms of overall balance and comfort. You’ll want to ensure that the guitar you choose has a comfortable neck, balanced weight, and excellent playability. 4) Consider the brand: Some guitar manufacturers are known for their high-quality 8-string guitars, while others might require more research to find a suitable model for your budget and needs.

Maintenance and Care for Your 8-String Guitar

To ensure that your 8-string guitar stays in top condition and performs consistently, remember these key points:

1. Proper setup: A well-set-up guitar with properly adjusted action, intonation, and string tension will make playing more comfortable and enjoyable. Consider having your guitar serviced by a professional. 2) String care: The thicker strings on an 8-string guitar require more frequent restringing. Use high-quality strings and make sure to change them regularly to maintain optimal tone and performance. 3) Tuning: Your 8-string guitar may require more frequent tuning due to the thinner strings. Make sure to use a quality tuner and adjust your tuning routine accordingly.

Exploring the World of Sound with an 8-String Guitar

Exploring the sonic possibilities of an 8-string guitar can be an incredibly rewarding and creative experience. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different tunings, techniques, and styles to discover the unique sound and versatility of this intriguing instrument. With the right mindset and the right guitar, the 8-string world awaits!

FAQ

What sets an 8-string guitar apart from a standard 6-string guitar?

An 8-string guitar is distinctively different from a standard 6-string guitar, with its extended string count. The extra two strings result in a lower pitch and a wider range of tones and chord voicings, which are unattainable on a standard 6-string guitar. This makes the 8-string guitar an ideal choice for those looking to experiment with new sounds and techniques.

The additional strings can bolster the bass response of the guitar, making it well-suited for various musical styles such as heavy metal, rock, and ambient music. Consequently, the 8-string guitar serves as a versatile instrument in numerous genres and settings. In essence, the additional strings contribute to the 8-string guitar’s unique and versatile nature for experienced guitarists.

Are there any cons to playing an 8-string guitar?

Yes, there are some potential drawbacks to playing an 8-string guitar. The extra strings can increase the guitar’s weight and bulkiness, making it less comfortable for players with smaller hands. Furthermore, the expanded tonal range can pose a challenge for beginners trying to master the instrument.

Additionally, maintaining and tuning the 8-string guitar may require more attention and care than a standard 6-string guitar, due to its increased complexity. This can be a challenge for players new to guitar maintenance or those with limited time to devote to tuning and care. Nevertheless, these disadvantages can be mitigated with the right equipment, techniques, and mindset.

Can 8-string guitars be used in all musical genres?

No, 8-string guitars are not suited to every musical genre. Although they excel in heavy metal, rock, and ambient music due to their robust bass response and expansive tonal range, they may not be the best fit for traditional genres like country, folk, or blues. In these genres, a 6-string guitar typically provides enough versatility and power for rhythm and lead playing.

That being said, some musicians have successfully integrated 8-string guitars into various genres, and with the right playing style and technique, an 8-string guitar can produce a distinctive and compelling sound in any musical context. Ultimately, the suitability of an 8-string guitar for a particular genre depends on the player’s style, preferences, and musical goals.

Are there any lightweight 8-string guitars accessible?

Yes, while some 8-string guitars can be relatively heavy due to the extra strings and hardware, there are also lightweight options available. Many manufacturers offer lighter-weight models that feature thin, lightweight pickups, streamlined body designs, and other features that reduce the overall weight of the guitar without compromising its performance and tone.

Moreover, there are numerous aftermarket accessories and components that can assist in reducing the load of an existing 8-string guitar. Lightweight strings, carbon fiber fretboards, and custom hardware are examples of such equipment. By choosing the appropriate equipment and features, players can find 8-string guitars that are both powerful and lightweight, facilitating extended playability.

What is the average cost of an 8-string guitar?

The price of an 8-string guitar depends on brand, quality, and features. High-end, professional-grade 8-string guitars can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, while mid-range and entry-level models are typically priced under $1,000. Generally, 8-string guitars tend to be more expensive than their 6-string counterparts due to the added complexity and materials required.

That being said, there are many affordable and high-quality options available from various manufacturers, catering to players of all skill levels and budgets. By shopping around and comparing the features and prices of different models, players can find an 8-string guitar that fits their budget and performance needs.

Is tuning an 8-string guitar difficult?

Yes, tuning an 8-string guitar is generally more challenging than tuning a 6-string guitar due to the additional strings and range of tones. The extra strings can complicate the process of achieving accurate and stable tuning, particularly for beginners or those unfamiliar with the tuning process.

However, there are several tuning tools and techniques accessible to assist with this task. For example, many 8-string guitarists use dedicated tuning applications or software that enable them to adjust the pitch of each string separately, making it easier to attain precise tuning. Additionally, utilizing high-quality, stable strings and properly maintaining the guitar’s hardware can also contribute to tuning stability and precision. With practice and patience, even beginners can effectively and efficiently tune an 8-string guitar.

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