Ever wondered what makes some guitarists create those super low, rumbling sounds that shake the room? It’s often the magic of an eight-string guitar! These instruments aren’t just for show; they open up a whole new world of musical possibilities, letting you explore deeper notes and more complex chords than ever before.
But let’s be real, diving into the world of eight-string guitars can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many brands, shapes, and features to consider, figuring out which one is right for you can be a real challenge. You might be asking yourself: “Which one will sound the best for my music?” or “How do I even hold this thing?” We get it – it’s a lot to take in!
That’s exactly why we’re here. In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about eight-string guitars. We’ll explore what makes them special, what to look for when buying one, and how they can help you unlock your full musical potential. So, get ready to discover the awesome power of these extended-range instruments!
Our Top 5 8 String Guitars Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 8 String Guitars Detailed Reviews
1. Jackson JS Series Dinky JS32-8 – Satin Black with Amaranth Fingerboard
Rating: 9.3/10
The Jackson JS Series Dinky JS32-8 in Satin Black is an awesome 8-string electric guitar. It has a cool poplar body with a curved top. The neck is made of smooth maple, and the fretboard is a nice amaranth. This guitar is built for players who want to explore lower notes and a wider sound.
What We Like:
- The two humbucking pickups give you a powerful, thick sound.
- It’s really comfortable to play, even with the extra strings.
- The satin black finish looks sleek and professional.
- The amaranth fretboard feels smooth under your fingers.
- It offers a great entry into the world of 8-string guitars without breaking the bank.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might want more pickup options for different sounds.
- The tuning machines, while functional, could be upgraded for even better tuning stability.
This Jackson JS32-8 is a fantastic option for guitarists wanting to expand their sonic palette. It delivers great value and a solid playing experience for its price point.
2. Ibanez RGMS8 – Black
Rating: 9.0/10
The Ibanez RGMS8 in Black is a seriously cool 8-string guitar. It’s built for players who want to explore lower notes and create bigger, heavier sounds. Its multi-scale design makes playing easier and more comfortable, especially when you’re reaching for those extended low strings. This guitar looks as awesome as it sounds, with a sleek black finish.
What We Like:
- The multi-scale fretboard feels natural and helps with playing those extra strings.
- The Nyatoh body gives it a warm, balanced tone.
- The 5-piece Maple/Walnut neck is strong and smooth for fast playing.
- It has two humbucking pickups that deliver powerful, versatile sound.
- The Jatoba fretboard is durable and feels great under your fingers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some beginners might find the 8 strings a bit much to start with.
- The black finish can show fingerprints easily.
If you’re looking to dive into the world of 8-string guitars, the Ibanez RGMS8 – Black is a fantastic option. It offers great playability and a powerful sound for a wide range of music.
3. IYV
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to explore new sonic territory with the IYV, IYV-IEHLFF8-300 Multi-Scale Headless 8 String in striking Red Black. This guitar is built for serious players who want a unique sound. Its headless design makes it super portable and easy to handle. You’ll love the attention to detail on this instrument.
What We Like:
- Precision Craftsmanship: Every guitar is made on time using CNC machines and computer programming. This means you get a guitar that is built with amazing accuracy.
- Unique Multi-Scale Design: The different string lengths help you play lower notes with more clarity and higher notes with better intonation. It’s a cool feature for advanced players.
- Headless Convenience: The headless design makes the guitar shorter and lighter. It’s easy to carry around and looks really modern.
- Eye-Catching Finish: The Red Black color is bold and stands out. It makes the guitar look as good as it sounds.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: If you’re new to 8-string or multi-scale guitars, there might be a short adjustment period to get used to the wider fretboard and string spacing.
- Availability: Sometimes, these specialized guitars can be hard to find because they are so unique.
This IYV headless 8-string guitar offers a fantastic blend of modern design and precise construction. It’s a great option for musicians looking to expand their sound and experience.
4. Ibanez RG Series RG8 – White
Rating: 9.3/10
The Ibanez RG Series RG8 in White is an awesome 8-string electric guitar. It’s built for players who want to explore lower tunings and heavier sounds. This guitar looks as cool as it sounds, with its clean white finish.
What We Like:
- It has a Meranti body, which gives a warm and balanced tone.
- The Maple/Walnut neck feels smooth and fast, making it easy to play.
- Two powerful humbucking pickups deliver a huge sound, perfect for rock and metal.
- The Jatoba fingerboard is strong and gives a bright tone.
- The white finish is really striking and makes the guitar stand out.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might find the 8 strings take a little getting used to.
- While the pickups are great, advanced players might want to swap them for even more customization.
This Ibanez RG8 is a fantastic instrument for anyone looking to expand their musical range. It offers great playability and a powerful sound for a reasonable price.
5. BexGears DIY 8 String Electric Guitar Kits Burl poplar veener top okoume Body maple neck & composite ebony fingerboard You Build The Guitar
Rating: 8.9/10
Dreaming of playing an 8-string guitar? The BexGears DIY 8 String Electric Guitar Kit lets you build your own! This kit gives you all the pieces to create a cool, playable guitar. It has a beautiful burl poplar top and a sturdy okoume body. The neck is made of maple, and the fingerboard is a smooth composite ebony. You get everything you need, including strings and an electric cord. All the holes are already drilled, making assembly easier. This kit is only for right-handed players.
What We Like:
- You get to build your own 8-string guitar, which is really awesome.
- The materials look great, with a nice burl poplar top and okoume body.
- All the parts are included, so you don’t need to buy anything else to start.
- The holes are pre-drilled, which makes putting it together much simpler.
- Instructions are available as a PDF if you need them.
What Could Be Improved:
- The kit is only available for right-handed players, so lefties can’t use it.
- You have to build it yourself, which might be challenging for some beginners.
This kit is a fantastic way to get your hands on an 8-string guitar and enjoy the satisfaction of building it yourself. It’s a fun project for guitar enthusiasts!
Choosing Your 8-String Guitar: A Detailed Guide
So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of 8-string guitars! That’s awesome. These guitars offer a huge sound and a lot of cool possibilities for musicians. This guide will help you understand what makes a great 8-string and how to pick the right one for you.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an 8-string, a few things really stand out:
- Scale Length: This is how long the strings are from the nut (near the headstock) to the bridge (where the strings attach to the body). Longer scale lengths, usually 27 inches or more, are better for those lower strings. They keep the strings tight and clear, so they don’t sound floppy.
- Number of Frets: Most 8-string guitars have 24 frets, just like many 6-string guitars. This gives you a lot of notes to play.
- Pickup Configuration: Pickups are the little magnets that pick up the sound of your strings. For 8-string guitars, you’ll often see two humbucker pickups. These give a big, powerful sound, perfect for heavy music. Some might have single-coil pickups, which offer a brighter sound.
- Bridge Type: A good bridge keeps your guitar in tune. Look for a “hardtail” bridge (a solid piece of metal) or a locking tremolo system. These are built to handle the extra tension of 8 strings.
- Neck Profile: The neck is what you hold. Some 8-string necks are thicker to handle the extra strings. Others are designed to feel slim and comfortable, like a 6-string. Try to find one that feels good in your hand.
2. Important Materials
The wood your guitar is made of matters a lot. It changes the sound and feel.
- Body Woods:
- Mahogany: This is a common choice. It gives a warm, full sound with good sustain (how long a note rings out).
- Alder: Alder offers a balanced tone, with good mids and highs. It’s lighter than mahogany.
- Basswood: Basswood is lighter in weight and can give a focused, punchy sound.
- Neck Woods:
- Maple: Maple necks are strong and bright. They help notes cut through the mix.
- Wenge: Wenge is a hard wood that adds a bit of snap and clarity to the sound.
- Fretboard Woods:
- Rosewood: Rosewood is smooth and warm. It’s a classic choice for fretboards.
- Ebony: Ebony is very hard and smooth. It gives a bright, clear attack to the notes.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make an 8-string guitar great or not so great.
- Build Quality: How well the guitar is put together is super important. Look for smooth fret edges, tight joints, and good finishing. A well-built guitar will feel solid and play easily.
- Hardware: The tuning machines, bridge, and other metal parts are the hardware. High-quality hardware stays in tune better and lasts longer. Cheap hardware can be frustrating.
- Electronics: Good pickups and wiring make a big difference. Clean wiring and well-made pickups will give you a better sound.
- Setup: A good setup means the guitar is adjusted perfectly. This includes the string height and how the neck is adjusted. A well-setup guitar is a joy to play.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Who plays 8-string guitars and why?
- Musicians in Heavy Genres: Many metal and progressive metal guitarists use 8-strings. The extra low strings let them play super heavy riffs and drop-tune even lower than a 6-string.
- Exploration and Versatility: Even if you don’t play heavy music, the extra strings open up new musical ideas. You can play lower bass notes while still playing melodies or chords on the higher strings. This is great for solo guitarists or composers.
- Learning Curve: It takes time to get used to the extra strings. Your picking and fretting hand will need to adjust. But once you do, it’s very rewarding.
- Playing Comfort: Some players find the wider necks a bit more challenging at first. However, many manufacturers design their 8-strings with comfort in mind, so don’t let that scare you away.
Frequently Asked Questions about 8-String Guitars
Q: What is the main advantage of an 8-string guitar?
A: The main advantage is the two extra low strings. These strings let you play much lower notes than a standard 6-string guitar. This gives you a bigger, heavier sound and more notes to work with.
Q: Are 8-string guitars hard to play?
A: They can be a little harder at first. You have to get used to the wider neck and the extra strings. But with practice, most players find them manageable and very rewarding to play.
Q: What kind of music are 8-string guitars best for?
A: They are very popular in heavy music genres like progressive metal, djent, and deathcore. The extra low strings create a powerful, crushing sound.
Q: Do I need a special amplifier for an 8-string guitar?
A: You don’t *need* a special amplifier, but a good quality amp that can handle low frequencies well will sound best. You’ll want an amp that can reproduce those deep, rumbling notes clearly.
Q: What are the typical tuning ranges for an 8-string guitar?
A: The lowest string is usually tuned to F# or E, which is two full steps lower than a standard 6-string guitar’s low E string. The higher strings are typically tuned like a standard guitar.
Q: How does scale length affect an 8-string guitar?
A: A longer scale length (like 27 inches or more) is important for the low strings. It keeps them tight and clear, preventing them from sounding muddy or floppy.
Q: What are the most common woods used for 8-string guitar bodies?
A: Mahogany, alder, and basswood are common choices. Mahogany gives a warm sound, alder offers a balanced tone, and basswood provides a punchy sound.
Q: Are there different types of bridges for 8-string guitars?
A: Yes, you’ll often find hardtail bridges or locking tremolo systems. Both are designed to keep the guitar in tune well, especially with the extra string tension.
Q: What should I look for in the pickups of an 8-string guitar?
A: Humbucker pickups are very common because they provide a big, powerful sound that works well for the lower strings. Some guitars might have single-coil pickups for a brighter tone.
Q: Is it worth buying an expensive 8-string guitar?
A: If you plan to play it a lot and are serious about the sound, yes. Higher-quality guitars usually have better hardware, electronics, and build quality, which makes them easier and more enjoyable to play.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.