Best Metal Guitars For Any Budget

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Revolutionize Your Sound: Discover the Best Metal Guitars on the Market

Your guitar can be an extension of your personality and style. Choose a design that reflects your own personal style and aesthetic, and be sure to invest in quality pieces that will last you a long time.

Whether you're looking for a baritone, a 6-string or extended range, take a look at our favorite metal guitars that are currently available for purchase and choose the one that suits your playing style and your budget.

What Makes a Guitar Good for Metal?

While technically you can play metal on any electric guitar, some instruments are better suited to handle the genre. Some of the key features of a great metal guitar are high output pickups, neck profile and fretboard radius that facilitate fast playability, extended range or baritone, build quality and design.

High Output Guitar Pickups

Metal relies on overdriven, heavily distorted tones. Pickups with high output and gain, like active humbuckers, help achieve the thick, aggressive metal sound. Popular pickup manufacturers include Fishman, EMG, DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan and Bare Knuckle Pickups.

Guitar Neck Profile and Fretboard Radius

Thinner, flatter neck profiles allow for easier and more comfortable fast playing which is typical in metal.

Metal guitars usually have a C or D neck profile - as these necks are slim, slightly curved and are very comfortable to play.

Fretboard radius is the measurement of the curvature of the fingerboard across the neck, from the lowest string to the highest string. For metal, a fretboard radius of at least 15" (or 381mmR) is preferable, because the larger the number, the flatter the curve, the better the playability.

Extended Range Guitars and Baritone Guitars

Baritone guitars have a longer scale length, usually from 26.5 to 30 inches, compared to the typical 25.5 inch scale of a regular guitar. This extended scale length enables lower tunings (Drop C, Drop A, Drop G, Drop E etc.) and thicker strings to be used on the baritone guitar.

Extended range guitars usually have 7, 8, or even 9 strings. The additional strings allow for expanded range, both on the low and high end of the fretboard.

A 7 string guitar adheres to the same tuning of a typical 6 string guitar, but has an additional low B string.

7 string guitar tuning: B-E-A-D-G-B-E

An 8 string guitar follows the standard tuning of a 7 string instrument, but has an additional low F# string.

8 string guitar tuning: F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E

A 9 string guitar boasts the same tuning configuration of an 8 string, but has a thunderously-low C# string too. This takes a 9 string guitar’s tuning below that of a typical 4-string bass.

9 string guitar tuning: C#-F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E

Guitar Build Quality and Design

Guitar build quality matters because it directly impacts the sound, playability, durability, resale value, and overall satisfaction of the instrument.

High-end metal guitars combine premium tone woods like basswood, maple, mahogany, alder, ash with quality bridges (either fixed or floating), locking tuners and great fretwork.

While often overlooked, design plays an important role in choosing the right guitar. The more the instrument appeals to you, the more likely you will pick it up and play it. So investing in a well-built, cool-looking guitar can provide a rewarding playing experience and contribute to your musical journey.

You may also like: Best Electric Guitars You Can Buy to Take Your Playing to the Next Level

Best 6-String Metal Guitars You Can Buy

Ibanez RGD61ALET Axion Label Electric Guitar

Ibanez RGD61ALET Axion Label Electric Guitar Baritone to buy
Sam Ash

One look at Ibanez RGD61ALET RGD Axion Label electric guitar and you can tell it was made for metal. Finished in Metallic Matte Grey, it features a nayatoh body with a maple top. The fretboard is Macassar ebony, providing a tight low end with a quick response, while the rigid and thin 26.5" Nitro Wizard 5-piece panga panga/walnut neck adds sustain. The Sub Zero-treated frets ensure durability against intense riffing and string bending.

The Axion metal guitar is loaded with dual Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, pumping out aggressive tones and a powerful attack without noise. Push/pull pots transform the pickups’ active, modern high-output sound to one that’s crisp, clean and fluid. With the inclusion of an EverTune bridge, the RGD61ALET guarantees unparalleled tuning stability, even during the most demanding playing sessions.

The baritone guitar is equipped with Gotoh locking tuners, enabling swift and efficient string changes, while the Schaller S-Lock strap lock pins securely hold the straps in place, offering a quick release when needed. The Ibanez RGD61ALET RGD Axion Label sets a new standard for electric guitars in the realm of modern metal, catering to the needs of discerning musicians seeking a next-level instrument.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: Nitro Wizard 5-Piece Panga Panga/Walnut Neck
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Scale: 26.5"
  • Body: Nyatoh Body w/ Maple Top & Metallic Gray Matte Color
  • Pickups: Dual Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 15.74 inches / 400mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $1000 - $1500

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Ibanez RG550 Genesis Electric Guitar

Ibanez RG550 Genesis Electric Guitar 6-string Metal Guitar to buy
Sam Ash

Made in Japan, the Ibanez RG550 Genesis Electric Guitar is a reissue of the legendary 1987 model that made rock & metal history. This reissue from the Genesis Collection retains the classic design of its predecessor while incorporating modern enhancements.

A prominent feature of the Ibanez RG550 is the ultra thin Super Wizard neck. Constructed of five solid pieces of maple & walnut, the neck provides rock-solid stability and a comfortably thin profile for a fast, frictionless feel.

The RG550's critically-acclaimed Edge tremolo bridge lets you dive bomb, raise pitch and return to perfect tuning. This double-locking system clamps the strings at the bridge and nut to prevent detuning during aggressive use. With adjustment screws, you can effortlessly control tremolo tension and bridge angle, facilitating smooth and seamless pitch bends and flutters.

The original Ibanez V7, S1, and V8 pickups installed in the RG550 deliver a versatile range of sounds and articulate attack. When combined with the 5-way pickup switch, they offer a wealth of tonal possibilities to explore. Furthermore, the modern Gotoh machine heads ensure impeccable tuning stability, allowing you to focus on your performance without worrying about frequent adjustments.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: Super Wizard 5pc Maple/Walnut
  • Fingerboard: Maple
  • Scale: 25.5"
  • Body: Basswood
  • Pickups: Ibanez V7 / S1 / V8
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 16.92 inches / 430mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: No
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $500 - $1000

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Jackson Pro Series Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT6 Electric Guitar

Jackson Pro Series Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT6 Electric Guitar 6-string Metal Guitar to buy
Sam Ash

Renowned as the pioneer of Djent and guitar virtuoso, Misha Mansoor has garnered immense acclaim as the creative force behind the progressive metal band Periphery. His exceptional skill and lightning-fast technique have astounded even the most discerning metal enthusiasts.

The Pro Series Signature Misha Mansoor Juggernaut HT6QM showcases a basswood body adorned with a stunning quilt maple top. Its one-piece caramelized bolt-on maple neck, reinforced with graphite, exhibits a wrap-around heel and a smooth oiled back finish to enhance playing comfort. Unleash scorching solos on the 20" flat radius caramelized maple fingerboard, complete with rolled edges, 24 jumbo frets, and offset dot inlays.

Mansoor's unwavering commitment to exceptional tone led him to collaborate extensively with Jackson in creating the powerful Jackson MM1 pickups, which are uncovered and directly mounted. These pickups can be shaped to perfection using a five-way blade switch, single volume control, and single tone control with a push/pull select feature.

This metal guitar is further equipped with a Jackson HT6 string-through-body hardtail bridge, Jackson-sealed die-cast locking tuners, and sleek black hardware, completing its formidable features.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: 1-Piece Caramelized Maple Neck
  • Fingerboard: Maple
  • Scale: 25.5"
  • Body: Basswood
  • Pickups: Jackson Uncovered MM1
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 20 inches / 508mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: No
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $500 - $1000

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Best 7-String Metal Guitars You Can Buy

PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN 7-String Electric Guitar

PRS SE Mark Holcomb SVN 7-String Electric Guitar - Best 7-String Guitar you can buy
Musician's Friend

Offering a distinctive presence within the PRS lineup, the SE Mark Holcomb SVN model delivers an addictive playing experience, thanks to its unique specifications. It features a 24-fret, 26.5" scale length that provides extended range capabilities, coupled with a wide thin satin maple neck boasting a comfortable 20" radius ebony fretboard.

The heart of this guitar lies in Holcomb's signature Seymour Duncan Alpha and Omega 7-string pickups, meticulously designed to strike the perfect balance between output and articulation. Whether you're delving into intricate chord progressions or unleashing fiery solos, these pickups deliver the ideal blend of power and clarity. They effortlessly cut through dense band mixes, ensuring your playing shines through with precision.

Tone shaping is made effortless with the inclusion of a 3-way blade pickup switch, allowing seamless transitions between pickup configurations. Additionally, the tone knob incorporates a push/pull feature for coil-splitting, expanding your tonal palette even further. This versatile setup empowers you to explore a wide range of sounds, from lush chord voicings to searing lead lines.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: Satin Maple Neck
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Scale: 26.5"
  • Body: Mahogany
  • Pickups: Seymour Duncan Alpha and Omega
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 20 inches / 508mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $1000 - $1500

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Schecter Reaper-7 Multiscale 7-String Electric Guitar

Schecter Reaper-7 Multiscale 7-String Extended Range Metal Guitar to buy
Sam Ash

The Schecter Reaper-7 Multiscale exudes a sleek, sharp, and commanding presence, ready to unleash its killer performance.

With a combination of a swamp ash body and a captivating poplar burl top, this metal guitar not only delivers resonant tonality but also boasts custom shop-level looks.

Completing the package is a deep-set and reinforced 25.5"-27" multiscale design, featuring a 5-ply maple/wenge Ultra-Thin C neck and an ebony fretboard, ensuring exceptional playability and a smooth playing experience.

For great tuning stability, the Reaper-7 MS features a Hipshot Multiscale bridge and Schecter tuners. The contrasting black and chrome appointments add a touch of flair, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the instrument with a subtle hint of flash.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: Maple/Walnut Ultra Thin C Neck
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Scale: 25.5"- 27" Multiscale
  • Body: Mahogany
  • Pickups: Schecter Diamond Decimator
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 20 inches / 508mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $1000 - $1500

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Ibanez Iron Label RGIXL7 7-String Electric Guitar

Ibanez Iron Label RGIXL7 7-String Electric Guitar Extended Range Guitar to buy
Sam Ash

Unleashing a world of down-tuning possibilities, the Ibanez RGIXL7 7-string guitar boasts a 27" scale-length neck. This extended scale length opens the door to a vast range of low-end exploration. The combination of the tight-grained Macassar Ebony fingerboard and the renowned Nitro Wizard neck, celebrated for its super-thin and ultra-playable design, creates a smooth and dense playing surface. The result is a tight low-end response with quick note articulation.

Collaboratively developed by DiMarzio and Ibanez, the DiMarzio Fusion Edge pickups equipped in the RGIXL7 deliver exceptional clarity and a seamlessly smooth response, catering to the demands of today's progressive metal players. These pickups are finely tuned to meet the sonic needs of the modern metal scene, ensuring every note shines through with precision.

Expanding the tonal versatility of the metal guitar, the RGIXL7 incorporates a coil tap switch that enables split-coil options. This feature unlocks a wider range of tonal possibilities, allowing for even greater sonic exploration. The Gibraltar Standard II bridge seamlessly integrates with the guitar's body, optimizing the transmission of each string's vibration for enhanced sustain and resonance. In addition, the Gotoh locking tuners provide exceptional tuning accuracy and facilitate quick and efficient string changes, ensuring that you spend more time playing and less time tuning.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: Nitro Wizard-7 XL 3piece Maple/Bubinga neck
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Scale: 27"
  • Body: Nyatoh
  • Pickups: Dual DiMarzio Fusion Edge 7 Pickups
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 15.74 inches / 400mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $500 - $1000

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Sterling by Music Man MAJ170 Majesty Electric Guitar

Sterling by Music Man MAJ170 Majesty Electric Guitar 7-String Metal Guitar to buy
Sam Ash

Crafted in collaboration between guitar legend John Petrucci and Ernie Ball, the Sterling by Music Man MAJ170 Majesty is meticulously designed with the utmost playability and a pristine, heavy sound in mind. Its unique double cutaway design, carved from mahogany, features a contoured body that ensures a remarkably comfortable playing experience. The 3-piece mahogany neck, measuring at 25.5" scale length, is coupled with a very fast 16" radius rosewood fingerboard.

Equipped with 24 medium jumbo profile frets, the MAJ170 Majesty empowers you to play with exceptional accuracy. The metal guitar is equipped with a modern tremolo bridge, enabling incredible dynamics and expressive possibilities with the tremolo arm. To top it off, the headstock proudly features John Petrucci's signature, a mark of authenticity and quality.

The electronics of this guitar are designed to meet the demands of Petrucci's playing style. Loaded with dual humbuckers, these pickups deliver the scorching high-end tones and rumbling low-end power heard in his music. The push/push volume knob provides an additional 12dB boost, instantly allowing you to stand out in the mix and make your presence known with heightened volume and clarity.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: 3-piece Mahogany
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Scale: 25.5"
  • Body: Mahogany
  • Pickups: Dual Sterling by Music Man Humbucker Pickups and Push/Push Volume Knob for 12dB Boost
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 16.92 inches / 430mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $1000 - $1500

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Ibanez RGD71ALMS Axion Label 7-String Electric Guitar

Ibanez RGD71ALMS Axion Label 7-String Metal Guitar to buy
Sam Ash

Featuring a double cutaway body style crafted from nyatoh, the Ibanez RGD71ALMS 7-string guitar offers a familiar aesthetic with a unique twist. The standout feature lies in its multi-scale design. The Nitro Wizard-7, a 5-piece panga panga/walnut neck, features varying scale lengths. The 7th string enjoys a 27" scale length, while the 1st string measures at 25.5". This intentional design choice by Ibanez aims to create equalized tension across all strings, resulting in a more open and complex tonal response.

Continuing with this innovative approach, the macassar ebony fretboard boasts 24 slanted frets. These frets are strategically designed to accommodate the natural angles of a player's hand, facilitating fast and effortless playing. Additionally, the Sub Zero treatment applied to the frets ensures exceptional strength, capable of withstanding aggressive bends and playing styles.

Engineered for stability and precise intonation within the multi-scale length, the RGD71ALMS is equipped with a Mono-Rail bridge. To further enhance tuning accuracy and streamline string changes, Ibanez has outfitted this guitar with Gotoh MG-T locking tuners.

The RGD71ALMS Axion Label comes equipped with dual Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers. These pickups are specifically designed to deliver aggressive tones and powerful attack while minimizing excess noise, enabling you to dial up the gain and unleash your desired intensity.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: Nitro Wizard-7 for Multi-Scale 5-Piece Panga Panga/Walnut Neck
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Scale: 25.5"- 27" Multiscale
  • Body: Nyatoh
  • Pickups: Dual Fishman Fluence Modern Humbuckers
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 15.74 inches / 400mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $1000 - $1500

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ESP LTD EC-1007 EverTune Electric Guitar

ESP LTD EC-1007 EverTune Electric Guitar - Best ESP Metal Guitar to buy
Sam Ash

Combining the power of the EverTune Bridge with ESP's renowned craftsmanship, the ESP LTD EC-1007 EverTune metal guitar offers one of the finest high-quality specifications in the industry. Designed for players seeking an authentic metal guitar with extended low-end capabilities, the EC-1007 is a perfect choice.

At the heart of this instrument is the innovative EverTune bridge, meticulously engineered to maintain perfect tension and balance across all strings, regardless of the tuning you choose. This cutting-edge bridge technology ensures unparalleled tuning accuracy, making it one of the most reliable tuning systems available.

ESP reintroduces their iconic Eclipse body shape for the EC-1007, constructed with a mahogany base and topped with a maple cap. The 3-piece mahogany neck, topped with a Macassar Ebony fingerboard, is set-thru for enhanced playability.

Equipped with EMG pickups, the EC-1007 delivers a powerful output, perfect for achieving an aggresive metal tone. The 25.5" scale length further enhances string balance, especially when utilizing heavier gauge tunings, complementing the capabilities of the EverTune bridge.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: 3-piece Set-Thru Mahogany Neck
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Scale: 25.5"
  • Body: Mahogany
  • Pickups: EMG60-7H (Neck) / EMG 81-7H (Bridge)
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 13.77 inches / 350mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: No
  • Price range: $1000 - $1500

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Schecter Hellraiser C-7 FR 7-String Electric Guitar

Schecter Hellraiser C-7 FR 7-String Electric Guitar - Metal Guitar to buy
Musician's Friend

The Schecter Hellraiser C-7 FR is a double-cutaway metal guitar designed to make a bold statement. Crafted with a contoured mahogany body featuring Abalone or grey Pearloid binding and a carved maple top, this extended range guitar offers exceptional quality at a reasonable price.

Its 3-piece mahogany neck, shaped in an extra-thin profile, provides a fast playing experience, while the specially contoured neck joint allows easy access to the upper frets. The rosewood fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets enables effortless string bending, complemented by the Abalone cross-shaped inlays that enhance the guitar's shredder vibe.

Equipped with high-output EMG 707 Humbuckers, the Schecter Hellraiser C-7 FR delivers a powerful and aggressive tone, perfect for metal players. The electronics feature individual volume controls, a master tone, and a 3-way pickup selector toggle switch, granting you full control over your sound.

The hardware on this guitar is designed for stability and precision. It includes Grover Rotomatic tuners with an 18:1 gear ratio for smooth and precise tuning. At the other end, the double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 Series bridge ensures excellent tuning stability, even during intense playing.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: 3-piece Mahogany Neck
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Scale: 26.5"
  • Body: Mahogany
  • Pickups: Dual EMG 707TW
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 16 inches / 406mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $1000 - $1500

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Ibanez RG2027XL Prestige 7-String Electric Guitar

Ibanez RG2027XL Prestige 7-String Best Metal Guitar to buy
Sam Ash

The RG2027XL is an impressive 7-string Prestige model by Ibanez, made in Japan and crafted with a level of precision that would make you think it cost double its price.

This extended range guitar packs an incredible amount of mid-range punch with tight low-end due to the basswood body and 5-piece maple/wenge neck. The wizard-7 neck profile provides peak comfort for riffers and shredders alike, as you navigate comfortably along the bound macassar ebony fingerboard.

With 24 jumbo frets and the renowned prestige fret edge treatment, playing the Ibanez RG2027XL becomes a smooth and enjoyable experience. The Lo-Pro Edge 7 tremolo bridge and Gotoh tuners provide excellent tuning stability, allowing you to express your playing style with confidence.

Equipped with DiMarzio Fusion Edge pickups in the bridge and neck positions, this guitar reinforces your tone with articulate highs and tight lows. The volume and tone controls, along with the 5-way pickup selector, offer a wide range of tonal variations to suit any musical situation.

For maximum protection, this made in Japan Prestige model comes with a hardshell case included, allowing you to transport and store your guitar with peace of mind.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: Wizard 7 5-Piece Maple/Wenge Neck
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Scale: 27"
  • Body: Basswood
  • Pickups: Dual DiMarzio Fusion Edge 7 Pickups w/ 5-Way Pickup Selector Switch
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 16.92 inches / 430mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $1500 - $2000

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Best 8-String Metal Guitars You Can Buy

Schecter OMEN-8 Electric Guitar

Schecter OMEN-8 Electric Guitar - Best Affordable 8-String Metal Guitar
Musician's Friend

The Omen-8 from Schecter is an affordable 8-string guitar that caters to beginners venturing into the world of extended-range instruments. Its maple neck and 24-fret rosewood fretboard offer a highly playable experience, ideal for those exploring the realm of eight-string guitars.

With a scale length of 26.5 inches, which is longer than that of a Stratocaster by an inch, the Omen-8 provides increased string tension, resulting in improved tuning stability. This feature enhances the overall performance of the guitar.

In terms of electronics, the Omen-8 is equipped with passive Schecter Diamond Plus humbuckers that deliver a heavy sound. However, they may be prone to noise and interference. Upgrading to a set of EMGs or Seymour Duncans would be an excellent choice to enhance the guitar's performance. Even with the distortion cranked up, the Omen-8 maintains its naturally chunky tone, although the pickups may lack refinement. Nevertheless, the guitar excels in playability and boasts a solid build that instills confidence.

Overall, the Omen-8 strikes a balance between affordability and quality, providing aspiring eight-string players with great playability and a reliable instrument.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: Bolt-on Maple Neck
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Scale: 26.5"
  • Body: Basswood
  • Pickups: Dual Schecter Diamond Plus humbucking pickup
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 16 inches / 406mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $500 - $1000

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Ibanez Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 Multiscale 8-String Electric Guitar

Ibanez Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 Multiscale 8-String Guitar - Best 8-String to buy
Sam Ash

Designed with the modern metal player in mind, the Ibanez RGDMS8 is a extended range guitar that delivers exceptional performance. It comes with an ergonomic Nyatoh body, making it both comfortable and lightweight to accommodate the larger design of the body. The neck is a 5-piece Maple/Walnut Wizard III-8 neck, crafted with a thin profile to offer speed and playability, accompanied by a Macassar Ebony fretboard with a 24-fret multiscale design for comfort and playability.

Continuing the trend of high quality, the RGDMS8 comes with the Ibanez Mono-rail bridge. This bridge uses individual pieces for each string, allowing for the components to be built more tightly and improves the transfer of the string vibrations through the body for increased resonance. Additionally, this guitar comes with Gotoh MG-T locking tuners. Not only do these help the guitar stay in tune, they make string changing much easier, a welcomed accommodation on extended range guitars.

Fishman Fluence Modern pickups have become synonymous with the modern metal guitar tone, which is why Ibanez decided to integrated them in the Axe Design Lab RGDMS8. With this set of pickups, you can achieve the modern high-gain active humbucker tone that every low tuned guitarist is chasing.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: 5-piece Maple/Walnut Wizard III-8 neck
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Scale: 25.5"-27.2" Multiscale
  • Body: Nyatoh
  • Pickups: Dual Fishman Fluence Modern pickups
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 15.74 inches / 400mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $1000 - $1500

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ESP Signature JR-208 Javier Reyes 8-String Baritone Electric Guitar

ESP Signature JR-208 Javier Reyes 8-String - Best Affordable Extended Range Electric Guitar to buy
Sam Ash

Javier Reyes is one of the most innovative guitarists in progressive metal today. Whether he's performing solo or alongside Tosin Abassi in Animals As Leaders, Reyes consistently pushes the boundaries of how the electric guitar can be approached.

Recognizing his mastery of the 8-string guitar, ESP collaborated with Javier to create an exceptional and affordable instrument, the ESP LTD Signature Series JR-208.

This 8-string baritone guitar is equipped with a remarkable 27" scale, providing an extended range of pitch that opens up new sonic possibilities. It features a mahogany body and a bolt-on maple neck, ensuring a solid construction and excellent playability. The guitar is fitted with ESP Designed LH-308N and LH-308B pickups, delivering powerful and versatile tones. It also incorporates an LTD fixed bridge with string-thru-body construction, enhancing sustain and resonance.

The controls of the ESP LTD Signature Series JR-208 include volume and tone knobs, allowing for precise tonal shaping, as well as a 3-way pickup selector.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: Thin U Maple Neck
  • Fingerboard: Roasted Jatoba
  • Scale: 27"
  • Body: Mahogany
  • Pickups: Dual ESP Designed LH-308 Pickups
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 15.74 inches / 400mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: No
  • Price range: $500 - $1000

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Ibanez RG8 8-String Electric Guitar

Ibanez RG8 8-String Electric Guitar - Best Affordable 8-String Guitar to buy
Sam Ash

The Ibanez RG8 stands as one of the most affordable options for 8-string guitars in the market, alongside the Schecter Omen-8. It is designed to cater to beginners venturing into the realm of extended-range instruments.

The Ibanez RG8 boasts a fast, flat, and slim Wizard II-8 5-piece maple/walnut neck with KTS Titanium Reinforcement rods. This neck construction ensures stability and durability, allowing for smooth and comfortable playability. The guitar is equipped with IBZ-8 pickups, which deliver deep and warm tones without sacrificing clarity, even when playing in lower tunings. The 27-inch scale neck enhances articulation, provides extended sustain, and offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. The RG8 comes pre-set for down-tuning from the factory, accommodating the following tuning: 1D#, 2A#, 3F#, 4C#, 5G#, 6D#, 7A#, 8F.

Additional features of the Ibanez RG8 include a basswood body, a rosewood fingerboard with white dot inlays and jumbo frets, and sleek black hardware, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

Features & Technical Specifications

  • Neck: Wizard II-85pc Maple/Walnut neck
  • Fingerboard: Jatoba
  • Scale: 27"
  • Body: Meranti
  • Pickups: Dual IBZ-8 Pickups
  • Frets: 24
  • Fingerboard Radius: 15.74 inches / 400mmR
  • Extended Range/Baritone: Yes
  • Slim/Fast Neck: Yes
  • Price range: $250 - $500

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