Looking for a serious 8-string guitar under $700 without giving up playability or tuning stability? You’re in the right place.
This roundup focuses on affordable extended-range models that make sense for modern metal, progressive, and experimental players who need low-end clarity and dependable hardware.
Best 10 8 String Guitars Under 700 Picks for 2026
Extended-Range Workhorse
- 27" baritone scale for tighter low strings
- Fixed bridge with individual saddles
- 5-piece maple/walnut neck and 2 humbuckers
Best For: Players who want a simple fixed-bridge 8-string for low tunings
Headless Multiscale Option
- Headless multiscale 8-string design
- CNC-made basswood construction
- Compact full-size extended-range build
Best For: Players who want a modern headless 8-string with multiscale feel
Classic Dinky Shape
- Poplar arched-top body in a Dinky shape
- 2 humbucking pickups for heavy tones
- Maple neck with amaranth fingerboard
Best For: Players who want a familiar metal-focused 8-string
Portable Extended-Range
8 String Fanned Fret Headless Travel Guitar
- Headless travel-size build
- Fanned fret design
- Maple construction throughout
Best For: Travel-friendly extended-range players
Feature-Packed Bundle
Ibanez RG8 Standard 8-String Guitar
- Wizard neck for fast playability
- IBZ-8 pickups for tight low end
- Bundle includes gig bag and accessories
Best For: Players who want accessories included
Budget-Friendly Build
Gstyle ES-800 8-String Electric Guitar
- Okoume body with burl poplar veneer
- 25.5-inch scale and 24 frets
- Adjustable bridge and 2-way truss rod
Best For: Players wanting a straightforward 8-string
Fretless 8-String Option
- Fretless 8-string build
- 25.5-inch scale, 24 frets
- Okoume body, burl poplar top
Best For: Right-handed players who want a fretless extended-range guitar
Left-Handed 8-String Option
- Left-handed model designation
- 25.5-inch scale, 24 frets
- Fixed bridge, simple controls
Best For: Southpaw players seeking an affordable-feeling extended-range guitar
Stainless-String 8-String Choice
- Fretless 8-string with stainless steel strings
- 25.5-inch scale, 24 frets
- Adjustable bridge and simple controls
Best For: Players wanting a fretless extended-range guitar with stainless strings
Extended-Range Workhorse – Ibanez RG8 White 8-String
If you want one of the more straightforward 8 string guitars under 700, the Ibanez RG8 keeps the focus on extended-range playability. Its 27″ baritone scale, 8-string setup, and hardtail-style bridge with individual saddles are all aimed at tight low-end response and stable tuning for modern metal and heavy riffing.
Best For: Players who want a simple, fixed-bridge 8-string built for low tunings and clean articulation.
Pros:
- 27″ baritone scale helps maintain string tension on the low end
- 8-string layout with a hardtail bridge and individual saddles
- 5-piece maple/walnut neck for a sturdy feel
- Humbucking pickup setup fits heavy, extended-range tones
Cons:
- No multiscale design for players who prefer fanned frets
- Heavier body build may not suit everyone
- Left-hand orientation means this exact model is not for right-handed buyers
The RG8 is a practical choice if you value the basics done well: longer scale length, fixed bridge stability, and a familiar super-strat feel. It is a sensible option for players comparing 8 string guitars under 700 who want a no-frills platform for low tunings.
Headless Multiscale Option – IYV IEHLFF8-300 Red Black
Among 8 string guitars under 700, this IYV model stands out for its headless, multiscale design and CNC-made construction. The basswood body, 8-string layout, and powder-coated finish point it toward modern extended-range players who want a compact feel and a more contemporary setup.
Best For: Players who want a headless, multiscale 8-string with a lightweight, modern feel.
Pros:
- Multiscale design for a more modern extended-range setup
- Headless format keeps the instrument compact
- CNC-made construction for consistent production
- Basswood body with nickel strings and full-size build
Cons:
- Only the guitar is included, with no extra accessories
- Headless design may not appeal to traditional players
- Basswood build may feel less premium to some buyers
This model makes sense if you are prioritizing modern ergonomics over classic styling. For shoppers comparing 8 string guitars under 700, it offers a distinctive headless approach that may suit players looking for a compact, current design.
Classic Dinky Shape – Jackson JS32-8 Satin Black
The Jackson JS32-8 is a straightforward entry in the 8 string guitars under 700 category, built around the familiar Dinky shape and a poplar arched-top body. With 2 humbuckers, a maple neck, and an amaranth fingerboard, it is aimed at players who want a recognizable metal-ready platform without extra complexity.
Best For: Guitarists who want a familiar Dinky-style 8-string for heavy playing and simple control.
Pros:
- 8-string solidbody with a poplar arched-top body
- Two humbucking pickups suit heavier tones
- Maple neck and amaranth fingerboard offer a classic feel
- Simple fixed-format extended-range design
Cons:
- No multiscale or headless features
- Poplar body may be less exotic than some alternatives
- Not as feature-rich as some modern extended-range models
If you want a basic, recognizable 8-string layout from a known metal-focused brand, this Jackson is easy to understand and easy to place in a budget-minded shortlist. It is a solid pick for players who prefer traditional 8-string handling over experimental design.
Accessory-Rich Multiscale Build – AKLOT XRN-8 TB Multiscale Kit
If you are shopping 8 string guitars under 700 and want a bundle-friendly modern metal setup, the AKLOT XRN-8 stands out with a multiscale design, roasted maple neck, and included extras. The 27″ low end, 25.4″ high end, string-through hardtail layout, and HH pickup configuration are all geared toward low-tuning clarity and strong note separation.
Best For: Metal players who want a multiscale 8-string with useful included accessories.
Pros:
- Multiscale design with 27″ low end and 25.4″ high end
- Roasted maple neck and roasted maple fingerboard
- String-through bridge with staggered individual saddles
- Includes gig bag, strap, string mute, and distortion pedal
Cons:
- Accessory bundle may matter more than the core guitar for some buyers
- Modern spec package may not suit traditional players
- Detailed feature set is aimed heavily at metal and low-tuning use
This AKLOT is a strong fit if you want a feature-packed extended-range guitar rather than just the instrument alone. Its multiscale layout and included accessories make it an especially practical option for players building a modern metal rig on a budget.
Portable Extended-Range – 8 String Fanned Fret Headless Travel Guitar
Batking 8 String Fanned Fret Headless Electric Travel Guitar with Luminous Inlay
Check Price On AmazonIf you want one of the more compact 8 string guitars under 700, this headless travel model is built for players who value portability and a modern feel. The fanned-fret layout and luminous inlay give it a distinctive spec sheet, while the maple construction and alloy steel strings keep the build straightforward for extended-range use.
Best For: Right-handed players who want a compact, travel-friendly 8-string with a fanned-fret design.
Pros:
- Headless travel size with compact 23.03 x 3.94 x 23.03 inch dimensions
- Fanned fret design for extended-range playing
- Maple top, body, back, neck, and fretboard for a consistent wood build
- Luminous inlay adds a practical visual touch
Cons:
- Travel-sized body may not suit players who prefer a full-size guitar
- Single H pickup configuration may limit tonal variety
- Right-hand orientation only, based on the supplied details
For buyers comparing 8 string guitars under 700, this one stands out most for portability and its specialized fanned-fret/headless format. It looks like a purpose-built option for players who want an extended-range instrument without the bulk of a standard guitar.
Feature-Packed Bundle – Ibanez RG8 Standard 8-String Guitar
This Ibanez bundle is a strong practical pick if you’re shopping 8 string guitars under 700 and want a familiar brand with useful extras included. The RG8 pairs a thin Wizard neck with IBZ-8 pickups and an F108 bridge, and the package also adds a gig bag, tuner, strap, cable, instructional DVD, and polishing cloth.
Best For: Players who want a well-known 8-string platform with accessories in the box.
Pros:
- Wizard neck is thin, flat, and fast for comfortable playability
- IBZ-8 pickups are aimed at tight low-end response and clear high-gain tone
- F108 bridge allows individual string height adjustment
- Bundle includes gig bag, tuner, strap, cable, DVD, and cloth
Cons:
- Meranti body and top may be less premium than higher-end alternatives
- At 12.4 pounds, it is not especially light
- White finish may not be the right look for every player
Overall, this is the most complete package in the group if you want an 8-string that is ready to go with minimal extra purchases. The included accessories make it especially appealing for first-time extended-range buyers.
Budget-Friendly Build – Gstyle ES-800 8-String Electric Guitar
For shoppers comparing 8 string guitars under 700, the Gstyle ES-800 focuses on straightforward specs and a classic bolt-on setup. It uses an Okoume body with a burl poplar veneer top, a maple neck, and a composite ebony fretboard, plus a 25.5-inch scale that will feel familiar to many players.
Best For: Right-handed players who want a simple 8-string with standard-feeling specs.
Pros:
- Okoume body with burl poplar veneer top
- 25 1/2-inch scale and 24 frets for extended-range playing
- Maple neck with composite ebony fretboard
- Adjustable bridge and 2-way truss rod for setup control
Cons:
- Pickup details are limited in the supplied notes
- Standard bolt-on format may feel less distinctive than fanned-fret options
- Brass string material is unusual compared with typical steel-string specs
As a practical entry in the 8 string guitars under 700 category, this model is built around familiar hardware and a conventional layout. It makes sense for players who want an extended-range guitar without moving into a more specialized design.
Fretless 8-String Option – TARIO ES-800 Fretless
If you’re comparing 8 string guitars under 700 and want a fretless build, this TARIO ES-800 is aimed at players who want extended range with a smoother, more open playing feel. It pairs an okoume body with a burl poplar top veneer, a maple neck, and a composite ebony fretboard, plus a 25.5-inch scale and 24 frets.
Best For: Right-handed players who want a fretless 8-string with a 25.5-inch scale and simple control layout.
Pros:
- Fretless 8-string design for a distinctive extended-range feel
- 25.5-inch scale, 24 frets, and 2.13-inch nut width
- Okoume body with burl poplar top veneer and maple neck
- 1 volume, 1 tone, and 3-way switch keep the control set simple
Cons:
- Fretless setup may not suit players who want standard fretted accuracy
- Notes do not list pickups beyond the 1V/1T/3-way configuration
Overall, this is a specialized pick in the 8 string guitars under 700 category, especially for players who already know they want fretless expression and an extended-range neck.
Left-Handed 8-String Option – TARIO ES-800 Left-Handed
For left-handed shoppers browsing 8 string guitars under 700, this TARIO ES-800 gives you the same extended-range platform with a left-handed color designation and a fixed bridge system. It uses an okoume body, burl poplar top veneer, maple neck, and composite ebony fretboard, along with a 25.5-inch scale and 24 frets.
Best For: Left-handed players who want an 8-string with a straightforward fixed-bridge layout.
Pros:
- Left-handed model designation makes it the relevant choice for southpaws
- 25.5-inch scale, 24 frets, and 2.13-inch nut width
- Okoume body with burl poplar top veneer and maple neck
- 1 volume, 1 tone, and 3-way switch keep controls simple
Cons:
- Notes list a fixed bridge system, which may not appeal to every player
- Hand orientation in the details is still listed as right-handed
This is a practical extended-range option if you need a left-handed 8-string and prefer a no-frills control layout over extra features.
Stainless-String 8-String Choice – TARIO ES-80-FBP Fretless
If you want one of the more distinctive 8 string guitars under 700, this TARIO ES-80-FBP stands out with a fretless layout and stainless steel strings. It keeps the same extended-range foundation as the other TARIO models here, including an okoume body, burl poplar top, maple neck, composite ebony fretboard, 25.5-inch scale, and 24 frets.
Best For: Players who want a fretless 8-string with stainless steel strings and an adjustable bridge.
Pros:
- Fretless 8-string design with stainless steel strings
- 25.5-inch scale, 24 frets, and 2.13-inch nut width
- Okoume body, burl poplar top, and maple neck
- Adjustable bridge system and 1V/1T/3-way controls
Cons:
- Fretless design is not ideal for players who want traditional frets
- Warranty listed as 30 days no reason to return, which is limited
As an extended-range choice, this model is especially interesting if you value the stainless steel string spec and want a fretless guitar with a bit more setup flexibility.
How We Picked the Best 8 String Guitars Under 700
We focused on instruments that offer the best mix of value, build quality, neck comfort, hardware reliability, and features that matter on an 8-string platform. That means solid tuning stability, playable neck profiles, useful pickup configurations, and designs that help keep the low strings defined rather than muddy.
We also considered body style, scale length, fret access, bridge type, and whether the guitar is beginner-friendly or better suited to experienced players who already know they want an extended-range instrument.
Quick Comparison
In this price range, traditional fixed-bridge models are usually the safest all-around choice, while headless and multi-scale designs can improve ergonomics and string tension. Standard-scale 8-strings tend to feel more familiar, but multi-scale options often handle the lowest string more cleanly. Bundled versions can be a strong value if you need accessories, while specialty models may appeal more to players who prioritize comfort or uniqueness.
Key Buying Factors for 8 String Guitars Under 700
Scale Length and Low-String Clarity
Longer scale lengths generally help keep the lowest strings tight and articulate. If you plan to tune very low, a multi-scale or longer-scale model can make a noticeable difference.
Bridge and Tuning Stability
Fixed bridges are usually easier to maintain and better for stable tuning than budget tremolo systems. For an 8-string, that stability matters even more because string tension is spread across a wider range.
Neck Feel and Fret Access
Eight strings can feel wide at first, so neck shape, fretboard radius, and upper-fret access all matter. Thin, fast necks may appeal to technical players, while ergonomic designs can reduce fatigue.
Pickups and Pickup Layout
Humbuckers are the most common choice for extended-range guitars because they handle high gain well and keep the sound focused. If you play heavy music, clarity under distortion should be a top priority.
Weight, Balance, and Body Design
Headless and travel-style guitars can be easier on the shoulder, while traditional shapes may feel more familiar. Balance is especially important on long sessions or when playing standing up.
Who Should Buy Which 8 String Guitars Under 700?
Choose a standard fixed-bridge 8-string if you want the most straightforward, reliable option for metal and riff-driven styles. Go with a multi-scale model if you want better string tension and a more modern feel on the low end. Pick a headless or travel-friendly guitar if comfort and portability matter most. If you’re a beginner or budget-conscious buyer, bundled packages can offer the easiest way to get started with the essentials included.
Overall, the best choice depends on whether you value familiarity, ergonomics, low-tuning performance, or maximum value. The good news is that there are several strong 8-string guitars under 700 that can handle serious playing without stretching your budget.