PICK THE PERFECT 8 STRING GUITAR (...for you)

[@BaenaCarcosa]

Check out Sweetwater to get started on your 8 string guitar journey! Here are some recommendations on ones I would look out for: ►sweetwater.sjv.io/099v1E

[@andreaslandgren1681]

Hey! I inspired you.

[@fulsomeroast9834]

Yeah, I think I'll take the advice on what 8 string I should get coming from the guy with a literal wall full of 8 strings

[@vincewrld9265]

Well.. you want advice from someone whos never played one ??? What a goober

[@douchecraft3113]

I'm not in the market for an 8 String, but I do like looking at all of your pretty guitars. I am a simple man.

[@valenb2839]

Same, because im poor xd

[@StyL0s_]

Word is, there's a very bald and very canadian guitar player with small hands that absolutely shred on a 27" scale 8 strings. His "bald by choice" and italian counter part with ginormous hands has a 26-28" multiscale 8 strings and he also shred the heck out of it. So in the end you can make everything work for you. Personally I was kinda daunted by multiscale at first but ended up getting an Ormsby which has the most ridiculous fan of 25.5"-28.3" after seeing these previously mentioned gentlemen live this summer. I'll say that shredding a multiscale guitar is an absolute no brainer for those on the fence like I was. It takes a day or two to get the hang of it and less than a week for it to just feel natural

[@tfwnoyandere]

i just recently bought my first extended range guitar, 26.5" jackson dinky 8 string small hands bane of my existence

[@LekkerBlanka]

nice!

[@StyL0s_]

@@tfwnoyandere I'm part of tiny hands club too haha. Which is why I figured a multiscale would make sense since not all your strings require your fingers to be super spread apart. Practicing diminished scale 7 frets stretch licks also helped getting over the hassle of playing extended range and scale guitars

[@Smallsguitarshop]

I love that bald dude 😂 yeah multiscale is where it’s at!

[@tfwnoyandere]

@@StyL0s_ im mostly a drummer anyway, i hardly play guitar and when i do its just the same few easy songs i can play along to like bloody cape by deftones or anxiety by currents

[@TheSteFanden]

I have never heard the words "Scale Length" said so many times in one video. And I've seen several explaining what scale lengt is, what the numbers mean and all that... I enjoyed this video. I'm looking to buy an eight string myself, and thus enjoy the instructions as to what I shoul pay attention to.

[@Magdalena8008s]

My favorites are guitars that dont look like they can go low, that do. I'm not sure the word I'm looking for. But I'll say "old school" guitars that look one way, but sound way different from what you'd expect. It's the reason I love baritones so much. Because a lot of them fit into this scenario.

[@BaenaCarcosa]

I def agree with that. I’m trying to get my baritone strat down to drop E cuz I think it would be hilarious to use for a Carcosa set. Also why I like the Jazzmaster shape so much for 8 strings

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

We call them grandpa guitars.

[@EpicBattleToaster]

idk if the guitarist community have an exact word,but i think a 'sleeper' would be the perfect word for what you're looking for; a thing that does or perform much more than you'd expect

[@Wyatt.D.Loiselle]

I really appreciate that you took the time to address these questions and the answers and options you gave were really good, especially for someone who is probably looking at getting their first 8 string. There are so many options out there that it is definitely hard to choose sometimes without playing first. I would love to see you demo a Cerberus 8 or a Legator 8 at some point!

[@hanislip]

Bought a random guitar; it ended up being a Legator Ghost Prototype... 28-inch scale, 5-piece neck-through, EMG X pickups, a 1-of-1 bridge (it'll suck if it breaks) as far as I'm aware I have the only one in RED. I'm still figuring out the 8 strings.

[@dreammachine86]

Was this one up on Reverb? I'm sure I saw something like that recently. I got my first Legator earlier in the year - a 7 string Opus OT7T and was really impressed by how it played. The ultra-thin neck is so comfortable. Definitely considering one of their Ninja models as my first 8 string. Headless just doesn't look right to me atm but I can understand the benefits - getting a smaller guitar, and good tuning stability.

[@narcostarko]

Seeing the John Browne Tao 8 in the thumbnail makes me happy. Long live djonty bois

[@silaswintersguitar]

I actually really appreciate this video. I am getting an 8 string soon and i am a shredder for sure but i never realized just how well a multiscale would serve me and my style til watching this. Very much considering one now!

[@XxTimesAreChangingxX]

Just wanted to drop a comment - my first (and only) 8 string is a Schecter C-8 multiscale SLS Evil Twin. I absolutely adore it. 25.5-27in scale gets the job done all the way down to C or C# if you're comfortable with thick strings (.85-.90). Thing comes with active Fishmans - the crunch, the definition, the playability is fantastic. It also comes with locking tuners! Edit; C(1) - double drop C to clarify

[@Smallsguitarshop]

I just got one couple months ago it’s awesome. It’s all brick lol, gets heavy after while of standing while playing.

[@Reisshub]

Wish I had this video before I bought my first, more than likely would have gotten a 7 because I just saw F# and thought it was an 8 string, rather than a Baritone 7. Great vid

[@thisguy2973]

12:22 More on this discussion/consideration, multiscale guitars’ necks are the full length of the longest string, so the fan curve of the frets is directly related to the lengths whatever scale each end is. This can cause the fret spacing for chords to be challenging if the fan is too aggressive. Let’s say you have a multiscale that goes from 25.5-27. That means the space for straight chords will be off by 1.5”, which may not be a big deal, depending on who you are. Jackson, for example, has a multiscale 8 string that’s 25.5”-27.5”, which is a 2” fan, making some chords difficult to pull off. Make sure your fan curve on those isn’t too drastic for your liking.

[@johntravoltage959]

At the same time, whenever a fanned fret (or slanted, single scale frets like ibanez quest) makes it harder to do a chord, keep in mind that it also makes other different chords easier. for example, if I'm struggling to make a chord lower on the neck where the lower strings are being played with higher frets, and higher strings have notes in the chord on the lower frets, a multiscale fretboard actually brings those frets closer together, and vice versa when you get to the higher strings. It is a consideration to make, but it depends on what chords you like, it isn't just purely a negative to chord playing.

[@Emm_R_Guitar]

I own a hype 7 which is 27.8-25.5. - and Id also add that I find alot of players get put off by multiscale because they put the guitar in that "rock n roll" on the thigh position when playing it rather than more traditional classical style between your legs. One you do this I find it actuallg makes it easier to play tbat a straight scale. Ive played a legator straight scale 8 at 28" and started to have issues with chords a tthat scale length. But realistically - if your using a 28 for pow tunings or high gain you arent playing chords on that bottom strong cos it will sound like sludgy garabage anyway. One thing to add also add if you are a really particular or diverse genre player is string spacing - if you plan on detuning youll need thicker sets. If you dont consider this then you might find yourself having a harder time with things like jazz chords and hybrid picking... I have this issue on my hype. My ibby spacing is slightly bigger and its does make things might easier to fret when it comes to strange chords chords and hybrid picking

[@camelt0ez]

For the multiscale stuff Ormsby is a really good brand to go with 1 for the price and quality but 2 for modification, they sell the base plates needed for pickup swaps if you're keen enough to pull apart an off the shelf and change the plate to suit their guitars (also makes it easy to send to custom pickup manufacturers if you want to get a set made) they also make a bunch of different pickup options and even did a run of bareknuckle copies a while back I ended up getting a set of their "aftermaths" and they sounded pretty damn close to the real ones!

[@MichaelSnidaro]

Great video, lots of good points there. I'd like to just point out a couple of things you mentioned: - there is indeed a multiscale evertune bridge which Aristides developed from (and for) Evertune. I think it's the only company offering that option right now - the relationship between the pickup position and its sound has indeed some science to it. The closer to the bridge you put it, the more "cold" harmonics you're going to amplify. For the lower strings this means a thighter (and brighter) sound but on the high strings it could become shrill. As you said, it's just a matter of taste.

[@DawnShard96]

I bought that Ibanez RGDMS8 after seeing your video on it and it is the best guitar in my collection. Absolutely incredible and a significant upgrade compared to my RG8

[@johntimmerman1515]

This video was very helpful. Thanks for posting.

[@GuitarNinja91]

I bought my first electric 8 string guitar a month ago and I love it! It’s an Agile Geodesic

[@meltuuuu]

6:57 i thought you were going to say to just get a bass 💀

[@perforatededge1053]

I only daydream of owning/playing. I enter Sweetwater giveaways frequently. No hits yet but fingers crossed. 6 or 7 string baritone is what I envision as I have tiny hands.

[@Wickedgu3st]

I want a baritone too but having smaller hands sucks😭

[@TheSATAN805]

I am also a believer in the bridge - pickup space. Closer the better 100%

[@lerb3001]

Great advice, only thing I would add is to search used, theres a lot of used extended range guitars with nothing wrong. I got my 9 string almost half off used and it plays amazing

[@mikerauter1859]

Comprehensive. Well done bro

[@SteveW92]

Im glad you mentioned the 808x specifically. Even though I prefer fishmans, I had a Damien 8 from schecter with the regular 808 pick ups, and the low end was so damn muddy. Absolutely 0 clarity.

[@LasekiTF2]

I can't recommend rob scallon's c-8 schecter model enough, got one off face marketplace for a super good deal and it's been a dream, crazy versatility, dude really knows how to design a guitar lol

[@geoffcasias9367]

my first 8 string from 2009 is a Schecter Damien and is 26.5. They eventually changed that scale to be a little longer a few years later but for some reason, I actually like the short scale

[@NateSmith87]

Goddamn, that silver/white 8 string w/ the gold everything is SO fuckin sweet.

[@tim290280]

Ormsby and Aristides guitars have multiscale guitars with Evertunes. Ormsby also sell baseplates for pickups so you can slant your pickups to the right angle (not sure if there are other makers who do, but have seen a few angled baseplates for sale).

[@BaenaCarcosa]

Aristides does and I will def be getting one at some point in time! While Ormsby does too - it is worth noting that the bridge is straight and only the neck is multiscale which some people might not like. I haven't personally tried that configuration so I can't make a call on it though.

[@dreammachine86]

Hoping to get my own 8 string some time next year! I actually do want to try and use all of the fretboard 🙂 Have narrowed down to the Schecter Tao-8 so far. Seems pretty perfect - has their ultra-thin neck which I love, and those pickups just sound so mean. I even bought one of those 'Colossus' pickups for my 6 string Schecter Reaper after hearing how great they sounded for modern metal (your own demos helped with that choice too!). I also like the look of an upcoming Legator model though - they posted some teaser pics of a new Ninja X8F model with a 26.5 - 27.5" multiscale which seems like the perfect multiscale for my own playing style - I wouldn't really be going below drop E, and I still want to shred (or make my best effort to...) the higher strings. But like you say - there are less pickup options for a multiscale routed for the Fishman soapbars. I'm not so keen on stock Fluence Moderns if they aren't the version with the single coil voicing. If I had an unlimited budget, I'd love to get an 8 string with a trem! I have a Legator OT7T which is a 27" 7 string with a Gotoh 510 trem, which is a vintage style non-locking trem so much easier to deal with than a Floyd Rose. I really love how that guitar plays and the trem is so much fun. Not many 8 string options if you want a non-locking trem but still want to keep the headstock though! All I've seen so far is Kiesel and Aristides. I've seen the new Jazzmaster shape Artistides have teased, and I think that with their multiscale trem would be my dream 8 string. Of course that shape isn't out yet - but considering an order like that would be something like £5000, I'm sure it will be available before I've even saved up half of that. I think that will have to remain a dream for the future though.

[@sky-hakala]

Legator stock pickups are great imo, also the schecter tao has such fire pickups, homie has that guitar🔥

[@ewan..]

ive never hated on 8 strings but ive never really gotten why people love them so much but this kinda helped.plus i just suck at playing the 7 string i have so i just down tune a 6 string

[@GarlandsGuitarland]

If you do want to swap out passive pickups on a multiscale, you can switch the baseplates of the pickups around so that your new 'straight' pickups can then fit whatever the angle of the multiscale ones. I would check your guitar tech is comfortable doing this first though

[@ericwinterspruce0110]

11:25 There are a couple guitar brands that use 8-string actives for their multiscale models, such as Legator and Strandberg

[@KurgerBing-p5i]

Cool video, i might get an 8 string sometime soon. Initially i only went 7 string because 6 string guitars have such small necks they are uncomfortable to me.

[@RyoCanCan]

Pickup swaps between multiscales is very achievable if you have open coil 'buckers. You can swap the coils from the new pickups to the baseplates of the originals. Requires some modding, yes, but it's very doable if you set your mind on it

[@EricMorettin]

Highway to the Extended Range Zone

[@brandonbryson3317]

For me, there really is no cons to multiscale. I prefer it on 6, 7, and 8 strings. I find the angle actually makes it easier to play. For straight scale I do like the Gibson scale length and of course on more vintage flavored instruments.

[@monstruonegro05]

I got the TAO-7 can't recommend it enough!!!

[@abunai.j]

I absolutely love 8 strings, but I have an old wrist injury that kills when I play them, so I had to go with a baritone 6 or 7. I do alright, but I do miss that extra range sometimes.

[@АрсенийСкоморох]

I love Shecter guitars.

[@jonnylawless6797]

The perfect one for me is a Boden but I can’t afford it 😂 I’ve had a couple Ibanez and Schecter 8s but they don’t feel right. Multiscale is the way, and Strandberg just does it best for me.

[@MegaDeox]

I have a schecter blackjack 8, and at 28", I feel the low F# is pretty wobbly when tuned to E.

[@dandylion6]

Love the video. Do you have a recommendation overall? Is there one that is your favorite? I love my Ibanez MS, and I want to buy another one.

[@avocadotron]

Breath 😂 I had to pause it like 30 times & this took me 5 hours to get thru 😢

[@hebguy420]

Would you consider doing a video about setup on an 8string? Like me being new to the 8bstring game. Got an rg8 with lace dethbucker on the used market. Sounds ok but buzzes like crazy and also realized setting up isn't the same as I would on 6 or even 7 since I don't usually tune lower than A Standard on 7. I don't know what's really considered "normal" for height on the lower strings

[@sky-hakala]

The lower strings need to be a bit higher than the other strings, but not much if you have good tension, the right string gauge is super important, RG8 I believe is a 27 inch scale, you could try the horizon devices strings, or stringjoy has a tension calculator on their website as well as the option to order custom string sets. I prefer around 16 pounds of tension per string.

[@hippyhobo6285]

As for Evertune, iirc, they just released the multiscale evertune I thought? I didn't watch it fully on IG, but from what I understand Mike Stringer asked for it and Evertune put time into development for it.

[@BaenaCarcosa]

Only for Aristides! It’s made by them, not evertune. That’s why I didn’t really mention it since only one brand had access to it (at the moment at least)

[@nyack666]

other thing that could be a problem for new user with multiscale is, the side dot is kinda offset to the treble side fret

[@bigred6137]

19:50, say it louder for the people on Reverb! God this is such an annoying thing. I don’t care what you paid for your pickups or bridge or other crap, that was your choice to do so 😂

[@PoeticDirge]

I prefer a 28" scale length for a 8 string because I like to go down to Drop E and I don't want a 90 gauge low string lol

[@gregoryr2608]

G.o.c vajra 8 probably my favorite. I do like innovative ergonomic good things though

[@RyoCanCan]

I have the same, great neck.

[@Highrollinhunter]

I feel like buying my first 8 string in February because im planning on saving up for equipment because I had a bass guitar that got stolen.

[@sky-hakala]

Multi scale is the goat, no comparison. My 8 string is 26.5-28

[@shinokugt]

This video needed way more Aristides, what a crime

[@necroticpoison]

Solar do 27 and 29 6's -- as well as 27 and 29 7's. Some are better priced and with better features than other brands (FFM/Evertune bari $1350)

[@ruslan_kvtvnv]

A lot of guitarists who tune low recomend 28 scale for drop E. What is your opinion about this?

[@ultrabike3699]

Can you tell me the model and price of that LNG Ibanez behind you? I want to look into buying it

[@BaenaCarcosa]

It’s an RG852 but it doesn’t come in this color I had it heavily modified

[@ultrabike3699]

Ok thanks, love your videos

[@homewoodstudio1978]

Any recommendations on a set of strings for an Agile 8 string reverse headstock? I can't find strings long enough in my area and I was gonna order some, but I'm not sure what to get.

[@evevko]

What about Abasi? Overpriced or good?

[@werex3]

Do you still own the Ibanez SRC6MS? Im tempted to get it, but not sure how important is the EQ circuit and it being only a 6string guitar for the multiscale neck (and my sale coupon didnt work, so ill prob never get it lol)

[@werex3]

oh, right after, i noticed i missed the last video. .. 😅

[@rylyn_burne]

The ESP JR-208 has horrendous pickups. For anyone thinking about it, you will absolutely need new pickups

[@Theonly_Onyx]

I've been wondering. Why aren't their guitars with only the extended range? Like a four string guitar that just the extended low strings of a 9.

[@SM_nokopumeJIb]

Nice theme for video! Personally I have Ibanez RG multiscale 8 black I think It's really nice, comfortalble and sound pretty good. What guitar do you have? Share in the comments

[@jessekuntz458]

I've got the Ibanez RG8 that I put fishman fluences in. Keep it in F# standard

[@Triforce1985]

Do I need an 8 String? No. But I want one badly

[@allsic1131]

It's a No brainier just get a Majesty 8 and an Aristides 080... That's what I did 😂...

[@russellzauner]

Brahms has entered chat

[@andreaslandgren1681]

Anyone gungning for an m8 lundgren pickup? Andreas boutique is selling one on reverb.

[@matt926uk1]

I'm looking to buy 11 or 12 8 string guitars, where should i start?

[@Kai_elt]

hey are you gonna make the soundtrack for doom the dark ages?

[@BaenaCarcosa]

lol no im not an OST producer I just like making covers

[@Kai_elt]

@@BaenaCarcosaoh man wished you’re gonna do it i mean mick isn’t gonna do it and i love your covers

[@Foxthejuke]

Ive been really gearing towards an 8 string, but schecter is really the only contender for lefties. Especially multiscale. Unfortunate

[@toddcontino7271]

lol you go “both ways” but usually prefer straight 😂

[@BaenaCarcosa]

😏😏😏

[@Stönerheadd]

Perfect 8 string for me is the one I can afford

[@nik9094]

"These lovely people right here" *Points at nothing*

[@BaenaCarcosa]

DAMNIT

[@Horseffect]

Andrew is kinda wrong(?) while being right: if you (as an bedroom guitarist, lol) want to chug-a-chug on the low strings a 6 string Baritone is not necessarily superior to an 8 string; i do like the wider neck of an 8 String so much more than a thinner, longer neck of a 6 string baritone. (comfort is a thing for bedroom guitar players, double lol) If you play only at home into a digital Setup, "the longer the scale the better the definition" is just a myth.

[@Dream_elixir_band]

Fully disagree. With a 30” 6 string I can slap on thinner strings for the same tuning as a 27” guitar, therefore the tone is immediately better than a big fat huge string where you lose a lot to high end clarity.

[@ygd5086]

Would it be a good idea to get an 8 string as a complete guitar beginner? It doesn’t seem like a good idea to waste money and time learning a 6 string if im just gonna end up buying an 8 string?

[@BaenaCarcosa]

I can’t really offer an opinion there since I did the standard 6-7-8 progression

[@ygd5086]

Ok then thank you for answering I’ll still probably try to save up for one

[@musiciansdreams2541]

If you first buy a 6 string learning the 8 string will be still weird because you are going to be confused. And you also spend money two times so my advice just buy the 8 string if you really know you want to stick with an 8 string for a long time. Maybe it could get hard to learn but it's hard either way. I started on an acoustic and after like a month 1 or 2 I just immediately sunk in the 8 string world and I didn't regret it at all. The only actual harder part on the 8 string as a beginner is that your hand needs to stretch more because of the wide neck and muting all the strings that you are not currently playing.

[@ygd5086]

my hands are kinda small but I still think getting an 8 string would make sense because I really like music using it thank you for the advice 👍

[@LekkerBlanka]

most free lessons and information will be on 6 strings

[@metallover8]

Oops. I just bought an inexpensive 26.5 inch scale 8 string… lol and I’m pretty sure the pickups are oversized

[@WellingtonBeard]

Ok man, I have a serious question. Where in the hell do you buy an eight string guitar with one bridge humbucker and a volume knob. You have several. Literally all I want is one of those. Do you want to sell me one? lol otherwise, where can I look to find one?

[@BaenaCarcosa]

The Ibanez Meshuggah sig is the only one I have that comes like that stock. Any other one I have is either a custom shop build or modified

[@LekkerBlanka]

as mr baena said either signature guitars ….or you can pay extra to get your own signature guitar from a custom shop. manufacturers all love the 2 pickup configurations… including both gibson and solar

[@Coconut_seb]

Same vidéo for 7 strings ?

[@didtoknan8128]

"And in my opinion, I would never buy one that' s less than a 27"". Remember that LTD EC-1008 that you got 5 or 6 years ago ?

[@BaenaCarcosa]

Haha oh wow I totally forgot about that. Yeah there’s a reason that one didn’t stick around long enough

[@didtoknan8128]

@@BaenaCarcosa Maybe I remembered because I just bought one used and maybe I can only fit a 74 and that's a bit loose for E1 so maybe I will try to drill the saddle to fit a 80 or maybe I will try to tune higher on this one.

[@smierdzacylen]

Just as i wanted to buy an 8 string lol

[@NosoulBert]

There’s no way I was the 665th like

[@jessewest2109]

The perfect 8 string, is a seven string.

[@bengreenbank]

6 string baritone. Easier to play, cheaper and you lose almost nothing

[@Ribsss0177]

but if you’re playing multiple songs that are meant to be played both on an 8 string and a 6 string during live performance,then an 8 string guitar is needed because a 6 string baritone tuned as low as an 8 just doesnt have the range for 6 string songs

[@Roses._thornz]

I like the 7 string because of the extra notes but if I could play an 8 string I would, just a bit too thick for me

[@bengreenbank]

@ no one is playing 6 and 8 string songs live that can’t be transposed and can’t just bring 2 guitars. Every band that ends up in this situation just brings more guitars with them or pitch shifts. Never seen any band ever use an 8 string to play e standard songs live

[@bengreenbank]

@ it’s 5 extra notes. That’s it.

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

Well no, you're losing 2 extra strings. My songs played on an 8 string use all of the strings so a baritone wouldn't work. It's totally cool if you want a baritone, but you can't claim you're not losing anything. 😛

[@kamafryerpc]

hi

[@BaenaCarcosa]

Hi

[@kamafryerpc]

@BaenaCarcosa your tip helped me a lot :D

[@justinkiehlmeier563]

No one actually plays anything lower than drop e because you can't hear it. 9 strings and 10 are a dumb waste of money

[@BaenaCarcosa]

Wow what a very cool constructive and useful comment!

[@ripit.3457]

Bait used to be believable 😭

[@LekkerBlanka]

wasn’t beethoven deaf? 🧏‍♂️

[@spongebob6664]

I only own 8 strings but I dream of the day when I can get a 6, or a 7 string 👁️🫦👁️