ESP LTD H-308

4.0 (1)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Feb 22, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $400

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Extended Range Guitars category, ESP LTD H-308 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Step into a new realm of sonic exploration with the ESP LTD H-308, a formidable 8-string electric guitar that caters to the adventurous spirit of metal and progressive rock musicians. This sleek beast is crafted with a solid mahogany body, offering a rich, resonant tone that can withstand the most thunderous of riffs. The black satin finish adds an element of understated elegance, ensuring that you not only sound but also look like a powerhouse on stage.

Equipped with the renowned EMG 808 active pickups, the H-308 delivers a powerful and articulate sound, perfectly capturing the nuances of your playing across the extended range. The set neck construction enhances sustain and playability, while the extra string allows for deeper, more complex chord voicings and solos. Whether you're chugging through a heavy breakdown or exploring intricate progressive passages, this guitar is built to handle it all with finesse and precision.

Perfectly balancing affordability with professional-grade features, the ESP LTD H-308 is a versatile instrument that encourages creativity and innovation, making it a worthy addition to any serious guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

8-string electric guitar
Mahogany body with black satin finish
Set neck construction for enhanced sustain
EMG 808 active pickups for powerful sound
Designed for metal and progressive music genres

Product specs

Brand	ESP LTD
Model	H-308
Finish	Black Satin
Year	2012 - 2015
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Black
Finish Style	Satin
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Construction	Set-Through
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	8-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the ESP LTD H-308 suitable for?: The ESP LTD H-308, with its 8-string configuration and HH pickup setup, is ideal for metal and progressive genres that require extended range and powerful tones.
How does the set-through neck construction of the ESP LTD H-308 affect playability?: The set-through neck construction enhances sustain and provides smoother access to higher frets, making it easier to play complex solos and riffs.
What are the tonal characteristics of the ESP LTD H-308's mahogany body?: The mahogany body of the ESP LTD H-308 delivers a warm and resonant tone with excellent sustain, perfect for heavy riffs and deep, rich soundscapes.
Is the ESP LTD H-308 suitable for beginners?: The ESP LTD H-308 is more suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its 8-string configuration, which may be challenging for beginners to master.
How does the string-through bridge design benefit the ESP LTD H-308?: The string-through bridge design enhances sustain and tuning stability, providing a solid feel and improved tonal clarity for extended range playing.

Videos

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PMTVUK

ESP LTD H-308 8-String Guitar Demo - Sam Bell @ Nevada Music UK

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD H-308.

Features and functionality

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The ESP LTD H-308 features real EMG pickups, enhancing tonal quality compared to other models with less reliable pickups.
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Thicker strings on a 25.5" scale reduce highs and attack, impacting tonal brightness and clarity.
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Setup and maintenance

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Using a .90 gauge string instead of the standard .74 can resolve tension issues on the 8th string, though drilling the tuning peg may be required.
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Owners recommend using a 90 or 100 gauge string for the low E when tuning to E A E A D G B E, possibly requiring tuner hole drilling.
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Comparisons

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The H-308's scale length, identical to a 6-string, is less suitable for 8-string tuning, leading to potential tuning instability compared to longer-scale 8-string models.
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Compared to the Ibanez RG8, the H-308 has a shorter scale length but a thicker neck, which might affect playability for some users.
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Schecter C8 Deluxe offers a longer 28-inch scale, making it potentially better for lower tunings than the H-308.
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Value and pricing

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At $200, the H-308 is considered a good deal if no major repairs are needed, despite potential tuning issues.
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Considered a steal at $100, even if just for experimenting or trading later.
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User experience

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Owners report that the guitar's short scale length requires thicker strings for stable low tuning, affecting playability and tone.
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Use cases and applications

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For lower tunings like drop E, a pitch-shifting pedal or plugin is suggested for maintaining tonal quality without altering string gauges drastically.
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Build quality

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The neck of the H-308 is slightly thicker than other 8-string necks, which may not be ideal given the neck's width.
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Critic Reviews

ESP LTD H-308 8-String Guitar

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The ESP LTD H-308 impresses with its ergonomic design and playability, making it a standout choice for both novice and seasoned 8-string players. The guitar's 25.5-inch scale length is perfect for those transitioning from a 6-string, though heavier strings might be needed for optimal tension. Its EMG 808 pickups deliver a clear, articulate sound across various tunings, and the hardware is robust and reliable. While it may still be a bit pricey for first-time buyers, the H-308 offers excellent value, delivering a gig-ready instrument without breaking the bank.

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Review: LTD H-308 by Guitar Interactive Magazine - The ESP Guitar Company

espguitars.com

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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rohde

about 6 years ago

A good 8-string

This is the only extended range instrument I have thus far. It is good for standard tuning, but because of the 25.5 inch scale length, it does not do drop tunings on the 8th string well, as it becomes a wobbly mess.