Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,793
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-608 Signature 8-string Baritone Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Elevate your sound with the ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-608 Signature 8-string Baritone Electric Guitar, an instrument that merges innovation with raw power. Born from the collaboration with Deftones' guitarist Stephen Carpenter, this guitar is engineered for those who demand an expansive range and dynamic tonal versatility. The neck-thru-body construction combined with a mahogany body ensures a rich, resonant tone that thrives across genres—from bone-crushing metal to ambient soundscapes.
At the heart of the SC-608 is a pair of Fishman Fluence SRC Signature 3-Voice pickups, offering an impressive spectrum of sonic possibilities. Whether you're delivering punchy riffs or intricate solos, these pickups provide clarity and definition, enhanced by a 3-way switch and push-pull control for on-the-fly voice selection.
The guitar’s Macassar ebony fingerboard not only provides a visually striking contrast but also contributes to a fast, smooth playing experience. With its 27" scale length and 24 extra-jumbo frets, the SC-608 is tailored for both speed and precision, giving you the freedom to explore complex musical ideas effortlessly.
Key Features:
- 8-string baritone electric guitar with neck-thru-body construction
- 27" scale length for extended range and tight low-end
- Mahogany body and 3-piece maple neck for enhanced stability and sustain
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- Fishman Fluence SRC Signature 3-Voice pickups with push-pull voice selection
- Hipshot hardtail bridge with string-thru-body design
- LTD locking tuners for precise and stable tuning
- Includes ESP hardshell case for protection and portability
Product specs
| Model | SC-608 |
| Artist | Stephen Carpenter |
| Neck Finish | Gloss |
| Number of Strings | 8 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | 3-piece Maple |
| Neck Shape | Thin U |
| Neck Joint | Neck-through |
| Radius | 13.77" |
| Number of Frets | 24, Extra Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 27" |
| Nut Width | 2.125" |
| Nut Material | Molded |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Hipshot, String-through |
| Tuners | LTD Locking |
| Neck Pickup | Fishman Fluence SRC Signature Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Fishman Fluence SRC Signature Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x volume (push/pull voice select), 1 x tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario XL140-8, .010-.074 |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-608 Signature 8-string Baritone Electric Guitar?
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The ESP LTD SC-608 features a Thin U-shaped neck profile, which is designed to facilitate fast playing and reduce hand fatigue, making it ideal for extended-range performance.
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What type of pickups are used in the ESP LTD SC-608, and what tones can they produce?
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The guitar is equipped with Fishman Fluence SRC Signature Humbuckers, offering versatile tones with a 3-voice control, allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities from clean to aggressive sounds, suitable for various music styles.
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Is the ESP LTD SC-608 suitable for metal music?
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Yes, the ESP LTD SC-608 is particularly well-suited for metal music, thanks to its 8-string configuration, extended 27" baritone scale, and Fishman Fluence pickups, which provide the depth and aggression desired in metal genres.
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How does the neck-through construction of the ESP LTD SC-608 affect its performance?
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The neck-through construction enhances the guitar's stability and sustain, providing a solid feel and rich resonance, which contributes to its full-bodied tone and superior playability.
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Does the ESP LTD SC-608 come with a case?
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Yes, the ESP LTD SC-608 includes an ESP hardshell case, offering premium protection for the guitar during transport and storage.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-608 Signature 8-string Baritone Electric Guitar.
User experience
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Owners mention discomfort with the SC-608B due to the body shape and bridge location, requiring awkward arm positioning for palm muting.
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The SC-608B's larger body and longer scale make it challenging to play in a classical position, especially for players with smaller hands.
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Transitioning to an 8-string can be challenging due to neck size, raising concerns for players considering this type of guitar.
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Transitioning from a six-string to an eight-string guitar requires adjusting to a wider neck, described as holding a Patty Melt vs. a hotdog bun.
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Comparisons
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The Ibanez M80M is noted for having the bridge positioned further back, potentially offering a more comfortable playing experience compared to the SC-608B.
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Strandberg and other headless guitars are highlighted for their ergonomic advantages, providing easier access to the center of the body and reducing shoulder strain.
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The Ibanez RG series, despite similar flat tops, positions the bridge differently, which may influence comfort levels for different players.
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Setup and maintenance
Value and pricing
Use cases and applications
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The guitar is particularly suited for metal genres, as implied by comparisons to Tosin Abasi's style and a reference to a Whitechapel guitarist's review.
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Tuned E to A on the bottom strings, the guitar supports diverse styles, from heavy tones to lighter tracks like "Fireflies" by Owl City.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
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