Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $5,929
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1501+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "ESP STEF B-8". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The ESP STEF B-8 is a bold statement of craftsmanship and innovation, designed in collaboration with Stephen Carpenter of the Deftones. This 8-string powerhouse emerges from the esteemed ESP Japanese Custom Shop, offering a unique blend of elegance and ferocity. At the heart of the STEF B-8 is its 3-piece maple neck-through construction, paired with alder wings, which delivers unparalleled sustain and resonance, perfect for driving low-tuned riffs and solos.
The guitar's Fishman Fluence SRC Signature multi-voice humbuckers provide an expansive tonal palette, accessible through a push-pull volume pot, allowing players to switch between modern active and passive voicings with ease. The 27-inch scale length ensures tight, responsive string tension, crucial for maintaining clarity across all eight strings.
Aesthetically and functionally, the STEF B-8 is a marvel. The sleek ebony fingerboard, adorned with 24 extra-jumbo frets, complements the thin “U” neck profile, offering a fast and fluid playing experience that caters to both intricate solos and heavy chugging. To ensure rock-solid tuning stability, the guitar is equipped with Sperzel locking tuners and a Hipshot fixed bridge, making it a reliable companion for live performances and studio sessions alike.
Whether you're delving into the depths of alt-metal or exploring new sonic landscapes, the ESP STEF B-8 stands ready to deliver an unmatched musical experience.
Key Features:
- Signature 8-string model of Stephen Carpenter from Deftones
- Handcrafted at ESP’s Tokyo, Japan Custom Shop
- 3-piece maple neck-through construction with alder wings for enhanced sustain
- 305mm-radius ebony fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- Fast-playing thin “U” neck profile
- Fishman Fluence SRC Signature multi-voice humbuckers
- Hipshot fixed bridge for superior string-to-body resonance
- Sperzel locking tuners for quick string changes
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 8 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | STEF B-8 |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Neck Material | 3-piece Maple |
| Neck Shape | Thin U |
| Neck Joint | Neck-through |
| Radius | 12" |
| Number of Frets | 24, Extra Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 27" |
| Nut Width | 2.165" |
| Nut Material | Graphite |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Hipshot Fixed |
| Tuners | Sperzel Locking |
| Middle 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 blade pickup switch |
| Strings | Elixir Nanoweb Light, .010-.074 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What kind of music is the ESP STEF B-8 best suited for?
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The ESP STEF B-8, with its 8-string configuration and Fishman Fluence SRC Signature Humbuckers, is ideal for genres requiring extended range and heavy tones, such as metal and progressive rock.
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How does the neck-through construction of the ESP STEF B-8 affect playability?
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The neck-through construction of the ESP STEF B-8 provides excellent sustain and smooth access to higher frets, enhancing playability for complex riffs and solos.
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What is the neck profile of the ESP STEF B-8 like?
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The ESP STEF B-8 features a Thin U neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip for fast playing and is well-suited for intricate fingerwork on its 8-string setup.
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Can the ESP STEF B-8 handle different tunings effectively?
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Yes, the ESP STEF B-8's 27" scale length and locking tuners allow for stable tuning, making it versatile for various alternate tunings often used in extended range guitar music.
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What are the standout features of the Fishman Fluence SRC Signature Humbuckers in the ESP STEF B-8?
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The Fishman Fluence SRC Signature Humbuckers provide multiple voicings with a push/pull volume control, offering a range of tones from modern active to classic passive sounds, catering to diverse musical styles.
Videos
whipsy
Deftones - Graphic Nature. ESP Stef B8, 8 String Guitar Cover
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP STEF B-8.
Setup and maintenance
User experience
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Some players initially hit the middle pickup with their pick but adapt after several days of playing.
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Owners note that the guitar is on the heavier side but performs excellently, particularly highlighted in metal genre covers.
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Owners who have transitioned from 6-string to 8-string guitars suggest gradually adapting by ignoring the lowest string, simplifying the learning curve.
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Comparisons
Features and functionality
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The neck pickup's placement towards the bridge helps prevent muddiness on the bottom strings, enhancing clarity.
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Middle pickup delivers superior clean tones compared to other guitars, offering a distinct tonal advantage.
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The guitar's design includes a military green satin finish with matching headstock decal, offering both aesthetic appeal and a durable surface.
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Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
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In this video, Stephen Carpenter presents his STEF-8 8 string signature guitar.
In a live performance of "Gravity's Union" in Atlantic City, Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria can be seen playing an ESP STEF B-8, as featured in a video by Tom Whaley.
In this promo video of the recording of Lindeman's album Peter shows this guitar. It is an older version from 2014 that has EMG's instead of the fishman picups.
Album Usage
The ESP STEF B-8 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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