Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $5,929

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1501+

Price Tier

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

What kind of music is the ESP STEF B-8 best suited for?

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.

How does the neck-through construction of the ESP STEF B-8 affect playability?

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.

What is the neck profile of the ESP STEF B-8 like?

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.

Can the ESP STEF B-8 handle different tunings effectively?

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.

What are the standout features of the Fishman Fluence SRC Signature Humbuckers in the ESP STEF B-8?

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.

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Deftones - Graphic Nature. ESP Stef B8, 8 String Guitar Cover

Video thumbnail for Deftones - Graphic Nature. ESP Stef B8, 8 String Guitar Cover by whipsy

Deftones - Graphic Nature. ESP Stef B8, 8 String Guitar Cover

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Video thumbnail for New Guitar Day - ESP Japan Stef B8 by whipsy

New Guitar Day - ESP Japan Stef B8

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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

  • The guitar is currently tuned to F# due to light string gauge, indicating experimentation is needed for optimal E tuning.

    Source
  • The action is described as comfortably low and flat across the fretboard, contributing to ease of playability.

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User experience

  • Some players initially hit the middle pickup with their pick but adapt after several days of playing.

    Source
  • Owners note that the guitar is on the heavier side but performs excellently, particularly highlighted in metal genre covers.

    Source
  • 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

  • Compared to a Jackson Soloist SLAT 8, the ESP STEF B-8's action provides a similarly light touch, allowing for effortless note ringing.

    Source
  • A user noted that baritone 7-string guitars can achieve lower tunings without losing clarity, unlike some 8-string setups which may sound muddied.

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Features and functionality

  • 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

  • The guitar is praised for its suitability in covering heavy, downtuned metal songs like those by Black Tongue.

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  • The guitar is praised for its capability to handle drop B tuning effectively, making it suitable for extremely heavy and aggressive metal riffs.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners recommend using SD Nazgul pickups for enhanced tonal aggression, paired with original Floyd Rose and Wilky tuners for improved performance and reliability.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stephen Carpenter uses ESP STEF B-8

Stephen Carpenter

Guitarist

Deftones

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Stephen Carpenter presents his STEF-8 8 string signature guitar.

See how Claudio Sanchez uses ESP STEF B-8

Claudio Sanchez

Singer, Guitarist

Coheed and Cambria

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Peter Tägtgren uses ESP STEF B-8

Peter Tägtgren

Singer, Guitarist

Bloodbath

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Zach Householder uses ESP STEF B-8

Zach Householder

Guitarist

Whitechapel

...
Verified via Instagram

in this post Zach can be seen playing along to meshugga. for this he used the steph carpinter signature 8 string

See how Zoltán Farkas uses ESP STEF B-8

Zoltán Farkas

Singer, Guitarist

Ektomorf

...
Verified via Photo

Zoltán Farkas uses the ESP STEF B-8, as seen in an Instagram post captioned "8 LTD" on his profile.

Album Usage

The ESP STEF B-8 has been featured on the following albums:

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