Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $492
Standard/Professional
$400
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Ibanez RG8". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Ibanez RG8 is a marvel of innovation and design, bringing an 8-string guitar to the masses at an irresistible price point. Drawing from the renowned RG series, it combines a sleek, fast, and exceptionally playable Wizard neck that is a trademark of the Ibanez brand.
Constructed with a resonant basswood body, this guitar is built for maximum sustain. From the through-body stringing to the fixed bridge, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure the broad spectrum of frequencies an 8-string is capable of is evenly reproduced.
The RG8 features specially designed Ibanez IBZ humbucking pickups, which deliver clear articulation, long sustain, and impressive tonal versatility. No matter your tuning, you can expect the fattest lows and sparkling highs.
Designed to be more than just a 6-string with extra strings, the RG8 stands on its own as an amazingly playable instrument. It's perfect for laying down huge, thick chords, launching runs starting low, or even playing bass lines. The possibilities are endless.
Key Features:
- 8-string electric guitar with basswood body for resonant sound
- Features the slim, fast, and ultra-playable Wizard neck
- Through-body stringing and fixed bridge for maximum sustain
- Specially designed Ibanez IBZ humbucking pickups for even frequency reproduction
- Offers versatility with a wide range of tuning options
- Ideal for metal, fusion, and any flavor of rock music.
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 8 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | RG |
| Body Material | Meranti |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | 5-piece Maple/ Walnut |
| Neck Shape | Wizard II-8 |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 15.75" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Scale Length | 27" |
| Nut Width | 2.165" |
| Nut Material | Plastic |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | F108 Bridge with Individual Saddles |
| Tuners | Ibanez Closed Gear |
| Neck Pickup | IBZ-8 Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | IBZ-8 Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone |
| Switching | 3-way blade pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario, .009-.065 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RG8?
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The Ibanez RG8 features a Wizard II-8 neck profile, known for its slim and fast feel, which is ideal for technical playing and extended range guitarists.
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Are the pickups on the Ibanez RG8 suitable for metal music?
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The Ibanez RG8 comes with IBZ-8 humbucker pickups, which provide a powerful and articulate tone suitable for metal and other heavy genres, although some players may prefer upgrading for more clarity in high-gain settings.
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Is the Ibanez RG8 suitable for beginners?
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While the Ibanez RG8 offers great playability and tone for experienced players, its 8-string setup may be challenging for beginners, who might prefer starting with a 6-string guitar.
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What is the scale length of the Ibanez RG8 and why is it important?
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The Ibanez RG8 has a 27" scale length, which provides better tension and intonation, especially for the lower strings, making it ideal for down-tuned styles.
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Does the Ibanez RG8 come with a gig bag or case?
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The Ibanez RG8 does not come with a gig bag or case; these must be purchased separately for protection and transport.
Videos
Serga Kasinets
Ibanez RG8 || Tone Test || Djent || Metal
Reviews
PROS
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Thin neck design facilitates easy transition from 6 or 7-string guitars.
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Impressive build quality with a five-piece neck for stability.
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27" scale length helps maintain clarity on lower notes.
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Lightweight and well-balanced, making it comfortable to play.
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Affordable price for an 8-string guitar with a quality feel.
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Versatile sound that suits multiple music genres.
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Stock pickups are decent, with potential for easy upgrades.
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Great for experimenting with extended range and tunings.
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Excellent starter guitar for those new to 8-string guitars.
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Good intonation and tuning stability, with a sturdy bridge.
CONS
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Neck issues reported, including warping and bulges.
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Stock pickups may sound muddy for high-gain distortion.
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Requires setup upon arrival, including adjustments for buzzing and action.
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Lower strings can become floppy without heavier gauges.
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Susceptible to temperature and humidity changes.
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Some reports of poor finish quality, including glue marks.
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Tuners may struggle with heavier string gauges.
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG8.
Build quality
Comparisons
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One user noted the Agile Septor 8 was worse in stock form compared to the RG8, highlighting the Ibanez's potential when modified.
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The RG8's scale length of 27" offers better tuning stability in lower tunings like drop E compared to the Omen 8's 26.5" scale.
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The RG8's neck heel is perceived as more comfortable compared to the Schecter Omen 8, making it better suited for lead playing.
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The Ibanez RG8 is often unfavorably compared to models like the Carvin and the RGA8, with owners reporting fewer issues on those models.
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Some players find the RG8's tension to be looser compared to a Schecter 7-string with a 26.5" scale, despite the RG8's longer 27" scale.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
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Fishman Fluence Abasi pickups are recommended by users for the RG8 for improved sound quality.
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Replacing the stock bridge with a Hipshot high-mass Ibanez 8-string bridge is recommended to improve tuning stability and intonation.
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Many suggest replacing stock pickups immediately due to their lack of definition and muddy tone; a common pickup swap is for higher clarity and output.
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Features and functionality
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The RG8's glossy black finish is prone to scratches, which can detract from its appearance over time.
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Setup and maintenance
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Reports indicate that the truss rod requires frequent adjustments as the neck is prone to bowing, especially in earlier models without reinforcement rods.
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Owners report consistent intonation problems with the F# string, requiring string gauge adjustments up to 90 to achieve proper tuning.
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Adjustments such as fret leveling, neck shimming, and nut slot refiling are frequently necessary to optimize playability on this guitar.
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A common solution for intonation issues involves shortening the screw on the 8th string saddle to allow more travel for adjustment.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 9 Reviews and 32 Ratings
229
Acceptable with some adjustments and maintenance.
I got this for my 17th birthday and it was sooo bad at the beginning, mostly cause I wasn't used to an 8-string but also cause the bridge was like 2mm off to the right så the high e-string was unplayable. But after a couple of months I finally got it to a playable state and I use it if I need the low strings.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
I've modded mine a lot so it only has a bridge pickup, 1 volume and a killswitch. Before I modded it I thing I just had both vol and tone at max.
126
Great value!
Really awesome guitar to get started with an 8 string. Neck plays fantastically and it's a very sturdy instrument. I'm not a fan of the fact that the guitar strings become floppy on the lower strings, but that's an issue with the scale length that can only be solved by having a fanned fretboard, which might be scary for some. All in all great instrument.
Amazing for crushing lows.
Got it almost brand new. Stays in tune. Stock pickups sound great. Low end is crushing. Not used as much as my others but still sounds great.
Great 8 string for a great price
I own a RG8 with EMG 808s and its an amazing instrument. The neck is very playable. Its not as heavy I expected. Great starter guitar for those wanting to branch out into 8 strings.
219
It does have the brown note built in...
And it is a good thing. If you drop the drop then you have a low A and E string. you can actually drop your own standard tuning song and not lose you mind. So much fun.
120
GR8 Beginner 8
This was my first 8 string guitar and I hardly touch it compared to all my other guitars. I would strongly recommend this for a first 8 string guitar.
great 8 !
great 8 strings (body) , I changed the mics for emg's 808 , and it goes very well for the price .
140
Amazing Low End
Very brutal, crushing low ends, and ultra clean highs for a cheaper model Ibanez.
Artist usage
Add artist
At the 0:30 mark you can see Jim playing through an RG-8 in the song "Got Money"
In the video titled "Die on the Cross of the Martyr," Tim Henson plays a custom shop Ibanez 8-string guitar, referred to as the TOD8. This instrument is distinct from the standard Ibanez RG8 model.
"Javier plays a Custom RG8 with an ash body, quilted-maple top, DiMarzio Ionizer pickups, and a stock RG8 neck."
In an Instagram post by Sithu Aye dated October 18, 2014, titled "Guitar stand swag," a photo shows an Ibanez RG8 in his guitar rack, confirming his use of this specific gear.
In the video titled "BNYX® IS CÖOKING [Feb 11, 2025]" by ONB on YouTube, BNYX is seen using an Ibanez RG8 guitar to initiate a new musical idea in his studio.
There is a picture of him with this guitar that he posted on his blog. It has a black finish.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez RG8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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