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Ibanez RG8

$499.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (6)

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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5.0 (10)

$499.99 9 available New

$350.00 9 available Used

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Average Price: $425

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Ibanez RG8 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Step into the world of low-end chugging and sonic exploration with the Ibanez RG8, a formidable addition to any guitarist's arsenal. Designed for those who crave the extended range of an 8-string, this guitar is your ticket to new tonal territories. The Wizard II-8 neck, crafted from a 5-piece maple/walnut combination, provides the ultra-fast playability that the RG series is renowned for, making complex riffs and rapid solos second nature.

The RG8's mahogany body, paired with its fixed bridge, ensures that your low tunings remain stable and resonate with unparalleled sustain. This design choice not only enhances tuning stability but also allows for effortless string tension adjustments. The dual humbuckers, specially crafted for this model, deliver a full-bodied tone that spans a wide frequency range, from rumbling lows to crisp highs, perfect for metal and beyond.

For players who demand versatility, the five-way pickup switch offers a palette of tones suitable for almost any musical style. Whether you're laying down crushing rhythms or intricate leads, the Ibanez RG8 stands as a testament to quality and innovation at a price point that's accessible to aspiring and seasoned musicians alike.

Key Features:

8-string design for extended range
5-piece maple/walnut Wizard II-8 neck for fast playability
Mahogany body with a fixed bridge for stability and sustain
Dual humbucking pickups with a five-way switch for tonal versatility
Factory tuned to low F/A#/D#/G#/C#/F#/A#/D# for immediate playability

Product specs

Brand	Ibanez
Model	RG8 Standard 8-String
Finish	Black, Walnut Flat, White
Year	2012 - 2025
Made In	Indonesia
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Basswood, Mahogany
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Black, Brown, White
Finish Style	Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material	Jatoba, Rosewood
Model Family	Ibanez RG
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple, Walnut
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	8-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	27"
Series	Ibanez Standard
Wood Top Style	Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Ibanez RG8 Black?: The Ibanez RG8 Black features a 5-piece Maple/Walnut Wizard II-8 neck, known for its slim and fast profile, ideal for technical playing and comfortable for extended range chords and solos.
Is the Ibanez RG8 Black suitable for metal music?: Yes, the Ibanez RG8 Black is well-suited for metal genres, offering a powerful tone with its dual humbucker pickup configuration and extended 8-string range, perfect for low-end riffing and complex solos.
What wood is used for the body of the Ibanez RG8 Black?: The body of the Ibanez RG8 Black is made from basswood, which provides a balanced tone with a good mix of midrange warmth and clarity.
Does the Ibanez RG8 Black come with a case?: No, the Ibanez RG8 Black does not come with a case; it is sold separately.
What is the scale length of the Ibanez RG8 Black?: The Ibanez RG8 Black features a 27-inch scale length, which helps maintain tension and clarity on the lower strings of this 8-string guitar.

Videos

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8 String Ibanez RG8-BK Tone Test - Meshuggah Combustion Opening Riff

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Shredding an Ibanez RG8 - Tramaine Jonathan

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Ibanez RG8 Unboxing/First Impressions/Review

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional value for an 8-string guitar in its price range
Smooth tuners enhance tuning stability
Solid bridge contributes to reliable performance
Pickups produce high-quality sound for diverse tones
Easy transition from 7-string to 8-string for experienced players
Offers a unique tonal experience without relying on electronic effects
Easy to play, allowing for immersive playing sessions
Ideal for recording, offering clear and distinctive tones

CONS

Lacks neck or headstock binding found on similar models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RG8.

Mods and upgrades

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Users highly recommend installing Fishman Fluence Abasi pickups to significantly improve sound quality, addressing the stock pickup issues.
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Owners report that Fishman Moderns fit the RG8 without modding, offering dynamic tones with push/pull pots for added versatility.
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Many owners replace stock pickups immediately due to muddiness, with some models reportedly using 5-string bass pickups.
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Replacing the bridge with a Hipshot direct replacement can significantly improve tuning stability and action adjustment.
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User experience

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Players transitioning from 6-string guitars find the RG8's neck comfortable, with minimal difficulty adapting to its extended range, even after 20 years of playing.
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Stock strings are typically too light for the scale length; a 9-80 set is recommended for better performance.
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Software and compatibility

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Fortin Nameless amp sim is highly praised for pairing with the RG8, especially after reducing mids for improved tone clarity.
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Use cases and applications

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After the Burial's "Rareform" album is recommended for learning 8-string positioning, particularly the song "Berzerker" for its effective string transition practice.
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The RG8 is favored for its ability to handle low tunings better than shorter scale 8-string guitars, crucial for genres requiring deep tones.
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Setup and maintenance

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Users suggest using a highpass filter at 500 Hz for distortion, paired with a lowpass filter for clean bass tones, enhancing clarity and separation.
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Factory tuners reportedly have poor gear ratios, making tuning lower strings difficult and frustrating.
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Build quality

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Glossy black finish on the RG8 is prone to scratches, which can affect the guitar's appearance over time.
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The fretboard often appears mismatched with the black headstock, leading to aesthetic dissatisfaction among some users.
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The neck often requires frequent truss rod adjustments, especially in models lacking reinforcement rods, leading to instability.
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Features and functionality

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The RG8's neck heel is praised for being more comfortable compared to the chunkier neck joint of the Schecter Omen 8, enhancing playability.
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Comparisons

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The RG8's 27" scale length is preferred for drop E tuning, as the Omen 8's 26.5" scale struggles with tension and clarity below F#.
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Users frequently compare the RG8's feel to the Squier Affinity series, describing both as having a cheap feel.
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Critic Reviews

Feature - Gear Review: Ibanez RG8 8-string - NZ Musician

nzmusician.co.nz

The Ibanez RG8 8-string guitar impresses with its solid build, comfortable neck, and clear sound, making it an excellent tool for metal enthusiasts and experimental players alike. At just $849, it offers immense value with its neutral yet bright tone, tight low-end response, and versatile pickup switching. While lead players might crave warmer pickups, the stock configuration delivers a satisfying performance for riffs, cleans, and layers. The RG8 is a great buy, especially for those willing to consider a pickup upgrade, providing a versatile and creative experience in both studio and live settings.

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