Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (12)
$749.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (5)
$749.99
Amazon
4.8 (13)
$749.99
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$639.21 New
$580.31 Used
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$749.99
Thomann
4.5 (19)
$622.00
Gear4Music
£659.00

Average Price: $699

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ibanez RGMS8". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the realm of extended range guitars with the Ibanez RGMS8 - Black, a marvel of design and functionality aimed squarely at the modern musician. With its sleek aesthetics and cutting-edge features, this 8-string beast not only looks the part but plays like a dream, offering unparalleled clarity and comfort across genres but with a special nod to the metal aficionados.

The heart of the RGMS8 lies in its innovative multi-scale fingerboard, which gracefully aligns with the natural curvature of your hand, providing an ergonomic playing experience that's both intuitive and precise. This design ensures that each string maintains optimal tension, resulting in a balanced tone that's bright and lively, yet capable of down-tuned aggression without flabbiness.

The Ibanez RGMS8 doesn't stop at ergonomics; its sonic potential is vast, thanks to the Ibanez Array 8 MS pickups. These pickups are meticulously engineered to capture the guitar's extended range without losing definition, delivering a tight, aggressive growl that complements the multi-scale design's clarity, making it a perfect match for modern metal and progressive styles.

Moreover, the Ibanez Mono-Rail bridge system enhances this clarity by minimizing string cross-talk, ensuring that each note stands out in a mix, regardless of how complex or saturated. Whether you're crafting intricate melodies or laying down bone-crushing riffs, the RGMS8 is designed to articulate every note with precision and power.

Key Features:

  • Multi-scale fingerboard for ergonomic playability and balanced tension
  • Ibanez Array 8 MS pickups for a tight, aggressive sound
  • Mono-Rail bridge system for improved string isolation and sustain
  • 5-piece Maple/Walnut Wizard III neck for stability and comfort
  • Jatoba fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets for enhanced playability
  • Sleek black finish for a classic, timeless look

Product specs

Scale Length Type Multi-scale
Number of Strings 8
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape RG
Body Material Nyatoh
Body Finish Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Material 5-piece Maple/Walnut
Neck Shape Wizard III-8
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 15.75"
Fingerboard Inlay Offset White Dots
Number of Frets 24, Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5"-27.2"
Nut Width 2.165"
Nut Material Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece Mono-rail Bridge
Tuners Ibanez Closed Gear
Neck Pickup Array 8 MS Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Array 8 MS Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch
Strings D'Addario, .009-.080
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RGMS8?

The Ibanez RGMS8 features a Wizard III-8 neck profile, known for its slim and fast feel, ideal for technical playing and fast fretwork.

How does the multi-scale design of the Ibanez RGMS8 benefit my playing?

The multi-scale design offers a longer scale length for the lower strings, providing better tension and clarity, while the shorter scale for the higher strings enhances playability and comfort.

Are the pickups on the Ibanez RGMS8 suitable for metal music?

Yes, the Array 8 MS humbuckers on the Ibanez RGMS8 are designed to deliver powerful and clear tones, making them well-suited for heavy genres like metal.

Is the Ibanez RGMS8 suitable for beginners?

The Ibanez RGMS8 is more suited for experienced players due to its 8-string configuration and advanced features, which can be challenging for beginners.

What kind of wood is used for the body of the Ibanez RGMS8?

The body of the Ibanez RGMS8 is made from Nyatoh, which provides a balanced tone with a rich midrange.

JJR Recording

JJR Recording

8 String guitar in Drop D sounds mean | Ibanez RGMS8

Video thumbnail for 8 String guitar in Drop D sounds mean | Ibanez RGMS8 by JJR Recording

8 String guitar in Drop D sounds mean | Ibanez RGMS8

JJR Recording

JJR Recording

Video thumbnail for Mr D's Music Reviews #5  -  Ibanez RGMS8 BK multi scale by Daddo Oreskovich

Mr D's Music Reviews #5 - Ibanez RGMS8 BK multi scale

Daddo Oreskovich

Daddo Oreskovich

Video thumbnail for Trying an 8 string guitar | Meshuggah Style Riffing |  Ibanez RGMS8 by JJR Recording

Trying an 8 string guitar | Meshuggah Style Riffing | Ibanez RGMS8

JJR Recording

JJR Recording

Video thumbnail for Guitar Talk - Ibanez RGMS8 8 String Guitar Review by Guitar Talk

Guitar Talk - Ibanez RGMS8 8 String Guitar Review

Guitar Talk

Guitar Talk

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RGMS8 - 8 string/8 cordas multiscale  - CODE 3-7 - WAR (Michel Oliveira) by Michel Oliveira Official

Ibanez RGMS8 - 8 string/8 cordas multiscale - CODE 3-7 - WAR (Michel Oliveira)

Michel Oliveira Official

Michel Oliveira Official

Video thumbnail for My new guitar // Ibanez RGMS8 // Zelda - Fairy Fountain (8 string guitar cover) by Nick Olivera

My new guitar // Ibanez RGMS8 // Zelda - Fairy Fountain (8 string guitar cover)

Nick Olivera

Nick Olivera

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RGMS8 guitar Unboxing and review (8 string) by Bill Staley

Ibanez RGMS8 guitar Unboxing and review (8 string)

Bill Staley

Bill Staley

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RGMS8 Multiscale 8-String Demo - (Steve Lombardi) by Half Past Seven

Ibanez RGMS8 Multiscale 8-String Demo - (Steve Lombardi)

Half Past Seven

Half Past Seven

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ: "RGMS8" (DEMO) Worst 8 String Or Great Budget Guitar? #ibanez #8string #8stringguitar #demo by Truck Driver Shawn

IBANEZ: "RGMS8" (DEMO) Worst 8 String Or Great Budget Guitar? #ibanez #8string #8stringguitar #demo

Truck Driver Shawn

Truck Driver Shawn

Video thumbnail for New guitar day (Can the Ibanez RGMS8) deliver? by XLUCIFERLUX

New guitar day (Can the Ibanez RGMS8) deliver?

XLUCIFERLUX

XLUCIFERLUX

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent neck design, comfortable and easy to play

  • High-quality pickups with a clear, defined sound

  • Multi-scale design provides enhanced tuning stability

  • Lightweight and compact for an 8-string

  • Versatile 5-way switch for diverse tonal options

  • Easy truss rod adjustment at the neck base

  • Perfect for both metal and clean, jazzy tones

  • Affordable for the quality and features offered

  • Great playability even for those new to 8-strings

  • Well-built with attention to detail

CONS

  • Bridge is not grounded, potentially causing hum issues

  • Some fret and neck finish imperfections reported

  • High nut may make low fret playing difficult

  • Large neck may take time to adjust for some users

  • Input jack position may be inconvenient for seated playing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez RGMS8.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners mention the neutral fret at the 12th position; some prefer it at 7-9 for comfort.

    Source
  • For Drop E tuning, consider using an .085 gauge string to improve tension on the 8th string with a scale length of 27.26 inches.

    Source
  • The RGMS8 may require additional grounding to reduce noise issues, a common concern among owners.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RGMS8 excels in producing punchy tones for songs like "Monomyth" by Animals as Leaders.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's 5-way switch and bright pickups are highly praised for their single-coil tone versatility.

    Source
  • The RGMS8's 5-way switch offers more tonal variety compared to Harley Benton's 3-way switch, appealing to those seeking split coil and clean tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to a Schecter C8, the RGMS8's pickups are noted for being brighter and more punchy.

    Source
  • The RGMS8's pickups are slanted open-core, while Harley Benton's use standard soapbars, making future upgrades easier with the latter.

    Source
  • Harley Benton models are noted for having thinner necks, which some players find more comfortable compared to the RGMS8.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Elysian humbuckers are highly praised for their sound quality, adding significant value to modded guitars like the RGMS8.

    Source
  • Hipshot locking tuners are a popular upgrade, noted for their clean installation and improved tuning stability on the RGMS8.

    Source
  • Hipshot stainless steel saddles can be directly dropped in, enhancing playability without needing modifications to the RGMS8.

    Source
  • RGMS8's slanted pickups can limit modding options, with Bare Knuckle being one of the few companies offering compatible replacements.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Couch guitar straps for their durability and unique design, likening them to seatbelts.

    Source
  • Some players find the more extreme fan at the nut uncomfortable for playing lower frets on the RGMS8.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A modded Ibanez RGMS8 with upgrades such as an Elysian pickup and Hipshot tuners was sold for $500, highlighting the potential value of such enhancements.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
howhows

Best 8 string at this price point, possibly the best under 1k

The playability of this instrument is really amazing. I come directly from the Ibanez R8 and this model plays better but also SOUNDS 10x better. The 5 way selector is huge, especially the split coil position two as it allows you to really get a wide range of tones. If there is anything I would change it would be the spacing between the strings, making them slightly closer. If you want an 8 string multiscale, get this.

jtheis

epic

(Jackson's guitar) this guitar is an absolute monster, i love it and recommend it to anyone buying an 8 string

Artist usage

Add artist
J

Jarod Fedele

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Jarod Fedele is seen playing the Ibanez RGMS8 throughout the video

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez RGMS8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ibanez SR306EB
Ibanez SR306EB Electric Basses
1

1 alternative for Ibanez RGMS8, curated by the Equipboard community.

Ibanez RG8

$499.99 - $535.00

cheaper alternative

The RG8 is a similar model with less expressive pickups and not multiscale.

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