Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
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
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What is the neck profile like on the Ibanez RGMS8?
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The Ibanez RGMS8 features a Wizard III-8 neck profile, known for its slim and fast feel, ideal for technical playing and fast fretwork.
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How does the multi-scale design of the Ibanez RGMS8 benefit my playing?
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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.
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Are the pickups on the Ibanez RGMS8 suitable for metal music?
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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.
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Is the Ibanez RGMS8 suitable for beginners?
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The Ibanez RGMS8 is more suited for experienced players due to its 8-string configuration and advanced features, which can be challenging for beginners.
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What kind of wood is used for the body of the Ibanez RGMS8?
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The body of the Ibanez RGMS8 is made from Nyatoh, which provides a balanced tone with a rich midrange.
Videos
JJR Recording
8 String guitar in Drop D sounds mean | Ibanez RGMS8
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent neck design, comfortable and easy to play
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High-quality pickups with a clear, defined sound
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Multi-scale design provides enhanced tuning stability
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Lightweight and compact for an 8-string
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Versatile 5-way switch for diverse tonal options
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Easy truss rod adjustment at the neck base
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Perfect for both metal and clean, jazzy tones
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Affordable for the quality and features offered
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Great playability even for those new to 8-strings
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Well-built with attention to detail
CONS
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Bridge is not grounded, potentially causing hum issues
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Some fret and neck finish imperfections reported
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High nut may make low fret playing difficult
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Large neck may take time to adjust for some users
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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
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Owners mention the neutral fret at the 12th position; some prefer it at 7-9 for comfort.
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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.
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The RGMS8 may require additional grounding to reduce noise issues, a common concern among owners.
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Use cases and applications
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The RGMS8 excels in producing punchy tones for songs like "Monomyth" by Animals as Leaders.
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Features and functionality
Comparisons
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Compared to a Schecter C8, the RGMS8's pickups are noted for being brighter and more punchy.
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The RGMS8's pickups are slanted open-core, while Harley Benton's use standard soapbars, making future upgrades easier with the latter.
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Harley Benton models are noted for having thinner necks, which some players find more comfortable compared to the RGMS8.
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Mods and upgrades
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Elysian humbuckers are highly praised for their sound quality, adding significant value to modded guitars like the RGMS8.
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Hipshot locking tuners are a popular upgrade, noted for their clean installation and improved tuning stability on the RGMS8.
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Hipshot stainless steel saddles can be directly dropped in, enhancing playability without needing modifications to the RGMS8.
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RGMS8's slanted pickups can limit modding options, with Bare Knuckle being one of the few companies offering compatible replacements.
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User experience
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings
126
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.
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez RGMS8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Ibanez RGMS8, curated by the Equipboard community.
$499.99 - $535.00
The RG8 is a similar model with less expressive pickups and not multiscale.
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