For players exploring extended-range tones, the guitar body is a crucial foundation. This guide highlights 8-string guitar bodies and kits that emphasize build quality, materials, and playability. Each option offers distinct aesthetics and construction features to support modern metal, progressive rock, and alt-tuned styles. Read on to compare kit-based bodies, bolt-on configurations, and multiscale designs meant to optimize tension and clarity across all eight strings.
| Product | Brand | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| BexGears 8 String Electric Guitar Kit | BexGears | Complete playability with drilled holes and included strings |
| Gstyle 8 String Electric Guitar ES-800 | Gstyle | Okoume body with Burl Top and maple neck |
| Gstyle Fretless 8 String ES-800 | Alitaver | Fretless body option with Burl top and okoume wood |
| Upgrade Pro 8-String Fanned Fret ES | Yuemiya | Multiscale, multiscale design for balanced tension |
| Ernie Ball 8-String Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Slinky | Ernie Ball | 8-string gauge option for extended-range setup |
Introductory note: The products below span complete DIY kits, solid bodies, and multiscale configurations, offering a range of aesthetics and playability considerations. Use this table as a quick reference when evaluating body materials, neck joint, and assembly detail before purchase.
BexGears 8 String Electric Guitar Kit
The BexGears 8 String Electric Guitar Kit presents a complete build with burl poplar veneer top, okoume body, maple neck, and composite ebony fingerboard. It includes all required parts to assemble a playable guitar, with pre-drilled holes and included strings and electrical components. This kit is designed for right-handed players and emphasizes a robust body construction intended for extended-range tuning. The straightforward assembly workflow appeals to DIY enthusiasts seeking a reliable eight-string platform without sourcing components separately.
Features cited include: eight-string configuration, burl poplar veneer top, okoume body, maple neck, composite ebony fingerboard, all holes pre-drilled, and a complete set of parts including strings and electrical cord. The kit aims to deliver a ready-to-play experience after assembly, making it a practical starting point for those building an 8-string guitar from the ground up.
Gstyle 8 String Electric Guitar ES-800
The Gstyle ES-800 is a bolt-on 8-string guitar built with a Burl top over an okoume body, a maple neck, and a composite ebony fretboard. The guitar’s construction emphasizes a sturdy neck-to-body joint and a modern 25.5″ scale length, suited for extended-range playing. The 24-fret layout and 2 1/8″ nut width support precise fingering across the low B and high E strings. A well-balanced tonal palette is expected from the okoume core with a decorative burl top, giving players a visually striking instrument for metal and progressive styles.
Key specs cited include: okoume body, burl poplar veneer top, maple neck, composite ebony fretboard, 25.5″ scale, 24 frets, and a 2 1/8″ nut width. This model focuses on a traditional bolt-on design while accommodating eight strings, providing straightforward stability for extended-range tuning.
Gstyle Fretless 8 String ES-800
The fretless 8-string option from Gstyle (Alitaver brand) features a Burl poplar veneer top with an okoume body and a maple neck, designed for players who prefer a fretless playing surface. The construction emphasizes a stable neck joint and a warm, expressive timbre across extended-range notes. The guitar’s fretless design supports slides and microtonal approaches common in experimental metal and fusion settings. Scale length, nut width, and overall construction appear aligned with a standard 25.5″ class instrument, while the fretless fingerboard invites a unique tonal palette across eight strings.
Important details include: okoume body, burl veneer top, maple neck, composite ebony fretboard, 25.5″ scale, 24 frets, and 2 1/8″ nut width. This model targets players seeking a distinct fretless experience in an eight-string format while preserving structural integrity for extended-range performance.
Upgrade Pro 8-String Fanned Fret
The Upgrade Pro 8-String Fanned Fret guitar features a multiscale design (25.5″ to 28″) to balance tension and clarity across all eight strings. The body combines a Poplar Burl top with an Okoume body, and a mahogany body foundation with a maple neck. The multiscale setup is intended to improve intonation stability and string tension, particularly for heavier gauge eight-string setups. High-output ceramic humbuckers are included to deliver aggressive low-end response suitable for metal and progressive genres. The finish, Grey Tide Fade, adds a modern aesthetic to a high-performance instrument.
Specifications highlighted include: multiscale 25.5-28″ neck, poplar burl top, mahogany body, maple neck, ceramic humbuckers, and a satin Grey Tide Fade finish. This option emphasizes advanced tension management and modern design for extended-range players seeking consistent performance across the fretboard.
Ernie Ball 8-String Skinny Top Heavy Bottom Strings
While not a guitar body itself, these 8-string nickel-wound strings from Ernie Ball are designed for extended-range setups, offering a low-B or low-A tuning with a balanced tension profile. The Extra Slinky set (or similar 8-string gauges) provides reduced tension for faster fretting and a bright, musical timbre across the octave range. The packaging emphasizes longevity and consistency through Element Shield packaging, helping protect string integrity from the moment of opening. For builders and players mapping out an 8-string body build, pairing these strings with a suitable body and neck setup can yield a versatile metal or fusion instrument.
Notable points include: nickel-wound construction, hex-core design, and a long-standing reputation among professional players. The set supports quick playability and springy feel that can complement a variety of 8-string body designs from kits to bolt-on builds.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For 8-String Guitar Bodies
- Body material and tone: Okoume, burl veneer tops, and mahogany bodies influence sustain, warmth, and brightness. Consider how the material responds to your preferred tunings and pick-up configurations.
- Neck joint type: Bolt-on necks offer easier setup and customization, while set-neck or neck-through designs may enhance sustain. Check for alignment tolerances and joint stability for wide 8-string necks.
- Scale length and multiscale design: Standard 25.5″ scale works well for many players, but multiscale (fanned fret) layouts can improve string tension balance across the eight strings, particularly on heavy gauges.
- Topology and finish: Burl top visuals add aesthetics, while satin or gloss finishes can affect feel and playability. Ensure finish tolerances won’t impede fretwork or neck alignment.
- Hardware compatibility: Pre-drilled holes, nut width, and bridge compatibility influence upgrade paths. If building from a kit, confirm that pickups, wiring, and hardware match your intended configuration.
- Playability and ergonomics: Eight-string bodies can feel wider; verify body depth, upper-bout contour, and overall comfort for your playing style and body size.
- Budget and build timeline: Kits reduce sourcing complexity but require DIY time. Completing a full build with a fretboard, nut work, and setup can span several evenings to weeks.
- Maintenance and parts availability: Choose brands with accessible spare parts, strings, and pickups to simplify future upgrades or repairs.
When evaluating options, align your choice with your playing goals—whether you want a robust metal-oriented body with multiscale capabilities, a visually striking veneer top, or a ready-to-play kit that minimizes assembly hurdles. The listed products cover a spectrum from complete DIY kits to multiscale and fretless concepts, helping you tailor an eight-string guitar body to your specific tonal and ergonomic needs.