I played one a few weeks back at a GC. They sound great. I really like Ibanez's stock active pickups. Build quality is almost exactly the same as my RG7321 which IMO is really good in general and excellent considering the $400 it costs. I will say it reminded me of playing a Universe back when they came out as far as finding the 8th string strange. I didn't like 7's until much later in life when I got an RG7620 but that's another story. The one at the GC was out of tune (no surprise) and tuning the 4/4 headstock was odd being used to inline 6 tuners added with the strange extra string. I love this headstock and kind of wish Ibanez would do a few 3/3 six string guitars with it.
The guitar overall plays well but don't have very high expectations of the 8 out of the gate. I found it very hard to get to that top string and I have big hands. In all a great guitar but I'd say it's not for me. I'll stick to 6's and the occassional 7.
Perhaps I've become too jaded . Looking forward to trying one out. Local GC had a dean 8 string, it was comfortable to play aside from really dead strings. I'm used to 7 strings and the jump to 8 was refreshing.
The RG8 is a great guitar for $400. Its by far the best 8 string anywhere near that price point. Its a very simple guitar which is part of why it is so good. Take away the 27" scale length and good neck and all you have is a basswood body, 2 humbuckers, 3 way switch, and simple bridge. There isn't much that can go wrong on it unless the hardware is made out tin foil. You should be safe ordering one online from Sweetwater. The guitar will need to be set up when you get it though. But even that won't be a huge deal because there is no floating bridge to deal with.
Almost half of the members of ss.org have purchased one and I have yet to see one show up in the for sale section, which is really impressive.
Even i am jumping on one of these this year,this or the S version which is also 27inch.
I will decide once everything has been revealed after Namm.
These things will be everywhere!
Look nice! I've just ordered mine which should be here next week, I've gone for white though but was thinking about a faux black binding and darkening the fret board.
I have asked on SS.org with no success... Is there any chance you could measure the body for me?? I just need the length and width, not depth. Thanks!
Whatever anyone says about a guitar that is personal preference. I really do think you should actually try out/play any guitar you purchase! Even if it is 'cheap', if it doesn't 'fit' you it is cash down the drain.
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