Ibanez M80M Meshuggah

Ibanez M80M Meshuggah review

The Ibanez M80M Meshuggah is a signature eight-string guitar built around a specific job: keeping very low notes defined under heavy gain. Its 747 mm scale length, single Lundgren M8P humbucker, and FX Edge III-8 bridge set it apart from a conventional six-string ST-style guitar. At a listed price of $1,469, it is aimed at players who want that extended-range setup rather than a general-purpose instrument.

The guitar has an ash body with a black, open-pore finish, a rosewood fingerboard, and a five-piece maple and walnut neck reinforced with KTS titanium. It carries 24 frets and black hardware. The listed factory tuning is D-sharp, A-sharp, F, C, G, D, A, and F from the first string through the eighth. That tuning and long scale are central to the M80M's identity, and they also shape how it feels to play.

Build, finish, and setup

One owner describes the ash body as attractive and comfortable, with the open-pore black finish allowing the grain to show through. That player found the neck free of protruding fret ends and reported no dead frets, smooth operation from the bridge and tuners, and only minor buzzing on the lower strings. A small intonation adjustment was needed. Another owner praised the overall fit and finish, describing the instrument as solid and well assembled.

Those positive reports sit alongside a significant quality-control warning. One buyer returned an earlier example because of multiple defects, then received a well-finished guitar from another retailer. That experience suggests unit-to-unit variation, not a guarantee that every M80M will arrive with problems. Still, at this price, a careful inspection is sensible. Check fretwork, tuning stability, bridge function, and intonation on the actual guitar, and ask the seller whether it can provide inspection details before shipment.

The FX Edge III-8 bridge may take more time to restring than a simpler fixed bridge, according to one owner. That is worth considering if frequent string changes are part of your routine. The supplied information also conflicts on what comes in the box: one listing says a case is included and no bag is included, while the detailed product information says a gig bag is included. Confirm the included protection with the seller before ordering.

Sound and low-tuning performance

The Lundgren M8P humbucker is the M80M's only listed pickup. There is no neck pickup, so the tonal range is deliberately focused. One player found that the pickup was not exceptionally high-output, but said it delivered the gritty, gnarly character associated with Meshuggah. Another reported clear, forceful low notes in Drop E, with tight bass response and crisp highs in both clean and high-gain settings.

The most consistent praise is low-end definition. The extended scale is intended to help the strings retain tension in deep tunings, and owners describe the result as controlled rather than muddy. That matters for dense, heavily distorted rhythms, where low notes can lose articulation. The M80M's reported clarity makes it a strong candidate for players who build parts around low, precise riffs.

That design brings tradeoffs. The long scale and wider spacing can feel demanding, especially to players accustomed to standard-length guitars. One owner found it less suited to lead playing. The instrument's size and spacing may not suit every hand or technique, so trying one in person is valuable if possible. Its single-pickup layout also limits the range of available sounds compared with guitars that offer multiple pickup positions.

Verdict

The Ibanez M80M Meshuggah has a clear purpose: deep tuning, firm string response, and articulate heavy tones. Its ash body, reinforced five-piece neck, and Lundgren pickup give it a distinctive specification, while owner feedback points to impressive low-end clarity and a comfortable, lightweight feel. The long scale, single pickup, and bridge maintenance demands make it a specialist choice rather than an all-rounder.

Build quality reports are encouraging but not uniform, so inspect the individual instrument and verify the included case or bag before purchase. For players who need an eight-string guitar with a defined, aggressive low register, the M80M makes a persuasive case. For broader tonal flexibility, easier lead work, or a more familiar scale and string spacing, another model may be a better fit.