Ibanez RGMS8-BK Multiscale
The Ibanez RGMS8-BK offers an accessible route into eight-string multiscale playing, with a comfortable neck and useful pickup options for the price. Expect possible setup work, and note that owners disagree about the stock pickups and report occasional grounding or control issues.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 16 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Ibanez RGMS8-BK Multiscale review
The Ibanez RGMS8-BK Multiscale is an eight-string electric guitar aimed at players who want extended low notes without giving up a familiar, playable feel. Its multiscale layout runs from 648 mm on the shorter side to 692 mm on the longer side, giving the lowest strings more length while keeping the upper strings at a more conventional scale. The instrument has a nyatoh body, a five-piece maple and walnut neck, a jatoba fingerboard, 24 jumbo frets, and a black finish. Its listed price is 579.
Owner feedback points to a guitar that often feels more approachable than its wide neck and fanned frets might suggest. The slender Wizard II-8 neck profile earns particular praise, and several players report adapting quickly to the angled frets. The 12th fret is the neutral point, so the fret angle is more noticeable toward either end of the neck. For most reviewers, that took little adjustment; others found the nut area or certain chord shapes less comfortable.
Neck, setup, and playability
Reports consistently describe the fretwork and neck joint as well finished, though factory setup is not uniformly ready to play. Some owners needed to adjust the truss rod or bridge to reduce fret buzz and improve intonation. One player found that the bridge adjustment range was close to its limit on some strings. Another reported that notes went slightly flat in the upper register despite careful setup. These experiences make a professional setup worth considering, especially if you plan to use a different tuning or string gauge.
The truss rod adjustment wheel sits at the base of the neck, which owners found easier to reach than an adjustment at the headstock. Feedback on the mechanism itself is mixed: one buyer reported a broken adjustment part that required a technician's attention. The fingerboard was also described as dry on arrival by one owner, while another noted an unevenly sanded patch on the back of the neck. These appear to be individual examples, but they reinforce the value of inspecting the instrument on arrival.
The tuner for the lowest string is larger than the others, a useful detail for players fitting heavier strings. One owner reported fitting a.100-gauge string through it, while a.070-gauge string needed extra work to fit a different tuner. String choice and tuning therefore matter. The included specifications list no case or gig bag, so plan for separate protection when transporting the guitar.
Bridge and electronics
The Mono-Rail bridge uses separate saddles for each string. Players appreciate the hand position for palm muting, and the individual units support adjustment across the wide string range. However, multiple owners report that the bridge is not grounded. In their experience, touching or releasing the bridge can produce a crackle or leave hum unchanged. One reviewer found that a properly grounded amplifier prevented hum problems, and another described the pickups as quiet at high gain. Because reports differ, grounding should be checked rather than assumed.
The two Array-8 MS humbuckers are another point of disagreement. Several players like their clear, defined sound, sustain, and range, with positive comments about both clean tones and high-gain playing. Others hear an excess of bass or find the bridge pickup unclear for tightly controlled metal recording. The guitar's low strings can make that bass emphasis more apparent, so amplifier or equalizer adjustments may be needed to suit a particular rig.
A five-way switch adds useful options beyond the three full humbucker selections. Owner descriptions include a neck pickup wired in parallel and a position that combines the inner coils, producing a thinner, more single-coil-like character. Those settings give the RGMS8-BK more range for clean chords and lighter passages than its metal-focused styling might suggest. Some players still prefer different pickups, but changing them is a matter of taste rather than a universal requirement.
Verdict
At its listed price of 579, the Ibanez RGMS8-BK Multiscale offers a practical entry into eight-string and fanned-fret playing. Its comfortable neck, extended scale range, accessible truss rod adjustment, and flexible switching are the strongest reasons to consider it. The main cautions are inconsistent factory setup, conflicting impressions of the pickups, and the reported bridge-grounding issue. Check the setup, electronics, and tuning stability on the specific instrument you buy. Players prepared to make those checks get a capable platform for low-tuned riffs, while those expecting a flawless out-of-box setup may want to budget for a technician.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Comfortable, slim neck and fan-fret layout that many first-time multiscale players adapt to quickly
- Strong value for an eight-string guitar, with generally solid construction and useful five-way pickup switching
- Longer scale on the low strings helps support low tunings, while the larger eighth-string tuner accommodates thick strings
What bugged me
- Factory setup may need adjustment for fret buzz, action, intonation, or string choice
- Pickup opinions vary: some players praise their clarity, while others find the low end too prominent or the sound unclear
- Some owners report an ungrounded bridge, scratchy or loose controls, or minor finish and hardware issues
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A good fit for budget-conscious players exploring eight-string guitar, multiscale necks, or low-tuned riffing. Also suited to players who value a slim neck and are willing to check or adjust the setup.Look elsewhere if
Not ideal for buyers who need consistently polished factory setup or want predictable stock-pickup performance without testing. Look elsewhere if you require premium hardware or want a case included.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Body
- Nyatoh
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple, Walnut
- Fretboard
- Jatoba
- Frets
- 24
- Scale length
- 692 mm
- Pickup
- HH
- Tremolo
- No
- Including case
- No
- Incl. gigbag
- No
- Number of strings
- 8
- Style
- ST
- Long scale
- 686 mm
What other players say
Customer feedback is generally positive about the guitar's price, comfortable neck, fan-fret playability, and ability to support low tunings. Several owners were pleased with the stock pickups and five-way switching, while others found the pickups unclear or overly bass-heavy. Reports of factory setup needs and minor hardware or electrical issues are mixed, so buyers should inspect the guitar and allow for possible adjustments.
All in all, this is pretty much the best choice for an 8-string if you're on a budget.
The neck is fantastic to play, I can reach the high frets and play scales and arpeggios easily.
The guitar is incredibly light and really small compared to what I was expecting.
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Is the multiscale layout difficult to get used to?
Most reviewers who were new to fan-fretted guitars said they adapted quickly. The neck remains wide because of the eight strings, but its slim profile was often described as comfortable.
Are the stock pickups suitable for metal?
Opinions differ. Some owners report clear, defined tones and good results with high gain, while others find the low end too prominent or the sound unclear. Your amplifier and equalization choices may affect the result.
Does it need a professional setup?
Some owners found the factory setup satisfactory, while others adjusted the neck, bridge, nut, or strings to reduce buzz and improve playability. Check the setup when it arrives.
Can it handle very low tunings and heavy strings?
The multiscale length runs from 648 to 692 mm, and reviewers noted that the enlarged tuner for the eighth string can take thick strings. Some owners still needed string changes or minor tuner modifications for their preferred gauges.
Is the bridge grounding a concern?
One reviewer reported that the bridge was not grounded, leading to noise or a clicking sensation when touching it. Other owners reported quiet operation, so check the instrument and electrical grounding in person.
The last word from the bench
At this price, the RGMS8-BK is a compelling choice for players who want an eight-string guitar with a multiscale layout and a comfortable, slim neck. Reviewers often praise its playability, low-tuning performance, and value, although experiences with the pickups range from very positive to disappointing. Factory setup and hardware details can require attention, including reports of fret buzz, scratchy controls, and an ungrounded bridge. Buy it if you are comfortable checking the setup and evaluating the stock pickups in your own rig.
Hanging next to it
Ibanez RGMS8-BK Multiscale
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