What is the primary benefit of the multi-scale design on the RGMS8?

The multi-scale design provides a longer scale length for the lower strings to improve tension and clarity, while keeping the higher strings at a shorter scale for easier playability and bending.

What materials are used for the RGMS8 neck?

The neck is constructed from a 5-piece blend of maple and walnut. This multi-ply construction is designed to provide maximum stability and resistance to warping under high string tension.

Which pickups are installed in the Ibanez RGMS8?

The guitar is equipped with Ibanez Array-8 MS humbuckers. These pickups are specifically designed to capture the extended frequency range of an 8-string guitar with clarity and power.

What is the function of the Monorail bridge?

The Monorail bridge features independent saddles for each string. This design improves string-to-string isolation, reduces vibration interference, and accommodates the slanted multi-scale geometry.

What type of wood is the body made from?

The RGMS8 features a mahogany body. This wood choice contributes to a punchy, balanced tonal character with a strong emphasis on low-end frequencies.

Is the fingerboard made of rosewood?

No, the fingerboard is made of jatoba. Jatoba is a dense wood that provides a balanced tone and extra clarity, which is essential for defining the low notes of an 8-string guitar.

How many strings does the Ibanez RGMS8 have?

The RGMS8 is an 8-string guitar. It extends the standard 6-string range with two additional lower strings, typically tuned to B and F#.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for the Ibanez RGMS8 is approximately £549. This makes it a value-oriented option for players looking to enter the multi-scale market.

What colour is the RGMS8 available in?

This specific model is finished in black. The finish is designed to complement the aggressive and modern aesthetic of the RG series.

Does the guitar handle high-gain settings well?

Yes, the Array-8 MS humbuckers are designed for 'tonal destruction' and high saturation. They are voiced to remain clear even when using heavy distortion.

Is the neck profile comfortable for fast playing?

Ibanez describes the neck as sculpted for a comfortable performance. The 5-piece construction and fanned frets are intended to provide a luxurious feel for technical players.

How does this compare to a standard RG 8-string?

Unlike a standard RG 8-string with parallel frets, the RGMS8 uses slanted frets. This allows for better string tension on the low end without making the high strings too stiff.

Gear article

Ibanez RGMS8 Multi Scale 8-String Electric Guitar

The Ibanez RGMS8 is a multi-scale 8-string electric guitar designed for players requiring an extended frequency range and improved ergonomic performance. It features a fanned-fret design and a 5-piece maple and walnut neck, providing enhanced tension for the lower strings and greater clarity for high-gain applications.

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Background and Design

The Ibanez RGMS8 is part of the long-running RG series, adapted for the modern requirements of extended-range players. By incorporating a multi-scale design, Ibanez addresses the common issue of 'muddy' low strings on 8-string instruments. The slanted fret layout allows for a longer scale length on the bass side and a shorter scale length on the treble side, balancing string tension across the entire instrument.

Constructionally, the guitar utilizes a mahogany body finished in black, paired with a 5-piece maple and walnut neck. This combination is specifically selected to provide structural stability, which is critical for an instrument under the high tension of eight strings.

Tonal Characteristics

The tonal profile of the RGMS8 is described as balanced with significant low-end 'thunder.' The mahogany body provides a warm, punchy foundation, while the jatoba fingerboard adds clarity to the attack. The instrument is equipped with a pair of Array-8 MS humbucking pickups, which are specifically voiced to handle the broad frequency range of an 8-string guitar, maintaining definition even when heavily saturated.

Hardware and Playability

A key hardware feature of the RGMS8 is the Ibanez Monorail bridge. Unlike standard bridges, the Monorail system consists of independent bridge pieces for each string, which minimises cross-talk and ensures that string vibrations do not interfere with one another. This design is essential for the multi-scale layout, allowing for precise intonation and enhanced string stability.

The 5-piece neck construction is designed for luxury and comfort, catering to players who navigate the wide fretboard. The fanned-fret ergonomics are intended to follow the natural slant of the player's hand as it moves up and down the neck, reducing strain during technical performances.

Target Audience and Comparison

The RGMS8 is primarily aimed at musicians performing in genres that require extreme low-end frequencies, such as djent, progressive metal, and experimental fusion. Its price point of approximately £549 positions it as a competitive entry-to-mid-level multi-scale instrument.

Compared to traditional fixed-scale 8-string guitars, the RGMS8 offers superior intonation and tension on the eighth string. While other products in the market, such as signature sets from Ernie Ball or D'Addario, focus on string technology for standard instruments, the RGMS8 provides a complete structural solution for the challenges inherent in extended-range playing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the multi-scale design on the RGMS8?: The multi-scale design provides a longer scale length for the lower strings to improve tension and clarity, while keeping the higher strings at a shorter scale for easier playability and bending.
What materials are used for the RGMS8 neck?: The neck is constructed from a 5-piece blend of maple and walnut. This multi-ply construction is designed to provide maximum stability and resistance to warping under high string tension.
Which pickups are installed in the Ibanez RGMS8?: The guitar is equipped with Ibanez Array-8 MS humbuckers. These pickups are specifically designed to capture the extended frequency range of an 8-string guitar with clarity and power.
What is the function of the Monorail bridge?: The Monorail bridge features independent saddles for each string. This design improves string-to-string isolation, reduces vibration interference, and accommodates the slanted multi-scale geometry.
What type of wood is the body made from?: The RGMS8 features a mahogany body. This wood choice contributes to a punchy, balanced tonal character with a strong emphasis on low-end frequencies.
Is the fingerboard made of rosewood?: No, the fingerboard is made of jatoba. Jatoba is a dense wood that provides a balanced tone and extra clarity, which is essential for defining the low notes of an 8-string guitar.
How many strings does the Ibanez RGMS8 have?: The RGMS8 is an 8-string guitar. It extends the standard 6-string range with two additional lower strings, typically tuned to B and F#.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for the Ibanez RGMS8 is approximately £549. This makes it a value-oriented option for players looking to enter the multi-scale market.
What colour is the RGMS8 available in?: This specific model is finished in black. The finish is designed to complement the aggressive and modern aesthetic of the RG series.
Does the guitar handle high-gain settings well?: Yes, the Array-8 MS humbuckers are designed for 'tonal destruction' and high saturation. They are voiced to remain clear even when using heavy distortion.
Is the neck profile comfortable for fast playing?: Ibanez describes the neck as sculpted for a comfortable performance. The 5-piece construction and fanned frets are intended to provide a luxurious feel for technical players.
How does this compare to a standard RG 8-string?: Unlike a standard RG 8-string with parallel frets, the RGMS8 uses slanted frets. This allows for better string tension on the low end without making the high strings too stiff.