Ibanez Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 Multi-scale 8-string Electric Guitar - Classic Silver Matte

Name: Ibanez Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 Multi-scale 8-string Electric Guitar - Classic Silver Matte
Brand: Ibanez
Rating: 5 (5 reviews)

Multi-scale 8-string Electric Guitar with Nyatoh Body, Maple/Walnut Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, and 2 Active Humbucking Pickups - Classic Silver Matte

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Item ID: RGDMS8CSM

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Ibanez Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 Multi-scale 8-string Electric Guitar - Classic Silver Matte

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Ibanez Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 Multi-scale 8-string Electric Guitar - Classic Silver Matte

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This High-octane RGD Was Made for Modern Metal

Looking for the ultimate modern metal machine? Your search stops at the Ibanez Axe Design Lab RGDMS8. Built around an ultra-comfortable nyatoh body, this multi-scale 8-string behemoth is as metal as it gets. Imagine tearing through your most furious leads and riffs with nothing to stand in your way. That's exactly how the RGDMS8's 5-piece Wizard III-8 and 24-fret Macassar ebony fingerboard feel, and its multi-scale design brings new meaning to the word "ergonomic." You'll benefit from a massive smorgasbord of high-octane tones, thanks to Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, with zero added noise and a coil-tap switch thrown in for good measure. You also get a Mono-rail hardtail bridge, which yields optimal vibration transfer and maximum playing comfort — an essential for players who employ copious amounts of palm-muted chugging. The RGDMS8 also includes Gotoh locking tuners and a head-turning satin finish. If you're ready to unleash all your pent-up firepower, the Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 is primed to take it.

Incredibly fast Wizard III-8 neck

Ibanez Wizard necks are thin and built for speed, and they enable effortless playability and comfort. The Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 takes that design to the next level with its 5-piece maple/walnut Wizard III-8 neck. You'll execute lightning-fast runs, arpeggios, and hammer-ons with ease. Capping the Wizard neck is a 24-fret Macassar ebony fingerboard loaded with jumbo frets. An ultra-ergonomic multi-scale design rounds out the RGDMS8's impressive features.

Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers

The Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers in the Ibanez Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 deliver the most sought-after humbucking tones, from modern active to high-output humbucking. Unlike most wire-wound models, Fluence pickups manage to serve up this massive tone arsenal without noise or inductance issues. On top of that, Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers provide you with your choice of two distinctly different voices. You can change the voicing via a dedicated push-pull pot on the guitar's volume knob. Beyond that, a coil-tap switch unlocks additional sonic textures.

Mono-rail bridge optimizes string vibrations

The Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 features Ibanez's Mono-rail bridge, which uses a single bridge piece for each individual string. The guitarists here at Sweetwater have found that this provides tighter component coupling and improves the transfer of string vibrations to the tonewood for a purer, more resonant sound. Additionally, it prevents the vibration of strings from impacting each other, which can increase articulation.

Ibanez Axe Design Lab RGDMS8 Multi-scale 8-string Electric Guitar Features:

8-string electric guitar facilitates extend-range exploration
Resonant nyatoh body with a comfortably contoured shape
Comfortable 5-piece maple/walnut Wizard III-8 neck is topped with an ultra-playable Macassar ebony fingerboard
24 jumbo frets are tailor-made for big note bends
Multi-scale design yields an ultra-ergonomic playing experience
2 Fishman Fluence Modern Humbuckers yield aggressive yet articulate high-gain tones
Push-pull volume pot unlocks 2 distinctly different voices for each pickup
Coil-tap switch unlocks additional sonic textures
Gotoh MG-T locking machine heads make string changes fast and easy
Mono-rail single-string bridge configuration optimizes string vibration
Head-turning satin finish

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Tech Specs

General
Model Axe Design Lab RGDMS8
Number of Strings 8
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape RG Doublecut
Body Material Nyatoh
Body Finish Satin Polyurethane
Color Classic Silver Matte
Neck
Neck Material 5-piece Maple/Walnut
Neck Finish Satin Polyurethane
Neck Shape Wizard III-8
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 15.74"
Fingerboard Material Macassar Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Offset Dots
Number of Frets 24
Fret Type Jumbo
Fret Material Nickel
Scale Length 25.5"-27.2"
Scale Length Type Multi-scale
Nut Width 2.165"
Nut Material Plastic
Hardware
Bridge/Tailpiece Ibanez Mono-rail bridge
Tuners Gotoh MG-T Locking
Electronics
Neck Pickup Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico 9 Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic 9 Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume (push/pull voicing)
Switching 2-way mini-switch (Fishman voice), 3-way toggle pickup switch
Miscellaneous
Strings D'Addario EXL120-8, .009-.065
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately
Manufacturer Part Number: RGDMS8CSM

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Reviews

4.9

Customer Photos & Videos

In a nutshell: if you are looking for an 8-string electric guitar for modern metal that does everything you need it to do, I found this to be a perfect fit, and it continues to deliver everyday.

First things first: this is an 8-string guitar, so you have two extra strings that are below low E (a low B and F# in standard tuning). These two deeper strings allow you to play all the cool modern metal stuff that tends to rely on these low note strings. If you want to play stuff from Mick Gordon's Doom: Eternal soundtrack or anything from Sleep Token, this is the way to go. The neck is wider of course than a 6-string but the neck profile is a Wizard thin D, so after my adjustment phase (which was surprisingly quick) I found that I felt just as comfortable hitting all the frets as I did on a 6-string.

Plus, the fretboard radius is much flatter than a standard guitar, so I have found the fingerboard action to be much faster and easier. The fanned frets were the biggest adjustment for me, but that still only took about a day to get used to. Furthermore, the neck back has a super smooth satin coating, so your hand will slide along for fast riffs with ease. This overall "feel" felt like a massive upgrade, so much so that I do not see myself relying on 6-strings anymore at all.

Second thing: the pickups. These are top-of-the-line Fishman pickups. Your bridge pickup is ceramic (the most silent material out there), and your neck pickup is alnico. You get intense, bold treble-focused tones from the bridge and silky-smooth bassier tones from the neck. Like most modern guitarists have realized, you really only need these two pickups since a middle pickup just sounds like a muddy combination of the other two. This guitar does have the middle position available on the pickup switch, but I just don't use it. It's either one or the other for me, but knock yourself out if using both pickups at once suits your fancy. In any case, these are the cleanest, purest sounding pickups I've used and as a result they make your tone sound excellent in any genre, from metal and rock to classical and jazz.

TECHNICAL NOTES: You push in the gold knob to make the pickups active (powered by the battery and sound "hotter") and pull out the gold knob to make the pickups passive (not powered by the battery and sound more "classic rock"). You keep the little black metal switch down (off) to make the pickups use both coils (louder, bolder, more "modern metal"), or you push the little black metal switch up (on) to make the pickups only use one coil (softer, mellower, more "rock"). Since I go for modern metal, I keep the gold knob pushed in and the little black metal switch down. Again, make the adjustments that suit your fancy but if modern metal is why you got this guitar, stick with my settings.

Third thing: your actual bridge is static and has an individual spot for each string. This makes changing strings and staying in tune the easiest things in the world. If you're like me and can't stand using a floating bridge like a Floyd Rose, where string changes and ACTUALLY staying in tune are both as difficult as pulling teeth, this feature of this guitar could be a full selling point all on its own. (Note on tuning: the fanned frets also allow each individual string to stay in tune better with the proper scale length needed for each). I get enough vibrato just bending my strings and I've just never liked Whammy bar effects, so I am one of those anti-Whammy Bar players. That being said, no matter who you are as a guitar player, you will definitely appreciate this guitar's design when you do your first string change and don't hear those little or occasionally MAJOR out-of-tune moments after bending on a floating bridge.

Fourth: the overall aesthetic is just awesome. You think metal or modern metal and you probably expect a solid black guitar, or some other dark color or design. This guitar is an eye-catcher. The platinum body paint combined with solid white pickups with a dark ebony fretboard and maple/walnut runner neck and gold fixtures suggests a heavenly or angelic inspiration, a serious subversion of most people's metal expectations. I like that approach from the opposite spectrum of design. There's a certain mystery to what you'll play when you pull this guitar out, which (as a metal player) I find is a perfect nod to the counter-culture approach of metal in general. The ONLY gripe I have about the guitar comes from the aesthetic design though. They should have painted from the headstock to the nut, and not left the ebony exposed at the top (not a big deal since that gets covered by my Gruv wrap anyway), and I think that the little black switch should be chrome just like the pickup switch (not a big deal either since it's barely noticeable).

Fifth and finally: This guitar is currently just $ and I think that is a bargain to say the least. This guitar is made at Ibanez Indonesia so that helps. But if you have any qualms about buying Ibanez outside of Ibanez Japan, I will tell you that this guitar holds right up to the Ibanez Prestige made in Japan I've used as well. To be clear, I am not sure I could tell any difference unless Ibanez decided to make a Prestige version of this guitar and I compared them side by side. Until that day, this guitar is perfection, and built to the same standards as Ibanezs built in Japan.

To conclude: if you are looking for the perfect guitar for modern metal that needs an 8-string and does literally everything, this isn't just a winner... it's a champion.

Ever since I received this guitar I've been playing it for 6 hours a day. It is incredibly light for an 8-string and the matte finish feels so nice to the touch. This guitar is effortless to play right out of the box with the weight of the body and the neck finish as well as the lightning fast ebony fretboard your hands never get fatigued. feels amazing and the tones you get are wonderful anything from glassy percussive tones with lots of pop for the single coil switch and modern metal sound from the humbuckers. I'd highly recommend if it's your first time buying an 8 string you can barely even tell the fanned frets are there.

In the world of extended range guitars, the Ibanez RGDMS8 is a forward-thrusting juggernaut, a masterwork of modern design and tonal adaptability. Sleek, powerful, and cybertronic in presence, it's a guitar that dares you to redefine your creative boundaries. Whether you're exploring polyrhythmic metal, Cosmic Worship symphonies in homage to our heavenly Creator of the multiverse with immersive soundscapes in Christ like perfection, or avant-garde composition, this 8 string machine delivers with clarity and precision. The monorail bridge system maximizes sustain and intonation stability.

The angled fret layout feels surprisingly natural, aiding both lead fluency and chordal clarity.

It's the kind of guitar that looks as if it were pulled from a scifi concept film about neural linked musicians playing sets on orbital stations. Low-end stays tight and punchy, ideal for drop-tuned metal riffs and cinematic rumble.

High notes retain a crystalline shimmer perfect for jazz voicings or ambient passages.

This is a guitar that excels in both precision and experimentation. Despite its imposing appearance, the RGDMS8 plays with finesse. The Wizard II 8 neck is slim, smooth, and intuitive, encouraging extended playing sessions without fatigue. Even players new to multiscale necks will find the adjustment curve relatively gentle. A Note of Thanks for Sweetwater & Tom Maxwell

This remarkable instrument didn't just appear in my hands. it arrived by divine mandate through the exceptional care and service of Sweetwater. In a market flooded with vendors, Sweetwater stood out as the gold standard in customer-focused excellence. Their market pricing was unbeatable, but what truly impressed me was their flexibility and willingness to work with my specific financial needs (something most retailers would shy away from.)

A massive shoutout to Tom Maxwell, my dedicated Sales Engineer, whose attention to detail, professionalism, and follow through made this entire experience not just possible, but genuinely uplifting. From personalized support to seamless logistics, Tom ensured this futuristic guitar found its way into my creative arsenal. Sweetwater didn't just beat the competition, they redefined what customer care should look like in the world of music gear.

I've only had this guitar for a few days and I already feel like I should be buried with it. The sound of the fishman moderns, the feel of the neck and fretboard, and the overall color choices make this guitar an irreplaceable addition to my collection.

I 100% recommend this 8 string to anyone looking for extended range in this price point. You seriously won't regret it.

I'm an avid recent intermediate guitarist that has started to experiment with different genres and love this guitar so much. I've had it about 6 months now, and the active pickups do a great job of boosting string sound/minimizing the buzz. The fretboard feels so good, and the neck radius is really flat. I was able to adjust to the 8 strings fairly quickly and now feels so natural. I was interested in playing with fanned frets, and I gotta say, I'm mixed. Playing certain stretched out chords on the lower frets can be a bit of a struggle to reach; the higher fret range feels really good though. If you tend to play in the 7-15 fret area, this will feel great.
Something I immediately noticed was that the independent scale lengths allow for the high E to feel a lot more mobile than my strat. The low string has that bounce that feels great, and bends are such a smooth and easy experience!

Overall an amazing guitar to add to anyone's collection!