Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF8 MS - Stained Mahogany

8-string Solidbody Electric Guitar with Mahogany Body, Maple Neck, Laurel Fingerboard and 2 Humbucking Pickups - Stained Mahogany

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Item ID: XDKAF8LSM

Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF8 MS - Stained Mahogany

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While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it due to our great relationship with Jackson. Go ahead and place your order and we'll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it. Estimated August 2026.

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Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF8 MS - Stained Mahogany

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Q: What is the benefit of the multi-scale design on the Jackson DKAF8 MS?

The multi-scale design, with a 26"-28" scale length, provides improved intonation and string tension across all eight strings. This means clearer low notes and easier bending on the higher strings. It also offers a more ergonomic feel for your fretting hand, adapting to the natural angle of your wrist as you play.

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Q: Who is the Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF8 MS designed for?

This 8-string multi-scale guitar is perfect for players exploring extended range techniques, djent, progressive metal, and other heavy genres. Its comfortable Dinky body and Speed neck cater to fast playing, while the powerful Jackson humbuckers deliver the aggressive tones needed for modern music. Both experienced players and those new to 8-strings will appreciate its features.

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Q: What kind of sound do the Jackson Uncovered Blade Humbuckers produce?

The Jackson Uncovered 8-string Blade Humbuckers are designed to deliver high-output, articulate tones essential for extended-range guitars. They provide a clear, powerful sound with excellent note definition, even with heavy distortion and low tunings. These pickups ensure your riffs cut through the mix, making them ideal for aggressive playing styles.

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Q: How does the Dinky body shape and neck contribute to playability?

The Dinky Arch Top body is lightweight and contoured for comfortable playing, whether standing or sitting. Paired with the Speed neck profile and 12"-16" compound radius laurel fingerboard, it allows for effortless movement across all 24 jumbo frets. This combination makes fast runs and complex chords feel natural, enhancing your overall playing experience.

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Extended-Range Beast from Jackson

Looking for an extended-range beast that can lay down heavy riffs as easily as it can rip a solo? The Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF8 MS is what you’re after. This 8-string multi-scale guitar is equipped with a maple neck, compound-radius laurel fingerboard, and 24 multi-scale jumbo frets. This makes for a seriously playable guitar that doesn’t just feel good — it sounds even better. It’s loaded with a pair of Jackson 8-string blade humbucking pickups that produce a cohesive high-output tone that doesn’t fall apart under high gain. If you’re looking for a guitar that brings playing comfort and rowdy tone to the table, look no further than the Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF8 MS.

Compound-radius fretboard is perfect for hybrid players

Compound-radius fretboards are becoming more popular each year due to their playability and low action. They have a smaller radius at the nut and a larger radius at the higher end of the fretboard. This aids in soloing, bending, and comfort. As such, it’s no surprise that some of the biggest names in music use compound-radius fretboards. The Jackson DKAF8 MS has a radius that ranges from 12"–16". When you’re playing, you’ll notice that playing chords is easier than usual and that your massive bends won’t fret out on the higher frets.

Multi-scale frets

In addition to its super-playable compound-radius, the laurel fretboard is equipped with 24 multi-scale jumbo frets. A multi-scale fretboard evens out string tension by giving each string its own scale length. This building technique keeps the bass strings tight and snappy while allowing the treble strings to remain flexible. The Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF8 MS’s multi-scale fretboard ranges from 26"–28".

Premium hardware and electronics

The Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF8 MS has all the features of a high-end rock machine. Its all-black hardware includes staggered individual bridge saddles that keep your guitar perfectly intonated, sealed tuners, control knobs, and strap buttons. The guitar is also loaded with Jackson’s uncovered 8-string blade humbuckers that you can shape with three simple controls — master volume, master tone, and 3-way pickup selector switch.

Jackson X Series Dinky Arch Top DKAF8 MS Solidbody Electric Guitar Features:

Mahogany body provides balanced, resonant tone
Graphite-reinforced maple neck resists bowing
12"–16" compound-radius fingerboard makes hybrid playing easy
26"–28" multi-scale frets improve string tension and intonation
Dual humbucker pickups provide rowdy but controllable tone
Simple controls make dialing in your tone easier than ever
Sealed die-cast tuners provide unmatched tuning stability

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Tech Specs

General
Number of Strings 8
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape X Series Dinky
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Satin
Color Stained Mahogany
Neck
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Speed
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 12"-16" compound
Fingerboard Material Laurel
Fingerboard Inlay Offset Dots
Number of Frets 24, Jumbo
Scale Length 26"-28"
Scale Length Type Multi-scale
Nut Width 1.875"
Nut Material Black Plastic
Hardware
Bridge/Tailpiece Staggered Individual Saddles
Tuners Jackson Sealed Die-cast
Electronics
Neck Pickup Jaackson Uncovered 8-string Blade Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Jaackson Uncovered 8-string Blade Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Miscellaneous
Strings Nickel Plated Steel, .010-.074
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately
Manufacturer Part Number: 2911638557

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Reviews

4.4

Customer Photos & Videos

So far I'm liking the guitar! It has good build quality and good feel. It is my first 8 string guitar so my expectations were pretty low. For the price I'd say it was a good purchase. There are some imperfections on the red stain in the neck bolt holes, and around some of the hardware. I noticed when I removed the truss rod cover that there were misaligned holes where the screws go, but they are hidden by the cover. The biggest disappointment are the pickups. They are VERY microphonic and feedback really bad. I own the 7 string version and those are way better when it comes to that. I'm guessing that these are a bad batch of pickups. I'll either have to wax pot these or upgrade which really sucks. If the pickups were potted better or were higher quality like my 7 string version I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5.

Djent meets Jazz. Everything about this 8 string is perfect. The open blade pick-ups are clear and clean. Add the mono string bridge and each note rings true. There was a slight learning curve going from a fender squire 6 string and a shecter Damion 6 to an 8 string multi-scale but it was well worth it. It's more red than it looks in the pictures which is a good thing,trust me. Now the shipping. 2 days... Seriously. When it showed up it had a sticker on the box that said to wait 24 hours before opening. I know right, but I made it. Just buy it.

Love the look of the stained mahogany finish and Blade humbuckers! Right out of the box the guitar has great tone and feel, lots of clarity and bite. I was shopping around for replacement pickups before it even showed up, but I'm going to hold off after seeing and playing it in person! I had a gloss black Dinky 8-string previously as well, and in both cases the build quality on these Jackson 8-strings is off the charts. Highly recommended!

I wanted to get an 8 string multiscale guitar that wouldn't break the bank. I'm more than satisfied this Jackson considering the price. The quality of the neck, frets and overall playability of the instrument are excellent. I saw in some reviews people criticized the neck joint but it is not really that intrusive. Nothing you're not used to if you play strats. The neck is thin and fast, yet comfortable and inviting. The multiscale length clearly allows for improved tone/tension of all strings. I've got it tuned to "Meshuggah tuning", half step down on all strings, so the low F# is F. The high strings feel and sound "normal" like on a standard scale 6 string, a big plus.

The pickups do the job but are somewhat noisy. They are among the better stock pickups out there though. I may or not replace them. The bridge is pretty decent and allows for easy action adjustment. As expected from Sweetwater this guitar came shipped to me with excellent setup.

The only real negative I have is the quality of the diecast tuners. They do not seem to hold tuning that well on the higher strings after intense playing and lots of string bending. I plan to install some locking tuners that will take care of this. If you are looking to gig or record a lot with this guitar be mindful of that.

I've owned two of these, one in the black finish which was a dud, and one in the red stain which was an excellent guitar. I've owned 8s from a handful of other brands (Ibanez, Agile) and I just wish I hadn't sold my red DKAF8. It had the best neck feel and action out of the bunch that I've owned. Decent weight and balance, very attractive finish, good fretwork and materials.

As one other reviewer said, the tuners are cheap and should be upgraded. I did have issues with it holding tuning. I also would've liked to see the bridge for the 8th string set a little farther back for better intonation with, say, an 80 size string. The stock pickups are *fine* I guess but I swapped them out. Only problem here is finding 9 string size humbuckers - most aftermarket options are soapbars at this size. Probably the biggest issue I had was with the nut shape and angle. Doing quick runs down to the first fret from higher on the fretboard usually resulted in my index finger catching on the corner of the nut. Very uncomfortable. This could be solved with a file and some effort, but it's still not ideal.

Ultimately, I'd recommend this guitar, especially as a first 8 string for an intermediate player. The 28-26" scale spread is perfectly comfortable and provided ample tension using a 74 low F. The neck is remarkably stable for how thin it is. If an RG8 neck wears you out, this is the antidote.

See also: 8 String Electric Guitars, Jackson, Jackson 8-string Guitars