The guitar has evolved greatly since its inception in the 15th century. As it turns out, the seven-stringed guitar is one of these instruments that have made immense strides in design and function. We’ve rounded up some of the best 7-string guitars coming to market for your consideration in the next few years.
There are a lot of benefits with a 7-string guitar, and with the amount of new 7-string guitars coming out, it is getting easier to find one that will have plenty of options for what you need.
This list includes some different budget-friendly options from manufacturers such as ESP, Fender, Squier, and more.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
The 7-string guitar is a bit of a niche instrument, making it more difficult to come across one. However, if you’re looking for a new instrument and want to explore this genre of guitars in particular, there are many options available on the market.
The two most common bodies are solid body and semi-hollow, and the only difference between these two is the construction method used. Both offer similar tonal characteristics.
The Squier Affinity Stratocaster :
Squire’s entry-level line of guitar, the Affinity Strat is a good budget buy for someone who wants to try out the seven-string guitar. It features their trademark bolt-on neck joint, which allows for greater adjustability in the front of the body.
The Jackson RR7 :
Jackson’s entry into the seven-string 8-string guitar market happens to be one of the best. We’re impressed by this brand’s attention to detail and how close they come to replicating what you’ll find on premium guitars; but, at an affordable price.
5 Best 7-String Guitars
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Schecter Hellraiser C-7 FR 7-String Electric (Guitar Black Cherry)
- Set-Neck w/ Ultra Access
- Abalone Gothic Cross Inlays
- EMG Active 707-TW pickups
- Original Floyd Rose Tremolo
- Limited Lifetime Guarantee
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Schecter Hellraiser C-7 FR 7-String Electric (Guitar Black Cherry) is a guitar designed and made by Schecter Guitar Research, which is one of the largest manufacturers of musical instruments in the United States.
Pros :
- 7 strings
- Carrying case
- Rosewood fretboard and 24 jumbo frets deliver a smoother, more comfortable action
Locking tuners for tuning stability and accuracy
Cons :
- The guitar neck is a little bit slim for comfort
- As a 7-string guitar the larger strings take more time to sound as you play
- Some minor fret buzz
2. Sterling By MusicMan 7 String Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci Signature Guitar, JP157, Neptune Blue, (JP157-NBL)
- Guitar featuring the iconic Music Man John Petrucci signature series design with Neptune Blue finish
- Precision built with African Mahogany body, Roasted Maple neck and fretboard for a bold feel and smooth playability
- 2 Sterling by Music Man designed humbuckers coupled with a 12dB 'push-push' active boost combained with a Modern Tremolo
- All Sterling by Music Man guitars receive final set-up and inspection in USA and come with a padded gigbag
- Equipped with Ernie Ball strings to provide durability and optimum performance
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Sterling JP-157 is a guitar with a body made of Alder and Maple, it has an original Floyd Rose tremolo system and Seymour Duncan pickups. The top of the guitar is covered in John Petrucci’s signature Neptune Blue finish.
Pros :
- Incredible, vintage sound
- Lightweight and contoured for comfort
- Custom tuners and fingerboard inlay with an eye-catching 7-string design
Cons :
- Price. At a starting price of $799, this guitar competes with brands that are known as some of the best in the industry.
- Strange Design Elements. There are some unusual elements to this guitar, such as the three digit serial number engraved on the back plate and an outline of an octopus on the headstock.
3. Ibanez RG Series RG7421PB 7-String Electric Guitar Flat Sapphire Blue
- Sapphire Blue Flat finish
- 3pc Maple "Wizard II-7" neck
- Poplar Burl top/ Mahogany body
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Pearl dot inlay
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ibanez RG Series RG7421PB Electric Guitar is made for two-handed tapping.
It has an Alder body with a Flat Sapphire Blue finish.
Pros :
- The Ibanez RG series is an award winning electric guitar that has no rival.
- It provides the best of both worlds between a Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul guitar.
Cons :
- The neck is a little too wide.
- This guitar has a Floyd Rose which is not good for lower string tuning because the strings will go out of tune.
4. ESP LTD EC-257 7-String Electric Guitar, Black Satin
- A great extended range guitar that doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg
- Affordable for just about any musician, and allow you to explore the depths of lower pitches for today’s modern sounds
- Feature excellent ESP Designed pickups, a comfortable mahogany body, and a three-piece mahogany necks
- Also features a roasted jatoba fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets, and offers a TOM bridge and tailpiece
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The ESP LTD EC-257 7-String Electric Guitar is a mid-range electric guitar that is an excellent option for beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitar players. It has a mahogany body with a solid spruce top and a quilted maple neck.
Pros :
- 7-string guitar with 25.5″ scale
- Grover Imperial Tuning Machines
- Rosewood fretboard
Cons :
- The neck is very straight and may be uncomfortable for people with shorter hands
- The pickups are average quality
5. Dean C750X MRD Custom Series 7-String Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Metallic Red
- Basswood Top
- Bolt-On Neck
- Rosewood Fingerboard
- Black Hardware
- Basswood Body
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Dean Guitars presents the C750X MRD Custom Series 7-String Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Metallic Red. This guitar features Seymour Duncan JB TB4 and Jazz SH2N humbuckers that each gives you a versatile range of tones.
Pros :
Dean’s pack includes a gig bag
- 24.75-inch scale length
- Acoustically resonant mahogany body
- Maple neck with 9
Cons :
- Dean guitars may seem a bit pricey, especially considering the cheaper prices of their competitors.
- Some say it’s not the best-sounding instrument on offer, but it has a unique sound which you can’t get from any other guitar.
Conclusion :
The guitar is an instrument that has been around for hundreds of years, and it is still one of the most popular instruments in America. With its history dating back to the early 1800s, there are quite a few different types of guitars that have come about during this time.
FAQ:
Q: What is the best 7 string guitar?
A: Ibanez RG7321 Review. This is easily our number one used 7 string guitar choice,especially as you can often get them as low as$250 on Reverb or Ebay. Ibanez RG7420 Review. … Schecter C7 Hellraiser Review. … ESP LTD MH-417 Review. …
Q: Should you buy a 7 string guitar?
A: It just depends on what you want to play. Get a 7 string if you want to play what a 7 string will play, you just have to realize though that a 7 string is an entirely different instrument than a 6 string. If you are limited on funds, you will get a better playing guitar for less many with six strings.
Q: What do bands use a 7 string guitar?
A: Crossfade Jaxon Benge – Hed PE John Petrucci – Dream Theater Matt Bellamy – Muse Korn Mike Mushok – Staind Miya ( Mucc) Nickelback (on ” Burn It to the Ground “) Olli Tukiainen – Poets of the Fall Ruud Jolie – Within Temptation
Q: What’s the purpose of a 7 string guitar?
A: 7’s are built to go low: Sure,you can take your favorite Les Paul 6-string and permanently tune it to ‘B’ or ‘Drop B’ tuning,but unless you really want … 6’s just don’t sound the same: We had this conversation earlier today in TTK’s Tone Lounge. … Expand Your Range! …