I have had a bit of an itch for an 8-string for a while now, but as usual I've managed to create a list in my head of requirements which interlock very precisely to result in there being no suitable solution - multiscale, not too weird a shape, and not daft money.
Ideally not built to order as I am an awful customer.
That seemed to leave a Jackson and an Ibanez, both black superstrat types. Then I had a look at Carvin, now Kiesel, and they do a Tele shaped guitar and a roughly LP-shaped guitar that meet all the requirements, and (massive bonus) have configurators on which I can waste hours and hours until I don't actually need to buy anything at all. They seem fairly sensibly priced, even allowing for shipping and import costs.
Don't worry about the colour schemes on these. We all know if I order something it'll be sparkly blue.
https://www.kieselguitars.com/images/sm8/2guitars-sm8-1.jpghttps://www.kieselguitars.com/images/scbm8/2guitars-scbm8-1.jpg
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The moment it lands, of course, it'll have a resale value of about £3.50!
I think I prefer that shape to the more Tele-ish one. This is a bit pale but I think it works in a solid finish too:
https://www.kieselguitars.com/guitargallery/images/full/scbm8-129303_gallery.jpg
View my feedback at www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/1201922
T shape is lovely. Get one and tell us how it is so we can live vicariously through you.
All have been pretty consistently great .
I especially enjoy the fact that they now have ( and did for a period between 98-08) graphite rods in the neck.
They also now have a lot of the things that other manufacturers have as an upgrade as standard ( luminlay side dots, SS frets, choosing the radius up to 20" radius) plus the ability to have it semi hollow, too.
If SS is too hard , try the gold evo fret option as this is between SS and nickel .
I'd really like a hollow Vader , but am waiting to see if one turns up second hand.
It is a try it out sort of thing...
I've not played a Kiesel, only Carvins, which were OK, but not as good as the Suhrs (or even the Ibanezes) I compared them with.
Like @Dave_Mc, I've seen what I thought were a lot of complaints about QC, often centering around the fabled "Option 50". Have a look on Sevenstring.org and Metalguitarist.org, Chief.
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