Schecter: Damien Elite-8

This is perhaps one of the most affordable 8-string model in the market ($820 @ Davis) & a well-constructed one indeed (from Korea's WMI factory, the same facility churning out PRS' SE models in the mean time & some of Ibanez's Prestige makes when they were still made there, the high QC is evident across brand names- thumbs up!!). The EMG 808 'buckers in there are deserving pickups for the money but I'm not quite an EMG fan (in the mean time). I only like them in my ESP Eclipse II, they have failed to entice me in other guitars.

This might be a little trifling for some of us but the Schecter 8-string models sport a 26.5" scale length, a little shorter compared to the Ibanez offering- 27". Despite this small difference, as the 8-string in general involves much bulk & excessive materials in every way, it affects playability. The Schecter needed lesser efforts to play as opposed to my Ibanez RG2228, the only consideration preventing me from getting it as I tested it out yesterday, was the EMG. I've asked Janet to consider bringing in the Blackjack version as that one features a pair of active Duncans.