An 8-string headless guitar that has a body shaped like a Boden/Shoggie and a trem that can pull up like a Floyd. Oh, that with a single bridge pickup and volume knob would be nice too!
I literally just use Strandbergs at this point. Easily the most comfortable ones to use right now. Otherwise, I’d just go with PRS SEs at that price range and save some coin for potential QOL upgrades like strap locks and locking tuners.
Plays quite well, looks nice, no complaints. It’s a B-stock so got a discount on it as well. I guess I’m lucky not to have the QC issues people have from more recent builds. Or I’m just less picky and really haven’t noticed them, if any. Lol.
TL,DR, Do it. I like mine. But ymmv. :)
If you’re starting out in an 8 string and a headless, you can’t go wrong with Strandbergs. Really comfy at least for me. And way cheaper too.
Having said that, Skervesens seem a lot nicer. And have more options. And more expensive.
So you can do like me and have the Strandberg first. Then...
Last time I was there which was like almost ten years ago, I remember only seeing them at Makati and it was rather small.
For me, it was Audiophile for Ibanez and JB Music for the rest. Perfect Pitch had the odd selection every once in a while and PJC at Ortigas Home Depot had the hard to find...
All I want right now is an 8-string Strandberg with a trem. So basically, a production version of those used by Beyond Creation.
Then after that, a similar 9 string version. But baby steps. Lol.
I just noticed OP wants the guitar to be comfortable. If you can up your budget a bit, Strandberg has a Salen for sale at EUR1288. That or a Standard for EUR1320. If you can get past how it looks, they are the most comfortable ones I've played so far. I have the Boden 8 for reference and it...
Of the OPs two choices, I'd get the Ibanez no question. It's from the Prestige line so the quality is there. From that price range, I'd also look at Solars and PRSi SE. Maybe PRSi S2 if you get lucky on clearance or used sales.