Harley Benton 8 String Jazzmaster - Andrew Baena Sig

[The Monster With .]

I like the body shape, but I like offsets. That headstock is pretty gross, though. HB seems to struggle with headstocks in general, imo.

And I could see filing down the neck heel on a guitar this inexpensive (probably), but it's odd to me that at this point they still make those big bulky heels. I can't imagine it's too much of a difference to have the CNC cut that down at the factory.

I would hope that maybe the neck heel isn't as bad as it looks once your playing it, but I have my doubts.

 

[Ray-T]

From my limited experience they were level but not polished.

Actually that was one of the main reasons I realized Youtube "reviews" aren't worth a cent when I found that all Harley Bentons I tried have unpolished frets and no one mentions that.

 

[Ordacleaphobia]

A quarter century ago they made the Squier Stratocaster VII.

Haha damn I knew it was a while back but I wouldn't have guessed it was that long ago.
Wonder why they didn't try again when 7s had their surge in popularity.

 

[GenghisCoyne]

I kind of figured that was gonna be your response.

Doubles down on telling you "sweety touch grass"

 

[AwakenTheSkies]

I think the 7&8 string market would show some interest that... I haven't been too interested in most things Fender for a while, but I'd definitely try one.

I don't know... honestly I live in my own bubble and I have no idea what the guitar public wants. To me it seems like Squier is really aimed at beginners buying their first guitar, and affordable 8 strings are mostly aimed at the ultra modern metal crowd, with flashy finishes and Fishman pickups or EMGs.
But the idea of a twangy 8 string that doesn't cost 4k sounds really fun

 

[Ray-T]

sweety touch grass

I think it's called seafoam green.