The 7-string guitar was introduced to the world in 1990 by Ibanez. After several years of little to no sales, the brand rolled back the production, and the 7-string guitar seemingly died.
Luckily, it wasn’t long until in 1997, Ibanez started to produce them again after tons of musicians wanted more of the diverse and wide range of tones that a 7-string guitar offered.
Today, we want to introduce you to some of the best cheap 7 string guitars in the market, and let you know how the right one can change your whole playing experience.
Contents
Cheap 7 String Guitars Comparison Table (Top Picks)
| Brand | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ibanez GRG Electric Guitar | |
| Schecter OMEN | |
| Schecter Hellraiser | |
| Schecter BANSHEE | |
| Schecter Gloss Natural | |
| JS Series Dinky Arch | |
| ESP LTD EC-257 | |
| Charvel Angel DK24-7 Nova | |
| ESP LTD EC-407 | |
| Ibanez Axion RGD71AL | |
| Ibanez GRG |
You’ll learn precisely why it is such a sought-after type of guitar, and why so many musicians love it. So take a look!
Top 11 Best Cheap 7 String Guitars On The Market 2021 Reviews (You Can’t Dismiss)
First, let’s go over some of the highest-quality 7-string guitars in the market. We chose 11 models that were not only of the highest quality but also relatively cheap (under $1500).
After several hours reading all about them and researching both their worst and best features, here’s what we found:
01. Ibanez GRG 7 String Solid-Body Electric Guitar
Highlighted Features
- Quilted Maple Art Grain Top
- 24 Jumbo Frets
- Poplar body
Gorgeous and super playable, the GRG-7 from Ibanez takes the throne as the best model you can get for the cost. Despite its incredible performance and design, the durability and sound it offers are outstanding.
Good-Looking Design
The first thing you’ll notice about this guitar is the exquisite Quilted Maple Art Grain on the top. Coming with a high-gloss finish, you can enjoy one of the most enticing guitars on the list.
Add the Treated New Zealand Pine fretboard, and it becomes a go-to choice for people who love beautiful guitars.
Don’t forget it is available in a Transparent Black Sunburst finish, in Metallic Light Blue, and in Gloss White. Either option will look outstanding on your hands.
Next-Level Construction
Want the guitar to sound amazing? Then you’ll have to consider its construction over anything else. This one boasts a Poplar body that lasts and ensures delicate sound at all times.
The fretboard pine adds up to the softness and playability this guitar offers.
Top-Notch Sound Delivery
The Infinity R7 humbucking pickups along with the 24 jumbo frets and the Fixed 7 bridge will ensure the most outstanding sound you can expect.
You can go to the lowest notes and play the most electric sounds with little effort. If you’re a metal-oriented player, then you’ll love this sound capacity.
Pros
- Exceptional build for sound & durability
- Looks gorgeous from any angle
- Decently comfortable for its size
- Amazingly affordable
Cons
- A bit rough fretboard
02. Schecter OMEN-7 7-String Electric Guitar
Highlighted Features
- Schecter Diamond Plus pickups
- Basswood body
- Available in 3 colors
For seasoned and beginners alike, the Omen guitar series from Schecter is among the cheapest yet most quality-oriented models you can find. You won’t have to worry about a single thing – especially for such an affordable cost.
Superb Construction
A combination of a high-quality maple neck with a basswood body and Mahogany carved maple top – you get one of the most durable guitars in the market.
But it is not the resilience that stands out, it is the ability to produce a next-level sound quality you will love the most.
The guitar is built with a bolt-on process. And it also comes with rosewood fingerboard, adding the extra touch of smoothness so you can play with ease.
Amazingly Attractive
This is a guitar filled with visual touches that few people will ever notice completely. One of these is the inlays set on the fingerboard.
This also matches with the edge colors, the chrome finish over a quilted maple top. You get the chance to pick the BLK, the VWHT, or the WSN color options as needed.
Magnificent Sound & Tweaks
When it comes to sound quality, you get everything a mahogany and basswood body has to offer. But this is only improved when you add the Diamond Plus pickup from Schecter.
It works amazingly well with the Tone, 3-way Switch, and Volume controls so you can tweak as much as you want.
Pros
- Has an unbeatably beautiful design
- It’s super-comfy and playable
- Decent cost for its superb quality
- Sounds amazing every time
Cons
- Back construction scratches easily
03. Schecter Hellraiser C-7 FR 7-String Electric Guitar
Highlighted Features
- EMG Active 707-TW pickups
- 24 X-Jumbo frets
- 5-inch scale
Coming back with Schecter, we now find the Hellraiser C-7 FR. As a 7-string guitar being slightly more expensive than its cousins from the same brand, this model will surely meet all your expectations.
High-End Build & Sound
As soon as you grab the guitar, you’ll know it is designed to take your sound to another level. Combining a mahogany body with rosewood fretboard, it feels ultra-light while ensuring buzz-free sound.
This works well with the arched top design with Set-Neck and Ultra-Access – making it highly playable.
But all of that connects to the EMG Active 707-TW pickups and the Schecter locking tuners. You can adjust your sound in any way and achieve next-level delivery with ease.
Outstandingly Comfortable
With a 26.5-inch scale, the Hellraiser C-7 FR offers one of the highest playability in the list. It all comes down to its Thin C shape along with a 24 X-Jumbo fret design.
This matches well with the Graph Tech XL Black Tusq and a smooth rosewood fretboard. Achieving gentle or rough tones will take no effort.
Beautiful Design All-Around
Last but not least, the guitar looks terrific from every angle. First off, you’ll love the gloss color on top. It boasts an Abalone multi-ply binding on the sides.
And with the chrome graphics in BLK, VWHT, or WSN – it looks superb. Add the Gothic Gross inlay and the TonePros TOM bridge for an even more exciting look.
Pros
- Exceptional playability & comfort
- Delivers fantastic sound every time
- Magnificent electronics for quality sound
- Next-level construction lasts a lifetime
Cons
- A bit expensive
04. Schecter Banshee Elite-7 FR Sustainiac 7-String Electric Guitar
Highlighted Features
- Swamp Ash Body
- Sustainiac pickup system
- 24 X-Jumbo frets
Quality guitars come at a cost. But that cost is wholly deserved, especially for models like the Banshee Elite-7 FR from Schecter. It offers everything you could need, plus a lot more.
Ultra-Comfy & Adjustable
The 7-string system makes it a total pleasure to use. But it is the addition of high-end components that genuinely stands out.
One of them is the Hipshot Hardtail Bridge, boasting exceptional stainless steel parts that last and make it super-easy to tweak as necessary.
Even them, you get the 24 X-Jumbo frets in an ebony fingerboard. Along with the superb and Neck-Thru construction with Ultra Access, playing will be not only easier but way more pleasant.
Unbeatable Sound Quality
You may think that for the price, the quality of the sound is just way too much. And well, you wouldn’t be wrong.
With the addition of a Sustainiac on the neck and a Supercharger Mach7 pickup, this guitar offers amazing sound versatility that even the most demanding player will love.
High-End Looks
If everything about its sound and body wasn’t enough, you still get one of the most beautiful guitars in the market. It comes with a Swamp Ash body with a Flamed Maple top. This offers extra durability and a gorgeous appearance all around.
Pair this up with a Mother of Pearl set of inlays and a Maple Walnut neck to enjoy an even more enticing guitar. Don’t forget about the Black Chrome hardware that adds an extra-exquisite look.
Pros
- Offers exquisite looks all around
- Incredibly comfy and playable design
- Unparalleled sound quality
- Easy to tune-up and tweak
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
05. Schecter C-7 MS SLS 7 Elite String Electric Guitar
Highlighted Features
- Fishman Fluence Modern pickups
- Swamp Ash Body material
- 5-inch scale design
You may be thinking that we love Shecter guitars – you wouldn’t be wrong. That’s why we couldn’t leave the C-7 MS SLS Elite out of the list, it is way too much to ignore.
Next-Level Build
If there’s something you won’t find a single problem with on this guitar is the construction. It boasts the highest-quality materials like a reinforced carbon fiber set of rods.
This pairs well with the Maple, Walnut, and Padauk neck-thru build.
With a Flamed Maple top, Swamp Ash body material, and Hipshot Hardtail bridge, it easily surpasses all your expectations in terms of quality. This guitar will last decades without problems.
Fantastic Comfort & Playability
Few things are more enticing on a guitar than a comfort-oriented body. This one offers exactly that with the ultra-access carve on the neck joint and the 24 X-Jumbo steel frets.
Using a 25.5-inch multi-scale Ebony fingerboard, Modern Alnico, and Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic pickups, this guitar sounds like no other.
You’ll get the power and expression capacity to achieve any tone you want, no matter the style you’re playing.
Highly Attractive Design
A striking look never goes overlooked. That’s why the C-7 MS SLS Elite is such an exceptional product. It boasts an outstandingly good-looking Swam Ash body with the Flame Maple top. Add the Ivory Binding with the Gloss and the Natural Pearl back to enjoy an excitingly beautiful guitar all around.
Pros
- Ultra-comfy and playable design
- Looks amazingly attractive
- Ensures maximum sound quality
- Tough and wear-resistant build
Cons
- Not the cheapest
06. Jackson JS22-7 HT AH Guitar
Highlighted Features
- Poplar body
- Dinky Body shape
- Satin urethane finish
If you’re looking for the cheapest 7-string guitar in the market, then you’ll find nothing more affordable than the JS22-7 from Jackson. It is a versatile and well-sounding model for people on a budget.
Great Playability
The first thing you’ll notice is the Dinky Arch Top design. Along with the 24-fret neck and the Jumbo net size, it is decently comfortable to use.
This matches well with the 12 to 16-inch compound radius Amaranth fingerboard design, adding extra smoothness for easy chord changes.
Top-Notch Sound Quality
Achieving the ideal sound is not easy, especially with a cheap guitar. But the JS22-7 DKA HT makes it all a piece of cake.
It boasts a three-way blade switch, a compensated string-through-body HT7 bridge, and a combination of high-output Humbucking pickups.
All of that pairs up well with the single tone and volume controls that will help you achieve the right sound no matter what you’re looking for.
Quality Build for the Cost
The last thing you’ll notice about this guitar is the great build quality. It comes with a body made of poplar, a maple neck, and Dinky body shape.
Along with the die-cast pickguard and dome-style knobs, it looks amazing. Don’t forget about the satin urethane finish that gives off the last touch of style.
Pros
- Extremely cheap for its quality
- Decent sound for its price
- Long-lasting build
- Attractive and comfortable design
Cons
- Not ideal for stage playing
07. ESP LTD EC-257 7-String Electric Guitar
Highlighted Features
- 22 Extra-Jumbo frets
- 5-inch scale
- Mahogany body
A worthwhile guitar doesn’t have to cost an eye of the face to be fantastic. The LTD EC-257 from ESP Guitars is the perfect example of that.
Quality Construction
The main factor you’ll notice at first sight is the quality materials it offers. You get a Mahogany body that delivers proper lightness and durability.
The neck is also made of Mahogany, paired up with a Jatoba fingerboard for extra smoothness when changing chords.
All of that comes with a Black Satin finish that adds up a superb touch of style for the guitar look no short of fantastic.
Great Playability
The high-quality build wouldn’t be so effective if the guitar weren’t so comfortable. With a 25.5-inch scale and a 22 Extra Jumbo frets, it takes playability to a whole new level.
The fingerboard is also thin for any person to work comfortably. And the TOM bridge hardtail & bridge design makes it even comfier.
Superb Sound
Lastly, you can also expect an amazing sound from this guitar. Even though it comes at an extremely low price, the ESP
Designed Pickups, plus the next-level components it offers, ensure a buzz-free experience. You’ll achieve even the trickiest chords without trying too much.
Pros
- Long-lasting & well-sounding build
- Tons of playability & comfort
- Perfect for extra-low tones
- Decently affordable for its quality
Cons
- Only available in an easy-to-scratch matte finish
08. Charvel DK24-7 Nova Angel Vivaldi Signature
Highlighted Features
- Basswood body
- Angel Vivaldi signature
- DiMarzio pickups
If you know who Angel Vivaldi is, you probably already know why this guitar is so special. The KD24-7 Nova from Charvel is designed to offer exactly what the player wants – either flashy power or gentle tones.
High-Quality Build
Being a guitar designed as an Angel Vivaldi series, you can expect it to be among the most resilient and good-looking.
It combines Basswood material with a Dinky Body shape, constructing an exceptional guitar all around. This goes well with the Maple neck pieced on with bolt-on graphite reinforcement.
On top of that, the guitar boasts a simple yet enticing look. This includes a Satin finish in celeste all around, plus gold finish on all the hardware.
Fantastic Comfort Level
Setting up the guitar won’t be much of a problem, either. You get a heel-mount Truss Rod wheel for adjustments, a Graph Tech TUSQ XL dot nut, and a Gotoh 510 Tremolo Bridge.
This combination ensures maximum playability. Along with the Die-Cast tuners, a 12-16 inch radius, and Fender Stratocaster headstock make it a go-to choice for comfort seekers.
Unbeatable Sound Quality
If all that wasn’t enough, the guitar still manages to provide exquisite sound quality. This gets better with the DiMarzio The Tone Zone 7 and Air Notion 7 pickups.
You have the opportunity to control everything from volume to tone with the most practical dome-style knobs.
Pros
- Super-cute celeste satin finish
- Fantastic sound with a basswood body
- Ultra-comfortable design
- Exceptional sound and tweaks
Cons
- Very costly
09. ESP LTD EC-407 7-String Electric Guitar
Highlighted Features
- 24 XJ frets
- EMG 60 & 81 7H pickups
- Mahogany body
We now have the most expensive among ESP 7-string guitars. This one would be the LTD EC-407 – a still affordable yet higher-quality version of the ESP guitars we already reviewed.
Well-Sounding Construction
The thing that stands out the most is the combination of a 3-piece Maple neck and a Mahogany body. Together, they make it possible to achieve super-low tones that anyone can listen to.
At the same time, the build reduces buzz and improves clarity in every possible way.
Next-Level Pickups
But the construction doesn’t work alone. You can also find the pickups to be amazingly effective, especially when we’re talking about the EMG 60-7H and the EMG 81-7H. It’s a pair of active electronics that are always ready to take your sound to a new level.
Comfortable & Attractive
You probably also want a 25.5-inch guitar with 24 XJ frets and 350mm fretboard radius that makes playing easy.
This one offers all that. Along with a black satin finish on the hardware pieces, a Pau Ferro fingerboard, Grover turners, and Tom & Tailpiece Bridge – this guitar gets even more enticing.
Pros
- Outstanding pickups for noise-free quality
- Small 25.5-inch scale for excessive comfort
- Ultra-enticing appearance all around
- Exquisite choice of wood quality
Cons
- Fretboard could be smoother
10. Ibanez Axion Label RGD71AL 7-String
Highlighted Features
- DiMarzio Fusion Edge 7H pickups
- 5-piece Panga/Walnut neck
- Antique Brown Stained Burst finish
We’re back again with an Ibanez guitar. This time it is the Axion Label RGD71AL – a 7-string model for people who love quality in every way.
Super-Playable Design
First of all, this guitar is one of the most playable on the list. It comes with a multi-scale design that lets you achieve low-tone chords with little effort. It still offers Sub Zero frets for extra smoothness and durability.
Lastly, with the luminescent dot inlays on the fretboard side, playing in dark areas won’t be much of a problem.
Fantastic Electronics
A great guitar is not possible without a quality set of electronics. The DiMarzio Fusion Edge 7H Humbucking pickups work like a charm with the Gotoh locking tuners and the Gibraltar Standard II-7 Hardtail Bridge.
Achieving the perfect intonation and stability will be no problem for this guitar.
Gorgeous & Resilient Build
The most exciting part of this guitar is the amazingly beautiful construction.
Boasting a Flamed Maple with Antique Brown Stained Burst top, a Macassar Ebony fretboard, a 5-piece Panga/Walnut neck, and the Sub Zero frets, and you get a top-notch guitar in every way.
Pros
- Uniquely beautiful design
- Next-level sound quality & tweaks
- Super-sturdy and well-sounding build
- Extra comfortable and playable
Cons
- A bit pricey
11. Ibanez RG7421 7-String
Highlighted Features
- Mahogany body
- Jatoba fingerboard
- Quantum humbucking pickups
Ibanez is among our favorite guitar brands to consider. And there’s no doubt why. The guitars you can get from this brand are simply fantastic – the RG7421 is a perfect example of that.
Super Enticing & Comfy Design
As soon as you pick this guitar, you’ll know it is a go-to choice to not overlook. It boasts a low-drag playing design with the patented RG body style from Ibanez.
A sleek and super-comfy design makes it possible to achieve the lowest tunes and the highest playability with little effort.
Even then, the guitar looks outstanding despite its affordability. And what’s even better, it comes in Walnut Flat, Pearl Black Fade Metallic, or Matte Black colors. There’s an RG7412 for anyone.
Extra-Quality Build
The comfort it offers and its beauty come mainly from the high-end build it provides. This includes a Mahogany body for lightness, a Jatoba fingerboard for smoothness, and a Wizard II-7 Maple neck for maximum playability.
Together, they offer the sound and resilience you need on a 7-string guitar.
Fantastic Sound For the Cost
If there’s something you will love about this guitar is the exceptional sound it can achieve without being expensive at all.
This is possible thanks to the superb build but also the Quantum humbucking pickups, ideal for achieving the tone quality you’re looking for.
Pros
- Ensures high comfort & playability
- Extremely gorgeous design
- Top-notch sound despite its cost
- Easy to tweak and adjust as needed
Cons
- Satin finish scratches with ease
What to Consider Before Buying a Cheap 7 String Guitar
Finding the best cheap 7 string guitars in the market is not easy. You’ll have to know exactly what you want. And if you aren’t an expert in the matter, this may take a lot of time to learn.
Luckily, we can help you by compressing the information you need in a few hundred words. Below, you’ll find every single factor that matters when browsing through the cheapest 7 string guitars. Take a look!
Comfort & Playability
The first thing you’ll notice about a 7-string guitar is that their fretboard is wider. This may not seem like much when you’re an expert. But as a beginner, this wide neck may come hugely troublesome.
That’s why it is vital to pick a decently comfortable and playable guitar. Otherwise, you may suffer when getting the most out of it.
In that case, try to pick a guitar with a comfortable-enough neck. The frets should be easy to push, as well. And the strings shouldn’t be too far from the wood either.
At the same time, you should strive to get large enough frets. Small frets will be a pain to play well, especially as a beginner.
If you can pick a 7-string guitar with a thin neck, then that would be your best bet. This will add the extra playability and comfort you need to get the most out of it – even as a beginner.
Scale & Format
A similar factor to take into account is the scale of the guitar. This refers to the length between the bridge in the body and the nut in the headstock.
You will need to pick between 25.5 inches to 27 inches long. The difference may not seem like much, but it can affect how easily you can play.
The easiest to play models are 25.5 inches in scale. Yet, you may also find 26.5-inch models to be decently playable. A 27-inch model will not necessarily be harder, but it is not recommended for beginners.
Even then, you’re still likely to find multi-scale format guitars. That description means you get a 25.5-inch scale on some of the frets, while other frets use the 27-inch scale.
This will help you work more comfortably with the lower notes while still enjoying the extra-long design.
Pickups & Electronics
An electric guitar must come with a decent pickup. It is the device that sends the guitar sound like an electrical signal and can make the whole difference between a guitar that sounds decently well, and a guitar that sounds amazing.
Here, we usually recommend high-output pickups from quality brands like Fishman.
You will find pickups like this on the cheapest guitars as well as the most expensive ones. At the same time, the pickup should be an active pickup for the best performance.
And if you can go for a dynamic-range pickup, then that’s also a good choice.
Apart from that, consider whether the pickup system has a multi-coil or a single-coil system. A multi-coil is called a humbucker, so you can change its voicing as needed.
Yet, the most common is the single-coil, which offers only one voice (more popular among cheap models).
Appearance & Body Quality
Last but not least, be sure to pick a guitar that lasts but also looks amazing. Here, we recommend thinking about the quality of the wood you’re choosing. There are tons of different types, going from maple to rosewood, ash, Mahogany, and many others.
Here, the wood also changes depending on the part of the guitar. For example, maple is typically common for the body of the guitar. But the neck can be made of Mahogany, ebony, or rosewood.
Other high-quality woods like ash are for high-end guitar bodies. Poplar, Alder, and walnut are also worth considering.
But even if you have a high-end body, you need it to look amazing. So don’t hesitate to pick a guitar that looks exactly like you want.
You will find surfaces going from glossy to matte, with tons of different details like shiny metallic parts, inlays on the fingerboard, unique bindings, and much more.
If the guitar has excellent sound, is comfortable to use, and looks amazing – then you’re set to enjoy it to the max.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Cheap 7 String Guitars (FAQs)
Everyone has questions about products they want to buy, and the answer is usually pretty difficult to find. Luckily, we can answer some of the most common questions for you. Below you’ll find popular doubts and their answers:
What is a 7-string guitar?
The most popular type of guitar nowadays is the 6-string guitar. It is used for almost any kind of music and has a gentle high-note sound. But sometimes, this sound is not enough (especially for musical genres like hard rock, metal, and varieties).
That’s where the 7-string guitar enters into action. It allows the player to achieve lower tunes with little effort by adding an extra treble or bass chord range.
Why use a 7 string guitar?
If you’re a metal or hard rock guitarist, then you’ll find yourself trying to hit the lowest notes more easily.
A six-string guitar doesn’t necessarily make it impossible, but it is not as good as a 7-string model at that. The whole purpose is a 7-string guitar is to achieve the lowest tones more easily.
What’s it like to play a 7 string guitar?
Playing a 7-string guitar is almost the same as a 6-string guitar. The difference is that having 7 strings, it is slightly uncomfortable for people who have never played one.
Is a 7 string guitar harder to play?
Yes, a 7-string guitar is a bit harder to play than a 6-string guitar. First, because the fingerboard tends to be wider so people with small hands may struggle.
Second, because you now have an extra chord in a different position, which can be hard to master. And lastly, 7-string guitars are less common, so they’re harder to develop muscle memory for.
Should I buy a 6 or 7 string guitar?
As long as you need to achieve the low tones that a 7-string guitar offers, then we absolutely recommend picking one.
Especially if you want to play some metal material and your 6-string guitar doesn’t make it easy enough, then a 7-string model will come like a charm.
Is it worth it to buy a 7 string guitar?
It is completely worth it as long as you need to play low-tuned chords. If you’re not looking to play the low-tuned chords that metal and similar music styles demand, then a 7-string guitar may not be your best bet.
But if you do – then absolutely get one, there’s no better type of guitar for modern metal.
Conclusion
No need to browse the market in search of the best cheap 7 string guitars when you have them all in one article.
As long as you consider our recommendations and buying advice, then you’ll have higher chances of picking the ideal 7 string guitar for your needs. And if you get rid of your doubts with our FAQ section, then you’ll be even surer.
If you want to take your guitar skills to another level, then you won’t regret trying one of these.
