Schecter Guitar Research Omen Elite-8 MS Electric Guitar Charcoal
An 8-string multiscale guitar with a 25.5-27.5-inch fanned fret design for extended range clarity. Built for modern metal players pushing into djent and progressive territory without breaking the bank.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Multiscale 25.5-27.5-inch fanned fret design maintains consistent string tension and intonation across all eight strings
- +Schecter Diamond Heretic humbuckers deliver articulate high-output tones from bone-crushing lows to sparkling highs
- +Mahogany body with poplar burl top, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard offer premium tonewoods for under $1,000
- +Thin-C neck profile with 20-inch radius and 24 jumbo frets enables fast, fluid playing across extended range
- +MusicRadar gave 4/5 stars for an 8-string at this price point with these features
Cons
- −25.5-inch scale on low strings is shorter than some competitors, requiring thicker strings to maintain tension and tone
- −Multiscale/fanned fret design has a learning curve for players new to the concept
- −No community reviews available to validate the MusicRadar 4/5 score
- −At $949, competitors like Ibanez RG8 and Legator models may offer similar features for less
The Verdict
The Omen Elite-8 MS sits in an awkward spot: that 80 EJ Score from a single MusicRadar 4/5 review isn’t bad, but 8-strings are specialized enough that you need user validation. The multiscale design is smart for maintaining clarity on those low strings, and the Diamond Heretic pickups are solid performers. The 25.5-inch low-end scale is on the shorter side, so budget for thicker strings if you tune down. At $949, it’s competitively priced for a multiscale 8-string with decent pickups. If you’re shopping 8-strings in this range, compare it to Ibanez and Legator offerings, but the Schecter’s specs hold up.
