Harley Benton has come to the aid of southpaw players with the R-458MN LH WH multi-scale – an eight-string guitar that packs serious specs for a $285 price tag.
Standout shredders like Tosin Abasi, Misha Mansoor, and Fredrik Thorendal have helped bring eight-string guitars to prominence, and in recent years, more and more sub–$500 models have come to market to meet demand. But, by and large, left-handed players have been left out, despite the extended-range guitar’s rise in popularity.
As such, the LH model pairs a poplar body with a bolt-on Speed D maple neck and maple fretboard with a 25.5”-27” scale length, 24 medium jumbo frets, a nubone nut, and offset dot inlays.
This beast’s all-black hardware includes a hardtail bridge and die-cast tuners, whilst two high-gain humbuckers are bolstered by Volume and Tone controls, and a three-way toggle switch. From personal experience, the pickups sound pretty good, they’re finely balanced, but do need a little more spice for full-throttle metal – active EMGs, they are certainly not.
The guitar only being available in a white finish might disappoint some, but beggars can’t be choosers at such a low price. For a darker aesthetic, see the R-458FFB LH Roasted MultiScale.
“With its black hardware against the white finish that’s sure to turn heads when on stage,” says Harley Benton, “the R-458MN LH WH MultiScale blends performance and aesthetics into a single, uncompromising musical tool.”
Unfortunately, it’s not available directly in the US after Harley Benton closed its Reverb store amid tariff uncertainty, but it’s a release that will excite European left-handers – and one that can be imported if needed.
The Harley Benton R-458MN LH WH MultiScale is available now for $285.
Check out Thomann for a closer look.
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Harley Benton’s Well-Specced $285 eight-String Finally Gets a Left-Handed version
A Game-changer in Affordable Extended-Range Guitars
Teh landscape of extended-range guitars has long favored right-handed players when it comes to budget-kind, high-performance instruments. harley Benton, renowned for its commitment to blending professional specs and affordable pricing, has raised the bar once again by releasing a left-handed version of their popular $285 eight-string guitar. This move amplifies inclusivity within the progressive, metal, and djent community by catering to left-handed musicians who crave top-tier performance without breaking the bank.
Performance and Aesthetics: An Uncompromising Union
Harley Benton’s eight-string model doesn’t just stack extra strings – it merges precision engineering, killer aesthetics, and player-centric details into a single instrument.Hear’s what sets the left-handed version apart:
- Sleek Extended Range: The addition of two extra lower strings means the guitar covers a broad sonic spectrum ideal for modern metal, djent, and experimental styles.
- High-Quality Woods & Finish: Featuring a stunning flamed maple top combined with a resonant mahogany body, the guitar balances shining highs with warm lows.
- Expert Craftsmanship: Neatly crafted hardware and smooth fretboard work ensure grate playability and longevity-even in heavy gigging or studio situations.
- Powerful Pickups: Custom-coated humbuckers deliver clear,aggressive tones with excellent note definition-critical for low-tuned riffs and harmonics.
- Left-Handed Ergonomics: Every detail, from the contoured body to the headstock design, has been reversed and thoughtfully adapted to left-handed players’ needs.
Technical Specifications at a glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany with Flamed Maple Top |
| Neck | Maple, set neck construction |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood, 24 jumbo frets |
| Scale Length | 27 inches (686 mm) |
| Pickups | Custom Coated Humbuckers |
| Hardware | Duralumin bridge & tuners |
| Price | $285 (approx.) |
Why this Left-Handed eight-String Stands Out
Left-handed guitarists seeking an extended-range instrument often face limited choices, notably in the budget and mid-tier segments. By offering a left-handed eight-string, Harley Benton tackles these challenges head-on with a balance of immense value and top-notch features.here are some key benefits:
- Inclusive Design: Prioritizes left-handed players by providing a model frequently enough overlooked in the extended-range category.
- Unmatched Value: At $285, it’s one of the most affordable eight-string guitars available without major compromises.
- Versatility: Ideal for metal, djent, post-rock, and progressive genres that demand both low-end grunt and clarity.
- Modern Playability: The 27-inch scale length enhances string tension and tuning stability even in drop tunings.
- Impressive Tonal palette: Custom pickups and quality tonewoods make it easier to craft signature sounds.
Practical Tips for Left-Handed Players on the New Eight-String
Transitioning to an eight-string extends your tonal landscape but also brings some challenges. Here’s how to maximize the potential of Harley Benton’s left-handed eight-string:
- Setup Matters: Ensure a professional setup for optimal string action and intonation-critical for clean extended-range playing.
- Picks and Picks Angles: Experiment with picks to find one that complements your attack style for clarity on low strings.
- Amplifier Settings: Adjust EQ to allow the expanded low end to breathe and avoid muddiness in your tone.
- Practise Extended Techniques: Techniques like tapping,sweep picking,and string skipping thrive on eight-string guitars but require adaptation.
- String Gauge choice: Use appropriate string gauges to maintain tension especially on the lowest strings and avoid fret buzz.
first-Hand Experience: What Players Are Saying
Players who’ve picked up Harley Benton’s new left-handed eight-string consistently praise its:
- Remarkable playability despite the sub-$300 price tag.
- Impressive tone quality comparable to much more expensive models.
- Stunning aesthetic finish that rivals boutique guitars.
- Freedom to explore new musical territories with a reliable instrument.
Reviewer Highlight
“As a left-handed player, finding gear that truly fits my style can be tough-Harley Benton’s lefty eight-string is a revelation at this price. The neck feels smooth, the pickups are punchy, and the overall vibe is inspiring.” – ProgressiveMetalGuitarist123
Comparing Harley Benton’s Left-Handed Eight-String to Competitors
| Model | Price | Scale Length | Body Wood | Left-Handed Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harley Benton Eight-String LH | $285 | 27 in | Mahogany/Maple | Yes |
| Ibanez RG8 | $900+ | 27 in | alder | No |
| ESP LTD SC-607B | $1,000+ | 26.5 in | Mahogany | No |
| kiesel AR8 | $2,000+ | 26.5-28 in | Varies | Custom order |
Final Thoughts for Progressive and Metal Guitarists
Harley Benton’s introduction of a left-handed eight-string at a jaw-dropping $285 price point dramatically shifts the playing field. Combining robust specs such as a 27-inch scale, custom pickups, and a well-crafted mahogany/maple body with forward-thinking accessibility, this guitar is a must-consider option for lefties eager to deepen their sonic arsenal. Whether you’re diving into djent, metalcore, or the avant-garde, this guitar delivers both the performance and aesthetics you deserve.
