LTD Javier Reyes Eight-String Guitars

Stepping up to an eight-string is mostly about what happens on stage: a lower register that fills out a band's bottom end and a high range that stays usable for leads. The LTD Javier Reyes series, named for the Animals as Leaders guitarist, delivers that in the JR-208, the JR-608 and the JRV-8FR, all modern extended-range builds.

Every model uses Fishman Fluence Javier Reyes pickups, so whichever you pick, you get the voicing designed around his playing. Gigging players in progressive, technical and modern metal bands will find a shared tonal starting point, and collectors of signature models get a clear link to the artist behind them.

The lineup spans about $799 to $2,299, with finishes like Pelham Blue, Faded Blue Sunburst and Metallic Gold to stand out under stage lights. LV Guitars carries the series for players moving into extended-range territory or adding a dedicated eight-string to their rig.