R-458BK Fanfret : good for a first 8 string - requires a bit of work

I wanted to get into playing 8 string but didn't want to spend too much in case I didn't get on with it.

It took a while for the guitar to get get to me - despite the website indicating it was instock I was later informed that the latest batch were still going through QC.

This QC was not entirely evident when the instrument eventually arrived - the set up was dreadful and required a lot of adjustment to make playable and the stock strings were dead. During string change all 8 of the string ferrules fell out of the guitar. I also machine heads are also of inconsistent quality. There were also scratches on the knobs and unfinished parts on the back of the headstock.

Once I got the set up issues sorted I found it to be a very enjoyable instrument to play. The sound from the pickups is fine - especially when using higher gain tones. The fan fret neck is very easy to adapt to.

For the money it's a good first 8 string.

Having caught the 8 string bug - I'm now looking to make a more substantial purchase.