6 Best Alternatives to the Gstyle 8 String Electric Guitar (2026)

How alternatives differ from Gstyle

Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid Body Electric Guitar

The Leo Jaymz 39 Inch model replaces the Gstyle’s eight-string configuration with a standard six-string layout. It retains the poplar body material, keeping the instrument lightweight and accessible. However, it shifts to a laurel fretboard instead of composite ebony, which may feel different under your fingers. The maple neck provides similar stability. This guitar suits players who prioritize a lighter weight and simpler string count over extended range capabilities. It offers a versatile color selection, including white, allowing for personal aesthetic choices. You trade the low-end depth of an eight-string for the familiar handling of a standard electric guitar.

Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22

The Jackson JS22 Dinky focuses on standard six-string performance rather than the Gstyle’s eight-string extension. It features a maple neck, similar to the Gstyle, ensuring familiar playability for rock and metal styles. The Jackson model includes versatile humbuckers designed for high-output tones. It measures 44 inches in length and weighs 12.8 pounds, offering a stable platform for aggressive playing. This guitar is ideal if you need a reliable workhorse for standard tuning without the complexity of extra strings. It lacks the extended range but delivers robust tone and durability for players who stick to traditional six-string configurations.

Gstyle TARIO 7-String Poplar Body Maple Neck

The Gstyle TARIO 7-String keeps the brand’s signature burl poplar top and bolt-on maple neck design. It reduces the string count from eight to seven, offering a middle ground for players wanting extended range without the full eight-string layout. The poplar body maintains the lightweight feel. This model fits those who prioritize a burl poplar top and simple controls over complex switching systems. It provides a standard scale length, ensuring comfortable string tension. If you want more range than a six-string but less complexity than the eight-string ES-800, this seven-string option offers a practical compromise with familiar tonewood characteristics.

Leo Jaymz DIY Electric Guitar Kit

The Leo Jaymz DIY Kit uses a mahogany body instead of the Gstyle’s poplar construction. Mahogany typically offers a warmer, denser tone compared to the brighter poplar. This kit includes a maple neck and requires assembly, catering to builders who value tonewood quality and complete hardware inclusion. It is designed for those willing to construct their own instrument rather than buying a finished guitar. The DIY approach allows for customization but demands time and effort. This option suits players seeking a solid mahogany foundation and the satisfaction of building their own guitar, rather than the ready-to-play convenience of the Gstyle.

Grote Solid Body Electric Guitar with Maple Neck

The Grote LPYS-006 features a solid body with a maple neck, similar to the Gstyle’s construction but in a different style. It includes stainless steel frets, which offer enhanced durability and a smoother playing surface. The guitar comes with a gigbag, adding portability and protection. Weighing 7.5 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to handle. This model suits players seeking robust build quality and practical accessories over extended range capabilities. It lacks the eight-string configuration but provides a durable, portable option for players who value stainless steel frets and included protection for their instrument.

Leo Jaymz DIY ST Kit Mahogany Laurel

The Leo Jaymz DIY ST Kit uses a mahogany body and laurel fretboard, differing from the Gstyle’s poplar and composite ebony. It features a maple neck and a 25.5-inch scale length, matching the Gstyle’s tension profile. This kit is designed for beginners, offering plug-and-play electronics that eliminate the need for soldering. It provides a durable mahogany body and a practical way to build a standard electric guitar. This option suits players who want to assemble their own instrument with ease. It trades the Gstyle’s eight-string range for a standard six-string build, ideal for those learning to construct their own guitar.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Gstyle ES-800 8-String Maple Neck

Best for: 8-string players wanting extended range

Body Material

Okoume Body Top Veneer: Burl poplar top

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

composite ebony

Number of Strings

8

Hand Orientation

Right-handed

Number of Frets

24

View on Amazon: Gstyle ES-800 8-String Maple Neck

This Gstyle 8-string guitar features an okoume body with a burl poplar veneer top and a bolt-on maple neck. It offers a 25 1/2-inch scale length and 24 frets on a composite ebony fretboard. The nut width is 2 1/8 inches. You get one volume and one tone control with a 3-way switch. It is built for players seeking extended range capabilities in a standard scale format.

Pros

• Okoume body with burl poplar veneer top
• Bolt-on maple neck for stability
• 24 frets on composite ebony fretboard
• 25 1/2-inch scale length

Cons

• Only one volume and one tone control
• Single 3-way toggle switch
• Composite ebony fretboard instead of solid wood

Good fit if

• You need an 8-string configuration
• You prefer a 25 1/2-inch scale length
• You want a bolt-on maple neck

Skip if

• You require multiple tone controls
• You need a compound radius fretboard
• You prefer a solid wood fretboard

Verdict: Gstyle 8-String Electric Guitar provides a solid 8-string platform with a burl poplar top and 24 frets. It fits players who want extended range without changing their preferred 25 1/2-inch scale length.

2 Best budget

Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid Body Electric Guitar

Best for: players seeking a lightweight, standard-scale guitar

Body Material

poplar wood

Neck Material

maple

Fretboard Material

laurel wood

Number of Frets

22

Scale Length

24.75 inch

Body Type

Solid Body

View on Amazon: Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Solid Body Electric Guitar

This Leo Jaymz solid body electric guitar features a poplar wood body and a maple neck. It has a 24.75 inch scale length and 22 frets on a laurel wood fretboard. The 14 inch radius offers a comfortable playing feel. You will find it available in multiple colors, including white. It is a practical option for players seeking a standard configuration.

Pros

• Poplar wood body for balanced tone
• Maple neck for stability
• 22 frets on laurel wood fretboard
• 24.75 inch scale length
• Available in nine color options

Cons

• Smaller 14 inch fretboard radius compared to compound radii
• Only 22 frets, limiting high-note access
• Standard bolt-on neck construction

Good fit if

• You prefer a lighter poplar wood body
• You want a standard 24.75 inch scale length
• You need a guitar in a specific color like white

Skip if

• You require more than 22 frets
• You prefer a compound radius fretboard
• You want a heavier mahogany or burl top body

Verdict: Leo Jaymz 39 Inch Poplar Electric Guitar suits players who value a lightweight poplar body and a versatile color selection over extended range or premium tonewoods.

3 Best premium

Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22

Best for: Standard six-string rock and metal playing

Body Material

Poplar

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Amaranth

Pickup Configuration

2 Humbucking Pickups

Number of Strings

6

Hand Orientation

Right-Handed

View on Amazon: Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22

This Jackson JS22 Dinky is a solidbody electric guitar with a poplar body and maple neck. It features a compound-radius amaranth fingerboard and two humbucking pickups. The 2-point tremolo bridge allows for pitch modulation. Weighing 12.8 pounds, it offers a standard right-handed configuration. This instrument suits players seeking a versatile, durable guitar with a classic double-cutaway design for rock or metal styles.

Pros

• Maple neck for bright tone and stability
• Amaranth fingerboard with compound radius for playability
• Two humbucking pickups for high output
• 2-point tremolo bridge for pitch bending

Cons

• Six-string configuration limits low-end range
• Poplar body is lighter than premium tonewoods
• No included gig bag or hard case

Good fit if

• You want a reliable guitar for rock or metal
• You prefer a standard six-string setup
• You need a durable poplar body construction

Skip if

• You require an eight-string low B
• You need active electronics for modern tones
• You prefer a mahogany body for warmth

Verdict: Jackson JS22 Dinky 6-String Electric Guitar provides a stable maple neck and versatile humbuckers for players who need a standard six-string workhorse rather than extended range capabilities.

4 Best 7-string

Gstyle TARIO 7-String Poplar Body Maple Neck

Best for: players needing seven strings on a standard scale

Body Material

Okoume

Neck Material

Maple

Number of Strings

7

Number of Frets

24

Scale Length

25 1/2

Nut Width

1 7/8

View on Amazon: Gstyle TARIO 7-String Poplar Body Maple Neck

This Gstyle instrument features a seven-string configuration with a 25 1/2-inch scale and 24 frets. The body is constructed from okoume wood with a burl poplar veneer top. A bolt-on maple neck provides structural stability. You get one volume and one tone control with a three-way switch. This setup suits players seeking extended range capabilities in a standard scale length format.

Pros

• Seven-string configuration for extended range
• 25 1/2-inch scale length with 24 frets
• Bolt-on maple neck construction
• Okoume body with burl poplar veneer

Cons

• Limited to single volume and tone controls
• Only a three-way switch for pickup selection
• Two-way adjustable truss rod limits fine-tuning

Good fit if

• You need seven strings for lower tuning
• You prefer a 25 1/2-inch scale length
• You want a burl poplar veneer top

Skip if

• You require five-way switching options
• You need independent volume controls for each pickup
• You prefer a four-way truss rod adjustment

Verdict: Gstyle 7-String Electric Guitar delivers a standard scale length with extended range. It fits players who prioritize a burl poplar top and a bolt-on maple neck over complex switching systems.

5 Also great

Leo Jaymz DIY Electric Guitar Kit

Best for: DIY builders seeking quality tonewoods

Body Material

mahogany

Neck Material

maple

Fretboard Material

blackwood

Pickup Configuration

2 humbucker pickups

Dimensions

3.2 × 27.6 × 13 inches

View on Amazon: Leo Jaymz DIY Electric Guitar Kit

This is a do-it-yourself electric guitar kit from Leo Jaymz. It features a solid mahogany body and a maple neck. The blackwood fingerboard includes rectangle inlays. You get two humbucker pickups and a Tune-o-Matic bridge. All wiring and hardware are included. This kit suits builders who want to assemble their own instrument with quality tonewoods.

Pros

• Solid mahogany body construction
• Maple neck for stability
• Two humbucker pickups included
• Blackwood fingerboard with rectangle inlays
• All hardware and wiring included

Cons

• Requires assembly
• Sold as a kit without pre-installed electronics
• No finish applied

Good fit if

• You want to build your own guitar
• You prefer mahogany and maple tonewoods
• You need a complete hardware set

Skip if

• You want a ready-to-play instrument
• You prefer a pre-finished guitar
• You need a factory-wired setup

Verdict: Leo Jaymz Mahogany DIY Electric Guitar Kit is a solid choice for builders who value tonewood quality and complete hardware inclusion. It fits those willing to assemble their own instrument rather than buying a finished guitar.

6 Best red

Grote Solid Body Electric Guitar with Maple Neck

Best for: players wanting stainless steel frets and a gigbag

Neck Material

Maple

Body Type

Solid Body

Color

Red

Dimensions

40.2 × 13.1 × 1.4 inches

Weight

7.5 pounds

View on Amazon: Grote Solid Body Electric Guitar with Maple Neck

The Grote LPYS-006 is a solid body electric guitar finished in red. It features a maple neck and stainless steel frets. The instrument measures 40.2 inches in length and weighs 7.5 pounds. It includes a gigbag for transport. This model suits players of all skill levels who prefer a traditional build with durable fret material.

Pros

• Maple neck construction
• Stainless steel frets
• Includes gigbag
• Solid body design

Cons

• Heavier at 7.5 pounds
• Single color option in data
• No Bluetooth connectivity

Good fit if

• You want a durable stainless steel fretboard
• You need a guitar with a gigbag included
• You prefer a solid body electric guitar

Skip if

• You need wireless Bluetooth capabilities
• You prefer a lighter instrument under 7 pounds
• You are looking for a multi-string configuration

Verdict: Grote LPYS-006 Red Solid Body Electric Guitar fits players seeking a robust build with stainless steel frets and included protection. It is a practical option for those who value durability and portability over advanced electronics.

7 Also great

Leo Jaymz DIY ST Kit Mahogany Laurel

Best for: beginners building their first electric guitar

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Laurel wood

Number of Frets

21

Scale Length

25.5"

View on Amazon: Leo Jaymz DIY ST Kit Mahogany Laurel

This Leo Jaymz DIY kit lets you build a Stratocaster-style electric guitar. It features a solid mahogany body and a maple neck with a laurel wood fingerboard. The 25.5-inch scale length and 21 frets match standard electric guitar dimensions. The kit includes plug-and-play electronics, so you skip soldering. It is ideal for beginners who want a finished look without spray painting.

Pros

• Solid mahogany body pre-sprayed for durability
• Plug-and-play electronics require no soldering
• Maple neck with laurel wood fingerboard
• 25.5-inch scale length with 21 frets

Cons

• Requires full assembly of parts
• Laurel wood fingerboard is less common than rosewood
• No included instruction manual mentioned in data

Good fit if

• You want to build a guitar without soldering
• You prefer a solid mahogany body
• You need a standard 25.5-inch scale

Skip if

• You want a fully assembled instrument
• You prefer a rosewood fingerboard
• You want a fretless neck

Verdict: Leo Jaymz DIY ST Style Mahogany Electric Guitar Kit offers a practical way to build a standard electric guitar without soldering. It fits beginners who want a durable mahogany body and plug-and-play electronics.

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Frequently asked questions