EALEXIHEXED vs ESTEFB8BLKF1 — Compare
ESP Alexi Laiho Hexed Guitar Purple Faded Pinstripes vs ESP Stef B-8 8-String Baritone Electric Guitar in Black
The Alexi Laiho Hexed is a premium 6-string metal shredder built for speed and aggression, while the Stef B-8 is a professional 8-string baritone designed for extended-range genres like djent and progressive metal. Choose the Hexed if you want a fast, traditional platform for thrash and hard rock; choose the Stef B-8 if you need lower tunings, broader frequency range, and modern extended-range versatility.
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ESP Alexi Laiho Hexed Guitar Purple Faded Pinstripes
ESP Stef B-8 8-String Baritone Electric Guitar in Black
Specs side by side
| ESP Alexi Laiho Hexed Guitar Purple Faded Pinstripes | ESP Stef B-8 8-String Baritone Electric Guitar in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6,399.00 | $6,149.00 |
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Series | ESP Alexi Laiho | ESP Stephen Carpenter |
| Body | Other | — |
| Body Type | Solid | — |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 27" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 8 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickup Configuration | Active HH | — |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose Original | Hipshot |
| Year | 2023 | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP Alexi Laiho Hexed Guitar Purple Faded Pinstripes
- ✓ Thin U-profile neck and 24 extra jumbo frets optimized for rapid lead work and technical shredding
- ✓ Floyd Rose Original with locking nut guarantees tuning stability through aggressive divebombs and bends
- ✓ Neck-through construction delivers sustain-rich tone with exceptional clarity and punchy articulate response
Why choose ESP Stef B-8 8-String Baritone Electric Guitar in Black
- ✓ Eight-string baritone configuration extends playable range significantly below standard tuning for djent and progressive metal
- ✓ Fluence Reverb active pickup system eliminates noise and captures full dynamic range across all eight strings
- ✓ Extended scale length and low-impedance output designed specifically for tight low-end definition in modern amp chains
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tuning difference between these guitars?
The Alexi Laiho Hexed is a standard 6-string with a 25.5-inch scale suited for drop tunings down to drop D or lower. The Stef B-8 is an 8-string baritone with a longer extended scale specifically designed to handle much lower tunings and frequencies, making it ideal for djent and progressive metal where ultra-low notes are essential.
Which is better for someone learning metal?
The Alexi Laiho Hexed is more accessible for learning because a 6-string is familiar to most players and its fast neck encourages technique development. The Stef B-8 demands significant experience due to its extended range and baritone scale; it's best for players already comfortable with advanced metal techniques.
How do the pickups differ?
The Hexed uses a passive EMG HZ F-H2 bridge pickup with an active boost switch, delivering punchy clarity with classic metal bite. The Stef B-8 uses the Fluence Reverb active pickup system, which is noise-free and optimized to handle eight strings cleanly without phase issues, ideal for tight modern tones.
Which sustains longer?
The Alexi Laiho Hexed's neck-through construction and 6-string design deliver classic sustain-rich tone. The Stef B-8's solid body construction also provides excellent sustain, but its extended eight-string range prioritizes frequency response and low-end clarity over pure single-note sustain length.