While other guitars here come over like hot rods (a basic chassis with enough poke in the engine department to keep any player happy), the EGEN8 is more like a top-of-the-line Mercedes: it’s modern, sleek and loaded with all mod cons, including a shedload of pickup switching options.

Calling this guitar the budget version of DragonForce guitarist Herman’s two grand plus EGEN18 signature is a bit unfair. The slim-bodied EGEN8 is a proquality instrument in every way.

OK, you don’t get the DiMarzio pickups, partially scalloped fingerboard or top spec Edge- Zero vibrato from the more expensive version. What you do get is a cracking set of Ibanez pickups and the rock solid tuning of the Edge III locking vibrato.

Playability is everything you’d expect, and its range of tones is staggering. Thanks to the push/ pull volume control, the pickup selector’s five switching options have been expanded to 10.

Verdict

You could play Wonderwall on this guitar, but the EGEN8 will be most at home with dedicated shredders. It’s designed to provide serious playability and a huge range of tones - and does its job brilliantly. We also love quirky touches like the hand grip on the upper horn. It was only the potential wider appeal and killer neck of the JP50 that prevented the EGEN8 from winning.

4 Stars

Pros: Beautifully made, range of tones.
Cons: For shredders only.

Next: Jackson RR24