2010s Ibanez G208CWC 8-String Classical Cutaway Guitar

Overview: I was impressed with the lightweight build and build quality of this nylon-strung Ibanez with its extra two bass notes and super-wide nut and board. 8-string classicals tend to be used by players focused on certain composers and certain pieces -- Bach, Brahms, what-have-you. I've also seen them used by folks going for "extended scale" play. This one certainly lets you get very low in pitch but its cutaway also means you can get way up high, too.

For this one I've tuned it as-normal for the EADGBE (top 6) strings and tuned the lower two strings F#B before the EADGBE (so you have 4ths from F# through G with the F# like fret 2 of a bass guitar's E string). The low F# could use a bump-up in gauge as it's fairly floppy but I'm pretty sure that this set of strings was perhaps intended for one of the more "classical" tunings (with a low G or A in that spot) rather than this "extended range" standard tuning. I like it, though, even if it hurts my head to get around on it. I can see the huge potential of hitting bass notes while playing melody up top like a harp guitar.

Repairs included: Someone before me repaired a headstock/neck break and it's holding pat and doesn't feel bad under the fingers. I gave it a level/dress of the frets, restrung the EADGBE strings, and set it up. During setup I "ball-ended" the strings by knotting them up on the end to get nicer back-angle on the saddle (and thus improve tone). It's playing spot-on and is ready to go.

• Weight: 3 lbs 11 oz
• Scale length: 25 5/8"
• Nut width: 2 3/4"
• Neck shape: slim-medium/oval C
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 0.93
• Depth at seventh fret: 0.95"
• Body width: 14 3/4"
• Body depth: 3 7/8"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: ply mahogany
• Bracing: fan
• Bridge: rosewood
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany or similar
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: unsure (normal tension EADGBE strings)
• Truss rod: non-adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium/slightly bigger

Condition notes: It has a repaired neck/headstock crack (pictured) at the back of the neck near 1st position. There is a small hairline nick/crack on the side of the guitar that is filled and stable (it's just in the veneer). There are light scratches and scuffs here and there from use but it's otherwise in good order.

It comes with: Sorry, no case.

Consignor tag: JW