ESP Snapper Raiden 8 ISAO Custom w/Gigbag

ESP SNAPPER-8 ISAO Custom RAIDEN-8 in Raiden Red

The ESP SNAPPER-8 ISAO Custom RAIDEN-8 combines the familiar feel and body contours of ESP’s SNAPPER platform with the extended range, longer scale, and performance-focused hardware required by modern eight-string players.

Developed with Japanese guitarist ISAO, this signature model was designed to move smoothly from deep, controlled rhythm work to clear upper-register leads. Its vivid Raiden Red finish, matching red anodized aluminum pickguard, and reversed headstock give it a dramatic appearance that is immediately recognizable.

This is the original full-scale RAIDEN-8 with a686 mm scale length, approximately 27 inches. It should not be confused with the later RAIDEN-8-666, which uses a shorter 666 mm scale.

Full-Range Clarity and Definition

The alder body provides a balanced foundation with strong mids, clear highs, and enough low-end focus to keep the seventh and eighth strings from becoming muddy.

A hard maple neck and ebony fingerboard add a fast, immediate response. The longer 686 mm scale gives the lower strings greater tension and definition while retaining enough familiarity for lead playing, chord work, and wide interval stretches.

The Thin U neck profile and 400 mm fingerboard radius provide a comfortable playing surface for technical passages. Twenty-four jumbo Jescar frets offer a smooth feel for bends, tapping, and precise articulation across the instrument’s extended range.

Luminlay position markers on the fingerboard and side of the neck remain visible on dark stages.

Seymour Duncan Sentient and Nazgûl Pickups

The RAIDEN-8 is equipped with a Seymour Duncan Sentient-8 in the neck position and a Nazgûl-8 at the bridge.

The Sentient delivers a clear, articulate neck sound that works well for fluid leads, clean passages, and complex extended-range chords. It retains definition without becoming overly sharp or compressed.

The Nazgûl provides a more aggressive bridge voice with tight bass response, strong upper mids, and a fast attack. It is particularly effective for low-tuned rhythm work where note separation and definition are essential.

A dedicated pickup variation switch provides series, coil split, and parallel operation. Combined with the master volume, master tone, and three-way pickup selector, this gives the RAIDEN-8 a wider tonal range than many extended-range instruments.

Floyd Rose Eight-String Tremolo

An eight-string Floyd Rose locking tremolo gives the RAIDEN-8 expressive pitch control while maintaining tuning stability during demanding playing.

Gotoh locking tuners make string changes and initial tuning easier, while the locking nut and tremolo system help the guitar return to pitch after bends, dives, and other tremolo effects.

The neck is attached using ESP’s sculpted T-6 Ultimate Access joint. A titanium neck plate helps create a secure connection while the shaped heel provides comfortable access to the upper frets.

A Distinctive ISAO Signature Guitar

ISAO is known for highly technical extended-range playing that moves between metal, progressive music, fusion, and melodic lead work. The RAIDEN-8 reflects that versatility.

It has the tension and clarity needed for low-register rhythm playing, but it does not feel like an instrument intended only for heavy music. Its responsive neck, flexible electronics, and five-octave range make it equally suited to clean textures, layered studio parts, tapping, fusion leads, and complex chord voicings.

The Raiden Red finish and anodized pickguard complete a bold design that stands apart from the darker finishes commonly found on eight-string guitars.

Specifications

Model: ESP SNAPPER-8 ISAO Custom RAIDEN-8

Artist: ISAO

Finish: Raiden Red

Serial number: E2900212

Body: Alder, 45 mm thickness

Neck: Hard maple

Neck profile: Thin U

Fingerboard: Ebony

Fingerboard radius: 400 mm

Scale length: 686 mm, approximately 27 inches

Frets: 24 Jescar FW57110-NS jumbo frets

Inlays: Luminlay fingerboard and side position markers

Construction: Bolt-on with T-6 Ultimate Access titanium neck plate

Nut: 56 mm locking nut

Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan Sentient-8

Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan Nazgûl-8

Controls: Master volume, master tone, three-way pickup selector, and pickup variation switch

Pickup variation: Series, coil split, and parallel modes

Bridge: Floyd Rose eight-string locking tremolo

Tuners: Gotoh SG360-07 MG-T locking tuners

Pickguard: Red anodized aluminum

The ESP SNAPPER-8 ISAO Custom RAIDEN-8 is a rare and highly specialized instrument for players seeking true eight-string range without giving up tremolo capability, tonal flexibility, or the comfortable contours of a traditional double-cutaway guitar.

Serial #E2900212

Original ESP Snapper Raiden 8 model (not the Raiden 8-666). Reference: https://espguitars.co.jp/artists/15864

*We strive to provide accurate descriptions, but discrepancies in specifications may occur due to the availability of manufacturer information.

Consignment Sale Item Notice:

• This is a unique item available through our consignment sale.
• All Sales Final: No returns or exchanges accepted.
• No Discount Codes: Excluded from discount code usage. Purchases made with a discount code will be canceled and refunded.

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