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Drop B tuning (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#) puts real tension demands on a guitar. True baritone guitars, with their longer scale length, handle it most comfortably straight out of the box, but a well-set-up standard-scale guitar with heavier strings can also get you there.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ibanez Iron Label RGIB21 Baritone | $700-$900 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | ESP LTD MH-1000B Baritone | $800-$1100 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Schecter Jeff Loomis JL-6 FR | $900-$1200 | Amazon |
| 4 | PRS SE Standard 24 | $500-$650 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Dean Vendetta XM | $150-$200 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Ibanez Iron Label RGIB21 Baritone
A 28″ scale baritone that ships from the factory tuned B to B — built specifically for tunings like this.
- 28″ baritone scale length
- Factory B-to-B tuning
- High-output Iron Label pickups
- No compromise setup needed for drop B
- Handles even lower tunings easily thanks to scale length
- Longer scale takes adjustment if you’re used to standard guitars
ESP LTD MH-1000B Baritone
Built to handle the low-end demands of modern metal with a longer baritone scale.
- Extended baritone scale length
- Active EMG pickups (typical spec)
- Metal-oriented body and neck profile
- Tight, defined low end for drop tunings
- Solid build quality at the price
- Pricier than standard-scale alternatives
Schecter Jeff Loomis JL-6 FR
A signature model from a guitarist known for baritone-scale metal tunings, with a Floyd Rose for stability.
- Baritone-friendly scale length
- Floyd Rose tremolo
- High-output signature pickups
- Designed around exactly this kind of low tuning
- Tremolo stays in tune under heavy playing
- Floyd Rose setup/string changes are more involved
PRS SE Standard 24
A versatile standard-scale guitar that handles drop B fine with a proper setup and slightly heavier strings.
- 25″ scale length
- Push/pull coil-split humbuckers
- Wide tonal range
- Much cheaper than dedicated baritones
- Versatile for standard tuning too
- Needs a careful setup (string gauge, intonation) to feel right in drop B
Dean Vendetta XM
A budget standard-scale metal guitar that’s a common entry point for drop-tuning players on a tight budget.
- Standard 25.5″ scale
- High-output humbuckers
- Fast, thin neck profile
- Very affordable starting point
- Comfortable neck for fast riffing
- Needs heavier strings and a proper setup for drop B to feel tight
Buying tips
- True baritone guitars (27″+ scale) hold tension and intonate far more naturally in drop B than standard-scale guitars.
- If you go standard-scale, size up your string gauge (typically .011-.060 or heavier) to keep tension usable.
- Always get a fresh setup (intonation, truss rod, pickup height) after retuning this far down — factory setups assume standard tuning.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.