8-string basses (4x2) Dean vs ESP vs Schecter

[The Lurker]

I'm looking for a new 8-string bass. I have a Hagstrom (one of the new ones) but the short scale just isn't doing it for me (bummer, because I like the electronics and think the bridge is sweet). It's back to longscale for me.

I'm looking at the Schecter Studio, Dean Edge, and ESP ones. I haven't any experience with the Dean one. I've tried the ESP and the Schecter.

The Schecter is priced a few hundred dollars more than either the ESP or the Dean. It seemed better made, and is a neck-through instrument. On the downside, I don't find the body shape comfortable. All three have pretty much the same electronics package.

Has anyone any opinions on whether any of these is significantly better than the others? Also, are there any models out there that I'm overlooking?

I used to own a Brice 8 and tried the Rogue (almost the same as the Brice). Too many design problems for me to try either of those again.

N.b..... the search function doesn't work well when you're looking for 8-string basses because the terms are so common.