the 8-string idea is definitely not new. it was something people couldn't quite relate to as oppossed to the 7-string. this 8-string is a baritone: 27" scale length... 8) prior to the Ibanez incarnation, the 8-string instrument employs a real bass string for the bottom end. the RG2228 is strictly a guitar in this light, not a hybrid.
the string issue is definitely a headache. i'm shopping this week for alternatives, it's likely that i will acquire a 7-set + 1 more to make the number. the manufacturer recommends an F# tuning for the lowest string but i'm employing another to suit my needs: (high to low) C#G# E B F# C# G# E