Dean Guitars

Dean Review - Dangerous Curve

Testing 1..2..3..The Gear in Review

Dangerous Curves

For all our foul-mouthed bravado and socially "innovative" lifestyles, we guitarists can be a conservative lot. Take guitar designs. Most of us simply have no respect for anything that isn't shaped like a Les Paul, Strat, Flying V, Tele or one of the other designs introduced back when Eisenhower was watching The Ed Sullivan Show.

Ro break out of that mindset, we rounded up some to the more unique examples of six-string architecture.Oddly enough, even these chunks of abstract expressionist sculpture have their precedents in designs that debuted as long ago as the mid Sixties. So get ready for a little historical trivia, along with our usual in-depth technical analysis.

DEAN MACH 5

Based on their Seventies model Mach 7, the Mach 5 has a Gumby-on-ecstasy look that feels quite comfortable when strapped on. Vaguely simiar to the ergonomic designs of the early Seventies Ovation Breadwinner and the Klein electric guitar; the Mach 5 balances well when standing (although it's a bit neck-heavy), and it feels comfortable resting on either leg when played sitting down. The body is surprisnigly light, considering it's size.

The Mach 5 has a geel that's snappy and quick, thanks to its string-through-body bridge design. The setup was excellent right out of the box, with action measuring in at a low 3/64 of an inch across all six strings. The fretwork was well done, and the neck was dead straight.

Played through a Fender Twin at low volume, the Mach 5 sounded surprisingly clear and detailed. Each pickup setting had a unique and useful character, and although the natural fatness of, say, a Les Paul was lacking, the sound was still warm and wide enough for most applications. Settings with just a touch of grit, such as Matchless simulation called up via a Boss GT-3 processor, gave the Mach 5 a chance to reveal its character even further, and it proved remarkably expressive.

Going full-bore with a Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker at concert leverl, the Mach 5 produced a barely-in-control, edge-of-feedback sound that sustained for days, but which demamded that we mute the strings when not playings. Still, this kind of rollercoaster sonic madness can be great fun in the right hands, and the Mach 5 is undoubtedly a versatile instrument that offers clean and semi-crunchy excellence.

List Price = $679
Mahogany Body with a Set Mahogany Neck
Rosewood Fingerboard with no Inlays
24 1/2 Inch Scale Length
Frets - 22 Medium Wide
Width at Nut - 1 11/16 Inches
Tuners - Grovers
Pickups - Dean Humbuckers
Controls - Volume, Tone, Three Positions Pickup Selector Switch
Bridge - Tune-O-Matic
Color Options - Classic Black & Metallic White

The Bottom Line
If you're looking for quality guitars with radical good looks and price tags that won't freeze your credit card, here are three reasons not to take a band saw you your Les Paul. The slinky curves of DEAN MACH 5 will appeal to the upscale eccentric who desires maximum playability and sonic versatility along with aesthetic individuality. The cost of getting into "shape" has never been so low.

-by Douglas Baldwin

September 2000 - Guitar World

Back to the Dean Articles