Hi Dean! Let me first say thanks for creating such an incredible guitar like my 79 series ML! My true love is the Time capsule Caddy, but when I saw this beautiful ML I was speechless! Then I picked it up and it was all over. Could beat the price either ($377)! My question is what are the spec on this ML?? The web site really offers no in depth specs. I'd like to know the body and neck wood (probably mahogany) I know it's a set neck, rosewood board with abalone dots, but what about the pickups? Also one suggestion, BIGGER frets, like something with .055" height for some serious bends of course. Thanks Dean your the greatest!!!

A customer for life,

Jesse

---

My fifth Dean Guitar arrived yesterday.... A HardTail (#10274) in Beautiful Quilt Amberburst!

I have one word to describe it.... SULTRY !

You have definitely outdone yourself with this guitar. A true masterpiece! Not only is it stunning to look at but it plays phenomenally. The finish is exquisite and the inlays on neck are beyond perfection.

Once again I'd like to express my thanks for a truly magnificent work of art.

Keep up the great work!

Regards,

Chuck
(DOA Member clmazza)

---

Wow...although I had seen the ad for the Hardtail somewhere and knew Dean was making a supposedly special model I had no idea it was like this. I've been playing it steadily since I picked it up and now realize my instinct that there was something special about this model was right on...it had that delicate, sculpted--almost feminine feel when I first touched it...not clunky at all like the Washburne I played there, and while I wouldn't accuse a Les Paul of being clunky-feeling, it's definately more of a battleship feeling whereas this Dean is more of a stradivarius feeling. I'm glad I ran into you, I almost didn't go to Nate's little promo....this machine is beautiful and amazing. The next time I'm ready for a new guitar, I'll definitely check in with you.

Thanks!

Dave

---

Hi Shane,

I received the Dean Hardtail Certificate yesterday (#33), and it looks great. Thanks for your help. The guitar is fantastic! I don't know why there are so many out there still not sold, and why I even see some on ebay. I think people don't realize how good they really are. I still say it's better than PRS.

Anyway, thanks again, we'll try to get up there and visit you all again sometime soon.

Best Regards,
Bill Hudson

---

Dean:

Wow, thanks for your quick response!

Actually, I was curious as to what your #1 HardTail (from your "private stash") would be going for. I have no intention of parting with my HardTail. It is absolutely the most amazing guitar I have ever seen or played, regardless of price. Actually, I haven't seen another HardTail that I think looks as good as mine!

However, my HardTail has not been out of its case since I received my 25th Anniversary Caddy #16. If it was at all possible, the Caddy amazed me even more than the HardTail did! As I said in a recent post on the website, more than once I have found myself looking at the guitar in its stand and thinking "Wow, what a great looking guitar!" It sounds and plays even better.

Keep up the good work!

Scott

---

Hi Dean On your Stash.

Those newest Guitars are sweet, I have the Black Dean its Like the 7#3 Brazilliaburst, but its black. Dang I love that Guitar, After playing a heavy BC Rich Bich I decided to go into a Store to try out one of your Deans, I immediately fell head over heels for the Dean. No Guitar can compare to the Deans, this Guitar is everything a guy could want in a Great Guitar! All I can say is when you were younger you had a great idea and that is todays Deans! I think though my Dean was made like in the middle 80's. Which was a great time for us all. I loves the early an middle 80's, alottah great Metal was recorded, an ohhhhhh the Concerts.

Well keep up with the Great Work your doing. My son Charles wich is 13 teen has a Dean Play Mate Bass, he an I got our Guitars on the same Day. He's taking Bass Lessons, an just loves the Guitar, he was playing one day an looked up with a grin, an said Mannn that Dean makes a Great Guitar, this is Great Dad I'me having a Blast!!!

Thanks Again,

Joe LaFave S.R. and Charles.

---

 

Dean,

I got Hardtail #3 today. It is unbelievable. Fabulous!!! I am trying to write the online ad for it right now and I am having trouble finding the words to accurately describe it. The USA V's and ML's have been super guitars but you have outdone yourself this time. I've got Les Pauls, PRS, and just about everything else that has ever taken a pick but none stand up to this baby. Thanks so much for letting me have this early one. Am I correct, that this one is the first production model to be offered for retail? I see on the site that the first two went to Chris Henderson of Three Doors Down.

Anyway, it is awesome. It plays like butter and sounds like heaven, and looks like,.... well that's where I don't have the words to go.

Keep up the good work!

Thanks again,

Bobby Boyles
Oklahoma Vintage Guitar

---

"From the Dean Forum (HardTail)"

Just thought I'd take a break from this insane jam session and try to describe the appearance of this guitar to you.

The first thing you notice when you open the case is the beautiful flame maple amber top. I call it the "buttered pancakes and syrup" finish because it looks like you're looking on sideways at a stack of about 50 panacakes just oozing with Grade AAA maple syrup and melted butter.....MMMMMMMMMM! The mahagony body is the most gorgeous malted milkshake color and the grain actually changes as the light hits it from different angles (sort of like those silly gizmoes in Cracker Jack box that give you a moving picture as you move it back and forth). The only indication that there is a neck join is that the body binding stops just short of the heel. And as far as the heel goes, those of you who've played EVO's will be familiar with the design, only it's even more blended into the body. Nice job on that Dean Z!!!!!!

The special fretboard inlays are nothing short of dead on gorgeous. I used to think that block inlays were the bomb, but these little dandys are really spectacular. They give you the sense that the fretboard is in perpetual motion. And the grain of the ebony is so tight if I didn't know better I'd say that Dean Z used a sheet of slate for it.

The headstock is really one of the coolest shapes I've ever seen. Dean Z designed it so that there is a slight overextension of the underside of the neck before it blends into the headstock, I'm sure to increase both strength and sustain. The headstock itself is angled pretty steep, allowing for better string pull and thus better tuning stability.

The final thing is what tells me that this guitar was built with tender loving care. And that is the way that the strings are wound on the tuning pegs. Each of the unwound strings is wrapped about 5-6 times and the wound strings are wrapped 3 times. I know that might not seem like a big deal, but believe me...it is! This is the ideal ratio for string winding that provides the best in tuning stability. It also again demonstrates to me the attention to detail that went into the building of this guitar.

Well, enough typing! I need to play!

Your pal,

Doc

---

Elliot and Dean,

I just want to express my sincere gratitude and fond respect for a great guitar and guitar builder. I am the proud owner of four Dean guitars, including my latest addition, a Time Capsule ML Prototype #4.

Each guitar that I purchased arrived in pristine condition and barely required a setup other than some tweaking, which I do regardless, just so that I can get a little more "familiar" with my new axe. The finishes are exquisite and really are quite stunning.

Thanks for bringing such a superior product to an industry flooded with plain-jane over-priced guitars.

As a side note, I was wondering if I could obtain a "Certificate of Authenticity" for my ML Prototype. I'm not sure if it is supposed to have one but it would look great hanging in my studio for all to see. Any consideration you could give in granting my request would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!

Regards,

Chuck Mazza

---

25th Caddy arrived--It's awesome

Elliot and Dean,

My TC 25th TAB Caddy arrived today and I felt the need to share my heart felt joy with you both.

This guitar is far more beautiful than I ever expected. So much so, that I am honestly at a loss of words. All I can say for the moment is thank you so very, very much. The time that you guy's took to respond
to me and the effort is sincerely appreciated.

Thanks once again,

Greg

---

Thank you for the phone call yesterday, it was very appreciated and unexpected. It's nice to see the interest that you are taking with your customers. Mike McAfee from Willis Music at Oxmoor called me today and is ordering me the Hardtail with the quilt top Braziliaburst finish; he is always so helpful and accomodating when I deal with him. I'm going to be trading my Gibson Les Paul Classic, and of course some cash for it, so I'm very excited about seeing and playing this remarkable guitar. I've only been playing since '94, and I have been a die hard Gibson fan, but these new Dean's seem to be far more superior to any Gibson that I have seen or played lately. So, keep up the great work, because you've just earned a Dean customer for life. Thanks again.

Ben Hurst
Louisville, KY, US

---

Dean,

The hardtail came in last Friday, and all I can say is, WOW!!! It is more beautiful than I could have possibly envisoned. The quilt top is gorgeous and the inlays on the neck are very beautiful and unique. And it plays and sounds unbelievable. The neck is so easy to play; it practically plays itself, and the ebony fingerboard is a definate plus. After, I held it and played it, I had to play my Les Paul Classic one more time, and there was no comparison. The Hardtail is far more superior!!! So, thanks for creating such a great guitar, and I hope you plan on making plenty more, because I know that I will be adding a few more to my collection. :)

P.S. What are the chances of my Hardtail showing up online? And do you have any plans of posting the people who have purchased one of these first 100?

Ben Hurst

 

---

Hi Dean,

Don Weed here, we met at Top Dog Music in Sterling IL. and you signed my Caddy. I want to thank you for being so gracious and attentive. While desperately lusting after Dean Guitars for 20 years, my Dean Caddy purchase in November was a wish come true for me. I could not be more satisfied with the craftsmanship and design . Being a true guitar lover that cannot pass up what you have to offer, I just ordered a Brasiliaburst Time Capsule ML. Chris Jones at Top Dog called and found there were only two left so I drew a sigh of relief to find out I had successfully retrieved a great guitar. I hate to envision my disappointment had I not acted when I did. You have a great product out there and with your considerate demeanor towards the guitarist/guitar buying public Dean Guitars' longevity is assured. Wishing you continued success!

Regards,

Don Weed

---

Hi Dean,

Thank you for responding....I had a Z-baby way back when and I have always loved these guitars. My Z- baby had the serial# on the back of the head stock. The guy that got fired from HEART bought it from me through Dan Martin (Guitar Exchange ). I wish I had it now! I traded it for a custom shop Explorer. What a mistake!! Anyway thank you for a great guitar. It plays and feels so right.. Its more than wood and wire that makes a great guitar and you have produced it. My Les Paul's will be in taking a back seat when we play out, I am sure it will generate some questions. The tone I get is killer!

Thanks,

Gregg in St. Louis.

---

I own A Dean Baby Z 83 06954 neck with.

I only payed 50 Bucks for it back in 87 from freind of mine.

It's got 24 fret's with the V shape head stock.

I still got the black and white DiMarzio pickup.

I played it the first time in December 83.

Im still playing it to this day.

I will continue for ever with this killer guitar.

I even got the Sperzel machine heads that it came with.

Thank You Dean Guitars!!!

Best guitar in existence!

Robert L . Waltham Mass.

---

Just bought a new edge and that's ex-actly what it's given me!! thanx for a great new inovation in reasonably priced guitars!!,i have never had the sound i truly wanted,till now and i've owned a great number of bass guitars.

thanx again!!

slickbassman

Triple Vision Band

---

Bill,

I would like to tell you this about Dean Guitars. I have been playing and working on guitars since I was 12 years old, I am 55 now. I have owned just about ever type of guitar there is at one time or another. And I would like to say that I have found quality, sound and value in Dean that I have not found in any other company. I also teach guitar and I tell my students, Buy a Dean, DON'T by an over priced low quality Fender!

Claude P.
Salisbury, NC

---

Hi,

I don't see them a lot over here in the Netherlands but after a huge testdrive between the Gibson Les Paul and the Epiphone version of the Les Paul, the PRS Santana and some Fenders (which I didn't like at all) I finally went for the Dean Evo Special Select. A bargain for such a nice piece of wood if you ask me. Especially compared to the Les Paul Studio.

However, I have two questions. Hopefully you can answer them.
The first is to know what year the guitar is produced. The serial is E051138. Is it even possible to know from what year the wood is?
The second question is about the Zebra pickups. Are these selfmade by Dean or are they from another manufacturer? And do the Zebra pickups have these colour schemes to let people know what character these pickups have or is it just for the looks. Is there any place on the web where I can get info on the character of all sorts of pickups/ humbuckers etc...


Regards, A . Liu

---

New/Used Dean Guitar

I just purchased a used Dean Artist CSE on ebay. I had looked at guitars in two cities and several places on line. While in the local Guitar Center I saw a used Dean Exotica hanging on the wall. I picked it up and fell in love. The look, feel and sound were great, unfortunately it was out of my price range. After that I would not even look at another make of guitar. So I searched. The only place I could find one that might be in my price range was on ebay. After bidding on several different models I finally won the bid on the model I really wanted. Thank you for making such a great looking and sounding guitar. I gave my last guitar away (a nice Yamaha) to a children's leader in our church who needed it more than I did. That was several years ago. I have been without a guitar for a long time. Now I am back and loving it. I am wondering if there is any paperwork available that may have come with the guitar when it was purchased new. Warranty information, care information etc. Please let me know.

Thanks,

Rick C

---

 

//::::::::::::::::::::::: My 78 V :::::::::::::::::::::::::://

Hi Dean,

I'm sure you get a ton of mail from Dean owners, especially given Dean website and the obviously very proud dean owners that chat there. Anyway, I have a 78 standard V in very good shape that I bought new when I was a senior in high school in 1979. I've had some hand problems that forced me to lay off playing for a few years. Well, I recently started to get back into it. I had forgotten how great my dean sounded, particularly in the upper registers. The sustain is tremendous and the tone is fat and beautiful. Anyway, thanks for a great guitar.

Best wishes,

Ed

---

Dean Is #1

Hi there , my name is Mazze and I was born and raised in Vimmerby Sweden!!
During a trip to Mexico I needed a guitar to noodle on ,while away from my beloved
Gibson Les Pauls . I was not really aware of what I was buying , just a guitar!!!!!
I ended up with a EVO Special Selection!!!!Much to my suprise it's probably the best guitar I
I've ever bought , I'm looking forward to expand my collection of this very fine product !!!!!
Sorry Gibson!!!!!!You can also check out our band and listen to a few songs in realaudio
on our webssite:www.noztalgica.com .

Dean are probably the best guitars ever built and you have made me a fulltime believer!!

Thanks Mazze

---

Hello Dean. My name is Donni and first of all, I got to thank you for making absolutely the best guitars around. I have purchased a Dean V four years ago at a local second hand store for only a mere $190. And after going through your website, and in particular the discussion boards, I found that I had a genuine vintage USA on my hands. (BTW ... excellent site and very informative group. I joined the group right away.) I did see a post that you might be able to tell me a little more about my guitar by going through the log books. So if you do have time to do that, I would sure appreciate it. The serial number for my V is: 81 03433 Thanks, and I'll be sending you some pics of it for the vintage Dean section real soon. Have a wonderful day. :)

fox_files_469@msn.com

---

Hello,

I just want to say I have been playing a 6-string electric guitar for 16yrs now and musicians friend had your avalanche ultra 7 on sale before last christmas. On a impulse to add something different to my playing and get a new toy I purchased one. WOW!!!!! This thing is great!!! This is my first Dean and I Love it!! I have been playing it since before christmas and it just feels natural now. I have since sold my 6 strings and I am 7 all the way. Thanks for making such a great guitar at an affordable price. I thought the dean would sit in the corner and only come out to play once a week for fun but it is my main squeeze now. Thanks Again

Paul Painter
owner
B&C Pawn
PO Box 84
Oak Hill WV 25901

---

HELLO, MY NAME IS STEVE AND FIRST OFF SIR, THANKS FOR ROCKING THE WORLD WITH YOUR KICK A*S GUITARS, THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST. I HAVE 2 QUESTIONS FIRST OFF, I OWN ONE OF YOUR GUITARS AND WANTED SOME INFORMATION OR HISTORY IF ANY ON IT.

IT IS A CHERRY FINISHED "Z", SERIAL # 81 03650, IN ITS ORIGINAL HARDSHELL CASE.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT I TRADED A S*****Y FENDER STRAT, AND $100 BUCKS FOR IT IN A PAWNSHOP IN KILLEEN, TEXAS WHILE I WAS IN THE ARMY THERE AND I MADE A KILLING. I T IS BY FAR THE BEST GUITAR I HAVE EVER PLAYED, OWNED OR COME ACROSS. YOU DEFINITELY GOT THE RECIPE RIGHT SIR, AND IT WAS A HOT ONE. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER EVEN VISITED YOUR WEBSITE AND IT IS EXCELLENT.

MY SECOND QUESTION IS, I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING TO WORK MAKING THE HIGHEST QUALITY GUITARS SUCH AS THE ONES YOU CREATE HERE IN THE US. I RECENTLY GRADUATED FROM THE ROBERTO-VENN SCHOOL OF LUTHIERY IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA AND SIR, I FIGURED IF I WAS TO ASK FOR A CHANCE AT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FROM ANYONE, IN MY OPINION I MIGHT AS WELL START WITH THE BEST!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION SIR.

SINCERELY,

STEVE ZAVALA.....PEACE AND GOD BLESS

---

Dear Mr. Zelinsky,

I have seen your beautiful "Holy Grail" Dean V on your website. Per your request for info on other old Dean, I happen to own a beautiful and totally clean Dean Flying V (USA - 77 00179 - Patents Pending). I'll send you a digital photo if you like. Having owned the guitar for over 16 years, it's tonal range and playability seem to improve with age. It truly sings with sustain for days - a fantastic instrument to be sure.

Whenever I break the thing out, people who are not familiar with beautiful vintage Deans regard it as something from a J.R.R Tolkien novel, "a guitar to rule them all" or something of that nature comes out of their mouths.

By the way, how old is the "Holy Grail Dean V"? What is the serial number? Was Dean making guitars back in 76 (serial number 76 xxxxx)?

Best regards,

K. Lee Fuller

---

Subject: Customer Service

Just wanted to drop a line to let you know how one of your dealers has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Being a professional musician and using my equipment daily I needed a dealer that I could rely on for all aspects of service. Even though I have retained one of my old favorite guitars, which I very rarely play, all the rest of our guitars came from this dealer. He gave me a Dean electric semi-hallow body to try out. I found it hard to tell it from a Les Paul. This and the Dean 12-string acoustic that I have are featured on the cover of our albums and credited on our disc labels. Much to my surprise the other day my beloved 12-string had started to show signs of having problems... wouldn't stay in tune for even one song. Without hesitation I was loaned a replacement until it could either be repaired or replaced. It is my understanding that they are taking it to the southwestern Florida warehouse for inspection on Thursday. Just wanted to make sure this particular dealer gets the kudos he deserves and also want to thank Dean for the quick attention and belief in their product.

These guitars are used everyday. 24/7!!! Hats off to Mark & Wendy of Music Bum, Spring Hill, FL and to Dean Guitars.

Rev. Ralph Rogers
Destini®
Destini Music Ministries
No Name Chosin Band
Divisions of Rad Man Productions

---

To whom it may concern,

I just wanted to let you guys know that you make awesome guitars. I just got my first Dean, an EVO Premium, I bought it used but in mint condition. I'm simply amazed at the quality and sound of this instrument, it is also one of the most beautiful guitars I've ever seen, let alone owned. Thanks for the guitar, I love it.

Sincerely,

Mark Alvarez

---

Just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for your help in choosing a dean guitar I just received my new Dean Evo Premium flame and could not be happier. I have owned Les Paul customs and gold tops and top of the line SG and also a PRS custom 22 10 top and none compare with the playability and great looks of this Evo and the real reason for thanking you is it is nice to have a guitar maker that makes a great instrument and is still affordable I also have a Del Sol coming that Iam looking forward to.

Thank You!

Sincerely,

Greg Bounds

---

Good Lord! I wish that I had discovered Dean's year's ago! All my life I have played the other carved top. But now I will never own anything but Dean's! My Euro Evo is the best guitar that I have ever owned. And I have owned a lot of guitars! After all I have been playing since the early 70's. Thank you Dean for such great quality!

Alan Cargile

---

 

I think your site's great-and I've got to include that this new EVO is a fantastic guitar-I owned a '72 Les Paul custom that I got rid of years ago (unfortuneately) and have been searching for that "click" ever since-I walked into the store, saw the dean-and found what I have been searching for. I had budgeted twice as much money as I spent for a new guitar...you people do great work. Thank You.

E. Smay

---

Dean:

I actually wanted a Dean long before I ever saw the "difference" ad in
GP, just to show you that SOME of us recognized the quality before the
marketing..

=)

However, when that ad came out, I thought the controversy over it in
GP was probably some of the funniest stuff I'd ever seen. It sure
didn't detract from my wanting one..

I'd looked at your various early models but when the first ML hit the
stores, I wanted one instantly.

A couple decades ago, I was lusting after the oh so gorgeous
cloudburst ML in the local music shop, but just couldn't swing the $$
for it.

Still, I'd go in and play it nearly ever day (I suppose it was good
thing the store owner was a partner in my recording studio, or he'd
have kicked me out).

At some point that year, my partner's music store was broken into and
a number of guitars we stolen, including some of the Deans. The
insurance company paid the store for them, and my dreams of the
cloudburst ML were forever shattered.

A few months later, the police busted the thieves. It turns out there
were little kids, and the pawn shop owner thought it was pretty odd
that a pair of 12 year olds would just happen to have a bunch of brand
new guitars, so while keeping the kids distracted he called the
police.

The police notified the insurance company, which then contacted my
partner's store. Since they had already paid the insurance claim,
they wanted to know would the store be interested in selling the
guitars for them? My partner called me, and we both headed over to
the insurance company. I'd taken this as a sign from providence that
I was destined to own the cloudburst after all.

When we got there, the Cloudburst ML wasn't there. They'd only
recovered 5 of the 7 missing guitars. The kids claimed they had no
idea where the other two were. I was crushed.

However, there was a black Flame ML in the now for sale returned
guitars, and feeling miserable about not buying the Cloudburst when I
could have, I bought the Flame. (80-02144)

After a couple days, I no longer cared that it wasn't a Cloudburst.
It quite simply was the best guitar I'd ever owned. The neck. God,
the neck. It's just liquid. They just don't come any better.

I've fallen asleep playing that guitar more times than I can count.

The story turns about a year later. I did some fill in work for
ShowCo on mixing monitors for a couple weeks when their guy was out
with an appendectomy. During one of the shows, the opening band's
guitar tech dropped a Z coming off stage and snapped the neck. He had
some spares, but no Deans. The guitarist knew I had my ML with me and
asked if he could borrow it for the remaining gigs. He was a nice
enough guy and I agreed, provided he took extremely good care of it
and not let his tech touch it with a 20 foot pole.

Two months later I got it back, and was horrified to discover the back
was all scratched up. This bozo wore a belt on stage with a metal
buckle. I was seriously pissed.

That was the last time my ML left my hands.

Time passes. My studio goes broke (never open a multi-track in the
middle of the mid west, it's definitely a losing proposition).

Left with huge debts to pay off I sold nearly everything and called it
quits with the music business. They only stuff I kept was my ML, my
52 Gold top, and my clunker Electra MPC that I'd built a bunch of
active electronics for.

I went back to college, studied my ass off, and ended up in New York
teaching nuke chemistry to navy reactor plant operators.

After becoming a diabetic, I was out on the street, (the NRC has this
thing about insulin dependant diabetics running reactors for some odd
reason), so I hooked up with a buddy of mine doing system integration
work.

After a few years of that, I got a job with the control systems
manufacturer we used, and moved to Dallas (note the location).

One of the guys who unpacked our stuff noticed my guitar cases, and
asked to see them. He had no idea what the 52 Goldtop was or why one
would have one, but his eyes lit up big time when I opened the ML
case.

His first question was, "wanna sell it?"

I thought he was nuts, but he said he had a friend who was really into
ML's and would probably want to buy it.

Not being in my right mind (and fairly broke from the move) I figured
what the hell, I haven't played in a few years, why not, and if
nothing else I'd go to a home of someone who could at least appreciate
it.

A couple days later the moving guy comes and tells me his friend would
give me $350 for it. I asked him who the hell his friend thought he
was, and if he was out of his mind?

The moving guy then asked if I'd ever heard of Pantera.

At that point I told him no offense, but he could tell Mr. Dimebag to
kindly go fuck himself, rock star or no.

He grinned and said something to the effect of "I understand" and that
was that..

Skipping over the next 9 years...

I've gotten back into music again. I've built a Mac based Logic Audio
home studio and discovered the insane joys of the advances of
technology.

I never could play keys worth a tinker's squat, so I've gone the
Roland GR33/VG88/SK2H midi route.

It's awesome. Back in my orange mohawked punker days, I'd have never
thought I'd be using the ML to score string arrangements, but here I
am..

Keyboard players have no idea what they're missing out on. It's damn
hard to yank nuance out of a plastic key, velocity and aftertouch or
not.

I'd checked into a internal mount pickup, but on the ML there simply
isn't room for the Roland electronics board, so I had to go the
surface mount route.

My main complaints are:

1) The GK2AH pickup is designed for a Paul type bridge, and is
arched, The outer strings are farther away from the pickup as a
result, and don't track as well.

2) The cable and the connector box get in the way playing wise (I'm
totally fingerpicking these days, you just can't get tight enough
control over the midi values with a pick).

3) I need a new nut (this is like the 4th one in 20 years), but don't
trust any of this local yokels to touch my baby.

4) The string spacing at the bridge isn't optimum. To work right,
the strings need to be spot on over the center of each pole of the hex
pickup. See #3 for why that isn't fixed..

Which..

Brings me to the point of this long assed soap opera of an email:

I'm wondering if there's any possible way I could get a custom ML?

I want to cure my digital tracking problems, but can't imagine doing
it on anything but an ML. There's other companies that build guitars
specifically for VG and GR work, but it just wouldn't be the same.

My impossible dream:

There's a company that makes a nifty replacement hex pickup that fits
in a standard humbucking mount ring with rear facing poles. The only
problem with these units is they don't work too well in the standard
rear pickup slot, as they aren't close enough to the bridge to track
correctly.

However, if it was a new build, the pickup hole could be moved back
towards the bridge to get it where it needed to be.

In the neck position, instead of a pickup I'd want to mount a
Fernandes Sustainer (these things are amazing!)..

The net result would be an ML without any conventional pickups at all,
just a GK ready jack where the normal 1/4" shows up..

Another possibility would be to put a 3rd pickup between the neck and
bridge positions for a conventional output via the GK electronics, but
that's not super important..

And maybe, just maybe, the Cloudburst finish I've wanted for the last
22 years (dream on, right?)

Hell, if you'd be willing to entertain the notion, I'd fly down to
pick it up. My wife's dad lives in Clearwater.

Regardless of the custom possibility I just want to thank you for
making the finest guitar I've ever owned, and I've had a bunch of em.

And no, the ML is NOT for sale. At any price. Ever.

Mark Lewno
Garland, TX

"Original owner and damn proud of it"

Interesting side note:

We sat behind none other than Dimebag at an Imax screening of
Spiderman last month. As we were following him out of the theater
after the movie my wife asked, "Isn't that the Pantera guy who you
didn't sell your guitar to?"

I was sure he wouldn't remember who the hell I was, but I did think
about telling him that being a such a cheap bastard about buying my ML
was (as far as I'm concerned) the single most important thing he's
done in his life.

I kind of doubted he'd have got the joke.

---

 

Hi Elliott,

Got the Caddy today. Very nice quilt! I have to tell you I am very impressed, not only by the quality of the guitar itself, but by the level of customer satisfaction provided by yourself and Dean Guitars. The difference between a mediocre company and a top-notch company is often determined by their customer service, and Dean Guitars is definitely top-notch in my book!

Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy day get me the guitar I was looking for. Now that I have this awesome Caddy Premium I can put my tired, overweight old Les Paul into retirement :)

Steve

---

Elliot,

I just bought a new Exotica FM (flame red). My Takamine is about to get REAL DUSTY!


Thanks for making the only guitar I'll buy,

Chad Monroe

---

Hi, Dean

As a person who's been into electrics since the very early 60's and owned at one time or another a slew of different guitars, I admit that I wasn't turned on to yours until last November. Since then I've bought a new Select Z, Euro Korina V, Tradition D24, TC ML #49, and just purchased TC Z #18 today, as well as the 81 V. Your USA guitars are, without any doubt in my mind, the finest instruments I've ever owned , and dollar for dollar, the imports are the best value in off-shore manufactured electrics today. Thanks for designing and manufacturing the originals and being involved to the exent that you are today. We players and owners of Dean guitars appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Best Regards,

Bob Pickwoad
Phoenix, AZ

---

Thanks Elliott!

Why, oh why did I buy both of these guitars at the same time? Now I sit here and start playing the one while looking longingly over at the other! Then I switch guitars, and then shortly find myself in the same predicament again. It's sort of like having to choose between Gweneth Paltrow and Uma Thurman. Yeah, it's a really tough situation, but somehow I think I'll make it through OK...

Now I see why the eVo won the Editors Pick award! If someone who had never played a Dean before and didn't know anything about the Premium picked this guitar up and played it, they'd swear they were playing a $3500 guitar. Likewise the Caddy.

Thanks again,

Larry

---

 

Hi Guys,

Just thought I would let you guys know the kind of stuff I have to put up
with in order to be a Dean Dealer.

Thanks,

Bobby
Oklahoma Vintage Guitar

Hi Bobby and all at OK Vintage Guitar!

Good morning!

Just wanted to let you know that yesterday afternoon, I received the Dean V Blueburst USA Custom (#3 of 25) at my office. Took it home last night, plugged it in and let it rip.......a truly incredible and awesome guitar! It was everything you described it to be Bobby...and more! Thanks very, very much!!!! I am extremely happy. s

I do have two questions:

1> If you have a customer catalogue/mailing list, can I please be placed on your distribution?

2> Do you sell Dean T-Shirts? Would like to get one if you have some available.

Did I tell you how much I love this new Dean V?!?!?!?!??

Hey Bobby...just want to tell you that I really enjoyed doing business with you - when I spoke to you last Saturday on the phone to inquire about availability/place my order, I could tell that you genuinely care about your customers as evidenced by the time you took to answer all my questions, tell me the history behind this series of Deans, and all post-purchase follow-up that you mentioned. I truly look forward to the next Dean Guitar that I buy from you - you guys will be first on my list if/when I look to purchase another Dean.

Have a great day and a safe Holiday weekend! Thanks again for everything!!

Cary

---

Hello Dean ! I have an original 1977 Dean Z fully bound in braziliaburst with ebony fretboard and abalone inlays with red position dots on the bound neck. This guitar is truly the most magnificent guitar I have ever owned and is my prized possession. The serial # 77 0144 . I have to compliment you on such fine workmanship. Once again you make me proud to be a Dean collector and thanks !

Regards,

Todd

---

 

OH MY LORD!!! This Hardtail has to be the most beautiful guitar that I have seen, and it plays and sounds unbelievable. Thanks for picking out a beauty. Then plays so easily, it practically plays itself. I would say I'm more than satisfied with this baby.

Thanks again. :)

---

Dean,

I recently bought a Dean Edge 5 Lefty bass and I just had to write and thank you. No other major manufacturer that I could find made a 5 string in a lefty model. In fact, most of the other big brands only put out their cheapest 4 string in a lefty, if they have a left handed bass at all. Boy was I surprised when I saw that Dean not only produces a sizeable lineup of lefty basses and guitars, but you also have a page just for them on your web site!

Originally I decided to buy my Edge 5 because it was the only lefty 5 string I could find without custom ordering, so I didn't have very high expectations. I couldn't have been more wrong. The tone is outstanding (especially for the price), and it is easy to play because the 35 inch scale really helps hold the B string in tight. If I ever need another bass again I will definitely look for a Dean first.

Thanks for making your products available to leftys too! Hope you have another 25 years of making great instruments.

Scott Showalter

---

Hello,

I just have a question regarding the Tradition D-24. Are the rosewood back and sides solid rosewood or laminate? I own an Exotica FM and I am VERY pleased and proud of it, and I am going to add 2 more deans to my collection. (D-24 & EVO Special) I am purchasing deans instead of a Les Paul and a Martin. (If you can believe that!). I own a Martin Vintage D-28 and a '52 reissue telecaster, but I am so IMPRESSED with dean's quality and attention to detail (AND PRICE) that I may just go ALL DEAN from now on!

GREAT JOB GUYS!!!!! You are bringing the "BIG BOYS" to their knees!!!

Thanks,
Brian Osborne

---

Just wanted to say thanks for the BEST guitar on the market! Have wanted an ML since 1976 or so when I first saw one. Just ordered a new ML Select today in flame cherry sunburst. Wish I could spend the money for a USA model, but can't at this time.....maybe later.... love the guitars!! Keep up the good work... Lived in Sterling, Illinois when you were in Chicago..lol. Just had to say thanks though.

ML's FOREVER !!!!!!!!!!!!


Don Martin
C/S, Co.

 

---

Hey Dean,

I own a couple of your guitars that I bought back in the early 80s. One is an Elite that I bought new in 1981(brasiliaburst) and my other one is a used 1980 Dean V that I bought
in NYC at Mannys or one of those shops.I played the Elite very hard for 4 or 5 years while sowing my "thrash" roots. It now rests very comfortably in my home ,getting played from time to time. After all its been through it still plays great ! The V sits in the corner of my studio ....it needs alot of attention.Someday I will restore back to its original self. Thanks for making great guitars and giving me lots of great playing memories. PS......Its great to see you back again.

Terry

---

DEAN , JUST RECEIVED 25TH ANIV. CADILLAC AND WOW! WHAT A COOL GUITAR . I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER A LOW NUMBER EVEN, 02/100 . THIS WILL BE A PRIZE POSSESSION OF MINE . I THINK I WILL JUST HANG IT IN MY GLASS CASE AND WATCH EM DROOL . THANKS FOR THE GREAT PRODUCT AND SERVICE. MATT STUMP OWNER SOUND CITY MUSIC TROY OHIO

---

Hi Dean,

I own an older USA made Dean Flying V. I've owned it since about 1985, but bought it off someone else at that time, so I know that it's older than that (I believe I'm the 2nd owner).

Anyways, I was hoping you could send me any info you might have on the guitar. Such as date of mfr, and why most of the Vs have 2 pickups, whereas mine has one humbucker.

Out of all of my guitars it's by far my favorite, I like it even more than my Fender Texas Strat. I've used it for playing out for years and it plays like nothing else. It's always a talk piece too. Everyone always wants to check it out and play it.

Anyways, here's the Serial No. 82 04578.

Oh yeah, is possible to send it to the factory to be refurbished? I
had a fret job done on it about 4 years ago, but then they said the
neck needed to be retensioned too. Any tips you could provide would be
greatly appreciated.

Thanks for keeping Dean alive!

BTW - Is Schaler still in business?

Peace,

- Mike

I can't believe what a deal my Dean Exotica QSE GBL was! I must have tried 40 different acoustics from $200 to $2500 (can't afford 2500 but tried it) over the course of 6 months and I knew right away that that Dean had to be my acoustic...and now it is! The action...the sound.... the look...the price! There must be something wrong with mine, but I can't find the defect. $330? For all of that?  For whatever you sold it to the dealer for, you must be living in a cardboard box. Phenominal guitar. I cannot possibly express my satisfaction in brief terms. I will keep it forever. Thank you for existing.
 

My Dean story actually starts with a Squier Affinity Strat!  After 28 years off from playing rock (a 'first wife' story), my grown children bought the 'strat for me for Christmas '99.  While I was overwhelmed at the time, it didn't take long for me to want better.  As I feel that Fender doesn't have much better to offer at any price, I started looking on eBay for something else.  

Somehow (I don't remember), my eye was caught by the Dean EVO.  I perused eBay for months until the deal-of-a-century came along.  A brand new EVO Special, with new case, for, well really cheap.  The dealer wanted to clean house and couldn't have made much, if any, money.

When I got my EVO, it was even better than I expected.  But, the case SUCKED.  The guitar had to be crammed into the case (didn't fit).  Then, the switch broke off level with the switch mount.

These two things, in conjunction with a problem with the selling dealer and Dean customer support, led me to 'meet' Elliott Rubinson (via email)!  I was really impressed that a busy man like Elliott would care about a lowly customer.  Not only did he take care of my EVO, he investigated the EVO case situation, had the cases redesigned, and sent me a new one. What a guy!

Any company like Dean is a company for me, not to mention the great guitar.  

About 7 months ago, a local charity talked my old high-school band into getting together for a charity 'concert'.  This changed me from a pregnant dogin' ex-guitar player who couldn't play thru one whole song into somone with 1 month to relearn guitar.  All went well (well, I did say it was a 'charity' concert) and now I'm determined to be the best guitar player I can be, arthritis and all!  I can now play some really good blues and rock riffs, and want a pro-quality guitar to spend my hour-a-day guitar workouts!

I now own the EVO, an ML-XT (just to look at, it really doesn't fit a 52-year old systems analyst), and I'm about to buy a Cadillac premium from one of the members of this board.

Life is too short!  If you want something, get it now!

When I get my web site back up, I'll post pics of all!

'rocker

 

Bill,

I received the Dean D24 last Friday. MAN THIS IS A GREAT GUITAR.

I played about 40 guitars (Martin, Guild, Gibson, Taylor, Tacoma, Fender,
Hofner, Ibanez, Ovation) and ordered 2 different Washburn's before I ordered
the Dean. I don't know who did the setup on this one, but it's almost perfect!!!
The relief is about .006 (almost no relief) and the strings are a little
over 3/32nds at the 12th. fret. I put a set of Elixirs on it and the tone is great, the resonance is great, the sustain is great, the action is great and to top it off it LOOKS AWESOME.

Where are Dean Acoustic guitars made?

Thanks - I thought you might want to hear some positive feedback on one of
your acoustics.

Jim Sullivan
(Player for about 37 years)
 

Hi Dean:

Firstly, let me tell you how much I enjoy all my pre-1983 Deans.
Still can't find anything to match them in tone and playability...
Did you hand sign the headstock face of any custom finish guitars
"Custom Made for xxxxx by Dean Zelinsky" in gold lettering? I have
seen a couple over the years, but have never been able to verify
authenticity of the signature.

I wish you luck in your latest involvement in creating terrific
guitars!

Thanks,

Shawn Wical
 

 

Well first off this guitar is so sweet !!  I just about pissed my pants when I opened the case at Mesa, Arizona's Guitar & Keyboard City. There was Mr. Dean B. Zelinsky's signature atop the headstock with #16/50. This is the first Time Capsule in this state. I got quite a reaction out of the spectators there who were all eager to feast their eyes on my fresh virgin. Hands off boys this is for men only (Ha Ha) The top is one perfect chunk of maple !! The neck felt like it was made for my hand, thanks to the rounded over binding which really sets these fiddles apart. It sits on me balanced perfect and is not quite as heavy as a Paul, which I find pleasing. I got home and fired up the Boogie Triaxis and boild the tubes with a paint blistering "A" chord that rang so d**n long I had time to order a pizza, kiss my Dean girl, grab a beer ect ect..... The thing plays like soften butter, sweeter than my Paul. THANKS DEAN !!! After some time Ive found that Im not  used to the Dimarzios that it carries. Ive been avid Duncan user for 12 years plus, so I think its gonna take some time for me to tweek ol Mr. Triaxis to my likings. Dont get me wrong here, the Dimarzios are a hot pickup and do sound very good, just different to what Im used too. Ive jamed the Z to some good rock CDs as well as some metal and it handles them no problem. This is a ROCK guitar from the looks to the sound. Youre gonna stick out in the crowd with one of these and even my Dean girl got all......well you guys know !!!!!  Thanks AGAIN Dean !!!!! (Ha Ha) The only major problem I have is funds for Z or ML in Brazilliaburst. Love them Time Capsules !!! So heres a couple of pictures for everybody to check out of the Z & me getting all excited!! Sorry my digital camera is kinda of crappy.

Thanks to everybody at Dean Guitars, Mr Dean Z., Sean at Mesa's Guitar & Keyboard City, all the cats in the DOA and my best bud Greg for buying that Z back in 82'  LONG LIVE ROCK in my Time Capsule !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Wayne S

 

---

Dear Mr. Zelinsky
 
 You probably don't remember me. I was a 5'4" guitar player with bright
 orange hair back about 1980 or so who visited your factory on Ravenswood
 in Chicago.
 
 I had one of your Dean "V" models, presumably one of your first thousand
 (it had a 3 digit serial # 9-- something), yellow to cherry sunburst
 (Braziliaburst?) with a nicely flamed bookmatched top. I had someone else
 install a 3rd pickup in the middle.
 
 With the name of my band being THE ... VERS, a guitar with a V at both
 ends was something I really started tripping out over.
 
 I traded a natural Gibson 3 pickup Les Paul Custom and about $200 for it
 at a store at some northern suburb of Chicago. I don't remember his last name
 (something Italian) or the name of his store, but his first name was
 Frank, and he was a super nice guy, had black hair and a moustache.
 
 I absolutely played the shit out of that V with THE ... VERS, averaging
 some 250-300 dates a year all over the midwest during that time. By the time I
 was done with that guitar, The 6th string had sawed it's way half through
 the Ibanez bridge, the strap button at the heel had been broken off and
 redrilled 3 or four times, and the case was toothpicks held together with
 a half a roll of duct tape.
 
 DiMarzio replaced seven pickups under warranty on that ax because I played
 it so much that the plastic coil caps would wear through to where the wire
 would be exposed and break. I sent them a letter the first time, saying
 that I didn't think that the plastic was tough enough, not really thinking they
 would buy it, but they wrote back saying that for the vast majority of
 players, the plastic was just fine, and that they were delighted to
 replace any pickups I wore out that way. Many times, during a break, I had to
 unstring that V, swap the lead pickup with the middle or neck pickup, and
 restring it to play the next set.
 
 I finally sold it to a kid for $200. I didn't tell him that one of the
 pickups was being held up inside with duct tape and a stack of Fender
 picks.
 
 Remarkably, I never had to have any frets replaced or even dressed. Guess
 I was kinda all over the thing with my style of playing at the time.
 
 Anyhow, the singer I was in THE ... VERS with and I visited your factory
 on October 16, my Birthday, back in 1980, maybe 1981. Your office was painted
 black and had maybe a dozen female mannequins wearing nothing but gym
 shorts and Dean guitars. I brought you a pile of original press clippings and
 newspaper articles about THE ... VERS (with photos of me playing the Dean
 V), as well as some sketches of mine for some original electric guitar
 concepts, and was rather hoping that I could get you to build something
 for me.
 
 You told me that nobody in your 20-some person factory, including you,
 actually knew how to build a guitar, that they only were trained to do
 specific jobs, and that you were proud of the fact that you had never had
 to give a guitar away to anyone who had sold less than 5 million records. I
 also seem to remember you saying something about getting mistaken for that
 guy in Starship all the time.
 
 The singer and I left there feeling rather "blown off," though you did
 give us t-shirts.
 
 I still play with that singer, Mondo Vers, and we perform a duo called
 theXpairOmentals (check out our site at www.xomadhouse.com ). We never did
 sell 5 million records, but we certainly should have. And even pushing age
 50, we still can't quit.
 
 Yeah, I wish I'd never gotten rid of the "V," but then I've gone through
 probably 60 or 70 guitars during my career, and recall many of my "lost
 loves" with great fondness. I wish I still had them all. Of those, the "V"
 is certainly one of the most memorable.
 
 Glad to see that things seem to be going good for you again.
 
 Best of luck and take care,
 
 Zoid Asteroid Machine
 theXpairOmentals

 

Dean's Reply...
 

 Boyd -
 I barely remember you but I do absolutely remember your name "Zoid Asteroid
 Machine."  I sincerely apologize if I left you with a bad feeling.  It
 wouldn't be the first time someone told me I was a little arrogant in my
 youth. Don't feel bad, I apparently blew off Randy Rhodes (not knowing it)
 early in his career and I paid a price for that one.  I must have liked you
 because otherwise I wouldn't have given you a t-shirt.  Most likely it was
 just a business decision.  And you're right,  many well deserving players
 never make the big time and that "defines" the music business.  But, it's
 also the part that makes is so special.
 You obviously have a good memory however, I must correct you about one
 thing.  I definitely said no one in the factory knew how to build a guitar
 but never would have said that about myself.  I clearly new how to build
 guitars or never would have been able to build "Dean Guitars."  What I
 probably said is that I never built a guitar, meaning I never sat down and
 built a guitar from start to finish.  But I certainly built a part of many
 guitars.  I also designed built most of the tooling that built every Dean
 Guitar made in the USA.
 
 Thanks for writing and for the well wishes. Good luck with your career.
 Don't hesitate to write if I can be of any help.
 
 Regards,
 
 Dean B. Zelinsky
 

Warranty Registration
 

 I love this bass. It is the most beautiful, best feeling,
greatest sounding bass I have ever played. I've gone through Warwicks, through
Fenders, through Ampegs, Epiphone, Gibson, you name it. There is no bass
I've played that can match up to the quality, playability, and tone as the Razor NT.
 

Dan Jensen
 

Love my guitar
 

Don't know who to write this to, but I just want to say that I absolutely
love my new Exotica QSE, and I'm comparing it to some pretty heady fiddles.

I currently own a 1969 Martin D18 that I've had since 1969, a 1999 Taylor
910, a Breedlove 12 string, a Gretsch Historic series, and a Fender acoustic.
This Dean plays as well as the Taylor, and better than the others. The tone
is excellent and, excluding the Martin (nothing compares to the sound of an
old Martin) is as good as any  acoustic I've played including my 910 Taylor
(a $4000 guitar). When I amp it is simply outstanding. The guitar is also
beautiful. The quilted maple, the abalone inlays, the quality of this guitar
is unbelievable for under $500. God I love a bargain.

My thanks to you for supplying me with a great instrument, and my thanks to
David at The Music Source in Livermore California that sold me on trying a
Dean.

Best Regards,

Art Hatley