Dean Guitars

The Killer Guitars, the Forum, and the Dean Girls of course!

53 thoughts on “Dean Guitars”

  1. Dean Boca Amberburst 12 String Guitar Pick Guard
    Danny

    I recently puchased a Dean Boca, and love it! However, this guitar does not have a pick guard, and I have been unable to locate one for it. I would like to find a clear one to show off the finish.

  2. DEAN Z MADE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
    Anonymous

    DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INFO ON A DEAN Z MODEL 80825 MADE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC..PLAYS BETTER THAN ANY EPI OR SOME GIBSONS…THANKS

    1. DEAN Z MODEL 80464 MADE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC.
      Bill Miller

      I have a DEAN Z MODEL 80464 MADE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC….you are exactly right…play’s like you say and my research finds similar comments but not a lot of info. on Czech anything, just that they take great pride in their work…I have it on ebay for $700 OBO wanted more as it rocks…but economy sucks also..Bill

  3. Im looking if anybody can give info as to where and what year
    my Dean might be. Its a Dean Z transparent red, grover tuners,
    set neck, #60604 on bottom of fretboard.

    1. Re: Unknown Dean guitar
      Jeroen

      I think what you have is a Dean D-92 korean made superstrat. Cuz i have a guitar that matches ur description exactly except for the color (i have translucent sunburst). I assume the neckjoint has a six bolts construction with a pretty massive long neckplate. My version was sold as a Dean D-92. It was the somewhat more luxerios version of the D-series. I dont think it has collectable features. I payed $420 for it in 1997. But i found shops that offered it for $315 that same year. SO i defenitely payed 2much for it. I do think that this aint a starters guitar. It is a step better. Better wood. It’s a bit like the Jackson PS series i think. I dont know nothing bout the pickups. The neck hb got lots a bass compared to a Ibanez RG 540 wich costed $610 at the time i compared these two. I really liked the Dean far better (except for the color).
      While it is a fairly unknown guitar i’d say u could get about $200 for it secondhand. Tho i find that u should ask and get at least $250, while it has some features that really does make it a level better than starter guitars like the 6 bolts neckjoint, the shielded cavity for electronics, the pushpull pot, the wiring wich includes capacitors for volume pots and the pretty good quality of the pots itself, 2directional curvatures, body shaping of the guitar. Nowadays cheap guitars are made cheap by saving costs in material and design (simple curvatures). And i find that the material used in this axe is really much better than the basswood things that roam the stages nowadays. Hope that i had some usefull information for u. GL

  4. Dean Supreme
    Ron G

    I purchased a Dean Exotica Supreme about 7 months ago.(they had just come out) Beautiful guitar with case for about $600.
    The first thing I did was take it to a professional luthier and had it set up. (needed it) It plays great.
    The only problem was that it did not have a pick guard. Didn’t want it to look like Willy Nelson’s guitar, so I bought one of those stick on guards. Had to trim it some, as the stock pick guard covered the abalone around the sound hole. Now it is great and looks even better with the pick guard on it. (looks like a top-of-the-line Taylor)
    I don’t use an amp, so just play it as an acoustic. Am very happy with it. Seems to be very well made, and a great value for the money. It looks so good, I’m nervous playing it, hate to mess it up.

  5. buying a Dean
    doug carkuff

    Hi Elliot, it is interesting that you monitor this message board. More power to you. I had made up my mind to buy a Tacoma – great prices for widely heralded guitars. but then I looked at the Deans, and damn, they are sweet looking. Granted, looks are not the most important thing, but the prices on some of these wonderful looking, solid wood guitars, man, how can I resist that. I think I’m going to take that leap of faith. (I swore I would never buy another guitar I have actually played – not just the same model, but the actual guitar.) If they turn out to play and sound as good as they look I will spread the good word. doug

  6. 79 or 80 braziliaburst flametop ML Dean
    mark winkle

    looking to buy or trade other vintage deans for braziliaburst ml flametop. 79 or 80 model only! also looking for 79 or 80 Z flame series in walnut finish!

  7. dean evo phantom
    jeff

    i bought a epi les paul,,took it back after 48 hours,,sounded like crap,,,dealer suggested i play this evo phantom,,my god,,this thing rocks,on hell of a guitar,,,i am sold on deans forever,,my playing bro brought his 1000$ jackson over so we could jam,,he spent , half the day playing the dean,,said he was sick coz of the cash he spent…i highly reccomend

  8. Re: 1976 dean ml
    Dave

    I have a Dean ml with origional floyd rose and lightning bolt graffics. Also origional case and reciept of purchase $217.00 how much would it be worth now?

  9. Dean EVO guitars online dealers?
    Kevin

    Looking to score an EVO somewhere. The local dealers here don’t stock the EVO special or deluxe (go figure) only the Avalanche and 7 string version. Any ideas of places that carry these? I live in Florida so Im wondering why these are rarely seen…

    Also what price are these going for new?

  10. DEAN LIMITED EDITION ACOUSTIC
    MARY GARRISON

    HI, WANTED SOME INFORMATION ON A SPECIFIC DEAN ACOUSTIC IF POSSIBLE.
    I SAW A BEAUTIFUL ACOUSTIC AND WANTED TO KNOW WHERE I MIGHT GET ONE.
    IT IS A LIMITED EDITION MODEL. THE SOUNDHOLE HAS A TREE CARVING, I BELIEVE THE TOP AND SIDES ARE DAO, MIGHT BE MODEL JC610… NOT SURE.
    IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO OR A PICTURE.. I’D APPRECIATE THAT
    VERY MUCH….THANKS, MARY GARRISON. SINGER, SONGWRITER

      1. Re: boca 12 string
        Barry Childs-Helton

        I can tell you it’s an excellent deal on a well-designed instrument. I have owned 6 twelve-strings, both acoustic and electric; I gladly recommend the Dean Boca 12. As an instrument (let’s leave the collecting considerations aside for now), it has a better-playing neck than two vintage instrument’s I’ve owned: my ’64 Rickenbacker 360-12 was so crowded with strings that it was hard to make a clear D chord at first position (and it was a bear to re-string) — and though I still own (and dearly love) my 1967 Guild F212 (and have always referred to its neck as the benchmark for 12-string playability), the Boca’s neck is a little wider even than that — which is great for my big hands, a joy for fingerpicking, and handy for any situation that requires accurate chording. The action is easy and inviting, and the two Dean humbuckers are clear and bright enough to do complex and shimmery rhythm work early-Pat- Metheny-style jazz (he used a vintage Guild Starfire 12) or perfectly respectable Byrds-style folk-rock riffs on full treble. If you’re doing any elaborate fingerstyle playing(like, say, Leo Kottke’s acoustic style or Mark Knopfler’s electric style), I’d recommend retrofitting a small, jazzbox-type pick guard to use as a finger rest. Other than that, the Boca’s Les Paul-type stop tailpiece works very well and is simple to re-string, the mini-archtop design makes for tonal versatility, and there are some nice little touches that make the Boca 12 a better choice than (say) the more expensive Epiphone Les Paul Classic 12 (of Korean make, probably Samick) or the Yamaha Pacifica 12 (of Taiwanese make). For one thing, the Boca’s string placement is better, taking full advantage of the generous nut width. For another, the controls are simple (like those on a Squier Venus 12) and easy to reach, with Gibson-style speed knobs. The subtle sparkles in the black finish may not be to everyone’s taste, but they are subtler than you’d get in a Dano (and besides, the Boca stays in tune better). The Boca’s body size is roughly that of a Les Paul, but the semi-hollow design makes the Boca lighter and easier to handle, without losing sustain. I also like where they’ve put the base-of-neck strap button: they built it into one of the screws for the neck-bolt coverplate. Regarding fit-and-finish, the Boca 12 is one of the better-made Korean models I’ve seen — it’s a good solid rendition of an original design and some player-friendly thinking. (Dean Chafin at Dean Guitars designed the Chafin series, of which the Boca 12 is a member, though you still might not find it listed on the Dean website). I got mine on a special sale in early 2001, and I’m really glad I did. If you get one via mail order, I think you’ll be pleased. Good luck!

    1. Re: Dean Budwiser Bass
      ROBERT MABRY

      I HAVE A DEAN BUDWEISER BOWTIE ELECTRIC GUITAR IM SELLING ON EBAY AUCTION…It was signed and owned by TRIUMPH BAND member RIK EMMETT and signed by GIL MOORE as well…..go to EBAY and SEARCH EITHER for SELLER’S AUCTION (Bestbetbob)..or search TRIUMPH BUDWEISER GUITAR

    2. Re: Dean Budwiser Bass
      Robert

      : I am looking for a Dean Budweiser Bass Guitar. Does anyone have one for sale????
      I have a Dean Budweiser
      Lead guitar for sale…interested?

      1. Re: Dean Budwiser Bass
        Tod

        I Own an original Budweiser Dean from before they routed the bodies for the trem. It has a stop bar tailpiece and one humbucker. Email for more info and any questions.

  11. Has anyone ever seen a Dean that looks like this?
    Brooks

    Identical do the Ibanez Destroyer II. 3 pickups, gold hardware, set neck or neck thru, pearl block inlays, small V headstock. I have seen 1 in blue and 1 in black. Phil Collen from Def Leppard used to play them back in 83. But when I contact Dean Guitars, they did not know what I was talking about. Im trying to locate one to buy. If you have any info or more details, email me @ [email protected] or visit http://www.collenguitarworld.com. Thank you!

    1. Re: Has anyone ever seen a Dean that looks like this?
      Brooks

      : Identical do the Ibanez Destroyer II. 3 pickups, gold hardware, set neck or neck thru, pearl block inlays, small V headstock. I have seen 1 in blue and 1 in black. Phil Collen from Def Leppard used to play them back in 83. But when I contact Dean Guitars, they did not know what I was talking about. Im trying to locate one to buy. If you have any info or more details, email me @ [email protected] or visit http://www.brooksguitarworld.com. Thank you!

        1. Phil Collen Dean Z in 'Me and My Wine'
          Montster70

          I have looked at stills from the video and compared them to photos of the Dean Hollywood Z. While the headstock is similar, the body of the “Hollywood” is much smaller than the one he is holding. Look at where the tremolo is placed in relation to the back of the guitar and the knobs. I am also very interested in this guitar and would probably put up some dough to find one in good condition, but my guess is these were one offs. Steve Clark is playing a Dean “Caddy” that also has the small headstock and I’ve only seen one other like it.

  12. dean semi-hollow boca
    Hans Thruger

    A friend of mine at my local axe shop recommended I try out the Dean Chapin Boca as they had several in and he could get me one for cost. I want to pick up this guitar but only if I feel it will add to my overall selection of sound. I currently own an 88 tele (us) 68 SG and a 97 Hammer with lock off tuning pegs. Will this guitar offer anything new. I will play it of course but any insight will help.

    1. Re: dean semi-hollow boca
      MIchael Hungerford

      : A friend of mine at my local axe shop recommended I try out the Dean Chapin Boca as they had several in and he could get me one for cost. I want to pick up this guitar but only if I feel it will add to my overall selection of sound. I currently own an 88 tele (us) 68 SG and a 97 Hammer with lock off tuning pegs. Will this guitar offer anything new. I will play it of course but any insight will help.

      I would look at the Sarasota which is the next model
      up from the Boca. I tried the Boca in a Music store and thought the Pickups didn’t have the tone that the nicer Zebra pickups in the Sarasota has.
      Also the Boca is a bolt on neck where the Sarasota
      is a set neck. Overall it’s just a sweeter guitar.
      Hope that helps!

  13. lefty,lefty,lefty
    jami mckimson

    i keep getting the runaround about the availability of a lefty ml ultra.i have a righty that i converted but its just not the same.would love any info on availability,local,price,options,hell anything is better than nothing.for now i’ll just have to enjoy my righty,which is one of the best guitars i’ve ever played.its like its possesed its so easy to play!!!

    1. Re: Dean guitars rock
      elliott Rubinson

      : i have a dean mxl and it rocks so if u r going to get a guiat i recomend any dean

      Glad that you like the ML. It really is one of our favorities at Dean Musical Instruments.

      Elliott Rubinson
      President Dean Musical Instruments

    1. Re: dean prices
      Elliott Rubinson

      : About how much does a dean edge 1 bass cost compared to a dean edge 4?

      The Dean Edge 4 retails for $419 and the Edge 1 is only $299 retail. Feel free to email me for a list of dealers in your area.
      Regards
      Elliott Rubinson
      President Dean Musical Instruments

  14. 1983 Dean Belair
    Ed McGuckin

    I have a 1983 Dean Belair, Custom Color, Black and Silver with a maple neck in almost mint condition, I would like to sell it, but I do not know how much it is worth. CAN YOU HELP ME.
    My home E-Mail address is [email protected]. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

  15. Taylor or a Dean?
    Jonathan-Taylor Weiss

    Hi Ya,
    I’d been saving for month’s to buy my dream guitar,a Taylor acoustic, one problem, it hadn’t been made, as I wanted a Big Baby (as thats all I could afford).
    I never ever wanted any other acoustic apart from a Taylor!
    I walked into a guitar shop, just to see what he had.
    I tried the Dean Tradition just for fun and ended up buying it…
    What happened to the Taylor? Guess it’s still in the shop!
    Will I ever get a Taylor, who knows.

    1. Re: Taylor or a Dean?
      Elliott Rubinson

      : Hi Ya,
      : I’d been saving for month’s to buy my dream guitar,a Taylor acoustic, one problem, it hadn’t been made, as I wanted a Big Baby (as thats all I could afford).
      : I never ever wanted any other acoustic apart from a Taylor!
      : I walked into a guitar shop, just to see what he had.
      : I tried the Dean Tradition just for fun and ended up buying it…
      : What happened to the Taylor? Guess it’s still in the shop!
      : Will I ever get a Taylor, who knows.

      As the owner of Dean guitars I love to hear editorials like that. We are hearing more and more like this all the time. Thanks for your comments.

      Elliott

      1. Re: Taylor or a Dean?
        Michael Hungerford

        : : Hi Ya,
        : : I’d been saving for month’s to buy my dream guitar,a Taylor acoustic, one problem, it hadn’t been made, as I wanted a Big Baby (as thats all I could afford).
        : : I never ever wanted any other acoustic apart from a Taylor!
        : : I walked into a guitar shop, just to see what he had.
        : : I tried the Dean Tradition just for fun and ended up buying it…
        : : What happened to the Taylor? Guess it’s still in the shop!
        : : Will I ever get a Taylor, who knows.

        : As the owner of Dean guitars I love to hear editorials like that. We are hearing more and more like this all the time. Thanks for your comments.

        : Elliott

        I am another happy owner of a wonderful Dean acoustic guitar. I own a Exotica BB ( the one with the Bubinga back and sides). Ihave owned it for two years and it has matured into a very toneful instrument. If you were to buy a taylor with a solid Engleman spruce top and exotic wood body you would be looking at about $1600 but my Dean cost only $400. Alot of the mystique of the expensive guitars like Taylor or Gibson is not based in reality; I have played some newer Gibson acoustics in music stores that played and were set up poorly but had price tags over $2000. If you are rich go ahead and waste your money. If you are a regular guy( or girl) like me go buy a Dean and you will be pleased. I am not a Dean Guitars employee but I am a satisfied customer!!

      1. Re: Dean Guitars
        scott

        : : Looking for ratings chart on Dean guitars

        I can’t find a ratings chart on Dean guitars, but perhaps I can offer you this. I’ve played Several Deans thru the years, some new most old. The older ones definately rock! Although I like some of the newer ones w/ the set necks and good flame tops, I am SOLD on the classics. Dean being one of them in my opinion. Just ask Kerry Livgren of Kansas fame! Or Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, I’m sure they would tell you that older Deans (if you can find one ) inspired them!
        As far as the newer ones, I recomend trying the set-neck cadillac or "z" style guitars, and check out more than one of the same style because I’ve found that no two do sound alike which-once again adds to their value-because you can’t hardly replace the one you have that has "that sound"!! Well thats enough for now, any Q’s let me know.
        thanks,
        Scott

      2. Re: Dean Guitars
        scott

        : : Looking for ratings chart on Dean guitars

        I can’t find a ratings chart on Dean guitars, but perhaps I can offer you this. I’ve played Several Deans thru the years, some new most old. The older ones definately rock! Although I like some of the newer ones w/ the set necks and good flame tops, I am SOLD on the classics. Dean being one of them in my opinion. Just ask Kerry Livgren of Kansas fame! Or Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, I’m sure they would tell you that older Deans (if you can find one ) inspired them!
        As far as the newer ones, I recomend trying the set-neck cadillac or "z" style guitars, and check out more than one of the same style because I’ve found that no two do sound alike which-once again adds to their value-because you can’t hardly replace the one you have that has "that sound"!! Well thats enough for now, any Q’s let me know.
        thanks,
        Scott

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