Dean
25Also known as: Dean Guitars
UnclaimedDean Guitars was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1976 by Dean Zelinsky, who set out to build instruments that combined aggressive aesthetics with serious playability. The company quickly found an audience in the hard rock and heavy metal communities, with its boldly shaped body designs—particularly the ML, V, and Z models—becoming some of the most distinctive silhouettes in electric guitar hist...
$252.00 - $349.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$1,780.28
$783.00 - $1,599.00
$1,199.00
$1,499.00 - $2,400.00
$699.00
$319.00 - $379.00
$675.00 - $5,399.00
$1,399.00 - $1,510.92
$318.00 - $1,199.00
$399.99 - $419.00
$369.00
$749.00 - $862.51
$1,639.59
$202.11 - $599.00
in Banjos Rank
$3,199.00
$1,495.00
$399.00
$500.00 - $1,195.00
$500.00
$349.00 - $419.00
$862.51
$1,000.00
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$1,499.00 - $1,599.00
$429.00
in Banjos Rank
$219.00 - $229.00
in Ukuleles Rank
$833.56
$892.57 - $1,650.00
Dean Guitars was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1976 by Dean Zelinsky, who set out to build instruments that combined aggressive aesthetics with serious playability. The company quickly found an audience in the hard rock and heavy metal communities, with its boldly shaped body designs—particularly the ML, V, and Z models—becoming some of the most distinctive silhouettes in electric guitar history. Early notable users came from bands including Heart, Kansas, ZZ Top, and Molly Hatchet.
The brand changed ownership several times before Armadillo Enterprises acquired it in 1997, relocating operations to Tampa, Florida. Under that stewardship, Dean expanded its catalog significantly to cover a wide range of price points and instrument types, including acoustic guitars, basses, mandolins, banjos, and ukuleles. The company also established a USA Custom Shop in Tampa for higher-end domestic builds.
Dean developed particularly strong ties to the heavy metal world through high-profile artist partnerships. Dimebag Darrell of Pantera was closely associated with the ML model throughout his career, and the Razorback—developed in collaboration with Darrell—became one of the brand's most recognizable designs. Dave Mustaine of Megadeth has also maintained a long-running signature series with Dean, spanning import to USA-built tiers. The brand's catalog spans instruments priced for beginners through professional players.
Dean has 454 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Solid Body Electric Guitars, Electric Basses, and Acoustic-Electric Guitars. Their gear is featured by 233 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Metal, and Pop. Notable users include Dave Mustaine, Dimebag Darrell, and Ira Black. Dean's catalog spans the full price spectrum — from entry-level options to high-end flagships.
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