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Average Price: $625

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Unleash a piece of rock history with the Dean Cadillac 1980, a legendary electric guitar that revives a classic era of music evolution. This solid body electric guitar merges vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship, making it a coveted choice for musicians who value both style and performance. The Dean Cadillac 1980 boasts a distinctive body shape, reminiscent of its namesake year, offering a unique silhouette that stands out on any stage. Its set neck construction ensures superior sustain and resonance, allowing your riffs and solos to sing with clarity and power.

Equipped with dual high-output humbucking pickups, this guitar ensures a full-bodied tone capable of handling any genre from blues to metal. The 22-fret ebony fingerboard provides a smooth and fast playing experience, while the Grover tuners offer reliable tuning stability even during intense performances. The chrome hardware adds a touch of classic elegance, complementing the guitar's timeless design.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring rock star, the Dean Cadillac 1980 is a versatile and stylish instrument that will elevate your sound and stage presence. Its combination of classic design and modern technology makes it an indispensable addition to any guitarist's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction for enhanced durability and sustain
  • Unique body shape inspired by the 1980s design
  • Set neck construction for improved resonance
  • Dual high-output humbucking pickups
  • 22-fret ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Grover tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • Chrome hardware for classic aesthetic appeal

Product specs

Brand Dean
Model Cadillac 1980
Finish Classic Black, Classic White, Natural Mahogany, Tiger Eye Burst
Year 2010 - 2021
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Natural, Orange, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Dean Cadillac 1980 (Classic White)?

The Dean Cadillac 1980 features a set-neck construction with a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Dean Cadillac 1980's pickups?

The Dean Cadillac 1980 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, providing a rich and powerful tone suitable for rock, metal, and blues genres.

Is the Dean Cadillac 1980 (Classic White) suitable for beginners?

While the Dean Cadillac 1980 offers professional-grade features, its playability and classic design make it accessible for beginners who are serious about progressing their skills.

What is the scale length of the Dean Cadillac 1980?

The Dean Cadillac 1980 has a scale length of 24.75 inches, offering a familiar feel for players who prefer a shorter scale.

How does the Dean Cadillac 1980 handle different music styles?

With its versatile humbucker pickups and solid mahogany body, the Dean Cadillac 1980 can handle a wide range of music styles, from rock and metal to blues and jazz.

eGuitarZone

eGuitarZone

Dean Cadillac 1980 Classic White Guitar Review - eGuitarZone

Video thumbnail for Dean Cadillac 1980 Classic White Guitar Review - eGuitarZone by eGuitarZone

Dean Cadillac 1980 Classic White Guitar Review - eGuitarZone

eGuitarZone

eGuitarZone

Video thumbnail for “Bark at the Moon” Ozzy Osbourne COVER - First playing NEW Guitar ‘Dean Cadillac 1980 White' by DeLuca’s Guitar

“Bark at the Moon” Ozzy Osbourne COVER - First playing NEW Guitar ‘Dean Cadillac 1980 White'

DeLuca’s Guitar

DeLuca’s Guitar

Video thumbnail for Testing my Dean Cadillac 1980 White w Crazy Train Solo Cover \m/ by DeLuca’s Guitar

Testing my Dean Cadillac 1980 White w Crazy Train Solo Cover \m/

DeLuca’s Guitar

DeLuca’s Guitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Plays and sounds like higher-priced guitars, offering great value for money

  • Superb craftsmanship from India, rivaling older Korean models

  • Excellent tone and feel with comfortable setup out of the box

  • High-quality hardware including Grover tuners and full-sized pots

  • Unique pronounced V-shaped neck, reminiscent of vintage models

  • Warm, powerful humbuckers suitable for both clean and overdriven tones

  • Versatile sound, handling classic rock and metal tones with ease

  • Features push/pull coil taps for added tonal flexibility

  • Cool Les Paul/Explorer hybrid aesthetic

CONS

  • Lack of headstock binding compared to some other models

  • Pickups may not satisfy everyone; some prefer upgrading for better sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dean Cadillac 1980.

Build quality

  • The Dean Cadillac 1980 reissue features a classic Dean headstock that some owners find disproportionate, affecting visual balance.

    Source
  • The headstock design is often criticized for its size and poor break angle, causing potential tuning issues.

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Features and functionality

  • This model includes a 24 ³/⁴ inch scale set neck, three humbuckers, a 5-way switch, block pearloid inlays, and a wrap-around bridge.

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  • The neck profile, described as V-shaped, is appreciated by some players for comfort and playability.

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Comparisons

  • Some users refer to this model as a "LesPlorer" or "ExPauler," indicating its hybrid design elements from classic guitar shapes.

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  • The Dean Cadillac is compared to a Les Paul, Explorer, and Flying V hybrid, with mixed opinions on its aesthetics.

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Value and pricing

  • Retail prices for the Dean Cadillac 1980 typically range from $500 to $600, noted for being a faithful reissue of the original.

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  • At around $500 used, it offers significant value, impressing users with the build quality for the price.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners note that a String Butler can alleviate string pinching at the nut caused by the headstock's sharp string angles.

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User experience

  • Some users report neck dive issues, indicating a possible imbalance in the guitar's weight distribution.

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  • An owner using the guitar in a dance metal band highlights its suitability for genres akin to Rammstein or White Zombie.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite aesthetic critiques, it's noted to be suitable for styles like rock ballads, reggae, and shredding.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Suggestion to use a properly cut nut to mitigate tuning stability issues similar to those on a Les Paul.

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  • Owners suggest removing some knobs and relocating strap buttons for improved playability during gigs.

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  • Pickup swaps are common, with users favoring more aggressive models for dance metal, though specific models are not detailed.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
phylstyx

Une gratte assez lourde mais génial pôur le métal

J'ai malgré tout upgradé la gratte avec Un micro Armstrong Jazz custom en micro manche et un Bare Knuckle "Rebel yell".....Résultat; une gratte super polyvalente avec des magnifiques médiums....

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tommy Thayer uses Dean Cadillac 1980

Tommy Thayer

Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Userapi

Here you can see Tommy Thayer playing on white Dean Cadillac during Black N' Blue concert

See how Ian Fowles uses Dean Cadillac 1980

Ian Fowles

Guitarist

The Aquabats

...
Verified via Photo

"A very fun memory from filming a ‘Cool Tricks’ segment for @yogabbagabba season one in 2007 with Jodey from Supernova. Amazing photo by Ben Clark, @grain_vs_pixel. Check out his page for some incredible shots of underground bands from the 90’s and onward. #yogabbagabba #cooltricks #theaquabats #eaglebonesfalconhawk #supernova"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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