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Average Price: $486

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Dean ML X is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that combines classic design with modern playability, making it a favorite among rock and metal musicians. Its iconic ML body shape ensures both aesthetic appeal and functional comfort, offering easy access to higher frets. The semi-hollow construction provides a unique tonal quality, delivering a warm resonance with a bit of an edge, perfect for genres that require both power and subtlety.

Equipped with DMT Design humbucking pickups, the ML X offers a versatile range of sounds, from crisp cleans to aggressive overdrive tones, while maintaining clarity and depth. The bolt-on maple neck features a smooth rosewood fingerboard, providing a comfortable playing experience for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Adding to its playability, the guitar includes a Tune-O-Matic bridge, which ensures precise intonation and stability, especially during intense performances. The ML X's classic V-shaped headstock and Grover tuners further enhance tuning reliability, allowing players to focus on their craft without compromise.

This guitar is not only a nod to the past with its classic design but also a step towards the future with its modern features and reliable build quality.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody construction for warm, resonant tones
  • Iconic ML body shape for comfortable playability
  • DMT Design humbucking pickups for versatile sound options
  • Bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard
  • Tune-O-Matic bridge for precise intonation
  • Classic V-shaped headstock with Grover tuners for tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Dean
Model MLX
Finish Classic Black, Trans Brazilia Burst
Year 2010s
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Dean ML X have?

The Dean ML X is equipped with DMT Designed High Output Zebra pickups, which are known for delivering a powerful and crunchy tone suitable for high-gain music styles.

Is the Dean ML X suitable for metal music?

Yes, the Dean ML X is designed with metal players in mind, featuring high-output pickups and a fast-playing neck that make it ideal for heavy and aggressive music genres.

What is the neck profile of the Dean ML X like?

The Dean ML X features a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a comfortable and fast-playing experience, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the Dean ML X have a bolt-on neck?

Yes, the Dean ML X has a bolt-on neck construction, which offers easy access to the higher frets and is common in guitars designed for versatile playability.

How many frets does the Dean ML X have?

The Dean ML X comes with 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and expressive playing styles.

What type of bridge does the Dean ML X use?

The Dean ML X features a string-through body bridge, which enhances sustain and provides stable tuning.

SeriousmaximSH

SeriousmaximSH

NEW GUITAR! Dean ML X - Metallica and Pantera intro covers

Video thumbnail for NEW GUITAR! Dean ML X - Metallica and Pantera intro covers by SeriousmaximSH

NEW GUITAR! Dean ML X - Metallica and Pantera intro covers

SeriousmaximSH

SeriousmaximSH

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful body with perfect grading enhances visual appeal

  • Stock pickups deliver great sound for metal and clean tones

  • Excellent durability, withstands drops without damage

  • Amazing tone and sustain make it fun to play

  • Well-built neck contributes to ease of playing

  • Unique body shape stands out visually and sonically

CONS

  • Neck-heavy design can affect balance during play

  • Inconsistent finish may differ from advertised pictures

  • Tuners may feel cheap and less reliable

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Dean ML X's Floyd Rose system allows for extreme tremolo effects, but it's noted as challenging for beginners due to its complex tuning and setup requirements.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners report that the ML X may need neck shimming and a professional setup for optimal playability, especially if it includes a Floyd Rose system.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user upgraded their Dean ML X with a Bill Lawrence USA pickup for enhanced tonal quality, transforming it from a beginner to a more advanced guitar.

    Source

User experience

  • The ML X is described as more comfortable to play standing due to its V-shaped contour, which supports playing higher notes during solos.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users mention that if frequent tuning changes are needed, a guitar without a Floyd Rose might be less frustrating for beginners compared to the ML X.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ML X Review: If it were stolen, I'd be a very unhappy person, and... | Dean | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Dean ML X is a mixed bag, boasting impressive sound quality and durability, especially for metal and hard rock enthusiasts. Its Zebra pickups deliver a loud and crunchy tone, perfect for old-school metal fans. However, its factory setup leaves much to be desired, with issues like poorly soldered components and inadequate action adjustments. While the guitar's unique body design and lightweight build are commendable, the initial workmanship might require some DIY fixes. Overall, it's a decent choice if you're willing to tweak it for optimal performance.

ML X Review: I been playing of almost two years and have a Crate... | Dean | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Dean ML X is a standout choice for metal enthusiasts, delivering versatility and an aggressive sound that rivals more expensive models. Its solid basswood body and dual humbuckers make it ideal for a range of genres from classic rock to heavy metal. The guitar is praised for its stunning finish and durability, making it a reliable companion for live performances. While the non-locking tuners might require attention during extended play, the overall craftsmanship and value for the price are exceptional. This guitar is a must-buy for players looking to join the Dean family.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
garvap

Great guitar

Huge body, and mine is neck-heavy (as are all the Deans that I've played with the split headstock), but that doesn't stop it from being a metal machine. Stock pickups are great - just plug in and rock.

cardiastro

Best one pickup wonder I've had.

Mine differs quite a lot from the picture. For example, mine has a grey to black burst finish on it. Along with only one pickup, a hand wound Dimarzio in it for the fact! Before I got my Ibanez, I used this on almost everything, mostly metal, but you can get real nice clean tones out of it!

zonoz

My favorite guitar

This guitar is my favorite one I've owned. The quality of the guitar is amazing. There are no cracks in the body or neck at all, even though I've accidentally dropped it or knocked it over. It sounds great. Overall, the Dean ML X is an amazing guitar, and you need to buy one.

austinnoise

Awesome. Simply.

Its my nicest sounding guitar I think. The body type and shape is amazing and the tone is really rad,

jakobsteve

Dean ML X

This is guitar is great for sustain its got a very nice sound, very fun and easy to play-very nice neck.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Dean ML X

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of James Hetfield and Dimebag Darrell taken in the mid-to-late 1980s, Hetfield can be seen with a Dean ML X electric guitar.

See how Dimebag Darrell uses Dean ML X

Dimebag Darrell

Guitarist

Pantera

...
Verified via Photo

"dimebag" darrell of pantera rebell meets rebel and damageplan can be seen using a sunburst mlx

See how Kirk Windstein uses Dean ML X

Kirk Windstein

Guitarist

Crowbar

...
Verified via YouTube

Crowbar - Live at Resurrection Fest 2014

See how Sammy Hagar uses Dean ML X

Sammy Hagar

Guitarist, Singer

Van Halen

...
Verified via Rolling Stone

In the Rolling Stone article "Can This Be Love?", Sammy Hagar is shown using a Dean ML X guitar in several photographs.

See how Karl Sanders uses Dean ML X

Karl Sanders

Guitarist

Nile

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo we can see Karl using the Dean XL Guitar.

See how Dave Chandler uses Dean ML X

Dave Chandler

Guitarist

Saint Vitus

...
Verified via Neo-examiner

Dave Chandler, guitarist for Saint Vitus, purchased a Dean ML X as a backup for his Schecter V. According to Henry Vasquez, Chandler's Dean ML X features a Floyd Rose tremolo system. This information complements the photo featured on Neo-examiner's "Photo of the Day."

See how Ira Black uses Dean ML X

Ira Black

Guitarist

Dokken

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture Ira is seen on stage with a Dean ML X

See how Jake Ettle-Iles uses Dean ML X

Jake Ettle-Iles

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

His first guitar he used on his first shows

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dean ML X, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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