Dean USA Kerry King V

$1,957.56 to $8,666.00 Price Tier: High-end

4 Critic Reviews

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3 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (1)

$8,666.00

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$8,666.00

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5.0 (5)

$1,957.56 5 available New

$1,215.36 3 available Used

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$8,666.00

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Average Price: $5,834

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Dean USA Kerry King V is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Dean USA Kerry King V". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Dean USA Kerry King V is more than just an electric guitar; it's a statement of power and precision, crafted for the true metal enthusiast. This limited edition signature model embodies the fierce spirit of Slayer's legendary guitarist, Kerry King. With only 50 available worldwide, each one is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. The guitar's distinctive body shape and custom graphic make it as visually striking as it is sonically powerful.

At the heart of the Kerry King V's ferocity are its thrash-ready electronics. An EMG-81 pickup paired with a PA2 preamp booster delivers snarling, ripping riffs that cut through any mix. For those extended solos and sustained tones, the Sustainiac neck pickup ensures your notes resonate with electrifying intensity. The Kahler Kerry King signature tremolo bridge provides the flexibility and reliability needed for aggressive playing, while Grover tuners maintain perfect pitch stability.

This guitar is not only a tool for creating music but also a collector's dream, complete with a signed certificate of authenticity and a custom hardshell case. Whether you're thrashing out on stage or adding to your private collection, the Dean USA Kerry King V is a testament to metal's legacy and future.

Key Features:

Limited edition, only 50 worldwide
Satin-finish maple top with custom graphic, mahogany body
24.63"-scale neck-thru 3-piece maple with ebony fingerboard
EMG-81 active humbucker with PA2 Preamp boost, Sustainiac neck pickup
Kahler Kerry King signature tremolo bridge, Grover tuners

Product specs

Brand	Dean
Model	Kerry King V
Finish	Black Satin
Year	2021
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	V-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Black
Finish Style	Satin
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Fretboard Radius	12"
Neck Construction	Neck-Through
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.625"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"
Wood Top Style	Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Dean USA Kerry King V guitar have?: The Dean USA Kerry King V features an EMG 81 active humbucker and a Sustainiac neck pickup, providing powerful tones suitable for heavy metal and hard rock genres.
Is the Dean USA Kerry King V suitable for advanced players?: Yes, the Dean USA Kerry King V is designed for advanced players, offering professional-grade features like a neck-through construction, a Kahler Kerry King signature tremolo bridge, and high-output pickups for aggressive playing styles.
What is the neck profile of the Dean USA Kerry King V?: The Dean USA Kerry King V has a neck-through 3-piece maple neck with a comfortable 12" radius ebony fingerboard, offering smooth playability and easy access to higher frets.
Does the Dean USA Kerry King V guitar come with a tremolo system?: Yes, the Dean USA Kerry King V is equipped with a Kahler Kerry King signature tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive vibrato effects and stable tuning.
What is the scale length of the Dean USA Kerry King V guitar?: The Dean USA Kerry King V has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which contributes to its playability and tonal characteristics, making it ideal for fast, technical playing.

Videos

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Guitar

This is Kerry King's new Dean signature guitar #NAMM2020

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Pat's Picks Episode 1 - 2020 - USA Kerry King V Limited

Dean Guitars

Dean USA Kerry King Limited Edition Unveiling #4

Chondro's Snake Pit

Dean Guitars In The Woodshop - USA Kerry King V Limited

Dean Guitars

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dean USA Kerry King V.

Features and functionality

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The guitar features EMG 81/85 pickups and a gain boost pre-amp switch that enhances its metal tone.
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The Kahler 2300 tremolo is noted for smoother movement compared to Floyd Rose systems, making it easier for intricate whammy bar techniques.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some owners find the Kahler hybrid tremolo favorable compared to Floyd Rose systems.
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Some users experienced high frets, which were easily fixed, indicating minor setup adjustments may be necessary.
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Build quality

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The use of Grover tuners, rather than locking tuners, is noted as a minor inconvenience during restringing.
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Some owners highlight the oversized headstock as a distinctive design element, noting its impact on the guitar's overall aesthetic.
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The fire finish models are higher-end than the tribal ones, exhibiting better craftsmanship, even though both are Chinese-made.
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Use cases and applications

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Playing while seated is challenging due to the guitar's V-shape, often requiring a standing position for comfort.
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Described as playing exceptionally well for death metal, suggesting its tonal qualities are well-suited for heavy music genres.
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Despite the graphics not appealing to everyone, the guitar excels in delivering a powerful metal sound, particularly when paired with a Mesa Boogie amp.
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User experience

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Despite its appearance, the guitar's weight is comparable to a Strat, providing a comfortable playing experience, especially for those accustomed to heavier guitars.
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Owners report that the EMG logos on pickups can wear off over time, though it doesn't affect the sound quality.
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Value and pricing

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The guitar's MSRP is approximately $1,500 for the Indonesian-made model, significantly lower than the limited USA run, which had an MSRP of $8,666.
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Comparisons

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The Indonesian model is speculated to be produced in the same factory as some ESP guitars, implying potential similarities in build quality.
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Critic Reviews

Dean shreds the price tag, but not the feature set, with affordable new Kerry King Signature V | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Dean's Kerry King Signature V offers a striking blend of features and affordability, boasting a mahogany body, maple top, and powerful EMG pickups that promise solid performance for metal enthusiasts. While it sacrifices some premium features like neck-through construction for a more budget-friendly price of $1,399, it still delivers a solid build with custom inlays and a smooth ebony fretboard. However, some may miss the more elaborate design elements of the limited-edition version. Overall, it's an excellent choice for those wanting a professional-grade instrument without breaking the bank.

positive

Full Review

NAMM 2021: Dean introduces more affordable Kerry King Signature V

guitar.com

While the new Dean Kerry King V offers an appealing price drop from its limited-edition predecessor, it doesn't quite hit the mark for die-hard fans. The switch from the coveted Sustaniac pickup to a standard EMG-85 detracts from its unique sound, and the omission of the eye-catching signature finish may leave some wanting more. That said, it maintains its sturdy construction and familiar specs, making it a decent choice for players on a budget. However, those seeking the full Kerry King experience might feel shortchanged.

negative

Full Review