Pricing and availability

Average Price: $215

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

When it comes to rocking the foundation of any music venue, the Dean V Metalman Bass is your weapon of choice. This bass is not just an instrument—it's a statement. With its iconic V-shaped body and headstock, it demands attention before you even play a note. The high-output soapbar humbucker, strategically positioned near the bridge, delivers an earth-shaking sound that cuts through even the heaviest of mixes, making it ideal for metal and hard rock enthusiasts.

Built for those who live for the stage, the Dean V Metalman Bass offers a sleek, comfortable feel without sacrificing power or tone. Its playability is matched by its aggressive sound, providing a seamless transition between thundering lows and articulate highs. Whether you're grooving through a complex riff or laying down a solid foundation for the band, this bass ensures every note is crisp and clear.

Key Features:

  • V-shaped body and headstock design
  • High-output soapbar humbucker pickup
  • 4-string configuration
  • Tailored for metal and hard rock genres

Product specs

Brand Dean
Model V Metalman 4-String Bass
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape V-Style
Color Family Black
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of music is the Dean V Metalman Bass best suited for?

The Dean V Metalman Bass is designed with a V-style body and high-output humbucking pickup, making it ideal for metal and rock genres where powerful, aggressive tones are desired.

Does the Dean V Metalman Bass have active or passive pickups?

The Dean V Metalman Bass features passive pickups, which provide a traditional, warm bass tone with a straightforward, no-battery-required setup.

How many frets does the Dean V Metalman Bass have?

The Dean V Metalman Bass comes with 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatility in playing styles.

Is the Dean V Metalman Bass suitable for beginners?

With its low-profile maple neck and straightforward single-humbucker setup, the Dean V Metalman Bass is accessible for beginners while still offering the quality and sound that more experienced players appreciate.

What is the body construction of the Dean V Metalman Bass?

The Dean V Metalman Bass features a bolt-on construction with a basswood body, which contributes to its lightweight feel and resonant sound.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The strap placement causes a slight forward roll, challenging the balance when playing standing up.

    Source
  • The neck has a super uncomfortable V shape, which some players find awkward, potentially affecting playability.

    Source
  • Owners report that the tuning pegs feel inconsistent, being either too loose or too tight, though they stay in tune once set.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bridge is positioned farther left, making low tones a reach but easing access to higher frets for right-handed players.

    Source
  • The case for the Dean Metalman V is notably heavy, which can be cumbersome for transport.

    Source
  • It's noted that the bass's single volume and tone knob limit sound versatility, impacting tonal range.

    Source

User experience

  • Aesthetics heavily influence purchasing decisions despite quality concerns, with satisfaction stemming largely from the instrument's unique appearance.

    Source
  • Owners note the pickups are excessively hot, creating difficulties when plugged in without distortion, impacting usability in clean tones.

    Source
  • The bass has been described as having a thin neck profile, making it easier for guitarists transitioning to bass.

    Source
  • The instrument's weight is mentioned as approximately 5.5 kg, affecting comfort for some players.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Alternate bass models like the Ibanez MDB5 are recommended for better quality and sound, though they lack the distinct shapes of the Dean MetalMan series.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The MetalMan series is considered a good platform for modifications, such as replacing pickups with MusicMan style, or upgrading to modern tuners.

    Source
  • A user recommends keeping new strings on the bass for improved sound and playability, suggesting string maintenance is key.

    Source

Other

  • The bass features a Terentang top and Granadillo fingerboard, which are uncommon materials, with Terentang noted for being less desirable.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A user successfully tuned down to C using a light 5-string set (.115 B string) and adjusted the truss rod for stability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its unique appearance, it's considered versatile enough to play genres outside metal, like acoustic gigs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

www.guitarfella.com | 526: Invalid SSL certificate

guitarfella.com

2.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
elliott_dunn

Came broken

It came with broken wiring and broken hardware but the guy at the guitar store fixed it for free it now works fine

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Marcel Schirmer uses Dean V Metalman Bass

Marcel Schirmer

Bassist, Composer

Destruction

...
Verified via Photo

Schmier signature bass

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Dean V Metalman Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
spikebh

spikebh

Gear IQ 164

More Dean Electric Basses

Dean Edge 1

$239.00 - $449.00

 
Gavin Robinson
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides