Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $989

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Experience the power and legacy of the Dean Z electric guitar, a pillar of the Dean Classic Series since 1977. Crafted for musicians who crave both vintage soul and modern versatility, this iconic instrument combines classic design with contemporary flair. The mahogany body and set neck construction deliver resonant warmth and sustain, making it an ideal choice for players seeking dynamic soundscapes.

Equipped with DMT Series Time Capsule pickups, the Dean Z bridges the gap between the nostalgic tones of the past and the diverse sounds of today's music. Whether you're laying down a smooth, melodic riff or shredding through a fast-paced solo, these pickups provide clarity and punch that will elevate your performance.

The guitar's bound body and Indian rosewood fingerboard not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also ensure a smooth and comfortable playing experience. Designed to cater to guitarists of all levels, the Dean Z offers a reliable and affordable option without compromising on quality or style.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and set neck construction
  • DMT Series Time Capsule pickups
  • Bound body and Indian rosewood fingerboard
  • Classic design with modern functionality
  • Ideal for a range of musical styles and genres

Product specs

Brand Dean
Model Z 79 F TBK X-Style Flame Top with Floyd Rose, Z 79 F TBZ X-Style Flame Top with Floyd Rose, Z 79 Floyd
Finish Trans Black, Trans Brazilia, Trans Cherry
Year 2010 - 2021
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Brown, Red
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 Z electric guitar?

The Dean Z electric guitar features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience that suits a variety of playing styles.

What type of pickups does the Dean Z guitar use, and what tones can I expect?

The Dean Z guitar is equipped with DMT Series Time Capsule pickups, delivering a powerful and versatile tone suitable for rock and metal genres.

Is the Dean Z guitar suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Dean Z guitar is well-suited for advanced players, featuring high-quality components like a locking tremolo bridge and Grover tuning machines for reliable performance.

How does the locking tremolo bridge on the Dean Z guitar enhance playability?

The locking tremolo bridge on the Dean Z guitar allows for stable tuning and smooth vibrato effects, making it ideal for expressive playing and dive-bomb techniques.

What is the scale length of the Dean Z electric guitar, and how does it affect playability?

The Dean Z electric guitar has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which provides a slightly shorter reach and easier bending, beneficial for fast and intricate playing styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Owners praise the flawless fit and finish of Indian-made Dean Z guitars, comparing them to original 70's and early 80's USA models with a pronounced V neck profile.

    Source
  • Owners mention that toggle switches can be unreliable, requiring replacements for better performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users find the stock pickups lackluster and suggest upgrading, possibly considering coil splitting, to improve tone.

    Source
  • A Floyd Rose Special bridge is considered subpar, with plans to upgrade to an original Floyd Rose for improved functionality.

    Source
  • One owner installed a Seymour Duncan Distortion pickup and locking Gotoh tuners for enhanced performance and tuning stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Reports indicate inconsistent tuning stability, with some attributing it to the headstock, tuners, or nut, while others experience no issues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The V neck profile is often highlighted as comfortable, especially for those familiar with similar acoustic neck shapes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • There's a noted preference for the Chicago series' natural look over the 79 series.

    Source
  • The Dean Z is compared to the Aria Pro II ZZ, with some buyers choosing the Dean Z for its features aligning with personal preferences.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users appreciate the larger headstock on bigger guitars like the Dean Z, finding it aesthetically complementary, despite mixed opinions on its design appeal.

    Source
  • Owners with experience from the 70s remark that the headstock design is an acquired taste, often growing more appealing over time.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Z bass model, despite its lower-end components, is noted for its playability once properly set up with quality strings and a decent amp.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ronanfitzgerald

1996 Dean USA Z

I had a Korean Dean V and loved it, so to celebrate a new job, I wanted to get my first USA made guitar. I spotted this in a local store and lusted after it. In recording, I use it to play power chords on verses and open chords on choruses, through a Vox AD100VT, in what is essentially the core tone of grunge pop.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Gibbons uses Dean Z

Billy Gibbons

Guitarist

ZZ Top

...
Verified via Photo

Billy Gibbons used custom-made Dean Z guitars during the recording sessions for the "Eliminator" album, as stated by his engineer and shown in a photo on Woodytone.

See how Gary Moore uses Dean Z

Gary Moore

Guitarist, Singer

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via Photo

At around 1983 or 1984, Moore was seen with Dean Z Chicago Flame electric guitar.

See how Rob Barrett uses Dean Z

Rob Barrett

Singer, Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see in this video of a cannibal corpse live show in 2022 Rob Barrett is playing his new dean 2023 USA custom shop z. Which Rob Barrett is using for every live show for cannibal corpses new album violence unimagined.

See how Elliot Easton uses Dean Z

Elliot Easton

Guitarist

The Cars

...
Verified via YouTube

Elliot Easton also had a Dean Z as well, as seen in this video "Cars, Guitars, and Elliot Easton" someone posted to Youtube recently. His had a leopard print paintjob.

See how Eric Peterson uses Dean Z

Eric Peterson

Guitarist

Testament

...
Verified via Photo

"Peterson also plays a Dean Z with an EMG 57/66 pickup set. He strings both Deans with .010–.052 D’Addario NY XL sets, and tunes down to Eb," reads this Premier Guitar rig rundown.

See how Ryan Peake uses Dean Z

Ryan Peake

Guitarist

Nickelback

...
Verified via YouTube

Using this guitar to play this song

See how Vince Neil uses Dean Z

Vince Neil

Singer

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via Holstinin

You can see this Dean Z "Time capsule" on one of photos

See how Sascha Gerstner uses Dean Z

Sascha Gerstner

Guitarist

Helloween

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:38 Sascha shows this guitar. It is white.

See how Christian Martucci uses Dean Z

Christian Martucci

Guitarist

Stone Sour

...
Verified via Photo

he's playing this guitar in the picture attached

See how Dallas Toler-Wade uses Dean Z

Dallas Toler-Wade

Guitarist

Nile

...
Verified via Photo

Dallas used this guitar with Nile at Bloodstock 2012.

See how Bret Michaels uses Dean Z

Bret Michaels

Singer, Guitarist

Poison

...
Verified via reverb.com

Bret Michaels has a custom Dean Z guitar, which is also available for public purchase.

See how Rik Emmett uses Dean Z

Rik Emmett

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

He is seen playing one live during the 1983 US festival around 40:35

Album Usage

The Dean Z has been featured on the following albums:

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 Z, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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hco_guitars

hco_guitars

Gear IQ 684

B

brandon_hicks

Gear IQ 60

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