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Average Price: $430

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Unleash your inner rock star with the Dean ZX - Trans Brazilia, where style meets performance in a perfect blend. This solid body electric guitar from Dean's X Series offers the sleek aesthetics and robust features of a premium model, yet remains accessible for musicians of all levels. Its quilt maple top is not just a visual treat but also contributes to its rich tonal quality, ensuring you sound as great as you look.

The Dean ZX is equipped with a bolt-on 22-fret maple neck, providing smooth playability and comfort during extended sessions. The Indian rosewood fingerboard adds a layer of warmth to your sound, allowing for expressive and dynamic playing. The bound body, neck, and headstock add a touch of elegance and durability, making this guitar a reliable companion on stage or in the studio.

What sets the Dean ZX apart are its DMT Designed High-Output Zebra pickups, delivering a powerful and versatile sound that can handle everything from crunchy rhythms to soaring solos. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, this guitar's performance will inspire and elevate your music.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with quilt maple top
  • Bolt-on 22-fret maple neck
  • Indian rosewood fingerboard for warm tones
  • Bound body, neck, and headstock for durability
  • DMT Designed High-Output Zebra pickups for versatile sound

Product specs

Body type Solidbody
Top wood Quilt maple
Body wood Mahogany
Neck shape C
Neck wood Maple
Joint Bolt-on
Scale length 24.75"
Truss rod Standard
Material Rosewood
Radius 12"
Fret size Jumbo
Number of frets 22
Inlays Pearloid dot
Nut width 1.69 in. (43 mm)
Configuration HH
Neck Proprietary Humbucker
Bridge Proprietary Humbucker
Control layout Volume/Volume/Tone
Pickup switch 3-way
Bridge type Fixed
Tuning machines Die-cast sealed
Number of strings 6-string
Case Sold separately
Orientation Right Handed
Country of origin India

FAQs

What type of music is the Dean ZX - Trans Brazilia best suited for?

The Dean ZX - Trans Brazilia, with its high-output DMT Designed zebra humbuckers, is ideal for rock and metal genres, offering powerful and aggressive tones.

How does the C-shape neck of the Dean ZX - Trans Brazilia affect playability?

The C-shape neck provides a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for fast playing and extended sessions without fatigue.

What is the tonal characteristic of the quilt maple top and mahogany body on the Dean ZX - Trans Brazilia?

The quilt maple top combined with a mahogany body delivers a balanced tone with warmth and sustain, enhancing both clean and distorted sounds.

Are the pickups on the Dean ZX - Trans Brazilia suitable for high-gain settings?

Yes, the proprietary humbuckers are designed for high output, making them well-suited for high-gain settings and delivering a powerful, clear sound.

Does the Dean ZX - Trans Brazilia come with a case?

No, the Dean ZX - Trans Brazilia does not come with a case; it is sold separately.

Is the Dean ZX - Trans Brazilia suitable for beginners?

While it offers features that appeal to more experienced players, its comfortable neck and playability make it accessible for beginners interested in rock and metal.

Darren Dsouza

Darren Dsouza

Dean ZX Trans Brazilia

Video thumbnail for Dean ZX Trans Brazilia by Darren Dsouza

Dean ZX Trans Brazilia

Darren Dsouza

Darren Dsouza

Video thumbnail for Dean Z X Electric Guitar, Trans Brazilia Burst | Gear4music Demo by Gear4music Guitars

Dean Z X Electric Guitar, Trans Brazilia Burst | Gear4music Demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for D Man's Dean Zx Guitar by D Man’s Guitar Channel

D Man's Dean Zx Guitar

D Man’s Guitar Channel

D Man’s Guitar Channel

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping stock pickups with Seymour Duncan JB/59 combo significantly improves tone.

    Source
  • Rewiring the volume and tone knobs is suggested for improved control.

    Source
  • Owners recommend avoiding Floyd Rose systems for beginners due to complex tuning and setup, suggesting simpler fixed bridges for ease of use.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The modern D-shaped neck is smooth and provides a comfortable playing experience.

    Source

User experience

  • The bottom wing design doubles as a comfortable armrest during play.

    Source
  • One owner humorously noted spotting the Dean ZX at Disney, suggesting its distinct appearance makes it memorable even in unexpected places.

    Source
  • One user shared that their Dean MLX from the Trans Brazilia era was a solid guitar, comparable to their previous Dean Z, offering good performance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners recommend replacing stiff machine heads for smoother tuning experience.

    Source
  • Regular setup with a professional guitar tech is suggested for Epiphone models to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners report the headstock design as being a potential area for neck replacements, suggesting it may not be as robust.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Dean ZX Trans Brazilia body shape reminds some players of a non-traditional Dimebag Darrell influence, differing from Washburn's typical designs.

    Source
  • A user noted that Epiphone Explorers offer more affordable options with quality sound, often compared favorably to higher-priced Gibson Explorers.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Epiphone Prophecy Explorer, with Fishman Fluence pickups, is highlighted for metal players seeking a powerful tone.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Epiphone models are described as offering excellent value, often needing only minor upgrades to meet personal preferences.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ben_ferguson

Good buy for the money, better with mods

I bought my ZX in 1998 during a rough period in the company's history (after Dean Zelinsky sold it, but before Elliot picked it up - back when DBD was with Washburn), so it isn't the best example of what Dean can offer. Mine is a transparent-red finish they don't offer anymore.

The bad: Loose neck pocket resulted in the neck shifting a little, so tuning was unstable until I filled the cracks to tighten it up. Strap pin was originally in the front-bass position neck-mounting screw which got in the way with high-fret playing, I replaced the screw and moved the strap pin to the center of the neck plate to fix it. Stock hardware was sub-par in a few spots; I've done a few upgrades to correct this:

Plastic nut replaced w/ a Graph-Tech "Tusq XL" model

Rattly bridge replaced w/ TonePros locking TOM

Electronics replaced w/ Seymour Duncan Invader bridge/APH-1N neck models & custom wiring harness for coil-selection

The good: Well-balanced Explorer-style body with a fast neck, Grover tuners, and (despite being a cheap late-90's Korean import) it rings like a tuning fork! I've had this guitar for over 20 years, and it's still going strong.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Myles Kennedy uses Dean ZX

Myles Kennedy

Singer, Guitarist

Alter Bridge

...
Verified via YouTube

London Astoria June 6th 2006 Myles plays it at 16:00 on Buried Alive (early working version). Probably he used it on the whole europe tour.

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