Dean Z
The Dean Z Guitar is an electric guitar made by Dean Guitars starting in 1977 along with its counterparts, the Dean ML, Dean V and Dean Cadillac. It has the recognizable Dean headstock and the V shaped tailpiece. The body shape is similar to the body design of a Gibson Explorer.
| Dean Z | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Dean Guitars |
| Period | 1977–2022 |
| Construction | |
| Body type | Solid |
| Neck joint | Set |
| Woods | |
| Body | Mahogany, Maple |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Ebony, Rosewood |
| Hardware | |
| Bridge | String Thru |
| Pickup(s) | 2 EMG, Seymour Duncan, Dimarzio |
| Colors available | |
| Various | |
History
The Dean Z, like its counterpart the Dean ML, was designed with the enhancement of tone, sustain and playability in mind. These models have dramatic string angles at the bridge and nut and a string thru body design featuring the original V plate. The added string length created by the exclusive headstock coupled with the original Dean neck design is how the Z achieves its "incredible ease of play".[1]
Dean was ordered to halt sales of the Z in 2022 after legal action was taken against the company by Gibson Guitars.[2][3]
Construction
The Z shape is also available as part of the Baby Series as a scaled down version.[4] There is also a Z shaped bass guitar made by Dean.[5]
Discontinuation
In 2022 Gibson successfully sued Dean Guitars over the production of the Z model for patent violations and the model has since been deleted from the Dean model range and Dean website.[6]
See also
References
- Dean Z
- Maxwell, Jackson (21 June 2019). "Gibson Sues Dean, Luna Guitars". Guitar World. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- Roche, Sam (May 30, 2022). "Gibson wins Dean trademark infringement case – but is awarded just $4,000 in damages". Guitar World. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- Baby Info on Dean Official Website
- Dean Bass Info on Dean Official Website
- https://www.guitarworld.com/news/dean-prohibited-from-using-gibson-trademarks
