Dean Guitars Australia
Dean Guitars Australia
Iconic Metal Guitars | ML, V, Razorback Series | Melbourne Showroom
Dean Guitars has defined heavy metal guitar aesthetics since 1976 with legendary designs including the ML, V, and Razorback body shapes. Founded by Dean Zelinsky in Chicago, Dean Guitars became synonymous with aggressive styling, powerful tone, and rock star attitude. From Dimebag Darrell's signature guitars to modern metal machines, Dean builds instruments for players who demand visual impact and crushing tone in equal measure.
At Angkor Music Melbourne, we stock the complete range of Dean electric guitars and bass guitars including the iconic ML, V, Razorback, and Z body shapes. Experience the aggressive aesthetics, high-output pickups, and rock-solid construction that made Dean the choice of metal legends. Visit our Altona showroom to feel the slim necks, test high-gain pickups through quality amplifiers, and discover why Dean guitars dominate heavy music. Every Dean guitar includes full Australian warranty coverage and professional setup service.
Dean Guitar Series
ML Series - The Dean Icon
The ML (Machine Love) represents Dean's most recognizable design with aggressive pointed horns and angular body shape. Available from affordable import models to USA Custom Shop instruments, ML guitars deliver metal aesthetics with powerful humbucker tone. The iconic shape has graced stages worldwide for over four decades. ML models feature mahogany bodies, maple tops, high-output pickups, and hardware built for heavy music and down-tuning.
V Series - Classic Metal Shape
Dean V guitars combine classic flying V aesthetics with modern metal features. Pointed symmetrical body shape provides balanced playing position seated or standing. Available in Standard V and Dave Mustaine signature models with active or passive pickups. V series guitars excel for thrash metal, classic metal, and hard rock with their aggressive visual presence and cutting tone. Perfect neck-through and bolt-on construction options available.
Razorback - Dimebag Darrell Signature
The Razorback honors Pantera legend Dimebag Darrell with extreme angular design and crushing metal tone. Available in various graphic finishes including lightning bolts and tribal patterns, Razorback guitars feature high-output DMT Design pickups, Floyd Rose tremolo systems, and mahogany construction. These guitars represent everything Dimebag stood for—aggressive looks, brutal tone, and uncompromising attitude. Essential for modern metal and groove metal players.
Z Series - Explorer Style
Z series guitars offer Explorer-inspired body shape with Dean's distinctive styling. Symmetrical body provides balanced feel with aggressive visual impact. Available in hardtail and tremolo-equipped models with various pickup configurations. Z guitars suit classic rock, metal, and hard rock players wanting iconic shape with Dean quality and features. Excellent neck access for solos and lead work.
Cadillac & Modern Rock Series
For players preferring traditional body shapes, Dean offers Cadillac series with offset double-cutaway designs and comfortable contours. These guitars provide Dean quality with more conventional aesthetics suitable for diverse musical styles beyond metal. Modern Rock series includes superstrat-style guitars with high-performance features for technical playing and shred applications.
USA Custom Shop
Dean's USA Custom Shop builds premium instruments with hand-selected materials, custom inlays, and meticulous craftsmanship. These guitars represent the pinnacle of Dean quality with boutique-level attention to detail. Custom Shop models feature exotic woods, hand-wound pickups, and personalization options unavailable in production models. Built for collectors, touring professionals, and players demanding absolute finest quality.
Dean Bass Guitars
Edge Bass Series
Dean bass guitars maintain the same aggressive aesthetics as their guitar counterparts. Edge bass models feature active electronics, slim fast necks, and powerful pickups delivering modern bass tone. Available in 4 and 5-string configurations with various body shapes. These basses suit metal, rock, and hard rock bassists needing visual impact with professional tone and playability.
Why Choose Dean Guitars?
Legendary Metal Heritage: Dean Guitars shaped heavy metal guitar design for over 45 years. The ML, V, and Razorback body shapes are instantly recognizable icons of metal culture. Choosing Dean connects you to legendary artists including Dimebag Darrell, Michael Schenker, Dave Mustaine, and countless metal pioneers. This heritage represents authentic metal DNA that resonates with heavy music culture worldwide.
Aggressive Aesthetics: Dean guitars make visual statements. Bold graphics, sharp angles, and in-your-face styling separate Dean from conservative guitar designs. Whether featuring lightning bolts, skulls, or classic finishes, Dean guitars command stage presence. For players who believe guitars should look as aggressive as they sound, Dean delivers uncompromising visual impact that matches their musical intensity.
High-Output Tone: Dean equips their guitars with powerful pickups designed for gain and distortion. DMT Design pickups, Seymour Duncan options, and active EMG configurations deliver crushing tone with tight bass response and aggressive midrange. These pickups excel under high gain without losing clarity or definition. Dean guitars cut through dense band mixes with authority and presence.
Built for Down-Tuning: Dean constructs guitars anticipating heavy string gauges and low tunings common in modern metal. Solid mahogany bodies provide mass and sustain. Tune-o-matic and hardtail bridge systems maintain intonation and string tension. Scale lengths and neck profiles accommodate dropped tunings from drop D through drop A and beyond. Dean guitars handle extreme tunings that would challenge lesser instruments.
Dean Guitar Price Ranges
Import Series ($400-$800): Affordable Dean guitars manufactured overseas delivering iconic shapes and metal features at accessible prices. These guitars include ML, V, and Razorback models with decent hardware and pickups. Perfect for beginners, students, and players wanting Dean aesthetics on budget. Solid entry point into Dean ownership.
USA Bolt-On Series ($800-$1500): American-made Dean guitars with bolt-on neck construction offering professional quality at mid-range prices. These guitars feature upgraded pickups, quality hardware, and USA craftsmanship. Ideal for gigging musicians, recording artists, and serious metal players needing reliable performance without custom shop investment.
USA Custom Shop ($2000-$6000+): Premium hand-built Dean guitars with neck-through construction, exotic woods, custom inlays, and boutique-level craftsmanship. USA Custom Shop models represent Dean's finest work with materials and construction rivaling any boutique builder. Built for collectors, touring professionals, and players demanding absolute peak performance and aesthetics.
Why Buy Dean from Angkor Music Melbourne?
Authorized Dean Dealer - Genuine instruments with full Australian warranty coverage
Complete Range - ML, V, Razorback, Z series across all price points
Metal Specialists - Staff who understand high-gain tone and heavy music
Professional Setup - Every guitar receives action, intonation, and pickup height optimization
Try Before Buy - Test Dean guitars through high-gain amplifiers in our Altona showroom
Down-Tuning Expertise - String gauge recommendations and setup for extreme tunings
Fast Australia Shipping - Secure packaging with neck support and full insurance
Competitive Pricing - Best Dean prices in Melbourne with full service and warranty
Complete Your Dean Setup
Maximize your Dean's metal tone with appropriate accessories. We stock heavy gauge strings from Ernie Ball and D'Addario in gauges suitable for drop tunings and extended-range playing. Protect your investment with hardshell cases designed for V and ML body shapes. Connect with quality cables from Planet Waves maintaining signal integrity under high gain.
Unleash Dean's potential through high-gain amplifiers from Peavey, Mesa Boogie, and EVH. Add effects pedals including noise gates, boost pedals, and precision overdrives for metal tone sculpting. Upgrade pickups with Seymour Duncan or EMG replacements for tonal customization. Keep your Dean maintained with string cleaners, fretboard conditioner, and polish designed for aggressive playing and frequent string changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Dean guitar for metal?
The Razorback series represents Dean's ultimate metal machine with aggressive styling, high-output DMT Design pickups, and features specifically designed for heavy music. For classic metal, the ML series delivers iconic looks with crushing tone. Both series handle extreme gain, down-tuning, and aggressive playing styles. Choose Razorback for modern metal and groove metal, ML for timeless metal aesthetics with versatility across metal subgenres.
Are Dean guitars good for beginners?
Dean offers affordable import models suitable for metal-focused beginners. The ML and V shapes in entry-level configurations provide authentic Dean aesthetics with playable necks and adequate tone for learning. However, the aggressive body shapes require adaptation compared to traditional guitar designs. Beginners committed to metal and heavy music will appreciate Dean's aesthetics and tone from day one.
What makes Dimebag Darrell Razorback guitars special?
Razorback guitars honor Pantera legend Dimebag Darrell with his signature extreme body shape, lightning bolt graphics, and specifications he helped develop. These guitars feature DMT Design pickups designed to Dimebag's preferences, delivering his crushing groove metal tone. Owning a Razorback connects players to one of metal's most influential guitarists. The guitars capture Dimebag's attitude, tone, and stage presence in physical form.
Do Dean guitars handle drop tunings well?
Yes, Dean guitars are specifically designed for heavy string gauges and low tunings. Solid mahogany bodies provide mass and sustain, while tune-o-matic and hardtail bridges maintain intonation. Neck construction handles tension from heavy strings in drop D through drop A tunings. Many Dean players use gauges from 11-52 up to 13-65 for extreme tunings without issues. Proper setup and appropriate string gauges enable Dean guitars to excel in dropped tunings.
Can I try Dean guitars before purchasing?
Absolutely. Our Altona showroom stocks multiple Dean models including ML, V, and Razorback series. Test these guitars through high-gain amplifiers experiencing their metal tone and aggressive aesthetics firsthand. Feel the neck profiles, assess body balance, and determine which Dean shape suits your playing. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018.
Where are Dean guitars manufactured?
Dean guitars are manufactured in multiple locations depending on series. USA models including Custom Shop and USA Bolt-On series are built in America. Import series guitars are manufactured overseas with Dean quality control oversight. Regardless of origin, all Dean guitars meet design standards and specifications ensuring authentic Dean tone and aesthetics. USA models command premium prices for American craftsmanship.
What artists play Dean guitars?
Dean's artist roster includes metal legends past and present. Dimebag Darrell remains Dean's most famous endorser. Dave Mustaine of Megadeth plays signature V models. Michael Schenker pioneered the Dean V shape. Other notable players include Daron Malakian, Michael Angelo Batio, and countless metal, rock, and hard rock artists. This artist legacy validates Dean's status as authentic metal guitar brand.
Are Dean V guitars balanced when playing seated?
Dean V guitars feature symmetrical design providing balanced feel both seated and standing. The body rests comfortably on the right leg in classical position or between legs in casual playing. Some players initially find V shapes less familiar than traditional guitars but adapt quickly. The balanced design actually provides ergonomic advantages for extended playing sessions once acclimated to the shape.
Does Angkor Music offer warranty on Dean guitars?
Yes, all Dean guitars purchased from Angkor Music include full Australian warranty coverage. As an authorized Dean dealer, we provide warranty support and facilitate any necessary repairs or service. Dean stands behind their instruments with comprehensive warranty protection covering manufacturing defects and construction issues. Our authorization ensures genuine Dean products with proper warranty backing.
What string gauge should I use for drop tunings on Dean guitars?
For drop D and drop C tunings, use 10-52 or 11-54 gauge strings. Drop B requires 11-56 or 12-60 gauges. Extreme tunings like drop A benefit from 12-62 or 13-65 gauges maintaining proper tension and clarity. Visit our showroom for string recommendations specific to your tuning and playing style. We stock heavy gauge strings from Ernie Ball and D'Addario suitable for all drop tunings.
Visit Angkor Music Melbourne
4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018
Phone: (03) 8360 7799
Email: sales@angkormusic.com.au
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm | Sat: 10am-5pm | Sun: 11am-4pm
Dean Guitars Australia
Iconic Metal Guitars | ML, V, Razorback Series | Melbourne Showroom
Dean Guitars has defined heavy metal guitar aesthetics since 1976 with legendary designs including the ML, V, and Razorback body shapes. Founded by Dean Zelinsky in Chicago, Dean Guitars became synonymous with aggressive styling, powerful tone, and rock star attitude. From Dimebag Darrell's signature guitars to modern metal machines, Dean builds instruments for players who demand visual impact and crushing tone in equal measure.
At Angkor Music Melbourne, we stock the complete range of Dean electric guitars and bass guitars including the iconic ML, V, Razorback, and Z body shapes. Experience the aggressive aesthetics, high-output pickups, and rock-solid construction that made Dean the choice of metal legends. Visit our Altona showroom to feel the slim necks, test high-gain pickups through quality amplifiers, and discover why Dean guitars dominate heavy music. Every Dean guitar includes full Australian warranty coverage and professional setup service.
Dean Guitar Series
ML Series - The Dean Icon
The ML (Machine Love) represents Dean's most recognizable design with aggressive pointed horns and angular body shape. Available from affordable import models to USA Custom Shop instruments, ML guitars deliver metal aesthetics with powerful humbucker tone. The iconic shape has graced stages worldwide for over four decades. ML models feature mahogany bodies, maple tops, high-output pickups, and hardware built for heavy music and down-tuning.
V Series - Classic Metal Shape
Dean V guitars combine classic flying V aesthetics with modern metal features. Pointed symmetrical body shape provides balanced playing position seated or standing. Available in Standard V and Dave Mustaine signature models with active or passive pickups. V series guitars excel for thrash metal, classic metal, and hard rock with their aggressive visual presence and cutting tone. Perfect neck-through and bolt-on construction options available.
Razorback - Dimebag Darrell Signature
The Razorback honors Pantera legend Dimebag Darrell with extreme angular design and crushing metal tone. Available in various graphic finishes including lightning bolts and tribal patterns, Razorback guitars feature high-output DMT Design pickups, Floyd Rose tremolo systems, and mahogany construction. These guitars represent everything Dimebag stood for—aggressive looks, brutal tone, and uncompromising attitude. Essential for modern metal and groove metal players.
Z Series - Explorer Style
Z series guitars offer Explorer-inspired body shape with Dean's distinctive styling. Symmetrical body provides balanced feel with aggressive visual impact. Available in hardtail and tremolo-equipped models with various pickup configurations. Z guitars suit classic rock, metal, and hard rock players wanting iconic shape with Dean quality and features. Excellent neck access for solos and lead work.
Cadillac & Modern Rock Series
For players preferring traditional body shapes, Dean offers Cadillac series with offset double-cutaway designs and comfortable contours. These guitars provide Dean quality with more conventional aesthetics suitable for diverse musical styles beyond metal. Modern Rock series includes superstrat-style guitars with high-performance features for technical playing and shred applications.
USA Custom Shop
Dean's USA Custom Shop builds premium instruments with hand-selected materials, custom inlays, and meticulous craftsmanship. These guitars represent the pinnacle of Dean quality with boutique-level attention to detail. Custom Shop models feature exotic woods, hand-wound pickups, and personalization options unavailable in production models. Built for collectors, touring professionals, and players demanding absolute finest quality.
Dean Bass Guitars
Edge Bass Series
Dean bass guitars maintain the same aggressive aesthetics as their guitar counterparts. Edge bass models feature active electronics, slim fast necks, and powerful pickups delivering modern bass tone. Available in 4 and 5-string configurations with various body shapes. These basses suit metal, rock, and hard rock bassists needing visual impact with professional tone and playability.
Why Choose Dean Guitars?
Legendary Metal Heritage: Dean Guitars shaped heavy metal guitar design for over 45 years. The ML, V, and Razorback body shapes are instantly recognizable icons of metal culture. Choosing Dean connects you to legendary artists including Dimebag Darrell, Michael Schenker, Dave Mustaine, and countless metal pioneers. This heritage represents authentic metal DNA that resonates with heavy music culture worldwide.
Aggressive Aesthetics: Dean guitars make visual statements. Bold graphics, sharp angles, and in-your-face styling separate Dean from conservative guitar designs. Whether featuring lightning bolts, skulls, or classic finishes, Dean guitars command stage presence. For players who believe guitars should look as aggressive as they sound, Dean delivers uncompromising visual impact that matches their musical intensity.
High-Output Tone: Dean equips their guitars with powerful pickups designed for gain and distortion. DMT Design pickups, Seymour Duncan options, and active EMG configurations deliver crushing tone with tight bass response and aggressive midrange. These pickups excel under high gain without losing clarity or definition. Dean guitars cut through dense band mixes with authority and presence.
Built for Down-Tuning: Dean constructs guitars anticipating heavy string gauges and low tunings common in modern metal. Solid mahogany bodies provide mass and sustain. Tune-o-matic and hardtail bridge systems maintain intonation and string tension. Scale lengths and neck profiles accommodate dropped tunings from drop D through drop A and beyond. Dean guitars handle extreme tunings that would challenge lesser instruments.
Dean Guitar Price Ranges
Import Series ($400-$800): Affordable Dean guitars manufactured overseas delivering iconic shapes and metal features at accessible prices. These guitars include ML, V, and Razorback models with decent hardware and pickups. Perfect for beginners, students, and players wanting Dean aesthetics on budget. Solid entry point into Dean ownership.
USA Bolt-On Series ($800-$1500): American-made Dean guitars with bolt-on neck construction offering professional quality at mid-range prices. These guitars feature upgraded pickups, quality hardware, and USA craftsmanship. Ideal for gigging musicians, recording artists, and serious metal players needing reliable performance without custom shop investment.
USA Custom Shop ($2000-$6000+): Premium hand-built Dean guitars with neck-through construction, exotic woods, custom inlays, and boutique-level craftsmanship. USA Custom Shop models represent Dean's finest work with materials and construction rivaling any boutique builder. Built for collectors, touring professionals, and players demanding absolute peak performance and aesthetics.
Why Buy Dean from Angkor Music Melbourne?
Authorized Dean Dealer - Genuine instruments with full Australian warranty coverage
Complete Range - ML, V, Razorback, Z series across all price points
Metal Specialists - Staff who understand high-gain tone and heavy music
Professional Setup - Every guitar receives action, intonation, and pickup height optimization
Try Before Buy - Test Dean guitars through high-gain amplifiers in our Altona showroom
Down-Tuning Expertise - String gauge recommendations and setup for extreme tunings
Fast Australia Shipping - Secure packaging with neck support and full insurance
Competitive Pricing - Best Dean prices in Melbourne with full service and warranty
Complete Your Dean Setup
Maximize your Dean's metal tone with appropriate accessories. We stock heavy gauge strings from Ernie Ball and D'Addario in gauges suitable for drop tunings and extended-range playing. Protect your investment with hardshell cases designed for V and ML body shapes. Connect with quality cables from Planet Waves maintaining signal integrity under high gain.
Unleash Dean's potential through high-gain amplifiers from Peavey, Mesa Boogie, and EVH. Add effects pedals including noise gates, boost pedals, and precision overdrives for metal tone sculpting. Upgrade pickups with Seymour Duncan or EMG replacements for tonal customization. Keep your Dean maintained with string cleaners, fretboard conditioner, and polish designed for aggressive playing and frequent string changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Dean guitar for metal?
The Razorback series represents Dean's ultimate metal machine with aggressive styling, high-output DMT Design pickups, and features specifically designed for heavy music. For classic metal, the ML series delivers iconic looks with crushing tone. Both series handle extreme gain, down-tuning, and aggressive playing styles. Choose Razorback for modern metal and groove metal, ML for timeless metal aesthetics with versatility across metal subgenres.
Are Dean guitars good for beginners?
Dean offers affordable import models suitable for metal-focused beginners. The ML and V shapes in entry-level configurations provide authentic Dean aesthetics with playable necks and adequate tone for learning. However, the aggressive body shapes require adaptation compared to traditional guitar designs. Beginners committed to metal and heavy music will appreciate Dean's aesthetics and tone from day one.
What makes Dimebag Darrell Razorback guitars special?
Razorback guitars honor Pantera legend Dimebag Darrell with his signature extreme body shape, lightning bolt graphics, and specifications he helped develop. These guitars feature DMT Design pickups designed to Dimebag's preferences, delivering his crushing groove metal tone. Owning a Razorback connects players to one of metal's most influential guitarists. The guitars capture Dimebag's attitude, tone, and stage presence in physical form.
Do Dean guitars handle drop tunings well?
Yes, Dean guitars are specifically designed for heavy string gauges and low tunings. Solid mahogany bodies provide mass and sustain, while tune-o-matic and hardtail bridges maintain intonation. Neck construction handles tension from heavy strings in drop D through drop A tunings. Many Dean players use gauges from 11-52 up to 13-65 for extreme tunings without issues. Proper setup and appropriate string gauges enable Dean guitars to excel in dropped tunings.
Can I try Dean guitars before purchasing?
Absolutely. Our Altona showroom stocks multiple Dean models including ML, V, and Razorback series. Test these guitars through high-gain amplifiers experiencing their metal tone and aggressive aesthetics firsthand. Feel the neck profiles, assess body balance, and determine which Dean shape suits your playing. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018.
Where are Dean guitars manufactured?
Dean guitars are manufactured in multiple locations depending on series. USA models including Custom Shop and USA Bolt-On series are built in America. Import series guitars are manufactured overseas with Dean quality control oversight. Regardless of origin, all Dean guitars meet design standards and specifications ensuring authentic Dean tone and aesthetics. USA models command premium prices for American craftsmanship.
What artists play Dean guitars?
Dean's artist roster includes metal legends past and present. Dimebag Darrell remains Dean's most famous endorser. Dave Mustaine of Megadeth plays signature V models. Michael Schenker pioneered the Dean V shape. Other notable players include Daron Malakian, Michael Angelo Batio, and countless metal, rock, and hard rock artists. This artist legacy validates Dean's status as authentic metal guitar brand.
Are Dean V guitars balanced when playing seated?
Dean V guitars feature symmetrical design providing balanced feel both seated and standing. The body rests comfortably on the right leg in classical position or between legs in casual playing. Some players initially find V shapes less familiar than traditional guitars but adapt quickly. The balanced design actually provides ergonomic advantages for extended playing sessions once acclimated to the shape.
Does Angkor Music offer warranty on Dean guitars?
Yes, all Dean guitars purchased from Angkor Music include full Australian warranty coverage. As an authorized Dean dealer, we provide warranty support and facilitate any necessary repairs or service. Dean stands behind their instruments with comprehensive warranty protection covering manufacturing defects and construction issues. Our authorization ensures genuine Dean products with proper warranty backing.
What string gauge should I use for drop tunings on Dean guitars?
For drop D and drop C tunings, use 10-52 or 11-54 gauge strings. Drop B requires 11-56 or 12-60 gauges. Extreme tunings like drop A benefit from 12-62 or 13-65 gauges maintaining proper tension and clarity. Visit our showroom for string recommendations specific to your tuning and playing style. We stock heavy gauge strings from Ernie Ball and D'Addario suitable for all drop tunings.
Visit Angkor Music Melbourne
4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018
Phone: (03) 8360 7799
Email: sales@angkormusic.com.au
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm | Sat: 10am-5pm | Sun: 11am-4pm