Dean Explorer Guitars

The Dean Explorer is actually just an Explorer shaped guitar. It is actually called the Dean Time Capsule, Z Series including the Z Baby, 79 Series Z, Lost 100 Z, and Exotic USA Z.

About Dean Explorers

Dean Explorer There are reviews at some of the competing guitar forums, but we're hoping to get some feedback from Dean owners in our forum here.

Here's what we know, Dean produces guitars in the USA as well as in China. The guitars are priced accordingly. That's the best way to say that you get what you pay for.

The American guitars have a great reputation and their website is located on the primary Dean site. The Chinese imports are value priced guitars and their quality leaves something to be desired.

Their low pricing and eye-catching appearance usually rope in beginner guitarists. Anyone who takes guitar playing seriously will soon discover that the quality manufacturing on the Chinese Deans is not even on the same ballpark as their American counterparts.

As of lately, they have released a Brett Michaels signature series Z guitar which touts USA made pickups as wel as a Dave Mustaine Zero with a Floyd Rose tremolo.

If you are in the market for an Explorer style bass guitars, then the John Enthwhistle Spider may be worth a try, as it also sports that elusive Explorer shaped body.

The ZX series is also predominately displayed at deanguitars.com as well.This shows Dean's willingness to promote the Z series even as others have decided to turn their back on Explorer shaped guitars. This is a definitely a plus.

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Dean Guitars for Sale

Finding Dean guitars for sale should be quite easy. Dean Guitars has plenty of USA distributors. Dean Guitars is a well-established guitar manufacturer based in the United States, and their instruments are distributed both nationally and internationally. They have a network of authorized dealers and distributors across the USA, allowing customers to purchase their guitars from various music stores and online retailers.

If you are interested in buying a Dean guitar in the USA, you can visit their official website to find a list of authorized dealers or use their dealer locator tool. This will help you identify the nearest or most convenient store where you can try out and purchase Dean guitars.,br>
Authorized dealers not only offer a wide selection of Dean guitar models but also provide support, warranty services, and knowledgeable staff to help you make an informed decision about your purchase.

Keep in mind that Dean Guitars' distribution network may continue to evolve over time, so it's always a good idea to verify the current list of dealers or distributors on their official website or by contacting their customer support.

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Dean Explorer Forum

Stand by for the Dean forum at "Explorer Guitars"

Dean for Dummies

For those who are unfamiliar with the Dean brand, this is what I call "Dean for dummies". The first Dean guitar was made in 1977. Dean Guitars was founded by Dean Zelinsky in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1976. The company gained popularity for its innovative designs and unique approach to guitar building.

Dean Guitars has remained privately owned since its inception. Being a private company means that ownership and control of the company are not publicly traded on stock exchanges, and the company is not required to disclose its financial information to the public.

As a private company, Dean Guitars has the flexibility to make decisions independently, without the influence of public shareholders. This allows them to focus on their vision, product development, and business strategies without the pressures associated with being a publicly traded entity.

In 1977, Dean Zelinsky introduced the first Dean guitar model, which was called the Dean V. This guitar featured a radical "V" shape design, making it stand out from the more traditional guitar shapes of that era. The Dean V quickly gained attention and became popular among hard rock and heavy metal players due to its edgy design and distinctive sound.

Since the introduction of the Dean V, Dean Guitars has continued to expand its lineup, offering a wide range of electric and acoustic guitars. They are particularly known for their various "V" shaped models, as well as their iconic ML and Razorback designs.

Over the years, Dean Guitars has become a respected brand among musicians, especially in rock and metal genres. The company's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its place in the guitar industry, and Dean instruments remain popular choices for players worldwide.

Dean Pros and Cons

As with any guitar brand, Dean Guitars has received various feedback from customers, (pros and cons of course), including both positive reviews and occasional complaints. It's important to remember that individual experiences can vary, and what might be a complaint for one person might not be an issue for another. Some of the common complaints or criticisms about Dean Guitars reported by some customers include:

Quality Control: Some players have reported issues with quality control, such as uneven fretwork, sharp fret ends, or minor cosmetic flaws on certain guitars.
Electronics and Hardware: Occasionally, players have experienced problems with the stock electronics and hardware, such as pickups, switches, or tuning stability.
Set-up: Some players have mentioned that the guitars they received required additional set-up adjustments to achieve optimal playability and intonation.
Weight and Balance: Certain Dean guitar models, particularly those with more extreme shapes, might be heavier or have a different balance compared to more traditional designs, which can be a concern for some players.
Customer Support: A few customers have expressed concerns about the responsiveness or effectiveness of customer support when addressing issues or warranty claims.

Remember that not all Dean guitars will have these issues, and many customers have had positive experiences with their Dean instruments. As a matter of fact, many players stand by these electric guitars for multiple reasons. There are several compelling reasons why someone might choose to buy a Dean guitar:

Unique Designs: Dean Guitars are known for their distinctive and eye-catching designs, particularly their V-shaped, ML, and Razorback models. If you want a guitar that stands out from the crowd, Dean offers a range of visually striking options.
Versatility: Dean Guitars offers a diverse lineup of instruments suitable for various playing styles and genres. Whether you play rock, metal, blues, jazz, or other styles, you can find a Dean guitar that fits your musical preferences.
Build Quality: Dean Guitars are known for their solid construction and craftsmanship. They use quality tonewoods and components, ensuring that players get a reliable and well-built instrument.
Signature Models: Dean collaborates with many well-known artists to create signature guitar models. If you're a fan of a particular guitarist, you might find a Dean signature model that aligns with your musical interests.
Playability: Many players find Dean guitars to be comfortable and easy to play. They often have fast neck profiles, making them suitable for intricate riffing and shredding.
Affordable Options: Dean Guitars offers a range of models at various price points, including more affordable options for players on a budget.
Suitable for Metal and Hard Rock: Dean Guitars has a strong association with heavy metal and hard rock due to their aggressive designs and high-output pickups, making them popular choices among players in these genres.
Artist Endorsements: Many famous musicians, especially in the rock and metal genres, endorse and play Dean guitars, further adding to their appeal.
Collector's Items: Certain limited-edition or vintage Dean guitar models have become collectible items sought after by guitar enthusiasts.
Warranty and Support: Dean Guitars typically come with warranties, and the company provides customer support for their instruments.

The best reason to buy a Dean guitar is that it aligns with your playing style, preferences, and budget.

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Dean Feedback and Contributions

This is all the specific info I have right now but if you'd like to add to this description I'd appreciate any information on Dean guitar ownership. I'm looking for descriptions, pictures, production years, availablilty, and that sort of info. If you can help out, please do.

Any information or thought on left-handed Dean Explorers would also be a big help as well. Lefty Dean Explorers haven't received much notoriety.

Other Explorer style guitars...