Dean Guitars History

The Dean Guitar story is one of a determined young man who was influential in helping shape design features of modern guitars. Dean Zelinsky, a guitarist and guitar repair person from Chicago, formed Dean Guitars in 1976 when he was just eighteen years old. Dean was among the first manufacturers to use such innovations as over-wound high-output pickups, hot-rodded electronics, and modern hardware on production model guitars.

Dean ML and V Guitars

The first production models, which catapulted Dean Guitars to success, were the Dean ML and V models. The ML model featured daring, angled looks, with the proprietary Dean V-shaped headstock. The guitar's name was a tribute to one of Dean's childhood friends, Matthew Lynn, who passed away after a struggle with cancer. The Dean ML is still a popular production model, and is used by a number of famous artists.
The V model was fashioned after Gibson's original Flying V guitar, with updated electronics and Dean's signature V-shaped headstock.

Dean Marketing

Dean Zelinsky knew early on in his guitar making career that marketing was paramount to success. Dean was visible and accessible at the company's inception, with a friendly demeanor and passion for his product. Dean would visit artists at concerts, and make personal stops and phone calls to music dealers to ensure that everyone was happy with his company's products and service.
Dean was actively involved in marketing and advertising and was happy to grant interviews to any music magazine, television station or radio program that would have him. Dean's involvement in marketing helped add a personality to the brand, and further popularized his instruments.

Dean Guitars in the 1980s and 1990s

Dean Guitars flourished through most of the 1980s, appearing in many music videos on MTV. Dean designed the guitars and spinning mechanism for ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man" video, and built many custom instruments for a number of top artists.
Toward the end of the 1980s, Dean decided to take time off to raise a family and sold the company in 1991. Dean Guitars floundered through most of the early 1990s under new ownership, until a former music store owner purchased the name and inventory. Zelinsky was propositioned, and agreed to again become involved with Dean Guitars.

Zelinsky Leaves Dean Guitars

In 2008, Dean left the company because of differences in marketing ideology and business direction. Zelinsky was also disenchanted with the company's decision to import guitars that did not live up to his original quality and playability standards.

DBZ Guitars

Shortly after Zelinsky left Dean Guitars, he announced the formation of a new company, DBZ Guitars, using the initials of Zelinsky's full name, Dean Barrett Zelinsky. Dean would be granted control over design, production methods, and marketing, which were hallmarks of the original company. DBZ's website has a forum where guitarists can communicate directly with Dean, and if history repeats itself, will add the personal touch to Dean Zelinsky's instruments once again.

References

• Gear Vault
• DBZ Guitars
• Dean Guitars

Resources

• Ed Roman Guitars