Dean ML
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| Dean ML | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Dean Guitars |
| Period | 1977 — present |
| Construction | |
| Body type | Solid |
| Neck joint | Set |
| Woods | |
| Body | Mahogany, Maple |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Ebony, Rosewood |
| Hardware | |
| Bridge | Floyd Rose tremelo / String thru |
| Pickup(s) | 2 EMG,Seymour Duncan,Dimarzio Humbuckers |
| Colors available | |
| Various | |
The Dean ML is an electric guitar made by Dean Guitars in 1977 along with its counterparts, the Dean V, Dean Cadillac and Dean Z. This is the most well known Dean Guitar due to the radical look and V shaped Headstock and V shaped tailpiece. It was popularised by the guitarist Dimebag Darrell. It is one of the most well known heavy metal guitars and has received many tributes from guitarists such as Michael Angelo Batio and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. A special feature of this guitar that was different from many guitars at the time is that the neck had a slight "v" shape to it, which allowed for fast playing, yet it was still strong. Also this shape allowed it to fit into the hand more comfortably. The mass of the guitar is spread out over a wider area than most guitars in order to maximize sustain. The "V"-shaped headstock and "string-through-body" design are also used to increase sustain and improve tone. It was named in honour of the late Mat Lynn, who was a childhood friend of Dean. The Dean ML is a combination of a Flying V and Explorer.
Contents |
[edit] History
The ML was created by Dean Zelinsky in 1977 to be the guitar with the ultimate sustain and tone. The ML was created with the Dean concept of spreading the mass of the body over a large area, but the ML has something more. Radical string angles and string length due to the size of the headstock contribute to the overall resonance. Played by many of rock's elite over the past two decades, the ML has appeared in award winning videos, on stage and album covers and more importantly on some of rocks finest recordings. Dean has made the ML available to other manufacturers with exclusive licensing arrangements.
[edit] Dean From Hell
The Dean known as "The Dean From Hell" sports a custom lightning bolt paint job, routed for a Floyd Rose and had a Bill Lawrence L-500 pickup in the bridge (switched to the XL-500 circa Far Beyond Driven). Other customizations include the KISS sticker on the top wing, and hand written words "The (Dean) FROM HELL" on the headstock around the Dean logo. Also the volume/tone knobs were modified to improve grip.
[edit] Six-String Masterpieces
Six-String Masterpieces is a tribute project for the late Dimebag Darrell. 50 guitarists each helped or created a piece of artwork on a Dean ML guitar, including Jerry Cantrell, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Dave Grohl, Alexi Laiho, Kerry King, Joe Satriani, Marilyn Manson, Zakk Wylde and Willie Adler. They were on display at the NAMM show.
[edit] 30th Anniversary ML
Dean produced the 30th Anniversary ML and V, marking thirty years since the ML and V were first released. Only 100 will be produced worldwide, with the Dean 30th Anniversary logo printed on the headstock and the pickup covers. They are all signed by Dean Zelinsky and they come with a trans-black finish and hardcase.[1]
[edit] Famous players
- Dimebag Darrell (Pantera, Damageplan) [2]
- Michael Angelo Batio (Nitro)[3]
- Corey Beaulieu (Trivium) [4]
- Matt Heafy (Trivium) [5]
- Mike Terry (Hammerthrone)
- Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, ASAP, Psycho Motel)
- Jason Silvey
[edit] Trivia
- The ML shape is also available as part of the Baby Series as a scaled down version.[6]
- There is also an ML shaped bass guitar made by Dean.[7]
[edit] See also
- Dean Metalman ML
- Dean Razorback V
- Dean Guitars
- Dean Razorback
- Dimebag Darrell Abbott
- Heavy Metal
- Dean V
- Dean Cadillac
- Dean Z
