Raw Power

The ultimate commemoration of a true guitar legend.

The new Dean From Hell replica guitar honours former Pantera guitarist the late Darrell ‘Dimebag’ Abbott.

One of the many things that attracted rock fans to the wonder of Pantera was the playing of their guitarist, Darrell ‘Dimebag’ Abbott. Mixing that unmistakably laid-back Texan attitude with a style that, while technical in the extreme, dovetailed into the brutal music perfectly, he was well on his way to becoming one of the ultimate rock guitar heroes before he was murdered, shot and killed while on stage with his postPantera band Damageplan on December 8, 2004.

Dimebag’s main guitar throughout his career was an instrument he won at a Dallas guitar competition in 1982, a Dean ML that he subsequently dubbed the ‘Dean From Hell’. Dean are honouring both the man and that unique guitar with the very limited-edition – just 100 worldwide – USA Dimebag Commemorative ML, using Dimebag’s original as a reference to come up with something truly special.

When Dime won the guitar it was maroon in colour, but his long-time friend Buddy Blaze repainted it blue and applied an airbrushed lightning bolt. That iconic finish is recreated by hand on each Commemorative ML, and the spec, which includes Bill Lawrence and DiMarzio pickups, a top-mounted Floyd Rose Original and DBD traction control knobs, is followed to the letter.

The mahogany neck features the classic V-profile that set Dean guitars apart back in the day, while a perfectly finished mahogany body gives the tone a depth that works beautifully with the highoutput pickups. Although this guitar sounds monstrous with a high-gain rock tone, it can effortlessly deliver more restrained styles too, including jazz. And, take it from us, it’s a dream to play.

The quality of the craftsmanship is impressive to say the least and, at

£5,824, this is an American icon, just like the man being commemorated.

Play one if you can.

More information at www.deanguitars.com.