Why have Dean guitars seemed to have fallen so far out of the spotlight?

[Mot90DaD]

...that's why.

 

[KentBrockman]

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...that's why.

Wow. I thought the Ibanez RG ukeleles looked bad but this is a whole new level.

 

[eaeolian]

You know, sadly, the graphics turned a lot of people off. The WMI Korean and USA guitars were actually pretty high quality, but some of the designs were...not optimal. Even the wrap guitars had the potential to be something different, but..

 

[JimF]

Pukelele

 

[Emperoff]

Wow. I thought the Ibanez RG ukeleles looked bad but this is a whole new level.

 

[SalsaWood]

That reduced friction neck is pretty bad. Probably feels like playing a wicker chair.

I like the idea of a slim single cut, though.

 

[brector]

That reduced friction neck is pretty bad. Probably feels like playing a wicker chair.

I'd be more worried about trying to clean it

 

[Danukenator]

Did they engrave "patent pending" into the neck?!? Dear lord...

 

[Neon_Knight_]

This thing. He also has like a straight up Ibanez Saber but singelcut model

If a textured surface reduces friction, why do tyres have tread instead of being smooth?

 

[somethingsomething]

Here's the thing though, they absolutely do have a good variety of conventional shapes. For superstrats they have the Exile, MD, Colt and another I can't remember the name of.

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Just a couple. They have a few conventional LP shapes, Tele shapes, Hollowbody shapes, X and V shapes I mean they have all that stuff with the same specs and parts of the other brands.

That's partially why I made the thread, but I'm not criticizing the responses or anything. It's been interesting, it seems like all Dean is really known for are those ridiculous shapes, which is probably in large part due to mismanagement and not knowing when Confederate flag MLs were no longer acceptable. And it doesn't matter what other options you have when all you are known for is a niche thing that's out of style. It reminds me of when IHOP changed their name to IHOB to let everyone know that they serve burgers and fries. 😂

For sure. That's my point. There are tons of super strat or LP style guitars. But there are only certain ones that are, shall we say, the paradigmatic examples of those shapes. And Dean just ain't known for that kinda thing. Like you say, they're known for their ridiculous shapes and that godawful headstock. That stuff hasn't aged well and no one cares about the Exile. Most people would rather get a Soloist or RG or literally anything else.

 

[bloodocean]

If a textured surface reduces friction, why do tyres have tread instead of being smooth?

Mostly for moving water away from the contact patches and preventing hydroplaning.

Race tires specific for clear weather will generally be without tread to maximize contact with the road surface.

 

[Emperoff]

This thing. He also has like a straight up Ibanez Saber but singelcut model

WTF is that monstruosity?

 

[spudmunkey]

WTF is that monstruosity

A crud catcher. But honestly, it works really well. The idea is that less surface area = less friction. Maybe it's not exactly mathematically equal, but it's effective.

 

[spudmunkey]

I've been playing guitar since 1988, and Dean has never seemed anywhere near "the spotlight" for me. Below Washburn, which I only ever saw new in stores that didn't sell Gibson or American Fenders.

 

[Emperoff]

A crud catcher. But honestly, it works really well. The idea is that less surface area = less friction. Maybe it's not exactly mathematically equal, but it's effective.

There's no way in a million lives that thing is worth the torment of keeping it clean.

 

[spudmunkey]

There's no way in a million lives that thing is worth the torment of keeping it clean.

They can do custom modifications, too. A great way to prove your ownership in the case of theft, but also a great way to hurt resale. 😅

 

[jl-austin]

just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

 

[Lord Voldemort]

They can do custom modifications, too. A great way to prove your ownership in the case of theft, but also a great way to hurt resale. 😅

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I want one that writes out 'this is a terrible idea' in braille

 

[Demiurge]

But does it tessellate the thumb as much as an Etherial?

 

[somethingsomething]

They can do custom modifications, too. A great way to prove your ownership in the case of theft, but also a great way to hurt resale. 😅

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Somehow, this is still better than the people that put dick inlays on their Aristides.