The Dean Z Guitar is an electric guitar made by Dean Guitars starting in 1977 along with its counterparts, the Dean ML, Dean V and Dean Cadillac. It has the recognizable Dean headstock and the V-shaped tailpiece. The body shape is similar to the body design of a Gibson Explorer.

This article relies excessively on references to primary sources. (September 2007)

Quick Facts Manufacturer, Period ...

Dean Z
Manufacturer	Dean Guitars
Period	1977–2022
Construction
Body type	Solid
Neck joint	Set
Woods
Body	Mahogany, Maple
Neck	Mahogany
Fretboard	Ebony, Rosewood
Hardware
Bridge	String Thru
Pickup(s)	2 EMG, Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio
Colors available
Various

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The Dean Z, like its counterpart the Dean ML, was designed with the enhancement of tone, sustain and playability in mind. These models have dramatic string angles at the bridge and nut and a string thru body design featuring the original V plate. The added string length created by the exclusive headstock coupled with the original Dean neck design is how the Z achieves its "incredible ease of play".^[1]

Dean was ordered to halt sales of the Z in 2022 after legal action was taken against the company by Gibson Guitars.^[2][3]

The Z shape is also available as part of the Baby Series as a scaled-down version.^[4] There is also a Z-shaped bass guitar made by Dean.^[5]

In 2022 Gibson successfully sued Dean Guitars over the production of the Z model for patent violations and the model has since been deleted from the Dean model range and Dean website.^[6]

• Dean Metalman Z
• Lyn Z