Willis Music Oxmoor Product Profile
Dean ’79 Series Z
Mahogany body w/ Flamed Maple top, set-in Mahogany neck, Grover tuning keys, 2 humbucker pickups, through-body stringing, 2 volume and 1 tone control
Dean’s first electric guitars embraced bigger bodies and generated bigger sounds. When production began in 1977 the guitars bearing the distinctive Dean wings were shaped like the end of the alphabet; V, X and Z. The audience was there immediately for these modern versions of older shapes, but 1979 was when the guitar playing public got Dean fever. To honor that landmark year, Dean has created the ’79 Series of guitars.
The origins of the Explorer, or “X”, body go back many years. Dean Zelinsky admired the aesthetic and sonic qualities of the body but thought that mounting the pickups and controls on a plastic pickguard cheapened the exciting look of the guitar. His design incorporated direct to wood mounted electronics and introduced the added visual and tone enhancement of Flamed Maple wood. The ’79 Explorer features that same original solid Mahogany body and set-in Mahogany neck. The tone and sustain from this pairing is legendary, and it’s sweetened by the bright snap added from the Flame Maple top cap. It’s hard to believe the impact a thin sheet of Maple can make, but it’s not hard to hear! Run through a Peavey 6505 half stack, the ‘79 weaved from scorching lead tones to thick rhythm chording effortlessly. The pickups loaded into the Mahogany body are medium-high output so cleaning the amp up gave me what I describe as a loud Tele tone; lots of volume and midrange chirp. I wouldn’t call this the best clean tone I’ve ever had, but it was totally useable and didn’t require a complete readjustment of the amp. This guitar excels when paired with gain in any amount, and even if the body shape/size isn’t your preference you might find the sound winning you over. As a bonus, the 2 volume layout of controls is retained allowing guitarists to mimic the on/off/on/off effect heard on early KISS albums by turning one pickups volume fully down, leaving one fully up and toggling between them. It’s a cool effect and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
I would normally comment on an instrument’s playability before sound test, but want to make sure everyone reading this knows how comfortable this neck is. Original Dean guitars had Mahogany necks with a moderate “V” contour on the back and a slightly rolled edge of the front. Both of these design choices were considered “rebellious” by other guitar companies, but that’s another reason Dean has amassed the following they have. The ’79 neck incorporates less extreme elements of both original Dean specs, and manages to be one of the most playable necks in the store. There is total comfort low or high, and players who enjoy using their thumbs to fret root notes can do so with ease. I’m a sucker for the worn-in feel of this neck and suggest everyone check it out to see if it’s what they’ve been searching for themselves.
Dean’s history is of making exceptional guitars and this model is no different. The sound and feel make the ’79 fun to play and the updated appearance of a classic will have crowds of friends, fans and fellow musicians gathering around you for a closer look.
Reviewed by: Mike McAfee
Contact reviewer at: oxmoorstore@willis-music.com
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About the Contributor:
Manager Mike McAfee is a 13 year plus Willis veteran who has hand picked each employee on his floor because they excel in providing a superior experience to every customer. The confidence, knowledge and courtesy you encounter lives up to an environment tailored for each department of their store. The home-like piano experience alone is worth a visit, and no other store in town carries the stock or selection of Willis’ Oxmoor location. Please accept Mike’s personal invitation to see first hand how hard we’ll work to make sure you’ll always come back home to Willis Music at Oxmoor Center.
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