Willis Music Oxmoor Product Profile
Dean Metalman Demonator 4 Bass
Solid Basswood body, low profile Eastern Maple neck, high output humbucker pickup, classic 1980-era Dean headstock, 34” scale length.
This bass is a monster in appearance and sound. Based on Dean’s previous neck-thru-body Demonator bass, the Metalman series was intended to be a more affordable option. Instead, this series pretty much knocks the original out of the water.
As the name states, the Metalman series of basses is directed at players of hard rock. At first glance these models seem so sparse they couldn’t possible deliver, but that would be a great misjudgment. Of the 4 models offered I think the Demonator is destined to be the star because of its pickup placement. Most basses using humbucker pickups position them as close to the bridge as possible to capture maximum output. This includes the other 3 Metalman models, but the Demonator locates the pickup several inches away from the bridge resulting in massive tone capability. I’d compare it to early Music Man Sting Rays or a Rickenbacker 4001 model in terms of tone and cut. The passive pickup Dean has engineered for this bass is incredibly responsive, and since it’s not tied down to battery use there’s no worrying about maintaining charges.
The Maple neck feels almost finish-free which means quick runs and slides are a breeze. The slab of Rosewood used for the fretboard is thick and free of the black dye so many manufacturers have become dependent on to make their instruments look more expensive. There were no fret edges to be felt when running my hand up either side of the neck; an achievement many bigger name and price basses cannot claim. The tuning keys are sealed Gotoh-style models that maintain pitch and adjust very smoothly.
The body resembles Gibson’s Thunderbird in its offset shape, but is very comfortable to hold sitting and very balanced when standing. Dean has perfected balance with unusual body shapes, and the Demonator doesn’t disappoint. The sides of the body’s top have been shaved leaving the mid-section elevated. This looks cool, but also serves as a great thumb of finger rest when playing. The mass helps give the full tone this bass has, but since the sides have been cut down I’m not saddles with unnecessary weight. It’s a well thought out design.
Dean may have designed this solid black bass for the metal crowd, but any bassist would be missing out if they overlooked playing the Demonator during their next outing. I fully expect to see this bass in the hands of players searching for superior sound and playability in a very price conscious package soon.
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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