NGD: Dean ML Content

[ErikH]

So, for the last month or so I've been toying with the idea of a V, even making one from a kit, to use when my band does the 80's Tribute thing. The wife has been checking out a few places and today she stepped in to a shop that she drives by while working several days a week. She found a couple V's and then the ML. Pics were sent to me and all and once I saw this one, that was it. She even sent me a video to get an idea of how it rings unplugged. It's on layaway until tomorrow. My Valentine and Anniversary gift. I have a feeling I'll be using this for more than just the 80's Tribute thing.

It's a ML Chicago Standard. Double cream DiMarzio Super Distortions, Grover Tuners, straplocks included.

Here's a few pics of the actual one from the shop's Reverb page:

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[fordmugg]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

Congrats, love a hood dean ml

 

[darthphineas]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

install a FR and you're Dime

 

[ErikH]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

There will be no installing of a Floyd on this. Haha!

Two items I will need to get: lightweight soft case and a Hercules hanging stand.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

There will be no installing of a Floyd on this. Haha!

well now... that's just crazy talk! LOL!

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

I just heard that Elliott Rubinson, CEO of Dean and drums, passed away.

 

[ErikH]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

Oh man, Evan. I hadn't heard that. A somber day at Dean. My condolences to all family and friends.

 

[Wattage]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

too cool!

 

[JeffB]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

That one looks to have an upgraded bridge. Much better than what Dean was/is putting on the '79 series.

Dime...meh.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

No pointies but I have my share of Deans. That's a nice looking ML. I don't have any Deans made recently but they were using Sung-Il "ABR" style tuneomatics with the retaining wire and large studs. Cheap but serviceable if they didn't buzz. What bridge is in that one? Cant tell for sure but looks like a "Nashville" maybe? Anyway, nice grab.

 

[RorySquier]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

That's one sharp looking guitar. I bet the DiMarzio pickups will be a screamer in that guitar. Congrats!



;>)/

 

[ErikH]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

Thanks, guys! The wife has good taste.

The bridge looks to be a Nashville style. Definitely more beef than on a typical ABR. Here's another pic with a closer view of the bridge and pickups. I won't have to change a thing on this baby, other than the strings. Love me some Super Distortions.

I'm going to get the molded lightweight soft case from the Dean site and possibly pick up a Hercules hanging stand for gigs.

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[JeffB]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

Might be tonepros nashville. Looks just like the bridge that was on Barney.


Edit- though the saddles are reversed like an ABR, which TPN does not do.When you change strings, take a look underneath.

 

[ErikH]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

Will do that for sure, Jeff. And I'll be checking out the pickup and control cavities as well. As soon as the wife gets it home, I'm slapping some regular Slinky's on it. Looks like it'll be tomorrow. She's not working in that area today.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

Looks like the smaller posts as well. Unless Dean switched to the smaller, standard posts, looks like maybe the posts were replaced with metric to standard conversions. Either way, Gibson/USA-ish.

 

[Mr.Sneaky]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

Dime....meh? Really?

That one looks to have an upgraded bridge. Much better than what Dean was/is putting on the '79 series.

Dime...meh.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

I've seen the Chicago Series online,are these import models?

Anywho,Nice Grab,sure it'll serve you very well!!!

 

[ErikH]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

I've seen the Chicago Series online,are these import models?

Anywho,Nice Grab,sure it'll serve you very well!!!

Thank you, Sir.

Yes, this one is an import model, made in Korea. Same place where PRS has the SE line made. There were import models and USA models at the time these were made. I don't know how long they made them past 2013.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

Cool,Thanx for the info.
Been a while since I looked at them online,they were "newish" when I ran across them & couldn't/can't afford anything anyway.

Got a coupla Dean MIKs that are solid pieces!
Looking forward to the review!

 

[ErikH]

Re: NGD: Dean ML Content

Here's a quick review after having some time with it last night.

I restrung it with regular EB Slinkys, got the action how I like it and the intonation set. My first impression once I had it strapped on was "wow", the balance. Zero neck dive. I expected a little bit but nope. It's not heavy at all either (I think the shop said it's 7.5lbs). The V neck profile feels great. It's not as fat as my Warmoth Boatneck Contour necks and not as thin as a Gibson 60's slim. A decent amount of wood there. Very comfortable. The pots are the smaller nickel size yet are very smooth and do the job. The switch feels good and sturdy too. Grover tuners, what can ya say there, they work and are solid. The bridge says "BH-1993" on the bottom. From my research, it's the typical import variety TOM but doesn't seem like a cheap junky TOM. The frets are a medium jumbo, and the previous owner either never played it, had the frets done or it's NOS. The condition of this thing is excellent to mint (not just the frets). Not a scratch on the body. There's a slight mark at the end of one of the headstock points but that is all I could find. It came with Dunlop straplocks and a nice EB nylon strap.

How does it sound? How a big slab of Mahogany with Super Distortions should sound; freaking amazing. I lowered the pickups some to let the strings breathe a little bit more. Great sustain. I fiddled around quite a bit with different volume control settings and it answered beautifully. Controls are VVT, BTW. While strings were off I verified the pickups and also checked the back cavities. Was nice to see the back cavities shielded and foil on the back of the covers. With that and the shielded wire used, it's dead quiet.

Overall construction is crazy good. Last import I saw this good was the PRS SE Singlecut Korina I used to own. Coincidentally, these were made in the same facility so it's nice to see the QC up to par across a couple brands. Below are some pics of the guts and such.

The wifey did good finding this. It was the first one that caught her eye when she walked in the place so I'm glad that's it's as nice as I thought it would be.

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