astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
ive been looking at the Dean '79 ML (no floyd)
has anyone played one?
what are they like?
has anyone played one?
what are they like?
What Are '79MLs like?
- Thread starter astrozombie
- Start date
jmh151
Active member
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
Excellent guitars for the money. I played one. I had a little trouble keeping the G string in tune, but I have that problem on most Gibson Les Pauls with my string bending. The pickups aren't bad, it has suprisingly good fretwork for a guitar that price. I didn't care for the cheap bridge it had, but that could be upgraded.
I've tried many american Gibson Flying V's and Explorers at Guitar Center, and the quality control was much higher on the korean made Dean '79 ML.
The '79 sounded suprisingly toneful as well. Pretty lightweight as well.
My only problem, on most guitars, is I prefer an unfinished or nitro finished neck. The poly used on the 79's and most other guitars is too sticky for my tastes, but I could always sand it down
Excellent guitars for the money. I played one. I had a little trouble keeping the G string in tune, but I have that problem on most Gibson Les Pauls with my string bending. The pickups aren't bad, it has suprisingly good fretwork for a guitar that price. I didn't care for the cheap bridge it had, but that could be upgraded.
I've tried many american Gibson Flying V's and Explorers at Guitar Center, and the quality control was much higher on the korean made Dean '79 ML.
The '79 sounded suprisingly toneful as well. Pretty lightweight as well.
My only problem, on most guitars, is I prefer an unfinished or nitro finished neck. The poly used on the 79's and most other guitars is too sticky for my tastes, but I could always sand it down
JeffB
Let it B
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
+1. Not much I can add to this. Tho I had no real issues with the bridge. Its typical import stuff. Not as nice as Tonepros or a Nashville, but it works.
I've owned 2 ML 79s. Still have my Brazburst.MIK deans are the best bang for the buck in a gIbson style instrument you can buy. The USAs are over the top qualitywise.
Here is my ML79 brazburst that is for sale :6:
Anf of course I cannot go without posting pics of my Custom Shop TC :bigthumb:
+1. Not much I can add to this. Tho I had no real issues with the bridge. Its typical import stuff. Not as nice as Tonepros or a Nashville, but it works.
I've owned 2 ML 79s. Still have my Brazburst.MIK deans are the best bang for the buck in a gIbson style instrument you can buy. The USAs are over the top qualitywise.
Here is my ML79 brazburst that is for sale :6:
Anf of course I cannot go without posting pics of my Custom Shop TC :bigthumb:
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jmh151
Active member
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
The bridge was O.K., but it reminded me of the cheap bridge I had on my Memphis Les Paul copy. That was my ONLY negative issue with the guitar.
The USA made ones, in my opinion, are the highest quality guitars out there. However, if you play the $450 '79 MIK ML next to the $2000+ MIA ML, it would be difficult to spend the extra $1500 for the american one.
The bridge was O.K., but it reminded me of the cheap bridge I had on my Memphis Les Paul copy. That was my ONLY negative issue with the guitar.
The USA made ones, in my opinion, are the highest quality guitars out there. However, if you play the $450 '79 MIK ML next to the $2000+ MIA ML, it would be difficult to spend the extra $1500 for the american one.
Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
Just a great bang for the buck. Fantastic build quality and nice balance. Seems to be consistently good wood too. I think consistent is probably a great word to describe the overall line of Dean Imports, which is a great compliment for a sub $500 guitar
As others have mentioned, the hardware is ok at best, as are the pickups. A couple of Duncans or Dimarzio's, a tone pro's locking bridge, a bone or Tusq nut and you are all set, and have a guitar for mabe $650-$700 total with upgrades that plays as well as some guitars costing twice as much.
I'm a big fan of Dean. I have a USA Hardtail, and if you ever get the opportunity, try out a USA Dean. The build quality is exceptional, and they are so consistent. I have yet to play a USA Dean that had any issues, unlike many, many other brands. If Dean would put a nitro finish on their USA line, they would be perfect, IMO.
Just a great bang for the buck. Fantastic build quality and nice balance. Seems to be consistently good wood too. I think consistent is probably a great word to describe the overall line of Dean Imports, which is a great compliment for a sub $500 guitar
As others have mentioned, the hardware is ok at best, as are the pickups. A couple of Duncans or Dimarzio's, a tone pro's locking bridge, a bone or Tusq nut and you are all set, and have a guitar for mabe $650-$700 total with upgrades that plays as well as some guitars costing twice as much.
I'm a big fan of Dean. I have a USA Hardtail, and if you ever get the opportunity, try out a USA Dean. The build quality is exceptional, and they are so consistent. I have yet to play a USA Dean that had any issues, unlike many, many other brands. If Dean would put a nitro finish on their USA line, they would be perfect, IMO.
JeffB
Let it B
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
Guess it depends on what ya want.
I can understand how initially one might think that just playing them back to back in store for a bit. After having both a MIK that I set up to my prefs and the MIA that I set up to my prefs around for a month or so...there really is no comparison. As nice as the 79 is for the $, Its just not anywhere in the same league playability-wise. Perhaps if the 79 had the rolled fretboard binding, V neck, railroad track frets, etc the diff may not be as apparent, but as-is...for *me*...HUGE difference. Frankly, I cannot even pick up the 79 now. I've tried. It feels like a toy comparitively. The USA has spoiled me. Other players mileage may vary
But thats not a mark on the 79s quality so much as it is just the diff between a mass made import guitar and a custom shop USA axe. Same with a Hamer USA and a Hamer import...or a Historic and a Epi.
All MIAs except the Lost 100 series are poly finish, btw. Tho certainly the poly finish on my MIA is a much better poly job than the 79.
Guess it depends on what ya want.
I can understand how initially one might think that just playing them back to back in store for a bit. After having both a MIK that I set up to my prefs and the MIA that I set up to my prefs around for a month or so...there really is no comparison. As nice as the 79 is for the $, Its just not anywhere in the same league playability-wise. Perhaps if the 79 had the rolled fretboard binding, V neck, railroad track frets, etc the diff may not be as apparent, but as-is...for *me*...HUGE difference. Frankly, I cannot even pick up the 79 now. I've tried. It feels like a toy comparitively. The USA has spoiled me. Other players mileage may vary
But thats not a mark on the 79s quality so much as it is just the diff between a mass made import guitar and a custom shop USA axe. Same with a Hamer USA and a Hamer import...or a Historic and a Epi.
All MIAs except the Lost 100 series are poly finish, btw. Tho certainly the poly finish on my MIA is a much better poly job than the 79.
BTMN
LifeIsGoodologist
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
Being a two time '79 Series owner I cant even add much to what has been posted. You will have to either play one or take it on faith that for the money they are decent guitars. I love Vs and Explorers but was a lil skeptical of the ML and it's hugeness. Suprisingly it is a pretty comfortable guitar. As with most imports it can always use a lil help in the pickup department but with nice Grovers stock gear the usual tuner issue with imports has been eliminated. I did have the nut on all my Dean imports resized and checked if not changed out to accommadate 10-46s. YMMV.:13:
My newest Dean a Custom run prototype Korina MIK ML. No inlays, custom color, and Black binding were the custom features for the run.
My D.O.A. ML #28 of a 50 guitar run specifically for Dean Owners of America Open House 2004.
Being a two time '79 Series owner I cant even add much to what has been posted. You will have to either play one or take it on faith that for the money they are decent guitars. I love Vs and Explorers but was a lil skeptical of the ML and it's hugeness. Suprisingly it is a pretty comfortable guitar. As with most imports it can always use a lil help in the pickup department but with nice Grovers stock gear the usual tuner issue with imports has been eliminated. I did have the nut on all my Dean imports resized and checked if not changed out to accommadate 10-46s. YMMV.:13:
My newest Dean a Custom run prototype Korina MIK ML. No inlays, custom color, and Black binding were the custom features for the run.
My D.O.A. ML #28 of a 50 guitar run specifically for Dean Owners of America Open House 2004.
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astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
Btmn...i Hate You!!!:laugh2:
that yellow ML is STUNNING.
anyways, wow :fingersx:
i didnt know these guitars were so great.
ill look into one.
ML for sale?
PM me with a price and I'll give it some thought!
Btmn...i Hate You!!!:laugh2:
that yellow ML is STUNNING.
anyways, wow :fingersx:
i didnt know these guitars were so great.
ill look into one.
ML for sale?
PM me with a price and I'll give it some thought!
Stratovarious
New member
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
btmn holy fruit loops........................................................
Jeff and BTMN how much did the CS Dean's set ya back?
btmn holy fruit loops........................................................
Jeff and BTMN how much did the CS Dean's set ya back?
BTMN
LifeIsGoodologist
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
Both of mine are custom import models. The DOA ML was $550 with case in January of 2005 and the Yellow one is part of a run that is not quite in yet. i bought the proto. I will post a link with all the info on the Trans Yellow one. It is actually supposed to be Natural. That and Mahogany with the Flametop Maple veneer instead of Korina Flametopped. :no: It is called The Naked Lady ML for the run. :6: I belive there are a few of the 24 not spoken for.
Both of mine are custom import models. The DOA ML was $550 with case in January of 2005 and the Yellow one is part of a run that is not quite in yet. i bought the proto. I will post a link with all the info on the Trans Yellow one. It is actually supposed to be Natural. That and Mahogany with the Flametop Maple veneer instead of Korina Flametopped. :no: It is called The Naked Lady ML for the run. :6: I belive there are a few of the 24 not spoken for.
BTMN
LifeIsGoodologist
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
http://www.deanguitars.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25850
http://www.deanguitars.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27641
http://www.deanguitars.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25850
http://www.deanguitars.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27641
Sleeping Martyr
New member
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
I have a FBD ML which from from what I gather is LIKE a 79 exceot maybe a little better (I'd hope so for the money . . . . . OR I paid the money cause its Dimes . . . yes I'm shallow) and I LOVE it. Great tone, fantastic workmanship, fantastic playability, VERY surpisingly light weight (I thought it was gonna weigh a ton) I can't comment on the bridge since mine has a Floyd but I would definitely recomend it!! Anyone try out the 79 V's?? I've been kinda lusting after one of those for awhile now:27:
I have a FBD ML which from from what I gather is LIKE a 79 exceot maybe a little better (I'd hope so for the money . . . . . OR I paid the money cause its Dimes . . . yes I'm shallow) and I LOVE it. Great tone, fantastic workmanship, fantastic playability, VERY surpisingly light weight (I thought it was gonna weigh a ton) I can't comment on the bridge since mine has a Floyd but I would definitely recomend it!! Anyone try out the 79 V's?? I've been kinda lusting after one of those for awhile now:27:
Brewtone
New member
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
how much for the 79ML brazilburst???
+1. Not much I can add to this. Tho I had no real issues with the bridge. Its typical import stuff. Not as nice as Tonepros or a Nashville, but it works.
I've owned 2 ML 79s. Still have my Brazburst.MIK deans are the best bang for the buck in a gIbson style instrument you can buy. The USAs are over the top qualitywise.
Here is my ML79 brazburst that is for sale :6:
Anf of course I cannot go without posting pics of my Custom Shop TC :bigthumb:
how much for the 79ML brazilburst???
jmh151
Active member
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
I understand the '79 MLF and FBD ML are the same guitar. What you're paying extra for is the licensed Floyd on the Dimebag guitars is a much higher quality than the '79, you get the SD Dimebucker, you're paying endorsement deal, and a few pennies for decals and the traction knobs. Other than that, same guitar.
However, if you bought a '79 MLF, swapped the bridge for an Original Floyd, ($160-$180),replaced the bridge pickup with a Dimebucker ($90), you're getting close to the price of a FBD ML.
I understand the '79 MLF and FBD ML are the same guitar. What you're paying extra for is the licensed Floyd on the Dimebag guitars is a much higher quality than the '79, you get the SD Dimebucker, you're paying endorsement deal, and a few pennies for decals and the traction knobs. Other than that, same guitar.
However, if you bought a '79 MLF, swapped the bridge for an Original Floyd, ($160-$180),replaced the bridge pickup with a Dimebucker ($90), you're getting close to the price of a FBD ML.
Sleeping Martyr
New member
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
Yeah, still love mine to death anyway. Upgraded the neck hb to a 59 and just waiting to swap out the licensed floyd rose for an original one. What about the Vs though?? anyone try one??
Yeah, still love mine to death anyway. Upgraded the neck hb to a 59 and just waiting to swap out the licensed floyd rose for an original one. What about the Vs though?? anyone try one??
astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
am i wrong in saying, that if a V and an ML, have the same features, EXACT same features, the ML will still sound better because it has more body mass?
am i wrong in saying, that if a V and an ML, have the same features, EXACT same features, the ML will still sound better because it has more body mass?
JeffB
Let it B
Re: What Are '79MLs like?
No, it will just sound a bit different. The MLs are a little improved in the low mids compared to a V....the difference is slight however, and whats "better" is entirely subjective.
No, it will just sound a bit different. The MLs are a little improved in the low mids compared to a V....the difference is slight however, and whats "better" is entirely subjective.
