TEST: DBZ Guitars Imperial

 Who is Dean Zelinsky? Hands up! Well, a few extremities can be heard. Who knows Dean Guitars? Aha, there's a lot more going on. Who knows this strange head plate with the two finger-like sausages that look a bit like antlers...well, now all hands are up, you just have to ask the right question. It's sometimes exciting to see what about an instrument visually sticks with the customer. However, the fact that a headstock virtually visually defines an instrument due to its polarizing appearance is really the absolute exception.

A constant in the heavy sector, the Dean Guitars, founded in 1976, have never really managed to spread their popularity beyond the aforementioned genre despite their high quality craftsmanship. I can only speculate to what extent this may have been due to the characteristic headstock, but it will certainly have been a central point. Be that as it may, we are not testing a Dean guitar today, but rather a DBZ Imperial in Natural Vintage, one of the offshoots of the guitar label newly founded by Mr. Zelinsky in 2008.

Dean Guitars founder Zelinsky left the company he ran in the same year in order to find his way back to old strengths under a new label (seems to be an American peculiarity, see Fender...), which in his opinion were no longer guaranteed in his former company. As expected, the exact reasons are beyond the knowledge of the writer.

Be that as it may, as expected, he was unable to take his characteristic trademark with him and therefore presents the Imperial, which at first glance appears to be an ES-shaped counterpart to Gibson's legendary “Electric Spanish” series. Pedant? Yes, it's all just at first glance...



Construction:

Even if you initially want to push the instrument into the typical Gibson corner, nothing could be further away. On the one hand, it is a solid wood construction made of a mahogany body with a glued-on flamed maple top. The real surprise comes when you take the instrument in your hand or look at it from the side. The body is less than 18 millimeters (!) “thick”, in my opinion the narrowest body I have ever come across. When viewed from the side, the body and top are about the same thickness, a very unusual look.

The vibration behavior generated in this way is therefore rather unusual, but the construction produces a very long sustain even in dry operation, despite a very small angle between the bridge and the tailpiece and the associated relatively low contact pressure. It continues with a glued-in mahogany neck and an ebonized fingerboard. What is striking is the radical V-shaping of the neck, which is already familiar from other Dean instruments. With every detail you notice, the optics and handling of the instrument seem to drift one step further apart. By the way, this is to be understood in an absolutely non-judgemental way.

The guitar has a short scale length of 62.9 centimeters and thus tends a little more towards Gibson, whose protagonists all have the same scale length. Two in-house humbucker models are used as pickups, switched with a three-way switch, which can also be switched in a single coil using a push/pull volume control. The tuners come from Grover, all the hardware is nickel-plated. What is striking here again is the extravagant headstock, which exudes a slight roadster character with its oversized company logo. Despite the generally heavy US stamp, the instrument is built in China to keep manufacturing costs low.

Practice:

Although visually it takes some getting used to in every respect, the instrument no longer appears exotic in the hand. Despite the unusual body dimensions and extravagant neck shaping, the instrument sits comfortably in the hand. No fighting, no wrestling, no bludgeoning, everything as usual and wanted. The hardware leaves a good impression, the tuner and bridge do a decent job.

As always, special attention is paid to the instrument's pickups, especially if they are manufactured in-house. DBZ has also done a good job here, the converters, which can be switched with either single or double coils, are appealing with their varied voicing. In single-coil operation, the tones come through extremely clearly, slightly bell-like with a pleasant assertiveness.

In humbucker mode, on the other hand, the pressure and volume increase significantly, but the blasting noise decreases a lot. All in all, almost the entire spectrum can be covered, from clean picking/strumming to rough metal banging. The narrow body generates an unusually fast response in the tone, which is not surprising given the construction, but who has ever experienced the percussiveness of this body shape?

I have to admit it, even though it may seem a bit crude at times, I was impressed by the look of the guitar. The rather “dirty” logo in combination with the initials on the stop tailpiece leaves a slight desperado attitude, which is in stark contrast to the more discreetly traditional natural orientation of the instrument in general. One can't help but get the impression that Zelinsky gave free rein to his playing instincts with this instrument, according to the motto: "What I always wanted to do at Dean Guitars but am only now allowed to do."


Conclusion:

With the DBZ Imperial Natural Vintage, Dean Guitars founder Dean Zelinsky is bringing a guitar onto the market that is carefully crafted, has a high degree of independence and has a convincing sound. The unusual design, from a traditional initial look to unusually narrow body dimensions in combination with subtle rocker attitudes, reveals an instrument for individualists who are not afraid to seek acoustic salvation beyond traditional paths.

However, I dare to question whether the guitar will prevail in the consistently conservative guitar camp. At a time when both the professional and hobbyist camp of guitarists are chasing after the vintage boom that has been blown out of all recognition, a modern guitar that challenges the conventions of the established tradition could potentially fall under the wheels of ignorance.

If you would like to test out handling and optics in stark contrast without prejudice, you should take your time and take a look at the DBZ. He should definitely be guaranteed enough attention from the guitarist group.

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Additional Informations:



In the intricate realm of musical instruments, few stories are as captivating as the rise of DBZ Guitars. Founded on the principles of craftsmanship, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality, DBZ Guitars has become synonymous with cutting-edge design and superior sonic performance. This article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the enthralling history of DBZ Guitars, from its modest beginnings to its status as a trailblazer in the world of guitar manufacturing.

**Origins and Vision:**
The DBZ Guitars saga began with the vision of master luthier Dean Zelinsky. Drawing from his extensive experience in crafting guitars, Zelinsky set out to create an instrument that would not only push the boundaries of sonic possibilities but also stand as a testament to the artistry of guitar making. In 2008, Dean Zelinsky founded DBZ Guitars, marking the beginning of a new era in guitar craftsmanship.

**Innovative Designs and Custom Craftsmanship:**
From the outset, DBZ Guitars differentiated itself by introducing innovative designs and a commitment to custom craftsmanship. The company's guitars seamlessly blended modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship, creating instruments that were not only visually striking but also a joy to play. The meticulous attention to detail and the use of high-quality materials set DBZ Guitars apart in a crowded market.

One of the early breakthroughs was the Bird of Prey design, a visually stunning and ergonomically designed guitar that captured the attention of players and enthusiasts alike. This unique body shape, coupled with meticulous construction and high-end components, became a hallmark of DBZ Guitars' commitment to pushing the boundaries of guitar design.

**Collaborations and Signature Models:**
To further solidify its presence in the industry, DBZ Guitars engaged in collaborations with renowned musicians, creating signature models that reflected the artistic vision of these guitar virtuosos. These collaborations not only showcased the versatility of DBZ Guitars but also garnered attention from players seeking instruments that embodied the sonic preferences of their favorite artists.

The DBZ Guitars Artist Series featured signature models for iconic guitarists, each crafted with precision to meet the unique demands of the artists' playing styles. This approach not only contributed to the brand's visibility but also reinforced its commitment to providing instruments that met the exacting standards of professional musicians.

**Technological Advancements and Tonewood Selection:**
DBZ Guitars embraced technological advancements in guitar manufacturing, incorporating innovative features to enhance playability and tone. The use of advanced materials and construction techniques allowed for greater stability, sustain, and tonal versatility.

The selection of tonewoods became a crucial aspect of DBZ Guitars' commitment to sonic excellence. From the warm resonance of mahogany to the bright articulation of maple, each tonewood was carefully chosen to contribute to the overall character of the instrument. This meticulous approach to tonewood selection became a cornerstone of DBZ Guitars' dedication to crafting guitars that not only looked exceptional but also delivered a rich and expressive sonic experience.

**Global Recognition and Expansion:**
As DBZ Guitars continued to gain acclaim for its innovative designs and superior craftsmanship, the brand expanded its presence on the global stage. The guitars found resonance with musicians across genres, from rock and metal to jazz and blues. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation resonated with players worldwide, solidifying DBZ Guitars as a respected name in the guitar manufacturing industry.

In 2011, DBZ Guitars underwent a strategic partnership with Armadillo Enterprises, a move aimed at further expanding the brand's reach and resources. This collaboration facilitated increased production capabilities, ensuring that more musicians could experience the exceptional craftsmanship and sonic capabilities of DBZ Guitars.

**Challenges and Evolution:**
Despite its success, DBZ Guitars, like any pioneering endeavor, faced its share of challenges. The competitive nature of the guitar industry demanded constant innovation and adaptability. Economic fluctuations and changes in consumer preferences presented hurdles that required strategic navigation.

In response to market dynamics, DBZ Guitars demonstrated resilience by evolving its product line, introducing new models, and exploring collaborations that kept the brand at the forefront of the industry. This adaptability not only helped DBZ Guitars weather challenges but also contributed to its ongoing legacy of innovation.

**The Legacy Continues:**
As we navigate the annals of DBZ Guitars' history, one thing becomes abundantly clear – the brand's legacy is one of unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and sonic excellence. From the visionary designs of Dean Zelinsky to the strategic collaborations and global expansion, DBZ Guitars has left an indelible mark on the world of guitar manufacturing.

Today, DBZ Guitars stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and dedication in the pursuit of sonic mastery. The instruments crafted by DBZ Guitars continue to find their way into the hands of passionate musicians, each note resonating with the rich heritage of a brand that has redefined the possibilities of what a guitar can be.

**Looking Ahead:**
As we look to the future, DBZ Guitars remains poised for further innovation and excellence. The company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of guitar design and manufacturing continues unabated. With advancements in technology, an expanding roster of artists, and a global community of players who swear by the brand, DBZ Guitars is set to continue shaping the landscape of the guitar industry for years to come.

In conclusion, the story of DBZ Guitars is one of vision, craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of sonic perfection. From its humble beginnings to its current standing as a global force in guitar manufacturing, DBZ Guitars exemplifies the transformative power of passion and innovation in the world of musical instruments. As the brand continues to evolve, one can only anticipate the exciting chapters that lie ahead in the ever-evolving saga of DBZ Guitars.