TEST: Dean Guitars Exile

 Welcome to Prog Land, where the rhythmic connections are more complex, the harmonic resolutions are more daring, the audience's acceptance is lower and the appreciation among colleagues is greater. If you were lucky enough to have had your peak in the 1970s, you could even build a career of world fame on it, which unfortunately only happens very rarely these days. And before I get hit again, the band TOOL has been around for 32 years, PORCUPINE TREE for 35 years. In the area of prog, many very unique laws apply, which sometimes form their own universe, which sometimes seems highly inspiring, sometimes strangely aloof. But what does all of this have to do with the Dean Exile Select 6 String Multiscale Kahler Burled Maple SNBB we are testing?

The construction of the Dean Exile Select 6 String Multiscale Kahler Burled Maple SNBB

OK, the definition of the Prog range is of course a deliberately chosen provocation on the part of the author, of course the Dean Exile Select 6 String Multiscale Kahler Burled Maple SNBB can also be used in almost any other style, although in this case some detailed solutions in the construction would not be possible leave an impression that they can fully exploit in prog. So let's start this time with the most obvious part that distinguishes the instrument from the majority of all other guitars, the multiscale fretboard, or translated into German, the multiple scale fretboard.

What exactly is this very special construction all about? Well, in principle, a multiscale frettboard takes the octave purity adjustment options of a guitar to perfection. We all know that depending on the thickness of the string, the quality of the string and the length of the scale, we can adjust the length of a freely vibrating string using the bridge construction. However, in principle this only applies to the open string, because with the first fret and the following ones, especially if you play a polyphonic, the detuning of the instrument inevitably increases, since the frets normally ignore the respective vibration behavior of the strings in terms of their nature force a kind of middle ground regarding intonation on all 6 (or more) strings.

This isn't a big deal, since with perfect adjustment of the commercially available constructions there are only very small beats in the multi-tone and the human ear has long since adjusted to the "latent chorus sound" of a guitar, but this design is perfect in terms of vibration optimization -conditional construct by no means. As far as I know, the first multiscale instruments were used in the electric bass to counteract the annoying problem of the B string being always too short on the 5-string. This is of course also one of the side effects on the guitar; due to the different scale lengths, all strings have more or less the same tension, which is particularly noticeable in bending. I can't say exactly who brought the first multiscale guitar onto the market, but this design principle still includes a comparatively small user group.

It has to be said that in the multiscale area you will also find two different approaches to the electric guitar. Option one is to start at the 12th fret, in which both halves of the fretboard spread equally downwards and upwards in terms of range. Option two and thus also the design principle for the Dean Exile Select 6 String Multiscale Kahler Burled Maple SNBB is the exit from the first fret, where the frets only “bend” upwards in pitch. Both designs have advantages and disadvantages as we will see later.

Despite the multiscale eye-catcher, we don't want to ignore the other design features. Even though most users know Dean as one of the protagonists in the “Heavy Metal Ax Klimbim”, the manufacturer also has other product lines in the electric guitar sector. This Exile series, with its Strat-like design, is aimed primarily at users who appear more discreet.

In order to be able to use the multiscale fretboard adequately, the Dean Exile Select 6 String Multiscale Kahler Burled Maple SNBB has some special solutions such as the Kahler vibrato system. Since the frets move more and more into an almost diagonal orientation as the position increases, you can no longer work with a normal bridge. While the three bass strings can still be kept in check with a regular system in terms of octave purity, the treble strings require significant extensions within the horizontal axis in order to be able to set an adequate octave purity. For this reason, Kahler has developed a so-called Multiscale Trem Vibrato system in order to be able to equip guitars of this type with a vibrato system, which is identical to the standard Kahler system in terms of functionality with regard to the roller saddles.

The pickups were also specially manufactured for the multiscale area. These are products from Seymour Duncan with the models Angled Nazgul on the neck and Angled Sentient in the bending position. In order not to place the magnets outside the vibration range, especially on the two E strings, or to ensure that the string has a different antinode, the two coils of the respective pickups are offset diagonally. The pickups can be switched in the standard manner using a 3-way switch, whereby both pickups can also be switched as a single coil using the master volume and master tone control in push/pull design.

Due to the multiscale construction, the Dean Exile Select 6 String Multiscale Kahler Burled Maple SNBB, which is made in Korea, now has a scale length of 27 inches down to 25 inches. When it comes to woods, Dean relies on traditional elements such as alder for the body with a maple veneer, a three-piece bolt-on maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. The 24 frets are jumbo format, with the fingerboard inlays being Pearloid Small Offset Dots. Once again, the smooth-running tuners come from Grover and the fretboard radius of 16" (406 mm) is a welcome measurement that should suit most users.

Multiscale in practice

Before I could properly test the instrument, there was a “problem” that needed to be solved. The Kahler vibrato system refused to budge so much as to burst. Since this definitely couldn't be a fault in the system, there had to be a rafter installed somewhere that would equip the instrument with a fixed system if necessary. After a long search, I was actually able to find a small grub screw, which, placed in the back of the system, blocks the vibrato effect. A good thing in itself, but a small note in the manual or a practical leaflet would save some users from an annoying search or, in the worst case, from breaking off the vibrato lever.

Now let's get to the all-important point, how does a multiscale guitar differ from a standard guitar. Well, by optimizing the respective string length, the instrument sounds significantly more balanced than a standard guitar. The vibration behavior of the individual strings is more homogeneous and the string tension is more even. To what extent one defines this fact as a gain, everyone has to decide for themselves, especially since the human ear has long since become accustomed to the “sound imponderables” of an electric guitar. However, I could certainly imagine that the advantages of this guitar would be much more noticeable, especially in the 7 or 8-string range, than in the 6-string range, as many instruments, especially in the djent range, often have a poor definition of the string due to the low string tension Tones in the bass range suffer.

Up to the 10th / 12th fret you can still use your traditional fingering to some extent, after that it gets adventurous, or to put it another way, from here on you have to completely reorient your playing style so as not to work against the instrument. On the one hand, there is chord playing, with barre chords in particular requiring a completely new direction of fingering. Bending was also difficult for me, as I'm used to performing bends and finger vibrations with a slight curve to the top right. However, this is completely against the arrangement of the frets in the upper registers, which meant that I personally could neither achieve a clean bend nor a good finger vibrato on the instrument. Mind you, this is my personal experience and has nothing to do with the quality of the instrument, but the interested user should definitely test whether they can change their playing techniques accordingly, or whether they don't have to make any changes at all. Adopting your previous technology 1:1 is definitely not possible!

Otherwise, the Dean Exile Select 6 String Multiscale Kahler Burled Maple SNBB plays very well. The instrument is of high quality craftsmanship and offers the ambitious user plenty of opportunities to expand their horizons in terms of sound and playing technique. Oh yes, a high-quality case is included with the instrument.

Conclusion

With the Dean Exile Select 6 String Multiscale Kahler Burled Maple SNBB, the manufacturer has a technical playing challenge in its portfolio. Due to its multiscale approach, the instrument requires a completely new approach to playing, especially in the high registers, but with its physically optimized approach to the individual vibration behavior of the strings, it also offers new possibilities in terms of the entire handling of the instrument.

Anyone who is not afraid to rethink their personal playing behavior should definitely give the instrument a try.

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Additional Informations:

In the vibrant tapestry of guitar manufacturing, few names resonate with the same authority and innovation as Dean Guitars. Established in 1976 by Dean Zelinsky, Dean Guitars swiftly rose to prominence, reshaping the landscape of guitar design and performance with its bold aesthetic and uncompromising commitment to quality. This article embarks on an extensive exploration of the captivating genesis of Dean Guitars, from its humble beginnings to its status as a pioneering force in the world of guitar craftsmanship.

**Founding Vision:**
The journey of Dean Guitars commenced with the visionary zeal of Dean Zelinsky, a passionate guitar enthusiast with an innate talent for design and innovation. Inspired by his love for guitars and driven by a desire to push the boundaries of traditional guitar craftsmanship, Zelinsky founded Dean Guitars in 1976, laying the cornerstone for what would become a celebrated legacy in the world of musical instruments.

**Early Innovations and Signature Designs:**
From its inception, Dean Guitars distinguished itself through its commitment to innovation and unconventional design. One of the early breakthroughs came with the introduction of the iconic Dean ML model, characterized by its striking angular body shape and distinctive headstock. This bold design not only captivated the imagination of musicians but also signaled Dean Guitars' departure from convention, establishing the brand as a trailblazer in guitar aesthetics.

Building on the success of the ML, Dean Guitars continued to introduce signature designs that pushed the boundaries of guitar craftsmanship. The Dean V and Dean Z series further cemented the brand's reputation for bold, avant-garde design, while the Dean Razorback model became synonymous with the high-octane world of heavy metal and hard rock.

**Collaborations and Endorsements:**
Central to Dean Guitars' meteoric rise was its strategic collaborations with renowned musicians and artists. By partnering with influential players across genres, Dean Guitars not only expanded its visibility but also gained valuable insights into the specific needs and preferences of professional musicians.

Notable collaborations include partnerships with guitar virtuosos such as Dimebag Darrell of Pantera fame, whose signature Dean ML model became an iconic symbol of Dean Guitars' association with the metal community. The endorsement of high-profile artists served to enhance Dean Guitars' credibility and solidify its position as a premier choice for discerning musicians worldwide.

**Quality Craftsmanship and Innovation:**
At the heart of Dean Guitars' success lies a steadfast commitment to quality craftsmanship and technological innovation. Each Dean Guitar is meticulously crafted using the finest materials and construction techniques, ensuring exceptional playability, tone, and durability.

Innovations such as the Dean Through-Body Neck design and the Dean DMT (Dean Magnetic Technologies) pickups further distinguish Dean Guitars from its competitors, offering players unparalleled performance and sonic versatility. These advancements reflect Dean Guitars' dedication to pushing the boundaries of guitar design and engineering, setting new standards for excellence in the industry.

**Global Reach and Influence:**
As Dean Guitars' reputation for quality and innovation grew, so too did its global reach. The brand's instruments found resonance with musicians and enthusiasts across continents, from intimate club stages to grand arena performances. Dean Guitars became synonymous with the spirit of rock 'n' roll, embodying the raw energy and rebellious ethos of the genre.

Strategic partnerships and distribution agreements further facilitated Dean Guitars' expansion into international markets, ensuring that players around the world had access to the brand's exceptional instruments. Today, Dean Guitars enjoys a formidable presence in the global guitar market, with a diverse lineup of models catering to a wide range of musical styles and preferences.

**Legacy and Evolution:**
As we reflect on the evolution of Dean Guitars, it becomes evident that the brand's legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of modern guitar craftsmanship. Dean Guitars' relentless pursuit of innovation, coupled with its unyielding commitment to quality, has left an indelible mark on the world of musical instruments.

From its pioneering designs to its enduring influence on popular music culture, Dean Guitars continues to shape the way we perceive and interact with guitars. As the brand looks to the future, one can only anticipate the exciting innovations and collaborations that lie ahead, as Dean Guitars continues to redefine the boundaries of sonic possibility.

**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, the story of Dean Guitars is a testament to the transformative power of passion, innovation, and craftsmanship. From its humble beginnings in a small workshop to its status as a global leader in guitar manufacturing, Dean Guitars has remained true to its founding vision of pushing the boundaries of guitar design and performance.

As players around the world continue to seek out instruments that inspire creativity and elevate their musical expression, Dean Guitars stands poised to meet the challenge, armed with a legacy of innovation and a commitment to excellence. In a world where trends come and go, Dean Guitars remains a beacon of enduring quality and sonic mastery, inspiring generations of musicians to push the limits of what is possible with six strings and a dream.