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Willis Music Oxmoor Product Profile
Dean USA Hardtail Pro
Handmade in USA, African Mahogany body and neck, Custom Wound Seymour Duncan pickups, Tone Pros bridge and tailpiece, Grover tuning keys, abalone shell/sterling silver fretboard inlay.
When Dean Zelinsky’s company began building guitars at full production pace in the late 70’s nobody could have predicted the impact they would still have on players in 2006. Dean’s original goal was to build high quality Gibson inspired instruments that gave guitarists some options not found on any other instruments of their day. Today, players search high and low for vintage Deans and fan clubs and web groups exist where members share stories about their special Dean. For such a small company to have generated this amount of worship speaks volumes about Dean Zelinsky’s vision.
Of all his efforts, his original “Dean profile neck” continues to blow players away with it’s incredible comfort at both ends and the ease of fretting and bending notes. The “V” shaped neck wasn’t a new idea, but combining a set-in Mahogany neck on an all Mahogany body was, and the pairing was a winner. That was the 70’s, and as the 90’s ended Dean created the Hardtail line The Hardtail Pro is carved from African Mahogany rather than the more common Honduras. The visual difference is that African Mahogany is lighter in color than Honduran, but it was the was what the wood contributed to the sound of the guitar that determined this upgrade. The increased resonance and natural acoustic response the Hardtail Pro has is striking. This is immediately noticed both unplugged and plugged in. To make sure maximum vibration occurs Dean finishes the body and neck in a light coat of real lacquer. It’s both attractive and functional since the wood is protected but not inhibited.
Speaking of plugging in…. When tested through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe the Hardtail delivered thick clean tones reminiscent of the worn-in vintage guitars players lust after. The Seymour Duncan pickups are slightly overwound versions of their JB (bridge position) and ’59 (neck position) models. Both sound fairly classic when played with cleaner tones; the neck position especially shines with it’s “round” tone often associated with Peter Green or early B.B. King. A unique feature is the out-of-phase wiring received when selecting both pickups at once. It’s quite a shock to go from a thick, full tone to a something rivaling a Telecaster, but very cool and very useable. Adding distortion to the mix really brings the Pro to life. The JB-Plus gives an open sound that allows total note articulation while still keeping the tubby chunk the original model is known for. The neck literally sings using gain, and the closest comparison I can make is to Neal Schon’s solo tone on classic Journey ballads.
The Tone Pros locking bridge is a great idea. This easy to use bridge allows total action and intonation adjustments, then can be locked into that position by a simple allen wrench. No more bumps during cleanings that mess up your perfect set-up! The tailpiece is custom made for Dean by Tone Pros and is literally a block of steel slotted to allow string loading. The increased mass promotes sustain and is just another subtle example of superior parts in use.
Dean offers several models within the Hardtail line. Some features incredible figured exotic woods or expanded electronics, but the Hardtail Pro is designed to deliver the classic Dean feel without any eye candy to bring costs up. The combination of materials used and craftsmanship displayed in these guitars has earned them praise throughout the guitar community and are certainly worth a test drive by you.
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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