News
Dean Guitars founder quits company
Andy Barrett Jul 25 2008, 9:20am
Comments (7)
Zelinsky considers own reputation above former company
US MI trade magazine, Music Inc has announced that Dean Zelinsky, the founder of Dean Guitars, left the company he founded in 1976 in a shock statement on July 23rd.
Having sold Dean Guitars in 1991, Zelinsky played a critical role in the brand’s recent resurgence in popularity by becoming re-affiliated with the company in 2000.
“I wanted to get back to what put Dean on the map originally – building high-quality instruments that shape both the image and tone of guitar players, from the beginner to world-class professionals,” Zelinsky said.
“I can no longer attach my name to the reputation, quality and direction of Dean Guitars or its current objectives.”
Zelinsky said he plans to release details about a new venture on August 26th.
Comments
“Dean”
Posted by: Matt - Jul 25, 10:22am
I can understand why he's left. All Dean as a brand seem to care about is who's playing their guitars. I also hate the way they've cashed in on Dimebag - it's sickening.
“Re: Dean”
Posted by: Bob - Jul 25, 10:31am
Does anyone actually play Dean guitars anymore????
Good on Zelinsky for standing up to the man ;-)
“Re: Re: Dean”
Posted by: slam - Jul 25, 11:20am
Thats quite some statement.
ouch.
“Re: Re: Re: Dean”
Posted by: David Martin - Jul 25, 4:19pm
The reason Dean is quiting is because of a number of reasons so i've been led to believe. Not happy with the "dimebag" stuff and also a licensing issue going on about and trade name for the 'razorback' guitar and a college. It sounds like it's pretty ugly and his getting out. Just hope he starts making great guitars again.
“Re: Re: Re: Dean”
Posted by: pAUL - Jul 25, 4:49pm
I think the product is great compared to other guitars around the same price.
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Dean”
Posted by: matt - Jul 27, 1:46pm
Who's playing?? ESP anybody?
Did Dean quit??? Thats the real question.
“Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Dean”
Posted by: Dr Dolittle - Jul 28, 10:02am
Not actually sure there is a question to answer, isn't it just a statement that he's leaving, whatever the reason, surely its not a big deal.
There are lots of guitars out there, mostly good and playable, its totally subjective regarding design, sound, etc, maybe the real question is how much navel gazing our industry will withstand, before we become proactive and actually take a positive message to our customers?
As for one guy leaving a second level guitar company, he's probably laughing at pathetic intrusion into his decision.