Dean Zelinsky teases potential new Dimebag Darrell mannequin

Dean Zelinsky – the founding father of Dean Guitars and now proprietor of boutique electric guitar model Dean Zelinsky Personal Label – has taken to social media to tease what might probably be a brand new Dimebag Darrell mannequin.

All we now have to go on to this point is an image and a caption – “Engaged on it…” – however it appears like a powerful risk that Dimebag’s iconic Razorback guitar design is likely to be making a comeback within the close to future.

The image shared by Zelinsky gave guitar followers a glimpse of an immediately recognizable Razorback – a variation of the Dean ML that was designed by Dimebag himself shortly earlier than he died in 2004.

That includes further “spikes” on the physique’s extremities, the late Pantera legend’s Razorback was first produced as a restricted US customized run, although it was reissued in 2021 as a completely fledged signature guitar as a part of Dean’s Artist Collection.

Owing to latest authorized disputes, although – and provided that Zelinsky left Dean again in 2008 – it’s extremely unlikely that this newly teased mannequin will likely be launched below the Dean Guitars umbrella.

Round six months after Dean reissued the Razorback, Dimebag Darrell’s estate sued the guitar brand and led to an finish to the pair’s long-standing relationship. On the time, Dimebag’s longtime girlfriend – and trustee of his property – Rita Haney wrote it was “essential for us to finish Dime’s endorsement of Dean Guitars to proceed to honor and have a good time his legacy the best way he deserves, and in the best way he had laid it out.”

Dean Guitars replied to the assertion by labeling the claims as “baseless,” and stated, “Dean Guitars is proud to have performed a job in making certain Dime’s legacy not solely survived, however thrived over the previous 17 years.”

With that in thoughts, the query of who will find yourself releasing what appears like a rebooted Razorback signature guitar stays up within the air. Zelinsky might, in concept, decide to launch it below his personal label, however this route might show to be problematic.

At present, Dean Zelinsky Personal Label focuses on intricate customized guitars, that are constructed in-house and shipped direct to prospects who can customise their very own private spec sheets. As such, a mass-produced Dimebag mannequin would appear out of preserve with this operation and could also be logistically difficult to drag off.

It wouldn’t be unimaginable, although, particularly if the Razorback was reintroduced as soon as once more as a part of a limited-edition run.

One other risk is that Zelinsky and Dimebag’s property might group up with Wylde Audio to mass produce them by way of Schecter. Zakk Wylde himself recently publicly discussed the idea of utilizing his model to supply the subsequent batch of Dimebag guitars.

When requested concerning the risk, Wylde – who’s now a part of the reformed Pantera tribute lineup – refused to rule it out, however emphasised the necessity to get approval and assist from Haney and Dimebag’s property. Once more, it’s an unlikely consequence, however not solely past the realms of risk.

Regardless of the case, it’s additionally doable that the Razorback will simply be the beginning of Zelinsky’s elusive Dimebag challenge: relying on the end result of the above lawsuit, we might additionally see the arrival of a few of Dimebag’s never-before-seen six-string designs. 

Haney’s 2021 assertion referenced “Darrell’s guitar notes, lists, letters, and drawings (some not but launched),” and famous that she needs to “see Dime’s phrases adopted by and to have his legacy attain the extent he supposed.”

Whether or not which means producing some all-new guitar designs with Zelinsky stays to be seen, however regardless of the case, one factor is for positive: new Dimebag guitars are on the best way.

Vist Zelinsky’s Instagram page (opens in new tab) for future updates.

*Learn 5 free articles per thirty days and not using a subscription

Matt is a Employees Author, writing for Guitar World, Guitarist and Whole Guitar. He has a Masters within the guitar, a level in historical past, and has spent the final 16 years enjoying the whole lot from blues and jazz to indie and pop. When he’s not combining his ardour for writing and music throughout his day job, Matt information for quite a few UK-based bands and songwriters as a session musician.