In the world of metal, few guitars have achieved the iconic status of the “Dean from Hell”. This isn’t just any Dean ML model guitar; it’s the guitar that defined a legend. Introduced in 1977 by Dean Zelinsky, the founder of Dean Guitars, the ML design was a head-turning fusion of the Gibson Explorer and the Flying V. Its unique shape wasn’t the only thing that made it stand out; it was the man who wielded it.
From Contest Prize to Metal Icon
Dimebag Darrell, the guitar maestro behind Pantera and Damageplan, had a dream: to own a Dean guitar. In 1981, not only did his father buy him a sunburst ML, but Dimebag also won the “Dean from Hell” at a guitar contest on the very same day! Initially, this guitar sported a maroon-colored body and was a stock Dean ML. But as with all things Dimebag, it was destined for greatness.
Blaze, with a heart of gold and an eye for design, repainted the guitar with a striking blue background and white lightning strikes.
In a twist of fate, Dimebag sold the “Dean from Hell” to fund his yellow Pontiac Firebird obsession. But the guitar found its way back to him, thanks to his friend, Buddy Blaze. Blaze, with a heart of gold and an eye for design, repainted the guitar with a striking blue background and white lightning strikes. He also upgraded its hardware, adding a Floyd Rose tremolo, a Bill Lawrence XL-500 pickup in the bridge, and a Seymour Duncan SH-1 ’59 in the neck. This transformed guitar was the very instrument that powered major Pantera releases like “Cowboys from Hell” and “Vulgar Display of Power”.
Lost and Found: The Birthday Mishap
By 1994, Dimebag’s love affair with Washburn guitars began. But nothing could overshadow the “Dean from Hell”. However, after a show in Philadelphia, the guitar went MIA. In a hilarious twist, it was used as a table during Dimebag’s birthday bash and later mistaken for trash by a janitor. Thanks to a timely MTV newsflash and a $2500 reward, the janitor returned the legendary guitar.
Legacy Lives On
Dimebag’s tragic passing only amplified the guitar’s legendary status. Today, the “Dean from Hell” is more than just a guitar; it’s a symbol of Dimebag’s enduring legacy. Dean Guitars continues to honor him by producing models inspired by the original.
Aspiring metal guitarists worldwide, inspired by Dimebag’s prowess, now seek out these guitars. The “Dean from Hell” isn’t going anywhere; its legend keeps growing in the metal.
