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NAMM 2017: Dean Acoustics & Bluegrass

Fourth and final installment in Dean Guitars at NAMM 2017 reviews series.

NAMM 2017: Dean Acoustics & Bluegrass

With 12 new models in steel-string, one in classical and one in bluegrass range, Dean masterfully exemplifies how are reasonable prices and high quality mixed into one.

With the acoustics review, we`re wrapping up the four-part report on Dean`s participation at 2017 NAMM. The acoustics range with 14 new models was the second biggest, surpassed only by non-signature electrics with 17 models. Among the 14, 12 are regular models and 2 are signatures (Craig Wayne Boyd and Dave Mustaine, respectively). AXS range received four new models: AXS Exotic Cutaway A/E – Koa, AXS Exotic Cutaway A/E – Spalt, AXS Grand Auditorium – Mahogany and AXS Performer A/E. Espana Full Size Classical CAW A/E was the only Classical series model introduced. Travel guitar-oriented Flight series received two models – Flight Nylon Mahogany Travel Guitar and Flight Nylon Spruce Travel Guitar. ML Acoustic Electric marked ML series` acoustic debut, after four decades of only electric guitar and bass models. Performer A/E was the only Performer series model. St. Augustine range got reinforced with two models – St. Augustine Concert Solid Wood A/E and St. Augustine Mini Jumbo Solid Wood A/E. Backwoods Mini Travel Banjo was the only representative of the bluegrass range. New Craig Wayne Boyd A/E and Mako Dave Mustaine A/E Flame Top were the only acoustic signature models introduced on this occasion.

Dean AXS Exotic Cutaway A/E – Koa comes in with a single-cut, compact-sized body, series-standard electronics setup and an interesting choice of tonewoods. Thus far, it is only available in natural color, with black chrome hardware and pearl details. MSRP is $372.50, while the price is $249.00. For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Exotic Cutaway A/E - Koa detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean AXS Exotic Cutaway A/E – Spalt is a real looker, with a gorgeous spalted maple top, black chrome hardware and pearl inlays. Laminated mahogany back & sides, Dean`s own electronics and standard AXS series construction grant this steel-stringer a great tone, as well. MSRP is $372.50, while the price is $249.00. For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Exotic Cutaway A/E - Spalt detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean AXS Exotic Cutaway A/E - Spalt

Dean AXS Grand Auditorium – Mahogany is the only non-cutaway model of four AXS steel-stringers introduced this January. Also, it is the only grand auditorium model. All-mahogany construction gives this flat-top a warm, vintage tone and great projection. This fully acoustic axe costs $179.00 (with MSRP at $272.50). For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Grand Auditorium - Mahogany detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean AXS Performer A/E for 2017 bears a strong resemblance to the last year`s model. The differences are most obvious in color palette, while under the hood not much has changed in twelve months. Laminated body, C-shaped neck, 20-fret fingerboard and Dean`s own electronics make for a great affordable acoustic-electric. For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Performer A/E detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean Espana Full Size Classical CAW A/E is the only proper classical guitar in this year`s lineup. It boasts Dean electronics (under-saddle piezo pickup with DMT SL3 tuner), a flat 19-fret fingerboard and single-cut body. MSRP is set at $299.00, with price being at $189.00. For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Espana Full Size Classical CAW detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean Espana Full Size Classical CAW A/E

Dean Flight Nylon Mahogany Travel Guitar is a super affordable nylon-stringer. It comes with a ¾-sized body and 22” scaled neck. All-mahogany body, mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard guarantee a warm, spacious tone. There are no electronics installed on this travel axe. Direct price on Dean`s site is set at $149.00 (MSRP is at $247.50). For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Flight Nylon Mahogany Travel detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean Flight Nylon Spruce Travel Guitar is a ¾-sized travel acoustic guitar. It was released this January, along with the all-mahogany twin sibling. Just like its twin, this down-sized nylon-stringer sports a non-cutaway body, 19-fret fingerboard and comfortable C-contoured neck. Pricing is the same for both models. For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Flight Nylon Spruce Travel detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean ML Acoustic Electric is the first acoustic ML after four decades of solid-bodied axes. It features the classic ML body shape, 24-3/4” scale, a 22-fret fingerboard, V headstock and set neck construction. Classic Black, with binding and black hardware, is currently the only color option. For further info, photos and complete specs list, check ML Acoustic Electric detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean ML Acoustic Electric

Dean Performer A/E – Quilt Mahogany is an intermediate-class acoustic-electric guitar, made for both the inexperienced players and veterans. It offers great playability and tone in both the studio and on stage. All-mahogany body, 21-fret rosewood fingerboard and series` standard Dean electronics are among the main features of this flat-top beauty. For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Performer A/E Quilt Mahogany detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean St. Augustine Concert Solid Wood A/E is one of two St. Augustine series updates unveiled at NAMM. It is a steel-stringed flat-top guitar with traditional design and styling, big, spacious tone and top-class build quality. Solid tonewoods and Fishman electronics make this mid-class steel stringer a true workhorse. For further info, photos and complete specs list, check St. Augustine Concert Solid Wood A/E detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean St. Augustine Mini Jumbo Solid Wood A/E is a traditionally styled flat-top. It rocks the compact-sized mini jumbo body, set-in neck, 25-1/2” scale and Fishman electronics. Solid tonewood construction and the Isys+ preamp system give this beauty a great tone in both fully acoustic and amplified settings. For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Mini Jumbo Solid Wood A/E detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean St Augustine Mini Jumbo Solid Wood A/E

Dean Backwoods Mini Travel Banjo is a scaled-down five-string banjo, the first of its kind in Dean`s ranks. One of the most interesting features of this awesome little banjo is that it lacks the back of the body, leaving the interior completely exposed. The MSRP is set at $298.50 (price is at $199.00). For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Backwoods Mini Travel Banjo detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean Craig Wayne Boyd A/E is a refreshed and improved version of Craig`s original Dean signature model. Non-cutaway body (with a custom CWB pickguard), set-in neck (with 20 frets), Grover tuners and active preamp make for a striking instrument. The MSRP is at $815.00 (price is at $499.00). For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Craig Wayne Boyd A/E detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean Mako Dave Mustaine A/E Flame Top is one dangerous beast. Named after the eponymous shark species and outfitted with equally awesome features, Mako is the perfect flat-top for metal players who need an acoustic guitar. Some of the coolest details include gill slit-shaped soundhole and shark graphic on the headstock. For further info, photos and complete specs list, check Mako Dave Mustaine detail page on Chorder.com or head over to Dean Guitars` official web site.

Dean Mako Dave Mustaine A/E - Flame Top