The Dimebag Darrell estate has launched Dime GuitarZ, a new guitar brand developed in partnership with Dean Zelinsky, the luthier behind many of Dimebag's iconic instruments. This move comes amidst ongoing legal disputes over the ownership and use of Dimebag's guitar designs, with the estate asserting its right to control his legacy. The estate's statement emphasizes the false notion of a relationship between Dimebag and Dean Guitars, highlighting the importance of Zelinsky's role in Dimebag's early guitars and his centrality to Dimebag's identity as a player.
The launch of Dime GuitarZ is particularly notable given the recent bankruptcy filing by Armadillo Enterprises, the parent company of Dean Guitars. Despite the legal challenges, the estate is committed to fulfilling Dimebag's wishes and carrying his legacy forward. The Culprit, Dime GuitarZ's flagship model, is a testament to Dimebag's innovation and love for Zelinsky's designs. With a price range of $1,999 to $5,999, the guitar features mahogany bodies with flame maple tops, three-piece maple set necks, and a host of high-end specifications, including Seymour Duncan Dimebucker pickups and a Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo.
Visually, the guitar embodies Dimebag's aesthetic, with finishes like Dime Slime and Dimebolt, a razor blade inlay at the 12th fret, and the signature winged headstock shape. Zelinsky, who sold Dean Guitars in 1991 and stepped away in 2008, expresses personal significance in the project, stating that helping carry Darrell's legacy forward may be the most meaningful work he's ever done. The estate's focus on Zelinsky's designs and Dimebag's relationship with him underscores the importance of preserving Dimebag's musical legacy and ensuring that his influence in the guitar industry endures.
