Dean Cadillac 1980 Flame Top Electric Guitar
A reproduction of an '80s classic, this sustain machine boasts a mahogany body and set neck, with classy binding and hardware becoming of the Cadillac name.
Overall User Ratings (based on 4 ratings)
Submitted February 3, 2015 by M Campbell in San Diego, CA
"Dean Cadillac 1980 Flame Top Guitar"
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This is one of the most beautiful looking guitars I've ever held. I so wanted to love her and keep her forever but, I had to make the painful, heartbreaking decision to return her back to zZounds.
Sound
Though the pick-ups were not "muddy", they just did not seem to have that extra "oomph" I would have expected from a guitar of this quality and expense. The neck pick-up was bright and was the stronger of the two, yet still did not seem to have any real stand out qualities to it. The bridge pick-up was really lacking. It seemed to bring nothing to the party. That said, this guitar does have amazing sustain.I hade purchased a Dean ML Chicago Standard just months early and I'm still blown away by her. The Di Marzio Super Distortions are incredible. I had hoped for something similar with the Dean Nostalgia pick-ups but, not even close. And compared to my Les Paul's '57's (since I think it's more fair to compare the Cadillac series to Les Pauls), again, not even close.
Features
The Good: As stated before, this is THE most beautiful guitar I've ever seen in person. She is very well made; solid as they come, as well.The Bad: Again, the pick-ups should be much more impressive for a guitar of this build, quality and cost. I wanted to be blown away.The Ugly: The Floyd Rose (again, just a personal preference). This thing can be a real bear to keep and stay in tune. Then I did some research online with regards to string changing. It's like doing major surgery every time you need to change your strings. Just not for me, kids.
Ease of Use
She felt great in my hands, played very nicely and had great sustain from it's well constructed body.
Quality
She is a very well made, solidly constructed guitar, no doubt. She's not as heavy as my Les Paul, having a slimmer body, but still has some heft to her.
Value
If this guitar had Gibson or Fender on the headstock, you'd be paying a few thousand for her, easily. I find Dean's (non USA lines) to be a superior "low cost" instrument.
The Wow Factor
She's got the "WOW!" factor, indeed. A real beauty.
Musical Background:
Songwriter/Musician
Musical Style:
Blues, Blues Based Rock, Rock & Roll, Hard Rock, Classic Rock
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Submitted April 22, 2015 by Ted G in New Bern, NC
"Dean Cadillac"
Verified Purchaser
zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
I've always wanted to buy a Dean, and since I drive a Cadillac. For the money I think it is great guitar, the craftsmanship, the Floyd Rose, the wood. I had all intentions buying that I would do some things to it. First I put new pickups in, which was hard to justify cause the stock ones sounded pretty good. I put the Seymour Duncan hot rodded set in just like the rest of my guitars. Yes it made a huge improvement to my ears. Brass block, heavy duty springs, and a push in arm for the Floyd rose. I adjusted the neck and intonated it. I had to move the neck strap button, it would get in the way hitting the higher notes. I love it I just can't justify spending 2500.00 more dollars for an american made. If I was rich I would. This guitar is cool, it plays a lot like my LP custom. Looks awesome hanging in my room.
Musical Background:
playing for about 30 years.
Musical Style:
Rock all kinds
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Submitted November 14, 2014 by Rodolfo Ramirez in South Gate, CA
"Best Cadillac Yet!"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
One of the most comfortable guitars I've ever played. Meticulous craftsmanship was put to this guitar. The Nostalgia Set pickups are great. I feel the bridge pickup could have a little more bite, don't get me wrong it sounds beefy as it is. I have heard that it sounds better when dropped tuned. I mostly play standard. The neck pickup however, is incredibly versatile. The tone can be as warm as you want without losing volume. The combination of these pickups make it one versatile guitar. The Floyd Rose 1000 is solid and exceedingly durable, taking all the punishment I dish at it and it stays perfectly in tune. The neck on this guitar is so smooth and the frets are easily accessible. Its my main guitar and I honestly want to buy another, replace all the black chrome hardware for gold hardware and change the bridge pickup.
Musical Background:
Musician for 10yrs, plaing guita,r bass, and percussion.
Musical Style:
Alternative Classical, Funk, Jazz Fusion, Latin Jazz, New Wave, Progressive Metal
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Submitted November 13, 2014 by Rodolfo Ramirez in South Gate, CA
"The Best Cadillac Yet"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
One of the most comfortable guitars I've ever played. Meticulous craftsmanship was put to this guitar. The Nostalgia Set pickups are great. I feel the bridge pickup could have a little more bite, don't get me wrong it sounds beefy as it is. I have heard that it sounds better when dropped tuned. I mostly play standard. The neck pickup however, is incredibly versatile. The tone can be as warm as you want without losing volume. The combination of these pickups make it one versatile guitar. The Floyd Rose 1000 is solid and exceedingly durable, taking all the punishment I dish at it and it stays perfectly in tune. The neck on this guitar is so smooth and the frets are easily accessible. Its my main guitar and I honestly want to buy another, replace all the black chrome hardware for gold hardware and change the bridge pickup.
Musical Background:
Been playing musician for 10 years. Playing mostly guitar but also I've played bass guitar and dabbled in percussion.
Musical Style:
Alternative, Classical, Funk, Jazz Fusion, Latin Jazz, Progressive Metal, Rock
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