Dean ML Chicago Standard Electric Guitar
Taking it back to Dean's Chicago heritage, this shred-tastic guitar features a classy finish and DiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker pickups for heavy riffs.
Overall User Ratings (based on 3 ratings)
Submitted December 23, 2014 by M Campbell in San Diego, CA
"Dean ML Chicago Standard"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I have all the usual suspects; Stratocaster, Les Paul, 335 (Sheraton II), etc., but I was interested in something a little different. This beauty really fit the bill. It was purchased on faith, since I hadn’t any opportunity to actually see nor play one in person. I got to say, I am seriously blown away by the look and overall quality of this instrument. She is a much welcomed addition to the family.
Sound
The DiMarzio Super Distortions are one of the big draws for me taking a chance on this guitar. They helped to set the tone for a lot of great classic rock songs. The certainly do not disappoint. They can hold their own when compared to my Gibson '57's. They are very bright and biting...ready to rock!
Features
I have not ever played a guitar with a "V" shaped neck. Being used to my slim "C's" and "D's", their is a real marked difference in your hand. It immediately feels comfortable to me and really begins to make sense as I played through some lead runs.
Ease of Use
The action was set just right, no fret buzz to be found at all. The DiMarzio Super Distortions sound incredible. Though the body style is, well, unorthodox to say the least, it feels very comfortable when played sitting or when strapped on.
Quality
I go over every guitar with a fine toothed comb, once I get a new one. This guitar is flawless Rock solid; every knob, every screw. The Gloss Natural finish is brilliant. The frets on the fingerboard are smooth with not a single rough edge
Value
Zzounds is great for us "working poor" musicians. They offered me a great deal on this beauty. This is my second guitar I've gotten through them (I also purchased a Vox AC15 C2 through Zzounds, as well as various guitar/music gear). This particular guitar is sincerely worth much more than the asking price.
Manufacturer Support
Have yet to contact them but, did register my guitar at their site.
The Wow Factor
Come on...you gotta ask!?! This baby screams "Wow Factor". You will definitely stand out from the pack with this strapped on.
I, for one, happen to love the Dean "V" headstock, too. That seems to be a "love or hate" issue for many.
Musical Background:
Songwriter/Musician/ Recording Artist
Musical Style:
Blues, Blues based Rock, Classic Rock, Hard Rock...and whatever else comes through my fingers.
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Submitted January 2, 2023 by Cory T in Sierra Vista, AZ
"Amazing Axe!!! One wouldn’t think it would be this comfortable!"
Verified Customer
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My playing has shot through the roof in the last week that I have owned my Chicago Standard. I’m very impressed by what comes out of the Korean factories, I’ve personally spent a great deal of time there in the industry. I would personally prefer this model over a U.S. model because of my own hands on experiences. This instrument is crafted with care and expert ability. My favorite thing is the V shaped neck profile. I live with Parkinson’s and comfort is point number one. Yes, my wife loves the look of this guitar and it was used by a certain someone…but it’s incredibly comfortable. No neck dive, great to sit or stand with, an all around well balanced axe. It’s my second extreme shape guitar and I don’t think I play extreme music. This guitar is for more than just shredding.
Sound
Use this axe with a compression pedal and Klon, you won’t be disappointed! I play in a heavy blues rock style, both lead and rhythm, it responds better than my Jackson and Charvel.
Features
I absolutely love where the tone/volume control knobs are located. Very intuitive, easy to navigate.
Ease of Use
It’s wonderfully fun and comfortable. A bit catty Wompus but other than that it’s great! I fell right into it, it didn’t take long to get the rust out.
Quality
Absolutely!!! I can see this lasting decades without a problem as long as it is cared for. My particular model is going to my nephew after I’m gone from this earth.
Value
Yes!
Manufacturer Support
Not yet.
The Wow Factor
A guitar legend that I looked up to personally as a youngster played this model guitar. We owe it to him to carry on his legend.
Musical Background:
Professional Musician/Recording Artist/Live Artist/Guitar Technician/30+ Years of Playing Guitar
Musical Style:
Blues, Blues Rock, Sludge Metal, Outlaw Country
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Submitted September 19, 2015 by Luke O in Columbia, MO
"Great guitar but some important issues"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Great guitar for hard rock/metal. Was looking for something to sit right in between my Gibson V and Explorer. This is definitely it, and I love the natural finish. Keeps it looking classy, not like garbage like the other ML's. The V neck is a lot of fun, gives proper leverage when playing. Having the Super-D's in there saves some time and money not having to upgrade from stock pups right away. The weight is nice and it balances very well. The sustain is absolutely amazing. It rings longer than Les Paul's do! Only issue I have had, and it's a big one, when the humidity changes AT ALL I have to adjust the neck. It seems like I have to tweak he silly 2-way truss rod (don't like those either) every week. Once I get it where it needs to be its a blast to play, but I hate working on it this frequently. Like I said, this is the only complaint, but it is a sizable flaw. I'm hoping it'll level out and not be so fickle soon. Otherwise, I'm very happy with it. Practice, studio, live, it has handled very well and just looks bad ass to boot. Everything is great on it, I'd give it n even higher rating on the stars if it were not for the shifty neck. Mostly, I'm glad they make an ML with style.
Musical Background:
Been playing 22 years, play guitar/bass/keys/mandolin, professional musician/guitar technician
Musical Style:
Metal & Rock
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