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Ok, My main style I play is Blues and classic/Southern rock, And old school hard rock (Frank Marino, Robin Trower etc.. But I also love some of the old school metal like Testament and Megadeth. Even though I'm a big Dave Mustaine fan I'll be the first to admit that the session Dave did with the San Diego Orchestra was embarrassing. When I first saw that hollow Dean Stradi V, I didn't even pay attention to the awful session, Was to much in awe of that axe! Well, I knew I'd have to have one but then I saw the price (Of the Dean USA model-4k) Ughh. Then they released this Korean version, I 1st checked here at zZounds (zZounds is the very 1st place I check for every instrument I buy) They did not have them yet and seemed neither did any other places I normally buy from. Then I found one at a guitar shop in Brooklyn for 1k. When it arrived I was floored by the incredible craftsmanship, Fit and finish were stellar. Next, Plugged her into my Deluxe Reverb and I think it was close to 3 hours later when I finally set her down, It sounded that good! I am NOT a big fan of active pick-ups but let me tell you, You will forget that they are active when you hear the tones (And variety of tones) that flow from this beast! It has to be the resonance from being hollow, And I'm sure the "V" shape does something too the resonating and tone as well. Anyhow, I was completely blown away, As this was totally unexpected. I mean, I kinda thought it was going to have a unique tone, But This was over the top. SO much so that I called the shop back in Brooklyn and asked them if I could return it and pay the difference for the Made in USA Dean model (They had ONE) and it had and still has the BEST flame top of any of the USA stradis I have seen yet. On top of that, They were able to sell it to me for almost 900.00 less than anyone else that had the USA version. Needless to say, When I got this I was ecstatic! The USA version of this is simply the finest crafted instrument I have ever held, Played, Or laid eyes on! It is honestly that GOOD! (And I currently own 52+ guitars from 4k Gibsons to 4k PRS) None come close. This also is the very 1st Dean USA guitar I ever bought or have seen in person, And let me tell you, I now know why lots of Pro's use Dean USA. I could go on and on about every single little detail but it would take a few pages. Everything about it is incredible, But I will only describe the neck for now, If you like Gibsons, This would floor you, It has the fret binding over the fret bar ends like Gibson but the way it was done and the crafting makes Gibsons binding look really sloppy. The fretboard is Ebony with real MoP inaly and is hands down the fastest and most comfortable neck I have ever played in my life! As I said, It would take PAGES for me to go into detail about the rest of this guitar because it really is that damn good. I will say too, That if you can only afford, Or only want to invest 1k in one, You cannot go wrong with the Korean model as it too is very nice, You will wonder how they could make it for only 1k. Like I said, I had the Korean one 1st, It was so nice and blew me away so much, I had to have the USA model (Even at 3k) In fact I feel I got it for a STEAL @ 3k. So, If you like the looks of this or are just curious, Go for it! You will have no regrets!

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This guitar initially caught my eye while browsing. I thought the F holes really brought the look to a whole new level. As I read the description I became more interested. It seemed like a perfect package for me. So as it was delivered I marveled at it and plugged it in., Wow, what power! I thought my preamp was on but this gal really snarls on its own. The ebony fingerboard is really slick. I only had to lower the action a bit and lower the pickups a little and it was like it was made just for me. The extra two frets made things a lot easier to do than with my Les Paul. It was a good decision I made and this could be a very valuable guitar a few years down the road.Best regards, John

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