Comprehensive Guide to Dean Guitar Prices in 2025

Dean Guitar Price Guide (2025 Edition)

You want a Dean because you want to make a statement. But the gap between a "good deal" and a "money pit" is wider than the wings on an ML.

In this guide, we cut through the noise. In just 10 minutes, you will learn exactly what to pay for Dean ML, V, Z, Cadillac, and Exile models, how to spot the hidden value drivers that others miss, and how to walk away with a stage-ready weapon without overpaying.

What You'll Learn

• Real-World Price Bands: Based on 2024–2025 market data (not just MSRP).
• The "Wing Check": The #1 inspection tip that saves you money.
• Value Drivers: Why some "identical" Deans sell for $500 more.
• Actionable Buying Flow: A repeatable process to lock in the right deal.

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Quick Market Snapshot (2024–2025)

The market for Dean guitars is heating up, especially for Korean-made Select series and clean, older signatures.

Figure: Average used price trend for mid-tier Dean models (2020–2025).

Key Takeaways

• Entry Level (Vendetta/Custom Zone): Stable at $250–$450 new. Used bargains abound under $300.
• Mid-Tier Workhorses (Thoroughbred/Icon): The sweet spot. New $700–$1,200; Excellent used examples often sit at $520–$950.
• Stage Ready (ML/V Select/Exile): $1,300–$2,500 new. Pro-spec instruments that hold value well, trading used at $950–$2,000.
• USA / Custom Shop: The premium tier. Expect $3,000+, with rare signature runs (like early VMNTs or Dime models) commanding significant collector premiums.

Pro Tip: Always verify current market values with Reverb Sold Listings before making an offer.

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Detailed Price Bands: What Should You Pay?

Don't guess. Use these bands to anchor your negotiations.

1. Entry Level | The "First Axe"

Models: Vendetta, Custom Zone, ZX

• New: $250 – $450
• Used (Good–Excellent): $180 – $330
• Verdict: Great mod platforms. Look for straight necks; budget $50 for a pro setup.

2. The Workhorses | Reliable Rock Machines

Models: Thoroughbred, Icon, Cadillac (Import)

• New: $700 – $1,200
• Used (Excellent): $520 – $950
• Verdict: Incredible value. You often get set necks and decent pickups for under $600 used.

3. Stage & Signature | The "Select" Series

Models: ML 79, V Select, Razorback, Exile Select

• New: $1,300 – $2,500
• Used (Excellent): $950 – $2,000
• Verdict: Pro specs (stainless frets, Fishman/EMG). The "Select" series is currently the best bang-for-buck in the Dean lineup.

4. USA & Custom | The Holy Grail

Models: USA ML, USA V, Custom Shop, Rare Signatures

• Price: $3,000+ (Case-by-case)
• Verdict: Investment grade. Provenance (COA, original case) is everything here.

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Value Drivers: Why Is That One More Expensive?

Not all Deans are created equal. Here is what moves the needle on price.

1. Pickups & Electronics

• Premium: EMG, Fishman Fluence, or Dean "USA DMT" pickups add $100–$200 to the value.
• Standard: Generic "DMT Design" pickups are fine but don't command a premium.
• Bonus: Clean coil-split wiring (push-pull pots) increases versatility and resale appeal.

2. Bridge & Tuning Stability

• Floyd Rose: Essential for dive-bombs. A "Floyd Rose 1000" series (Korean) is far superior to a generic "Special."
• Fixed Bridge (TOM): Preferred by players who change tunings often. Offers better stability and sustain with less hassle.

3. Origin & Craftsmanship

• USA: Top tier. Hand-built attention to detail.
• Korea (World Musical Instrument Co.): The "Select" series and higher-end imports. Excellent build quality, highly sought after.
• Indonesia/China: Standard production. Good value, but inspect fretwork closely.

4. Condition & "Kit"

• The "Wing Check": On ML, V, and Z shapes, always check the pointy wing tips. Chips here are common and can knock 10-15% off the price.
• Original Hard Case: For extreme shapes (ML/V), a case is mandatory for shipping. Lack of a case is a major bargaining chip.

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Fast Model Picks: Choose Your Weapon

Which Dean fits your style?

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The 6-Point Inspection Checklist

Don't buy a lemon. Run this list before you hand over cash.

1. Neck & Relief: Sight the neck. Is it twisted? Does the truss rod turn? (Ask the seller for a video if buying online).
2. Frets & Nut: Check for sharp fret ends (dry climate issue). Ensure nut slots aren't too deep (buzzing open strings).
3. The "Wing Check": Look closely at the tips of the headstock and body wings. Any touch-ups hiding chips?
4. Bridge Integrity:
   • Floyd: Are the knife edges sharp? Do the locking nut pads clamp tight?
   • TOM: Is the bridge collapsing (sagging in the middle)?
5. Electronics: Switch through all positions. Listen for crackling pots or dead spots.
6. Provenance: For high-end models, is the COA included? Does the serial number match the Dean database?

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Proven Research & Buying Links

Use these trusted resources to validate your deal:

• Dean Official Catalog: Verify current specs, finishes, and features.
• Reverb Sold Listings (Dean): The gold standard for pricing. Filter by "Sold" to see what people actually paid.
• Sweetwater Dean Search: Check new street prices and open-box deals.
• Dean Guitars History (Wikipedia): Learn about the eras (Chicago, Tropical, Armadillo) to date your vintage find.

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FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions

Q: Floyd Rose or Tune-O-Matic (TOM)? A: Floyd if you need dive-bombs and squeals. TOM if you change tunings often or want easier string changes.

Q: Is the "Select" series worth the extra money? A: Yes. You get stainless steel frets, upgraded pickups (Fishman/EMG), and superior Korean build quality. It holds value much better than the standard lines.

Q: Are ML and V shapes hard to carry? A: They can be awkward. You need a specific case. They balance well on a strap but require a classical position when sitting down.

Q: Why do some signature models cost so much? A: Scarcity and artist connection. USA-made Dimebag or Dave Mustaine models are collector items. Verify authenticity carefully—mods can hurt their value.

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Your Action Plan: The "Safe Buy" Flow

Ready to buy? Follow this exact sequence to ensure a win.

1. Pick Your Lane: Decide on Shape (ML/V/Z) + Bridge (Floyd/Fixed) + Pickups.
2. Anchor the Price: Find 3–5 sold listings on Reverb for that exact config. Note the average.
3. Verify the Asset: Request specific photos—Wing tips, neck joint, tremolo posts, and serial number.
4. Audit: Ask, "Is the truss rod maxed out?" and "Are the frets level?"
5. Negotiate: Use your research. "Recent ones sold for $X, and this one is missing the case/has a chip. I'm at $Y."
6. Secure: Pay via a protected method. Upon arrival, re-run the Inspection Checklist immediately.

The Bottom Line: A Dean guitar is a statement piece. Buy the right one, and it will serve you for life. Buy the wrong one, and it's just wall art. Use this guide, buy smart, and get loud. 🤘