Dime Guitarz: A New Era for Iconic Guitars
After much anticipation,Dime Guitarz has officially made its entrance into the music world,spearheaded by the talented luthier who crafted Dimebag Darrell’s most beloved guitars. This new venture aims to modernize the legendary electric guitars that defined a generation.
A Visionary Collaboration
The inception of Dime Guitarz is the result of a partnership between Dean Zelinsky, Dimebag’s longtime luthier, and Rita Haney, the late guitarist’s girlfriend and estate trustee. Their mission is clear: “To create the guitars that Dimebag Darrell would be playing if he were alive today.”
Legacy of the ML guitar
Dimebag Darrell was known for his unique sound and style, frequently enough associated with the Dean ML from Hell, a guitar custom-made for him by Zelinsky. This iconic instrument became a symbol of his musical legacy.
In the mid-1990s, financial difficulties forced Dean to halt production, leading Dimebag to explore other brands like Washburn, where he continued to develop ML-style guitars.He eventually returned to Dean just before his untimely passing in 2004.
Legal Battles and New Beginnings
In recent years,tensions have escalated between the Dimebag estate and the current owners of Dean Guitars,Armadillo Distribution Enterprises. haney filed a lawsuit against Armadillo in 2021, alleging unauthorized use of the Stealth and Razorback designs.
While a recent court ruling favored Dean, Haney has vowed to continue her fight for the rightful ownership of Dime’s guitar designs. The launch of Dime Guitarz comes at a pivotal moment, just as Dean’s owners face bankruptcy, signaling a fresh start for the brand.
Setting the Record Straight
“There’s a common misconception that Dime had a relationship with the current Dean Guitars,” Haney stated. “That’s simply not accurate. He signed a deal three weeks before his death, but his true relationship was with Dean Zelinsky, the man he trusted to build his guitars.”
The Culprit: A Tribute to Dimebag
Dime Guitarz positions itself as the rightful heir to the ML-style guitar legacy, launching its first model, the Culprit, which was initially teased 15 months ago.This guitar, designed by Dimebag himself before his passing, was first revealed in March 2025.
The Culprit is available in both USA and Standard Series versions, priced between $1,999 and $5,999. Each model features a mahogany body, flame maple top, and a three-piece maple set neck, complemented by a 22-fret ebony fingerboard with a compound radius of 12-16 inches.
Innovative Features
Equipped with Floyd rose 1000 series tremolos and Grover-style tuners, the guitars also boast Seymour Duncan Dimebucker and ’59 pickups, wired with a DimeBooster that provides an additional 15dB boost via a push/push tone pot.
one standout feature is the patented laser-engraved Z-Glide neck, designed to reduce surface friction by 72%, keeping players’ hands cool and facilitating rapid shredding. This innovative neck is exclusive to the USA models.
Design Elements and Aesthetic
The Culprit also showcases a razor blade inlay at the 12th fret and classic finishes inspired by Dimebag, including Dime Slime and Dimebolt, the latter paying homage to the legendary Dean From Hell. The iconic winged headstock design remains a signature element.
“Dime played Dean Zelinsky’s MLs during his career, and he passed away with one in his hands,” the statement emphasizes. “Our goal is to honor his legacy through innovation and craftsmanship.”
“helping to carry forward Darrell’s legacy is perhaps the most significant work I’ve ever undertaken,” Zelinsky remarked.
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