Dean Guitars

 

Young Dean Zelinsky

Dean Guitars are perhaps one of the most interesting guitar stories that I have run across in the past 16 years that I have been writing these articles. The company was started by Dean Zelinsky while he was still a teenager. 

His father, Robert Zelinsky, owned a company that manufactured custom industrial fasteners. When young Dean was only 12 years old his father was killed in a plane accident. 

Dean had always been curious about how things work. He took apart radios, he even took apart a Gibson Flying Vee guitar and sawed it in half, hoping to make a better instrument. 

Young Dean Zelinsky

After graduating from high school, Zelinsky got a job at local Chicago music stores repairing guitars and doing custom paint jobs. He had toured Gibson’s Kalamazoo factory and learned what he could about their process for building electric guitars. 

Matt Lynn

In 1977 Dean started his own company building custom guitars. His first model was called ML. The initials were a tribute to his best friend, Matt Lynn, who had passed away from cancer when both were in high school. 

Dean ML Guitar

This unique instrument combined the sharp lines of a Flying Vee and an Explorer. A number of well-known Rock and Metal players soon took up this instrument as their choice on stage. 

ZZ Top Dean Guitars

Dean continued to build custom guitars for artists, such as the spinning fuzzy guitar and bass used by ZZ Top. Zelinsky also created a V shaped guitar, and what he called a Z shaped guitar, that was based on a Gibson Explorer. Both instruments had the Dean unique headstock. 

Dean Zelinsky

Dean Zelinsky was only 20 years old when he started his company. Through his dealings with music stores, and well-known artists he became adapt at marketing his instruments. 

2004 Dean NAMM Booth

Within a year at age 21 People Magazine did a story about him. To promote his guitars at NAMM shows, Zelinsky hired Playboy models to hang out at his booth. 

In 2008 Zelinsky left Dean Guitars. By then corporate advisors had entered the scene, and Dean felt he could no longer be in control. 

Dean and Suzi Zelinsky

He sold his company, married a Playboy model, and had a family. He left to spend more time at home. 

Elliot Robinson

The corporate take-over began way back in 1997 when the Dean brand was sold to a Florida businessman named Elliot Robinson. In his younger days he played bass guitaf for Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth, and Michael Angelo Batio. His company was called Armadillo Enterprises. The headquarters was moved to Florida, and Robinson recruited several artists to play Dean Guitar. 

Dimebag Darrell Abbott

These artists included Dimebag Darrell, Leslie West, and Dave Mustaine. 

After a 3 year absence, Zelinsky returned as a consultant in 2000 to design new instruments. Most notably was the “Razorback” guitar played by Dimebag Darrell Abbott. 

Evan Robinson (left)

In 2017, Robinson unexpectedly passed away. Control of the company went to his son Evan. 

In preceding years, Dean continued to produce guitars in the USA, carving out a niche among the heavy metal guitar community, and diversifying into Asian-made budget instruments. 

Gibson vs Armadillo

In 2019 Gibson Guitar filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Armadillo Enterprises/Dean Guitar inferring they had used Gibson’s proprietary shapes (the Vee, the SG, and the Explorer). In 2022 the court found in favor of Gibson, however Dean continued producing and selling these instruments. 

Dean Guitars were found in contempt and ordered to pay $4,000 in damages, and the entire cost of Gibson’s legal fees, which amounted to well over $100,000. 

Dimebag Estate vs Armadillo

More legal problems occurred in 2021 when the estate of Dimebag Darrell sued Armadillo Enterprises for using the Razorback logo. 

Evan Robinson left the company in 2022 leaving his mother in charge.  

By 2023 Dean Guitars had a debt of 4 million dollars and filed for foreclosure. 

Dean Files Bankruptcy

Recently Dean Guitars filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The current owner is Pamela Keris-Robinson, mother of Evan. 

Chapter 11 allows the company to create a plan for restructuring and settlement of its debts. You may recall Gibson Guitars, and Guitar Center filed for Chapter 11, and came back stronger. Dean Guitar sent a letter out to its dealers advising them that orders are being fulfilled and the company is sill in business.

Dean Zelinsky Private Label

As for Dean Zelinsky, in April of 2012 he launched Dean Zelinsky Private Label Guitars. These are custom boutique instruments made in the USA.  

These are beautiful, well designed instruments, with remarkable features including the Z-Glide neck, and custom pickups. Price range is $2,200 to $7,000.

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Gay Guitars

 Gay guitars!!!?    Yes, you heard me right.

And this article has nothing to do with Pride Month. Although I got to say, these guitars are rather flamboyant.  

And why isn't there a National Guitar Month?  But I digress.

We are going to take some time to acknowledge the creations of Canadian luthier Frank Gay.

Frank Gay's Personal Guitar

Luthier, guitarist, composer, and watch maker Frank (Francois) Gay at one time was very popular with famous country singers of the 1950’s and ‘60’s. His elaborate designs on the guitars went well with the artist’s Nudie suits.

Frank Gay guitar

Frank Gay was born to French Canadian parents in the town of Marcelin, which is a small city north of Saskatoon, on April 23, 1923.

Frank Gay

I first became interested in Mr. Gay when a friend posted a picture of a Webb Pierce album cover on Face Book. Pierce was holding this guitar that was all decked out in fancy inlay and binding and heart shaped sound hole. I had to find out about that guitar, which started me on my quest.

Webb Pierce

Pierce's guitar pickguard was clear, and the binding was very unusual unlike other guitars I have come across. I did a little research and discovered that not only the body was elaborate, but the neck and headstock were exquisite. The headstock was like something I have never seen. This acoustic guitar had a six-on-a-side elaborately carved headstock.

 It was then I set out to find more about the builder.

Frank Gay studied music at the New York School of Music. He was already a qualified watch maker, but his interest lay in music. Frank moved to Toronto to further his music studies under the tutelage of guitar instructor Norman Chapman, who later became his partner in a duo.

R.S. Williams & Co. Piano

For a day job, Gay apprenticed at R.S. Williams and Co. which was the largest workshop and Canadian manufacture of pianos and other stringed instruments. Frank spent two years working at this company, before setting up his own studio and shop in Edmonton. This was in the year of 1953.

Johnny Horton with Gay Guitar

It was then that Mr. Gay set forth building the fancy steel string guitars that became so popular with country musicians. Johnny Cash, Don Gibson, Hank Snow, Carl Smith, Ferlin Husky, Webb Pierce, Faron Young, and Johnny Horton all owned at played Gay guitars.

Carl Smith's Gay Guitar - CMHOF

Three Gay guitars, owned by the latter three musicians, were once on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville Tennessee.

Ferlin Husky

Perhaps the most unusual Gay guitar was made for country star Ferlin Husky. It currently resides in the Mac Yasuda collection. Many who have seen it, mistake it for a Gibson J-200 that was painted with unusual inlay designs that were not just on the head and neck. 

This guitar included floral inlays on the instrument's body.

The sound hole on this instrument is almost triangular, similar to the one found on a Gretsch Rancher. The 3-on-a-side headstock is much different from any Gibson now or of its day.

Unfortunately some of Gay’s early models did not hold up well due to the glue and bindings he used. Subsequently some of the instruments fell apart. Country stars like Husky and Carl Smith had relationships with big name guitar manufacturers.

Husky's Gay Guitar

In the case of Ferlin Husky’s guitar, it was repaired by Gibson guitars and upon finishing, they slapped a Gibson logo over the Gay crest.

Carl Smith's Gay Guitar

Carl Smith’s Gay guitar was repaired by Sho-bud. When the guitar was returned, the headstock featured a “Customized by Sho-bud” logo.

It was in the mid 1950’s Frank was approached by someone from Canadian radio station CKUA.

Frank was living in Edmonton, Alberta and building guitars in his garage. Word that a somewhat famous luthier lived in the same town as the radio station prompted an interview.

Upon meeting the fellow from CKUA, Frank Gay put on an impromptu concert and played various genres of music, using a different guitar for each. The show's producer was very impressed.

1960 Gay Acoustic

Frank was supposed to just do an interview for the show, however due to his talent he was asked to do a program on the station. This proved a blessing for the tiny radio station. Not only was Frank Gay a gifted luthier and guitarist, but he had a lot of friends in the music industry that he invited to be on his show. His show on CKUA lasted from 1958 to 1963.

Carl Smith

Frank Gay went on to make appearances on CBC and do pop music recordings. He has played concerts and coffee houses. In 1959 Frank Gay founded the Classical Guitar Society, which is possibly the first in western Canada.

Frank Gay Guitar

By the early 1960’s Frank had moved on to building classical guitars, using a Ramirez flamenco guitar (given to him by Carlos Montoya) and an Esteco classical guitar as models.

Gay Flamenco Guitar

Gay went on to build guitars for Montoya and Alirio Diaz. Gay has also built folk guitars, a small five course (10 strings) renaissance guitar, lutes, mandolins, banjos and even a few solid body electric guitars. Gay was noted for his fine inlay work and unique designs.

Frank Gay Triple Neck

To this day, the late Frank Gay is recognized as an innovative artisan and a major figure in the history of Canadian stringed-instrument making.  Here is a rare triple neck electric guitar made by Frank Gay and owned by "Cadillac Bob".

(Photo by Jim Hilmar)

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Aspen Guitars

 

Aspen AD18

During the 1980’s my wife decided she wanted to learn to play guitar. We were shopping at a local department store and in their audio department, and I spotted a guitar for only $80. This was odd as it was there among the stereos, and speakers. 

Swallens

However the store was Swallens in Cincinnati, Ohio which sold a number of unusual items, including Gretsch guitars in the store's furniture section.

The $80 guitar even included a soft case. I picked it up, played it, and thought yeah, she would probably like this guitar. So, I bought it. 

Aspen Guitar

The brand name on the headstock said Aspen. It was a knock off version of a Martin D-18. The soundboard looked solid, but was probably laminate. The back and sides were definitely laminate. The neck was probably maple. The tuners were basic, but they worked just fine. 

I tried to teach my wife a few chords, but she lost interest. But heck, it was only $80. 

Brass Nut & Saddle

I decided to experiment on that guitar. First, I took it to a music store and had a brass nut and saddle cut and installed. This gave the guitar a very bright voice. I sanded down the top to bare wood and then put stain on it. I thought it would change the color to a faux mahogany finish. However, the wood soaked in the stain giving the guitar a very rustic look. It was a nice instrument, never my favorite but nice. 

When my daughter was in her teens, she picked it up and played this guitar for a while. I was happy to give it to her. However she gave it to her boyfriend, and I never saw that guitar again. 

Aspen Guitars

Over the years I have always wondered about Aspen Guitars. At the time I purchased the guitar I came across some literature regarding Aspen. They did offer several very nice instruments. These were mostly copies of Martin guitars. 

At the time I assumed the guitars were built in Asia. But there was not much information back in the 1980’s. 

International Music Corporation 

I later learned that Aspen Guitars was a trademark of a distribution company called International Music Corporation that was located in Fort Worth, Texas. The guitars were built by the Tokai Company of Japan and branded with the Aspen logo.

Conn F-100 Acoustic

From 1970 to 1973, Tokai also produced the Conn line of acoustic guitars under contract with C.G. Conn. Conn was an American musical instrument company known mostly for their horns and saxophones. One of my instructors at my college owned a Conn guitar that he loved. He said it sounded better than a similar Martin.

In fact in 1972, Tokai entered a joint venture with C. F. Martin & Company to supply acoustic guitar parts and build Martin's Sigma electric guitars. 

Tokai Cats Eye CE-500

In 1975, Tokai launched its own Cat's Eyes line of acoustic guitars, which were replicas of C.F. Martin guitars. International Music Corporation contracted with Tokai to supply guitars already branded with their trademarked Aspen logo. The original Aspen guitars were offered in two tiers. 

Dealer's List

The A series featured laminated tops and bodies, and had a retail price range between $200 and $570. Aspen's high end Aspen Luthier (or AL) series had solid wood tops, and a retail new price range between $790 and $1,500. Aspen A-Series guitars carry a used price between $100 and $150, depending on condition; the AL-Series rates a bit higher, between $300 and $500. 

Hondo Guitars

Initially Tokai built instruments in Japan. Later production move to Korea.  Instruments previously produced in Korea between 1987 and 1991. International Music Corporation discontinued Aspen in 1978 when they began importing electric guitars under the Hondo brand name. These instruments were also built by Tokai. 

1980 Robin Ranger

IMC later imported electric guitars under the Tokai brand name. In 1981 IMC imported guitars under the Robin trademark. Robin later became a boutique guitar company.

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Hohner Guitars - A Look At Their Brief History

 

Hohner Guitars

Hohner Musikinstrumente GmbH & Company is the current name of Hohner Musical Instruments Company. This long standing German company is mostly known for manufacturing fine harmonicas. 

Hohner Hamonicas

Since 1857 clock maker Matthais Hohner has been producing the world's best harmonicas.

Hohner Products

Through the years Hohner has also made other instruments such as accordions, bandoneons, melodions, melodica, the clavinet, and the pianet (electric piano). 

1961 Hohner Guitar Ad

During the 1960’s, Hohner's UK subsidiary branched into the guitar market. The first guitars were named after districts in London, included the Kingsway, the Holborn, the Farringdon and the Metropolitan.

Hohner Zambesi

The second run of guitars were given more exotic names (Amazon, Zambesi). 

1962 Hohner Kay

By 1962 UK Hohner had set up a deal with The Kay Guitar Company to manufacture and distribute guitars under the Hohner brand name.

1970 Hohner Contessa

During the early 1970’s Hohner shifted their source to Japanese made guitars. The Contessa by Hohner name was used for classical guitars. In 1974 Hohner registered a trademark for use on guitars imported from Japan. 

Hohner 300 Series

In 1976 Hohner offered the 300 Limited Edition series and the 400 series, which were mostly plywood acoustic guitars.  

Hohner H720

The 600 and the 700 series were better quality instruments, and featured solid wood soundboards. 

1977 Hohner Catalog

It was in 1977 that the company began earnestly offering electric guitars. There certainly are Hohner electric guitars that predate this year, but instruments of this era were of much better quality.  Most were replicas of Fender or Gibson products. These were still Japanese made and generally built at the Moridaira factory] in Matsumoto or the Terada factory. 

Hohner Arbor Les Paul Copy

Guitar production remained in Japan through 1983. By 1985 most guitars were built in Korea. The electric guitars of this era included the budget range Arbor series, and the better quality  Professional range. 

Hohner GT3-BK

The Professional Series included of some headless basses and guitars which were based on a licensing agreement with Ned Steinberger. The Hohner line-up of electric guitars also included Strat and Super Strat copies, and the TE (Telecaster) models, as well as the L (Les Paul) style guitars. Most of these instruments were built at South Korea’s Cort Guitar factory. 

Alan Entwistle

In 1990, the English guitar maker Alan Entwistle joined Hohner UK. Entwistle had been fascinated by the electric guitar since he was a child. He designed his own line of guitars, as well as adding his technology and name to Hohner instruments. 

ATN Circuitry

Entwistle developed the ATN circuitry. This was a series of electronics built in to a guitar that enabled the player to achieve a variety of musical tones, such as Surf, Country Rock, Blues Rock, and Jazz by turning a knob on the face of the instrument.

1992 Hohner
Revelation

Entwistle also developed his own series of guitar and bass pickups. These features were added to the Hohner Revelation series of guitars. The professional versions of the Hohner Revelation guitar were designed in the UK and made at the Delicia factory near Prague in the Czech Republic at the Hohner Custom Shop. Some were produced under the brand Rockwood by Hohner in the mid-1990s. 

HS Anderson
Mad Cat

Probably the most notable Hohner guitars, the HG-490 was a version of the HS Anderson HS-1 Mad Cat. This Telecaster style guitar was made for Hohner at the Moridaira/Morris factory in Japan around 1977. This guitar was  a copy of a Fender Telecaster in configuration, but the body is an unusual construction using a Birdseye maple cap either side of a walnut strip and the guitar has decorative binding and leopard print pickguards. This was a rather expensive Japanese made instrument retailing at the time for around $800. Currently a reissue is $7500 to $9500 USD.

Prince - Mad Cat Tele

This guitar became notable when the musician Prince purchased one in the late 1970's and it became his favorite guitar. 

Hohner TE Prinz

Hohner recognized this and created reissues including the Hohner THE Prinz, Hohner TE Prinz and Hohner The Artist HTA490. 

Prince himself had multiple luthier copies of the guitar made, some of them indistinguishable from the original. 

Hohner B2A

Another notable instrument was the Hohner Professional B2 headless bass introduced in 1985. It used a bridge licensed from Steinberger and was available with passive or active pickups, the latter designated B2A, as well as a five-string active version designated B2AV. The B2 proved a popular alternative to the much more expensive Steinberger headless basses and remained in production until at least 2012. 

Hohner JT60 Hollywood 

The JT60 Hollywood was designed in the UK but produced in Korea from 1991 to around 1996 and was an offset guitar similar to a Fender Jaguar but with a Fender Stratocaster style pickup and control layout. This guitar was designed by Alan Entwistle, who joined Hohner UK, and featured Entwistle's own ATN tone circuitry to emulate different guitar types. 

ST 59 Professional

The first production Professional model JT60 Hollywood were displayed at the British Music Fair in June 1991 where orders for it greatly outstripped those of the more conventionally Stratocaster-shaped ST59 ATN model which had been produced because of fears that the JT60 was too unconventionally shaped. 

Article 12/14/2014

Hohner offered many models of acoustic and electric guitars, but abruptly left the guitar market in 2015.

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This is a long video, but very interesting.