In the market for a 'bird? You have a new option now...

[calypsocoral302]

Since I haven't seen anyone else post this yet, I'll take it upon myself to introduce you to the new basses from DBZ Guitars.

For those of you unfamiliar with this make, DBZ was originally founded by Dean B. Zelinsky (founder of Dean Guitars) and business partner Jeff Diamante (of Diamond Amplification).

Unfortunately, some time back in late 2011 or early 2012, Zelinsky and Diamante had a falling-out, so now Zelinsky is making guitars under the name "Dean Zelinsky Private Label." In the meantime, Jeff Diamante decided to continue running DBZ Guitars, and adding the "Diamond" moniker to the newer stuff.

Zelinsky did add one series of basses while he was still at DBZ-- basically long-neck versions of his "Imperial" thin-bodied archtop:

The original Zelinsky version had a single MM-style pickup, whereas this new Diamond model has a P/J setup, with the P in the "mudbucker" position.

New for this year is a bass version of their "Barchetta" guitar:

The pickup locations kind of remind me of that "Classic Player" Tele bass that recently came out...

And also new for this year, a little twist on the T-bird, called HailFire:


Anyway, I thought they were kind of cool, and this is one of those makes that seems to still be under the radar, so I thought I'd point them out.

[Durockrolly]

I like the looks of that HailFire!!!

[Templar]

Nicely sculpted bodies. The Barchetta fiver looks intriguing.

[LiquidMidnight]

Those are all killer looking instruments. I really dig the Hailfire. I even see a slight Explorer influence to the body. While I often don't dig the "guitar shapes that look like medival weapons" thing, I always dug the Dean Spire series. Unfortunately, it looks like there aren't any five string Hailfires.

Was never a fan of DBZ, though. It takes like four episodes just to get through one battle.

[mfbolton]

That HailFire looks really cool. I could see replacing my Epiphone with one, would have to try one first though.

[vishuddha]

That Hailfire looks incredible. If I could get my hands on a purple, blue, green, or white one, I would be in Heaven.

[5stringfindlay]

I'm a T-Bird guy and I really like the look of that HailFire. Nobody's really done anything noteworthy with that design since the 'bird was conceived.

[bassgod76]

Love the curves on the Hailfire. Especially the black stained one! Delish!

[sarcastro83]

It's pretty cool, but very reminiscent of the First Act Delgada design... Also, I think I like the simplicity of the original reverse Bird design a little bit more... That being said, it sure is pretty.