Dean Club!!!

[B-Mac]

That is great information. Thank you. I will keep an eye out for these basses. In fact, I'm going to go looking right now. Some of the larger dealers in Canada still have some older "new" Dean models listed in stock (online) but I will also check out the used market. Unfortunately our pricing in Canada is sometimes significantly higher than in the U.S. and U.K. For example a new $300 dollar bass may be $630 here.

I have had a look at your basses and I am blown away by the number of basses and specifically Dean basses you own. My wife would leave me .



Thanks... just updated it!

Divorced and no kids and good career.
I stopped pouring money into collector cars too.

 

[grimhawk]

Some of the SR series Ibanez basses, especially those under the SR1000 model numbers are quite similar to some Dean Basses and I wouldn't be surprised if some of them are made in the same factories in Korea.

Actually I've heard that this is true. Not just Ibanez but also Schecter and a couple other bigger companies. There's a question of quality control and the lack thereof. Some of these companies send them straight out for sale while others have them shipped to their headquarters for QC. Each brand and/or model has their own way. There's a YouTube video from Rodney McG (a metal bassist and Schecter endorser) about it.

Divorced and no kids and good career.
I stopped pouring money into collector cars too.

Well, that is a good explanation. If you are ever looking to unload any!? lol.

 

[B-Mac]

Well, that is a good explanation. If you are ever looking to unload any!? lol.

Not any time soon, but eventually some day....

 

[B-Mac]

Here is a comparison between my 2 Edge 4QB basses.
The Tiger Eye is slanted on one and straight on the other.

Purchase 2 years ago (PO pix)
View attachment 3931000 View attachment 3931001
Recent purchase
View attachment 3931003
Real Quilt Maple Tiger Eye, not a photo finish as some would claim

Incidentally these were both CL purchases.
One was an in person purchase that I drove 1 hour and 45 minutes both ways for and the other was a shipping purchase from Tennessee to Pennsylvania. It was a CL Ad that the seller forgot about from 5 or 6 years ago!

 

[grimhawk]

Incidentally these were both CL purchases.
One was an in person purchase that I drove 1 hour and 45 minutes both ways for and the other was a shipping purchase from Tennessee to Pennsylvania. It was a CL Ad that the seller forgot about from 5 or 6 years ago!

Thanks for the tip. I'll take a peak. I've actually found quite a few variations of the Dean Edge with EMG's kicking around out there. Amazon has one brand new for example along with a big Dean dealer here in Canada. Even more on the used market - the usual big name online places.

My plan was to save up and go with a classic style bass (Fender/Squier) but now I'm entertaining the idea of picking up a cheaper modern Dean bass. I'm definitely obsessed with searching for the perfect bass setup... my mind keeps going back and forth.

 

[B-Mac]

Thanks for the tip. I'll take a peak. I've actually found quite a few variations of the Dean Edge with EMG's kicking around out there. Amazon has one brand new for example along with a big Dean dealer here in Canada. Even more on the used market - the usual big name online places.

My plan was to save up and go with a classic style bass (Fender/Squier) but now I'm entertaining the idea of picking up a cheaper modern Dean bass. I'm definitely obsessed with searching for the perfect bass setup... my mind keeps going back and forth.

I assume you realize that the EMG HZ's are passive pups even though Dean pairs these up with active pre-amps?
@NicJimBass is our Dean Club!!! EMG pup and pre-amp expert. He has a wealth of knowledge AND experience on the topic of EMG upgrades.

 

[grimhawk]

I assume you realize that the EMG HZ's are passive pups even though Dean pairs these up with active pre-amps?

Yes, the HZ's are passive. I almost bought a Schecter Stiletto Studio bass which has these same pickups. It's okay with me... especially if I get a bass for a good price I can always upgrade the pickups if not to my liking. I want a bass that has a different setup than mine. I record music and want to try new tones and sounds.

I noticed you don't own a Paramount bass. Any reason you don't? I found a used one for a really good price but can't bring myself to buy it.

 

[B-Mac]

Yes, the HZ's are passive. I almost bought a Schecter Stiletto Studio bass which has these same pickups. It's okay with me... especially if I get a bass for a good price I can always upgrade the pickups if not to my liking. I want a bass that has a different setup than mine. I record music and want to try new tones and sounds.

I noticed you don't own a Paramount bass. Any reason you don't? I found a used one for a really good price but can't bring myself to buy it.

Oh, I like the EMG HZ's don't get me wrong. Some people just don't realize they're Passive so I thought I'd just mention it. My Edge Select has EMG CS pups which are Active (made that way)
I do have a Paramount (#69 on my list) and a Juggernaut
Bought each for when they were at blow out prices about a year ago or so. Both were brand new for less than $270. They are also discontinued but you see them for sale brand new at quite a lot of retailers, but they're all at higher prices now. Both have awesome 22 fret necks...thin and fast!
My 2016 Paramount

 

[grimhawk]

I do have a Paramount (#69 on my list) and a Juggernaut

You have so many basses I missed that one. How do you like it compared to your Fender's?

 

[B-Mac]

You have so many basses I missed that one. How do you like it compared to your Fender's?

I like them both. All my Fender's are MIA. The neck on the Dean is hard to get away from. Once you discover it and get used to it they're hard to get away from. Some people, me included, have experienced the E tuner being slightly lifted a tad from the headstock. The bridge on the Dean is better than the bridge on either Fender pictured. Beefier and two tracks per saddle.

22 fret 2016 Dean Paramount next to 21 fret 2014 Fender American Deluxe Precision

22 fret 2016 Dean Paramount next to 20 fret 2014 Fender American Special Sand Blasted Limited Edition Precision

 

[B-Mac]

You have so many basses I missed that one.

When I see something under priced that I have been looking for I usually jump on it if I can.
If you're patient and persistent you can find bargains, even on REVERB.

 

[Wicked G]

The new Select Burled Polar basses look interesting, but I haven't seen any reviewed.

The Edge 3 in Green Metallic Burst is one that was just discontinued that I was G.A.S.-ing over. Three band pre-amp with two MM type humbucker pups. @Wicked G has two with one in the Green Metallic Burst.

That is correct. I have the Green Metallic Burst as well as the Silver Burst. As much as I really like my Rhapsodies and Vendettas, the Edge 3's are the ones I pick up the most. The paint is beautifully done and the pickups just scream. At 9 volts they easily get up in volume comparable to my 18 volt G&L Tribute M2000's plus they sound quite similar as well.

Whereas the Rhapsody and Vendetta sound sweet, the Edge 3 growls for days. An excellent match with an Orange rig IME and IMHO. I think there are still some available in Purple Burst and where I am usually satisfied owning 2 of the same bass, in this case I am actually still thinking of getting a Purple Burst as well. It may be a little too much and redundant, but I really like this bass a lot.

 

[B-Mac]

That is correct. I have the Green Metallic Burst as well as the Silver Burst. As much as I really like my Rhapsodies and Vendettas, the Edge 3's are the ones I pick up the most. The paint is beautifully done and the pickups just scream. At 9 volts they easily get up in volume comparable to my 18 volt G&L Tribute M2000's plus they sound quite similar as well.

Whereas the Rhapsody and Vendetta sound sweet, the Edge 3 growls for days. An excellent match with an Orange rig IME and IMHO. I think there are still some available in Purple Burst and where I am usually satisfied owning 2 of the same bass, in this case I am actually still thinking of getting a Purple Burst as well. It may be a little too much and redundant, but I really like this bass a lot.

I agree and I am kicking myself for not following this bass more closely because now it is discontinued and extremely hard to find any left over like some other Dean basses that are still readily available even though they were discontinued much longer ago. Paramount, Juggernaut and Edge 4 Flame Maple Trans Black are prime examples.

 

[grimhawk]

I like them both. All my Fender's are MIA. The neck on the Dean is hard to get away from. Once you discover it and get used to it they're hard to get away from. Some people, me included, have experienced the E tuner being slightly lifted a tad from the headstock. The bridge on the Dean is better than the bridge on either Fender pictured. Beefier and two tracks per saddle.

It certainly holds it's own beside the Fender bass. I can see what you mean with the beefier bridge on the Dean.

That is correct. I have the Green Metallic Burst as well as the Silver Burst. As much as I really like my Rhapsodies and Vendettas, the Edge 3's are the ones I pick up the most. The paint is beautifully done and the pickups just scream. At 9 volts they easily get up in volume comparable to my 18 volt G&L Tribute M2000's plus they sound quite similar as well.

Whereas the Rhapsody and Vendetta sound sweet, the Edge 3 growls for days. An excellent match with an Orange rig IME and IMHO. I think there are still some available in Purple Burst and where I am usually satisfied owning 2 of the same bass, in this case I am actually still thinking of getting a Purple Burst as well. It may be a little too much and redundant, but I really like this bass a lot.

I really like the appearance of the Edge 3. Glad it doesn't disappoint on tone and sound.

 

[B-Mac]

So, I pulled the trigger on this, because I saw it at a RIDICULOUS price for brand new, therefore I maxed out the good old paypal credit line and hit the "order" button!!

Dean John Lawhon sig Hillsboro bass!

I hesitated to get a Chinese made Dean, all 4 of mine are Korean made so I was pretty sure when I ordered them sight unseen that I would get quality instruments, which of course I did.
BUT.......two Peavy basses that I got (Tragic & Void) changed my thinking on made in China, they are both neck thru body with excellent hardware and electronics as well top notch as fit and finish, and are among the very best players out of 40 plus basses.
Therefore, I figured I'd take a shot. At the price I am paying it's worth it.
I have the gold Eric Bass Hillsboro which is AMAZING, So if this comes close to that I'll be happy.
What I want to know is, does ANYONE here have one of these?
I would love to hear their opinion on the bass. So if you do own the John Lawhon Hilly, please post your thoughts on it!!!!View attachment 3907658

Did this arrive yet? Have you played it yet?

 

[barclaybass]

Did this arrive yet? Have you played it yet?

Yes!!! Lol. I actually had it in about 2 days! I wanted to spend some time With it and put it through its paces before I put up a review, As well as do a bit of a deeper dive comparison with the Eric Bass signature Hillsboro.
So...........
It's a great bass! Lol
Once I adjusted the truss rod a smidge and lowered the strings a little, it played with nice low action and minimal fret buzz.
It definitely has a different neck profile than any of my other 4 Dean's. The width at the nut is between a Jazz and P bass neck, More like my BC Riches. I like it.
The sound is considerably more gritty and midrangy old school than the Eric Bass. I like The simplicity of only having an active pickup with passive volume and tone controls, though has the HOTTEST output of any bass I've ever played! If I don't back off of the volume about a 3rd of the way it totally distorts like I'm hitting my bass overdrive pedal! But once you do that it sounds fantastic.
Fit and finish is excellent, I couldn't find any paint flaws and the fretwork is just fine. No sharp edges. Plus I absolutely love the sea foam green color!!
Over all it absolutely holds up to any bass in the 500 to 800 dollar range. At 299 it a total no brainer. ProAudioStar may still Be blowing them out at that price.
Now, onto the Eric Bass signature.
Wow.
What a shaging bass!!!
All I can say is

 

[barclaybass]

I guess I have to continue my review in a second post since talkbass won't let me edit my last one for some reason..........
This is literally the 6th time I've written this, TB kept bouncing me everytime I would finish typing and try to post with some msg about timing out? I dont know, but I threw my phone across to room the 5th time.

Anyway......THE ERIC BASS SIGNATURE HILLSBORO BASS.
It's an AMAZING instrument.
All I can say is that to me It feels like a $2000 Fender Jazz bass or EBMM Stingray. The notes just Seem to jump off of the fret board and the DMT pickup and preamp sound incredible.
It even sounds amazing unplugged. It's my 1st swamp ash bass but it won't be the last. Its considerably heavier then the John Lawhon signature, which is basswood.
Plugged into an audio interface to record onto Reaper it sounds fantastic. I can't wait to do some proper recording with this bass.
Fit and finish is excellent. The gold really pops and the large block inlays are gorgeous. Even though the bass is 7 to 10 years old when I bought it, it looks brand new and I can find no issues. The fretwork is also great.
It's hard to believe that this bass streeted for under 500 dollars !!!
The Hillsboro select that they just came out with,which is $750, seems to be about the exact same thing, with an extra pickup and cheaper finish! Swamp ash, ABM bridge, 3 band active eq & made in Korea.
Maybe the Eric Bass basses (that's so confusing!! Lol) were too good for the money!!!!
I don't know If I just happened get one of those basses that has fairy dust sprinkled on it in the factory, or if they are all as nice as mine, but the black and white versions are definitely on my hit list!
I'm not prone to hyperbolic declarations, but I Can't recommend these enough. It's by FAR the best constructed , best feeling, best playing, best sounding bass anywhere NEAR this price range that I've ever seen.
When I first got it and was messing around on it unplugged, even my wife was like "DAMN, that sounds amazing!!!" and said it sounds like nothing else that I own out of 20 or so basses, and she never comments on my guitars or anything!

 

[B-Mac]

I guess I have to continue my review in a second post since talkbass won't let me edit my last one for some reason..........
This is literally the 6th time I've written this, TB kept bouncing me everytime I would finish typing and try to post with some msg about timing out? I dont know, but I threw my phone across to room the 5th time.

Anyway......THE ERIC BASS SIGNATURE HILLSBORO BASS.
It's an AMAZING instrument.
All I can say is that to me It feels like a $2000 Fender Jazz bass or EBMM Stingray. The notes just Seem to jump off of the fret board and the DMT pickup and preamp sound incredible.
It even sounds amazing unplugged. It's my 1st swamp ash bass but it won't be the last. Its considerably heavier then the John Lawhon signature, which is basswood.
Plugged into an audio interface to record onto Reaper it sounds fantastic. I can't wait to do some proper recording with this bass.
Fit and finish is excellent. The gold really pops and the large block inlays are gorgeous. Even though the bass is 7 to 10 years old when I bought it, it looks brand new and I can find no issues. The fretwork is also great.
It's hard to believe that this bass streeted for under 500 dollars !!!
The Hillsboro select that they just came out with,which is $750, seems to be about the exact same thing, with an extra pickup and cheaper finish! Swamp ash, ABM bridge, 3 band active eq & made in Korea.
Maybe the Eric Bass basses (that's so confusing!! Lol) were too good for the money!!!!
I don't know If I just happened get one of those basses that has fairy dust sprinkled on it in the factory, or if they are all as nice as mine, but the black and white versions are definitely on my hit list!
I'm not prone to hyperbolic declarations, but I Can't recommend these enough. It's by FAR the best constructed , best feeling, best playing, best sounding bass anywhere NEAR this price range that I've ever seen.
When I first got it and was messing around on it unplugged, even my wife was like "DAMN, that sounds amazing!!!" and said it sounds like nothing else that I own out of 20 or so basses, and she never comments on my guitars or anything!

You know when the wife notices something it must be different! I'd like to find the Motto version of the Hillsboro.
Jon Hill created the Hillsboro in 2009 before it went to mass production in 2010. After he left Dean in 2013 or 14 (can't recall right now) and is making his own basses at bootleg guitars.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]


You have to do edits within an hour of your original post. They reset some things as apparently the edit feature was changed to something it shouldn't have been (30 days). It was always supposed to be an hour.

 

[B-Mac]

Yes!!! Lol. I actually had it in about 2 days! I wanted to spend some time With it and put it through its paces before I put up a review, As well as do a bit of a deeper dive comparison with the Eric Bass signature Hillsboro.
So...........
It's a great bass! Lol
Once I adjusted the truss rod a smidge and lowered the strings a little, it played with nice low action and minimal fret buzz.
It definitely has a different neck profile than any of my other 4 Dean's. The width at the nut is between a Jazz and P bass neck, More like my BC Riches. I like it.
The sound is considerably more gritty and midrangy old school than the Eric Bass. I like The simplicity of only having an active pickup with passive volume and tone controls, though has the HOTTEST output of any bass I've ever played! If I don't back off of the volume about a 3rd of the way it totally distorts like I'm hitting my bass overdrive pedal! But once you do that it sounds fantastic.
Fit and finish is excellent, I couldn't find any paint flaws and the fretwork is just fine. No sharp edges. Plus I absolutely love the sea foam green color!!
Over all it absolutely holds up to any bass in the 500 to 800 dollar range. At 299 it a total no brainer. ProAudioStar may still Be blowing them out at that price.
Now, onto the Eric Bass signature.
Wow.
What a shagging bass!!!
All I can say is

I’m surprised the neck profile is different on the Lawhon?

 

[B-Mac]

@Wicked G @rtslinger @armyadarkness
At first glance what do these look like/remind you of?
Emphasis on 'First Glance'.