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

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by calypsocoral302, Jan 23, 2013.


  1. Jan 23, 2013 #1
    calypsocoral302

    calypsocoral302

    Oct 29, 2010
    Central Pennsylvania
    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:
    [​IMG]
    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:
    [​IMG]
    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:
    [​IMG]

    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.
     
  5. Jan 24, 2013 #2
    Durockrolly

    Durockrolly

    Nov 26, 2012
    So. Cal.
    I like the looks of that HailFire!!!
     
    Haji likes this.
  10. Jan 24, 2013 #3
    Templar

    Templar Supporting Member

    Jan 11, 2005
    On The Threshold Of A Dream
    Nicely sculpted bodies. The Barchetta fiver looks intriguing.
     
  14. Jan 24, 2013 #4
    LiquidMidnight

    LiquidMidnight

    Dec 25, 2000
    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. :D
     
    dave79 likes this.
  18. Jan 24, 2013 #5
    mfbolton

    mfbolton

    Oct 30, 2007
    St. Louis, MO
    That HailFire looks really cool. I could see replacing my Epiphone with one, would have to try one first though.
     
  22. Jan 24, 2013 #6
    Helaskold

    Helaskold 100% Mediocre

    Jul 22, 2012
    Austin, TX
    That Hailfire looks incredible. If I could get my hands on a purple, blue, green, or white one, I would be in Heaven.
     
  26. Jan 24, 2013 #7
    5stringfindlay

    5stringfindlay

    Jan 7, 2013
    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.
     
  31. Jan 24, 2013 #8
    bassgod76

    bassgod76 bass turd burglar Supporting Member

    Mar 13, 2003
    South Florida
    Love the curves on the Hailfire. Especially the black stained one! Delish!
     
  35. Jan 24, 2013 #9
    sarcastro83

    sarcastro83

    Jul 27, 2007
    Toronto, ON
    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.