Dean Zelinksky leaves Dean Guitars to build better product with new company

July 23, 2008

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LEGENDARY GUITAR BUILDER DEAN

ZELINSKY EXITS DEAN GUITARS

CHICAGO, IL–July 22, 2008 - Dean Zelinsky, founder of Dean Guitars,

announced today that he has parted ways with the company that he founded in

1976, which still bears his name.

Having sold Dean Guitars in 1991, Zelinsky played an integral part in

the brand’s recent resurgence in popularity, effectively putting Dean

Guitars back in the limelight after becoming re-affiliated with the company

in 2000, during the tenure of its recent owners.

Zelinsky, discussing his not yet announced new venture, stated today,

"I wanted to get back to what put Dean on the map originally — building

high-quality instruments that shape both the image and tone of guitar

players, from the beginner to world-class professionals." Regarding Dean

Guitars, Zelinsky says, "I can no longer attach my name to the reputation,

quality and direction of Dean Guitars or its current objectives."

Zelinsky stated the announcement with details of his new venture will

be released on Tuesday, August 26, 2008.

About Dean B. Zelinsky:

Zelinsky is a pioneer in the custom high-end guitar market, and is legendary

for creating stage-worthy electric instruments that have exceeded

professional players’ expectations since he founded the original company in

1976. His innovative designs have been embraced by rock and roll’s top

artists spanning three decades. The spinning fur ZZ Top guitars made music

video history in the ’80s along with the "ML" design, which became as much

of a part of "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott as his crushing riffs and gregarious

persona and which remains a heavy metal standard today.

The roster of world-class guitarists who have relied on Dean’s craftsmanship

and creativity have included the following: "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott

(Pantera, DamagePlan), Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Leslie West (Mountain),

Michael Schenker, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill (ZZ Top), Trent Rezner (Nine

Inch Nails), Jerry Cantrell, Elliot Easton and Rik Ocasek (The Cars), Rik

Emmett (Triumph), Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Sammy Hagar, Kerry Livgren

(Kansas), the Doobie Brothers, Nancy Wilson (Heart) and many more.