Dimebag Darrell’s Estate Launches Dime GuitarZ With Dean Guitars Founder Dean Zelinsky

The trust responsible for preserving the legacy of late Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott has announced the launch of Dime GuitarZ, a new venture dedicated to producing officially licensed guitars inspired by the metal icon’s vision.

The announcement arrives while an ongoing legal dispute involving Dimebag signature guitars remains unresolved. However, the new company features an unexpected partnership between Rita Haney, Dimebag’s longtime partner and steward of his estate, and Dean Zelinsky, the founder of Dean Guitars, who departed the company in 2008.

According to a press release, the goal of Dime GuitarZ is to create the instruments Dimebag would be playing today while continuing to evolve the designs he helped popularize throughout his career.

Explaining the mission behind the project, Haney stated:

“The mission is simple. To build the guitars Dimebag Darrell would be playing today. There seems to be a misconception that Dime had a relationship with the Dean Guitars of today. It simply isn’t true…Darrell never had a relationship with them. He was killed three weeks after signing the deal. He had a relationship with Dean Zelinsky. He went there because DZ brought him there, that was Dime’s only relationship.”

She continued:

“Dean Zelinsky built the beloved guitars he played including the Dean From Hell. That is who Dime wanted building his guitars and he stated that many times throughout his notes. In this case, imitation isn’t flattery, it’s a crime! Dime played Dean Zelinsky’s MLs when he had braces on his teeth and he died with one in his arms. Dime’s innovation for tech, his love and trust of DZ’s brilliance, THIS is what the direction of this company is, to fulfill those wishes.”

The company will launch with a new line of Culprit guitars, one of Dimebag’s earliest guitar designs. The instruments will be offered in several signature finishes, including Dime Slime, Dime Bolt, and Black Jack.

Additional features include Zelinsky’s patented Z-Glide Neck technology and a new DimeBooster circuit, which provides up to 15db of boost without requiring a traditional battery. According to the company, a 60-second USB-C charge can power the system for more than 20 hours of playing time.

Grady “Dragon” Champion, who worked closely with Dimebag, also spoke about the project’s importance.

“What can I say about my passion for all things Dime… he brought me into his world, taught me everything he liked and everything his sound was about. It all started with the guitars! The most important part was the guitar, and how it felt to him. I am honored to help bring Dime’s feel to these, plus to continue in that innovative spirit.. Dime would be proud.. This is my purpose!”

For Zelinsky, the project represents an opportunity to honor both a friend and one of metal’s most influential guitarists.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a long and incredible career in the guitar business. I’ve had the opportunity to design guitars for some of the world’s greatest players, build successful companies, and spend my life doing what I love.”

“At this stage of my career, there is nothing I would rather be doing than building the Dime GuitarZ line. Darrell did so much for my personal brand. Playing my guitar so prominently helped to introduce my designs to players all over the world. More importantly, Darrell was one of the most unique individuals I ever met. Authentic, loyal, passionate, and completely dedicated to his craft. I am actually most proud to call him my friend.”

“This project is all about continuing the legacy of one of the most influential guitar players who ever lived. If there’s one thing I know for certain, Dime would never want us standing still. He’d be sitting right beside me, pushing boundaries, constantly taking his original designs to the next level to create the ultimate metal guitars.”

Dime GuitarZ products will be available through the company’s official website and select retail partners, with the company claiming to be the exclusive source for officially licensed Dimebag Darrell guitars.

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