THERE ARE SO many different models of solidbody electric guitars on the market these days that it can be pretty challenging for a new model to stand out from the crowd. Dean Guitars has specialized in making eye-catching guitars for more than four decades, so it’s little surprise that their new Exile Select series instruments are already generating a buzz, particularly since there’s much more to Dean’s Exile guitars than their looks. The series currently consists of six different models, available in six- or seven-string configurations, with Floyd Rose vibrato or Tune-O-Matic bridges and with natural finish quilted maple tops or a very distinctive burled poplar top with satin turquoise burst finish. We took a look at the six-string Exile Select model with burled poplar/satin turquoise burst and Tu-neomatic bridge.
FEATURES With its sharp, thin cutaway horns and deeply scooped high-E string cutaway, the Dean Exile Select makes a bold visual statement that it’s a bona fide shred machine. The three-piece bolt-on maple neck physically backs up the model’s visual first impression with its 25 ½-inch scale length, generously wide 1 11/16th-inch nut width, flat 16-inch radius, 24 jumbo frets, smooth ebony fretboard and slim, D-shaped profile. The flat burled poplar top and alder body measure a generous 1 ¾ inches thick, but the belly contour and right forearm bevel provide a slim, comfortable playing feel.