Dean Guitars

Dean Guitars, officially known as Dean Guitars, is an American manufacturer of musical instruments founded in 1976. The company reached its peak of popularity in the early 1980s, becoming synonymous with the hard rock and heavy metal movements due to its distinctive pointed body shapes and high-profile endorsements from artists like Dimebag Darrell of Pantera.

While the brand was originally born in Chicago, Illinois, its ownership path has transitioned through several key players in the music industry. In the late 1990s, the brand was revitalized and eventually became a cornerstone of Armadillo Enterprises. Today, the brand's premium and custom lines are crafted in the United States, while its standard and budget-friendly series are manufactured in major production hubs in East and Southeast Asia to maintain affordability for a global market.

Currently, Dean Guitars remains under the stewardship of Armadillo Enterprises, which continues to manage the brand’s legacy, design innovation, and distribution networks. The company remains headquartered in Tampa, Florida, focusing on preserving its reputation for bold designs and high-performance instruments.