Dean Michael Amott Guitar, Tyrant Bloodstorm with Case

-EDIT - Follow-up Review-Sorry about not coming back and posting a review of the sound. It's been a hectic couple of months.First of all, the look has grown on me - it really is a beauty to see the shape of the guitar, the over-sized headstock, the unique pearl Valknut inlays and the paint job. I thought it was ugly at purchase, but it just looks unique and powerful hanging from my wall. I use it as an art-piece now when it's not being played.The playability of the guitar is similar to the Epiphone SG-400 Custom model that I own, which has a thinner c-type neck. I have rather large hands so it does feel a bit cramped after playing for an hour. The fretboard actually doesn't look dense and it also looks a bit dried-out, which is unusual for ebony. It's usually a bad idea to add oils to rosewood or ebony fretboards, but I may do so; when bending a string, I can actually feel it scraping against the wood (like nails on a chalkboard).I actually cannot tell that the "tone" control does much of anything in shaping the sound. Playing the special "Time Capsule" neck pickup can come across too "tinny" on a Fender digital amp, but playing the mixed or bridge gives a nice mid-centric sound. The tone from the "Tyrant" pickup is well suited for thrash/hair metal, rather than heavy metal. Those who are looking for heavy tones without severe assistance from additional hardware should keep shopping for Ibanez guitars. I would guess that the light density of the guitar keeps it from expanding into the low range of tones.One major issue in playability was that the volume knob control is placed an inch or two further away from the bridge pickup than most guitars; I find it hard to play with the volume when needed on-the-fly. The controls have been placed out of the way. The knobs also have a lot of resistance to it. This isn't a guitar that will allow you to sculpt the gain by messing with the volume knob - it's evident through the design that you're supposed to set your tone and your volume before playing a set.I've been rather busy and have only had about 3 hours of play time on this guitar over the past couple of months. However, my initial worry has turned out to be correct; it is darn near impossible to play this guitar while sitting down due to the position of the input jack. Unless you have a 90-degree jack, you will need to strap this guitar and let it hang if you want to practice with it while sitting.All in all, for $300, this outplays other Epi guitars in the $300-500 range. But that is to be expected, as the $300 was a price mistake, and this guitar is actually a $1,000 guitar. It looks like this guitar will require high-maintenance if it is to be kept out of a case. I haven't found any problems with it during my play-through, other than the dried-out fretboard. With the design of the guitar, I find it much like my Tom Delonge Signature Fender Stratocaster - your play-style must be "on" or "off". There's no middle-ground with this guitar, and the goal is to just rock out hard and fast.If this suits your play-style, it's a definite keeper at a discounted price. If you managed to nab one at the incorrect price, it'll surely make an over-the-top Christmas present to a buddy---------------------------------------------------------------------------ORIGINAL REVIEW-My order was placed with Amazon, LLC using Amazon Prime shipping for the price of $299. Although the initial ship date was in March, 2013, Amazon was able to ship my guitar 2 weeks after I had initially placed the order.I actually received the Dean Michael Amott Tyrant V Blood Storm guitar! It even came shipped in a case. It does not look like a factory B-Stock, as I cannot find any blemishes on it. I came home late and was unable to test the sound, so this is just about the contents of the shipment.The outer box was a plain cardboard box that was originally shipped from Armadillo Enterprises to Amazon, and then re-routed from Amazon to me (pictured). Armadillo Enterprises is the company that bought out Dean guitars, Luna guitars and DDrums in 1997 (and the reason that Dean Zelinsky left his company). So, we know that this guitar came directly from manufacturer instead of through a third-party seller. The outer box had a printed label that stated that it was guitar #2 out of 14 in a shipment, so I would assume that Amazon received 14 of these guitars in their warehouse (pictured). There was an internal cardboard box (white) that had Dean's logos and the serial number for the guitar taped to it (pictured).The actual guitar came shipped inside of a guitar case (pictured). The case is of a very nice quality. Although I saw on Dean's advert that the case that ships with the Blood Storm is of "$189" in value, I cannot find the exact model at any store. Guitar Center seems to have the previous generation of cases, and the newer generation cases for bass guitars, but they do not seem to carry the newer generation case for V-style guitars from Dean. At the very least, you can find the case pictured on Dean's website: [...]. The case is slim but extra long. It feels very sturdy, and the faux-leather bindings around it makes it look very expensive. It comes with two sets of keys, and the latches are lockable. There is fairly large compartment inside, about 12x18", that came with three different sizes of hex keys, keys for the case, and a catalog for the 2012 line of Dean guitars. the compartment is large enough to hold a slimmer pedal and some cables. The lining inside the case is rougher than the 'velvet' lining that I expected, but it will not scratch any guitars. The shape seems to be made by thick cardboard underneath the lining, but I can't imagine denting it or misshaping it unless I start stomping inside the case.The guitar itself came wrapped up in white lining, the way most guitars and larger electronics are shipped. It's exactly as pictured online; there aren't any surprises here. The paint job looks pretty flat, as though it's a sticker covered over with clear coat and gloss/polish (pictured). The front graphic wraps a bit around the guitar and then immediately switches to a black paint; there aren't any edge designs or binding designs. The back is an uninteresting black paint extending up the neck and to the back of the headstock. There's just nothing impressive about the paint job on this guitar. The thickness of coating is about the same as you would find on an Epiphone SG-400. Another disappointing part about the paint job is that the cutout for the jack is unfinished; it's colored black, but it's raw wood without any clear coat or finish. I'm used to having guitars that are polished everywhere, and the finish on this guitar just screams "average".However, the inlays, frets, and all other parts are good (pictured). I can't find any sharp edges, and I do not have any fret buzz. The humbuckers came with plastic slips on them, with some text stating that they were designed by Dean and made in the United States. The back of the headstock also states that the guitar was made in both Korea and the USA. The Dean "Tyrant" humbucker looks uncannily like my Seymour Duncan pickup in my other guitars. The neck is the same thinner C-type neck. People who like to shred or wrap their thumb around the guitar would love this neck. It's not made for rhythm playing.Overall, the guitar is almost a foot taller than a regular 22-24 fret guitar. I have it pictured next to my Schecter Damien Special Electric Guitar - Crimson Red w/EMG 81/85 pickups, and my Fender Tom Delonge Signature Stratocaster w/ Seymour Duncan pickup. The headstock on the Dean gives it is extra length, which is welcome as it gives a more authoritative look.The biggest surprise for the guitar is that they weren't kidding when they said that this guitar is light. The guitar probably accounts for only 30% of the shipping weight. It's the lightest electric guitar I've ever held. I can see why I would want to use this at a gig. There would hardly be any strain on my shoulder while playing for a couple of hours on stage with this guitar. Also, it would be a perfect weapon for a zombie apocalypse ('Left 4 Dead', anyone?)I'll have to make another post about the playability and sound after I've had a weekend to mess with it. However, the feel and finish of the guitar make it seem like a midrange guitar, not one of $1,000 value. If I found this guitar for sale at Guitar Center with a $450 price tag on it, I would say, "Yeah, that's about right." Perhaps the sound and playability will blow my mind.A follow-up edit will be made to this review about playability and sound after I've had a couple of days to use it. In the mean time, I hope this has helped the community.

Update 05/28/2015I still have this guitar and it plays great! Probably one of the nicest necks I played on.Update 2/21/2013:I finally got around to putting on the Rotosound Michael Amott signature strings and I have to say they make this guitar sound a lot better. This guitar really plays well when set up properly. I have it tuned down to C standard now. I really like playing this guitar now after I've had it a while. Michael Amott is a big influence so it's nice to have his signature model. I've even grown to like the graphic. I really don't mind beating this guitar up as it is a player. Hope you all can get a chance to play one. My final advice is: Play one in person as quality control with Dean guitars are hit or miss.Original review:Honestly, I've never had a good image of Dean and never desired to purchase one. I've always felt they were a guitar you got your 14 year old. Saying that... I was lucky to get this at the same deal price Okinawa Matt did. Way below asking price.I'm a fan of Michael Amott and Arch Enemy so this is a nice find. I actually like the way this guitar feels...well balanced and super light but no head dive when standing up. Very hard to sit and play this one though... The neck is great for both rythem and lead and nice fret/inlay work. The ebony they use is of a lower grade so don't expect the nice black ebony you see on higher end guitars (this was dark brown). Pickups sound crunchy and has a nice warm lead tone. This guitar may change my impression of Dean. Maybe not...They things I don't like is the graphic. It's ok but would rather it be plain colored. The paint quality is BAD!!!! I barely hit the horn and DINK... paint chipped off. I have a beater Ibanez and it takes a lot for that to happen. I was very surprised and disappointed on how easy this happened. Some of the finish work is pretty bad also. Paint near the neck was actually exposing wood. Also, the clear coat was missing on 1 horn in a spot(not the one that got chipped) Quality control is a major issue with this Dean. These are all cosmetic issues as the guitar plays fine.Even with all the bad points this guitar is actually nice but not for the suggested retail price. This is in no way a $1400 guitar. I'd say this should be priced between $600-$800. I understand this is a signature model so that drives the price up. At the deal I got, I'm satisfied but if I paid $1000 for this I wouldn't keep it...I have Michael Amott Rotosound strings so I plan on tuning this to C. I'm glad I got this guitar but I don't think I'll ever buy a Dean again with all the other selections out there. If you can get a good deal on this I'd say go for it. I plan on keeping this and it may become one of my main guitars but I don't think it's going to be durable in the long run. If you don't mind this guitar taking a beating then make it your workhorse.

First off...I realize that reviews are typically intended to describe one's experience with a product received. This review is a slight twist on that.It's a review of a product NOT received...and a warning to anyone considering buying what they might, understandably, think is a great deal on a close-out model. I bought this guitar, the "Dean Michael Amott Guitar, Tyrant Bloodstorm with Case," on Amazon from Music123. It was a fantastic price, but very much in line with discounts that one finds on "blow-out" sales of older model guitars...so I had no reason to be suspicious.They sent me, instead, the "Splatter" model which is worth about a third of what the Bloodstorm is. It was obvious as soon as I opened the box: there was no case! (You'd think the shipping department would have noticed that as well...nope). I figured they just sent the wrong one by mistake, so I contacted Music123...they claimed it was a listing error and were unable to send me the guitar that they sold me; however, they were...and still are, as of today (actually, EDIT: as of 8/20/12)...also selling it as the vendor of record on at least one other major online retailer. Even after I advised them of this (several times via emails...I even sent them screen shots).So, one may ask...was it really a mistake?In any event...for anyone considering buying this guitar from Music123...please be careful; I am trying to save anyone else from this disappointing & frustrating experience.