Dean Zelinsky, founder of Dean Guitars, officially announced today that he has parted ways with the company that he founded in 1976, which still bears his name, reports Blabbermouth.net.
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.
Ohio.com reported in early May that the University of Arkansas had gained licensing control over Dean's Razorback electric guitars, commemorating late Pantera/Damageplan guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott who was killed during a show in Columbus, Ohio.
Dean Guitars created the line and began selling the guitars after the 2004 death of Abbott. He was known for performing with a razor blade around his neck.
In 2007, the university sued, claiming the Razorback guitar brand infringed on the school's copyright. The Arkansas athletic teams bear the Razorback name.
A settlement filed on May 6, 2008 gave the university licensing control over the guitars, but Dean gets to keep selling them.
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