I ordered my LaVoce and received it promptly in 2 days, right before Christmas. The guitars is flawless, a beautiful instrument. It plays smoothly and easily, I’m not sure I needed the Z-Glide neck but I like it. The guitar has many “voices” it will take me a while to learn them all.
I’ve owned Hamer’s when they were made in Palatine, IL, PRS McCarty 594 10 top, many Les Paul’s, Fender’s, but the key word is “owned”. Like Old McDonald, had a dog, had a farm, you get the picture. I never have had the, “this is the one feeling” until now. My LaVoce is a keeper.
Thank you Dean and your team. Happy Holidays!
I bought my first Dean Zelinsky guitar last year as a Christmas gift to myself. I ordered the Dellaterra Paisley in Butterscotch and WOW..was I happy when it arrived. It is a work of art with all the bells and whistles crafted in immaculate detail. The Z-glide neck and the ATW wiring are Dean
patented specifics that you won't find any where else. I was so pleased with this guitar that I decided I had to have another one. This time I got the LeVoce in vintage sunburst and I think I like this one even more than the first one. Every detail is beautifully crafted and the finish is spectacular. Those critics who say Dean won't last have obviously never held or played one. Dean's creations compete with the best Gibsons and Fenders but at a much better price point. I've played and owned them all ( over 55 guitars to my collection ) and these beauties are better in quality, workmanship, and over all esthetics than anything on the guitar market. Go ahead and get yourself one...you won't regret it!
First time buying something this range on line, or from Zelinsky. It is gorgeous. Set up and tone amazing. I should have investigated more or found a way to play one before ordering, the neck is a little thin for my taste. But that is on me... I'll adjust. It is a beautiful smooth playing instrument.
I've been the proud owner of a Cherry Burst La Voce Private Stock Dean Zelinsky guitar (Serial: S160894) for several years and as a collector and professional entertainer (Lead Guitarist for Whitehead). I am here to tell you that this instrument is a piece of art! Having played Gibson, Les Paul's, and Fender Stratocaster's most of my stage career in bands like the Sidewinders, The Boston Complex, The Billy Baslow Band just to name a few, I must say that Dean's guitars are truly special and a must to own and play if you are a serious musician!
Special Note:
The author of this review is Tom Maroney aka "Boston Tommy" circa 1966 and is an accomplished bandleader and performer from the 60's, 70's and 80's rock movements in the Boston area.
My custom-built engraved copper paisley Dellatera arrived today. It's absolutely beautiful! It also sounds amazing -- it's everything I hoped it would be (including a a robust "country-twang" sound that I've been seeking). The pickups and switching system provide considerable sonic signature versatility. This is probably one of the first high-end guitars I've had built over the years for which I didn't need to modify the action (that doesn't mean that there was anything wrong with my other custom guitars; string height preferences vary between players). Thank you Dean for continuing your legacy of building fine instruments!
I’ll admit, I was first drawn to Dean’s guitars due to the beauty of the finishes. They are works of art and would be worth it just to hang on your wall… but, don’t. My Tag plays so smoothly and without effort that I wouldn’t think it possible. But, fortunately, it is.
The case is also first class. I’m sure this won’t be my only Zelinsky purchase, but I’ll have to wait to try to do this one justice first ;)
Thank you Dean for having the patience to talk me through the selection yourself. AWESOME!
Mike
This is the best guitar and experience buying a guitar that I have never had..best built guitar you can buy .hands down..service was on point spoke with Dean one on one.If your a player you need Atleast once of Deans guitars in you collection of not more.Thank you Dean
This is the second review I've written about my LaVoce. So forgive me if I repeat myself, although I'm approaching this review from a different angle. Let's start with this preface: the LaVoce certainly has Gibson's Les Paul as its inspiration. That said, Dean has captured the BEST of Gibson's design and engineering, then improved upon it. I have owned several dozen LP's over the years. Within a few feet of where I'm typing this I have a 60th Anniversary '59 Reissue (maybe the very best LP I ever owned, but a $6500 instrument), a "The Les Paul" from the late 70's (maybe the most expensive guitar Gibson made until they got into signature and reissue instruments), a beautiful quilt-top Florentine, an '80 Standard, and a couple of others. At my age I am mostly selling, rather than buying. But short of an honest '59 'Burst, I've owned every LP that was ever on my "gotta have that" list. I was always an LP snob. Most of my guitar buddies were LP snobs. If not "LP" snobs, at least Gibson snobs. Although I tried dozens of LP-type instruments (by Epiphones and a whole host of other clones, including Chinese copies), I always felt the genuine Gibsons were the very best of what I was searching for. When I finally discovered Dean's Private Label, the handful of reviews I read in guitar magazines and online finally made me say, "what the hell" and I ordered one (a Dellatera). Mightily impressed, I ordered a "LaVoce". So here I go repeating myself... After playing Gibson LP's for 40-plus years, I found myself asking, "why in the hell hasn't Gibson done this?" I understand...I understand...Gibson has a winner with the LP and doesn't want to vary much from the successful formula. They might do a double-cutaway model, coil-tapping, fancy tops, etc. But they have done NOTHING like this. I own some Gibsons (very expensive Gibsons) that have tops like my LaVoce. I own some Gibsons that sound amazing and have a great playing feel. But I have NEVER owned a Gibson that has everything this LaVoce has. Let me start with weight, thickness, and body contours. Those alone are enough to make an old man consider jumping ship. The quilted top on this guitar is right up there with the very best Gibson, PRS, Carvin and others have produced. So as a thing of beauty, it's in the top ranks. But the sounds just put it over the top. Until you play with all the options (including acoustic sounds), you just can't truly understand why I'm leaving another review. The blonde (maple) neck I chose for mine has the Z-Glide treatment and has (for me) a slightly unusual V-shaped neck. "Why would they do that," I wondered. Well, the more you play it, the more you "get" it. The depth at the top (or bottom, as you see it), gives you leverage, but the slim shoulders make the neck feel much thinner than it really is. In short, it makes for an incredibly cool feel for playing. I can't help picking this guitar up half a dozen times a day and just playing acoustically. Not only is it visually inspiring, but it just fits your hands and body (mine, at least) like an old well-worn glove. So forgive me for this second review, and forgive me for sounding almost maudlin, but as of now, this is the favorite guitar I own. Here is the most important point I want to make. I just stumbled across DZPL guitars by reading a review (of the Dellatera) in a guitar magazine. Otherwise, I would have probably not known Dean was back in business making custom guitars. If I (after decades of loving Gibson LP's above all others) have discovered a replacement that blows them away, and if I (a Gibson snob) have to admit that I finally found something better, how long will it take for others like me to stumble across these wonderful instruments. Fellows (and maybe a lady or two), get these while you can, while they are still affordable (relatively), as I have a feeling someday these will be seen as something special.
My desert Island guitar arrived and I am so happy! I saw the video demonstration of the ATW pick up configuration and I was sold. I ordered a Strat style and finished it like a Les Paul with an Ebony fretboard. It's my StratoPaul. Or my LesCaster! I got chrome pick ups and a sunburst flamed top. It is absolutely the best of both worlds. Love the textured neck, the finishing is exquisite and it plays and sounds like a dream. And just look at it! The Vibrato system is amazing and stays in tune incredibly well. If I had to sell all of my guitars and keep one, this would be it. Amazing craftsmanship. I am so happy! Nice work Dean and Team!😀
I purchased both a Dellatera paisley and a LaVoce white engraved with tremalo. My Son, Grandson and I share them and love them.
If Dean does a twelve string, I'm on board.
I have had strait up many Dean Guitars for years. When DBZ production guitars came out I bought a Bolero, Then the Dean Zelinsky Guitars came out and I am generally skeptical of direct-to-consumer business models, I would see that as just a marketing term. Mr. Zelinski raised his game yet a third time, now after having many multiple era orig Dean guitars and 1 DBZ. I thought I would not invest in another venture, after all how many guitars does a guy need... Well apparently 1 more. So at first sight I fell in love with the radical quilts that Mr. Zelinski was doing, and he had a new twist a Zglide neck. And my curiosity got the best of me so I ordered it. I was told it was going to be a bit over a month to fill the order... Ok I hoped it was worth the wait. On a whim I sent an odd request. Could Mr Zelinski personalize my guitar and sign it and write my name on the guitar I order. I got an email back the next day. No problem it will be done.... Ok so they actually care and really do read emails. This is great. About 5 days later they emailed me and said they had one Guitar that was planned else where and it did not go and it was the model I ordered and would I like that one because It would ship right away. I asked back for pix of the actual guitar so I could see the Quilt. No prob later that day just as promised multiple pix of that guitar show up in my email... It is beautiful.. You bet go for it and it was shipped right away. When I got the guitar right away I opened the box and the first thing I see is a way above class case. It was fab tweed like a high end fender with the spider logo, I open it up and it has a beautiful velour guitar cover like a Gibson High end case.. Mr Zelinski skipped no detail. And the Guitar fit like a glove! I was very impressed, I slip back the covers and just as promised was the thing of beauty from the pix, they are good for their word. First thing I do is pick it up and flip it to see the back of the head stock and it was personalized to me with the date! Ok all the boxes were checked for what meets the EYE, how does it sound and how does it feel. Ok it balanced great, no head stock dive. after playing about every BC Rich that was a plus. That Z neck is terrific and it is quite fast!!!! Ok another plus. The trem works like a champ,,, And DOES STAY TUNED.... Check that box. The set up perfect, this is not a Guitar center set up, that the second you get it, you need to hand it over to your favorite tech to actually set it up. Nope this guitar is still in tune from Zelinski to me. And with the string gauge I asked for. Why set it up and change the string gauge right away only to have to tweak your set up. Another point of detail. I start to look at the details like high-end hardware, locking tuners, great knobs, smooth pots, no crackle nut set up and material. Good Plug. It is basically flawless. Ok Looks Check, Feel check, set up Check, components check. But a guitar is only as good as it sounds.. The most fab looking guitar is still junk if it sounds like garbage. So into the mesa amp it goes. At first I thought it sounded fine,,,, In the neck position great,,, but the bridge pup was kinda thin! I was just about to kick my self for going with that single coil pups. I should have done the humbuckers.... I was just about to email with what is required to swap the bridge for a humbucker pup. I was working in the studio on a song I had written and frankly got side tracked in the studio... I had been having a hard time getting a guitar tone that would cut this thick milkshake of a mix, this track had a lot going on. So I grabbed my new tool, plugged it in and recorded that part... That single coil cut through that mix like a LAZER. The guitar was perfectly heard, every note, but not irritating. I had to do NO EQ. It was exactly the tool I needed. But My new Tagliare cut right through and cleaned up the whole vibe.... saved my mix, made my mix job easier. So if you think crap this is just a bit thin,,, befor you grumble, try it with other musicians or in the studio! This may be a tad thin for noodling alone. But when it is time to actually work and not noodle in the bedroom this monster COMES ALIVE. Over all this is one of my faves and will not cycle out and be traded off as other guitars have. She is a keeper.
So, I went and an adventure looking for that guitar that looked, felt and would play like I wanted it to play. I went to big box stores testing and listening and playing my style of music. They sounded ok and felt ok. But then found Dean Zelinsky web site and got draw in to the LaVoice and all the features that were not available on comparable companies. So, I waited for Christmas to come around to talk the wife into letting me buy another guitar and all I had to do is place the order. I called their number and lo and behold, Dean answered the phone, what a conversation we had! I ordered that beautiful red flame top and I can truly say it plays like no other but I spoke to Dean who sold it to me! Great guitar! Keep it up!
I been a player for years built and studied guitars, This was my pick out of 3 brands including over priced Les Paul's. I'm so glad I purchased this guitar cause it has all the tones to fit the different genres of music I play, the craftsmanship , detail and all the bells and whistles you can ask for even the signed tweed case! Beautiful guitar and sound plus really nice case.
This guitar has exceeded all my expectations! Love the way it plays and the way it sounds on top of it being the most beautiful instrument I own!
Ordered a Dellatera flame top gold hardware coil split neck and bridge and single coil middle. Absolutely gorgeous and top quality build. Buy with complete confidence
After falling in love online with the DELLATERA ENGRAVED PAISLEY - Hybrid Nickel & Black Paisley, in my particular version, I ordered it. It was a risky love affair as I had never seen and played them before. Dean Zelinsky guitars are not available in Germany. You might find a used one somewhere in the ad market, but never this Type of guitar.
I was and still am surprised by the quality of the work and the sound - really customshop quality!
The guitar is a dream and some friends have said the same, after extensive testing!!!
Unfortunately I had a problem with a pickup, which was very well taken care of by the Dean Zelinsky team - TOP SUPPORT!!! THX!!!
The instrument was sent by UPS (unfortunately they worked very badly, so I had to wait 3 days or drive behind the instrument - UPS is not recommended for my place of residence Hamburg/Germany!!!).
THX a lot for all, Team Dean Zelinsky --> you are great!!!
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I love my LaVoce. As a pro, I own about 30 guitars, the well-known brands as well as some especially for me, custom made, guitars. But this one is really special. Light weight, strong different tones. Excellent playability. When I first saw the back of the neck I thought, what might this be good for? would it bother me? No, it´s just great, liker all of the guitar.
I’m the proud owner of a Tagliare, a Dellaterra, a La Voce and a Strettavita! Without exception, they are so unique in tonal characteristics that I find different sonic traits in each one. Every one arrived in perfect ready -to-play setup with the 9’s I prefer. The Tag had a problem 5 way switch. I called. Dean himself answered! I explained the issue. I shipped it to him ( he paid!). Sent it back right away, after he QC’d it himself! The Z glide neck was not the reason I bought the guitar, but it is the reason I’m so glad that I bought the guitar!!
The tuners are so reliable! Even the strap buttons are big enough that I don’t feel the need to use the Schaller connectors. When all is said and done, I can only say one thing: Dude - get every spear penny you’ve got and buy yourself the best bargain in the world of guitars. You will not be disappointed. Oh, by the way, his carrying cases are effing awesome! Check out these beauties. These are the exact guitars that I own…finish and all! It’s OK TO DROOl, y’all
When I received my beautiful Lavoce last spring, I immediately fell in love with the look, feel and tone varieties and I provided a glowing review! But, everyone is excited to get a new guitar and the more valued feedback may come a few months later. I’m happy to say that I love my guitar even more now! The variety of tone options allow me to play along with all my favorite genres and the quality of the build is evident every time I pick it up. I’m so glad I chose a Dean Zelinsky guitar and hope to order another one some day!
I've now had my La Voce for about 6 months, and have simply not picked up my Les Paul Custom Shop since. I wanted to break it in before reviewing it, hence the 6 months. The physical balance of the La Voce is perfect for sitting and ridiculously comfortable standing. They did a flawless job on the frets (still zero fret sprout), and the Z-Glide neck as a "soft V" was instantly comfortable. Why have I not tried a soft V before? The TruTap pickup quality is superb and allows me to dial in about any tone I want. Super versatile. Thankfully, it stays in tune without a G-string issue. I could not be more pleased.
Ordered my guitar ,talked directly to Dean himself,very nice guy and helped me with my design and also signed it for me , bust sounding guitar I’ve played,Outstanding Thanks Dean
As a professional saxophone player who loves to collect guitars, I was never more than barely adequate at playing guitar. That all changed when I bought my first Dean Zelinsky private label Guitar. The fact that they are Gorgeous, extremely well-made instruments the pride of any collection, was satisfying enough. The unexpected bonus was that I enjoyed playing it so much more than my other guitars, that I spent hours upon hours playing it. As a result, I’ve become A better guitar player than I ever thought possible. I actually get hired more often as a guitar player than I do as a saxophone player now. I now have four DZPL guitars each and every one a joy to play. Thank you, Dean for making it possible for me to Continue my musical journey in a new and exciting direction. Your instruments have reinvigorated this old road Warrior.
I bought a used Tagliare. Played It a few days , jumped online and bought a Dellaterra with ATW . Played that a few weeks and bought a Taglitare ATW . I have 44 guitars . My DZPL s are my favorite electrics by far . The variations in tone are incredible !Do whatever you need to do to get a ATW . You won't be sorry !