
( Brand: Dean ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: EQATBLS ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Quilt Guitar ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Series: Exotica )
Introducing the Dean Exotica Quilt Ash Cherryburst Electric-Acoustic Guitar, a stunning and versatile instrument that combines the best elements of both electric and acoustic designs, brought to you by Dean Guitars. This guitar, endorsed by renowned fingerstyle artist Martin Taylor and designed in collaboration with Fender's Acoustic-Electric department (EQATBL), is a must-have for every guitar enthusiast.
The heart of this guitar lies in its unique and eye-catching Quilt Ash body. The intricately designed Ashwood is meticulously hand-selected for its beautiful figure and naturally occurs quilted grain, ensuring that each guitar has a distinct and personalized look. This body is complemented by a binding made of maple, further adding to the guitar's elegant aesthetic.
Transiting to the neck, the Dean Exotica Quilt Ash Cherryburst boasts a C-shaped Mahogany neck with a 12-inch radius Indian Laoban Ebony fretboard. The fretboard features 20 frets with stunning pearl dot inlays, ensuring comfortable playability and a visually appealing touch. The Tusq XL nut and Tesseract tuning machines complete the neck, offering enhanced tuning stability and durability.
The guitar's hardware includes a Fishman Sonitone preamp system, which delivers a high-quality and balanced tone when playing live or recording. It comes equipped with a built-in tuner, volume control knob, treble and bass tone controls, and a phase switch for a more natural acoustic sound when required.
Moving on to the electronics, the Dean Exotica Quilt Ash Cherryburst is outfitted with a pair of Fishman Pre-Sonic Blend OEM pickups. These pickups boast a unique voicing and tone that combines the best of both acoustic and electric sounds. The guitar's controls are easily accessible, with the volume control knob integrated into the endpin jack.
The bridge of this guitar is a Fishman PR411XL 4-point bridge, ensuring optimal tone transfer and delivering the rich, resonant sound of an acoustic guitar. The bridge pins are another notable feature, designed with compensated saddles for optimal intonation throughout the instrument.
Designed for both stage and studio use, this Dean Exotica Quilt Ash Cherryburst Electric-Acoustic Guitar is a testament to the art, craftsmanship, and innovation that comes from collaboration between three esteemed companies: Dean Guitars, Martin Taylor, and Fender EQATBL. With its visually captivating Ash body, versatile electronics, and impeccable construction, this guitar is sure to tantalize the taste buds of any discerning musician.
1.1. Unique Appearance: This guitar features a beautiful quilted ash top, cherryburst finish, and abalone inlays, which sets it apart from other guitars in terms of aesthetics.
1.2. Versatility: As a Martin Taylor signature model, it is designed for fingerstyle playing and provides a rich, detailed sound. It can be used in various genres, from classical to contemporary music.
1.3. Electric-Acoustic Versatility: The DEQAT comes with Fishman Sonitone electronics, providing a balanced tone when amplified.
1.4. Solid Top: A solid top ensures better resonance and tone quality compared to guitars with laminated tops.
1.5. Affordable: The DEQAT offers a high-quality, unique-looking guitar at a more affordable price point compared to some Martin Taylors.
Cons:2.1. Neck: Some customers have reported a slight neck wobble, which may require a setup to fix.
2.2. Scalloping: Martin Taylor models typically come with scalloped fingerboards, which some players prefer over standard frets for easier access to higher frets. If that's the case, this guitar might not offer the desired fingerboard shape.
2.3. Scratches and Finish: Quilted ash tops can be susceptible to scratches and dings during transportation and handling, which might be a concern for some buyers.
2. Fender EQ-Modified Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Pros:3.1. Affordability: The Fender EQ-Modified acoustic-electric guitar offers a high-quality electric-acoustic guitar at an affordable price.
3.2. Fender Structured Dynamics System: This system provides better amplified tone control and minimizes feedback, which is beneficial for live performance situations.
3.3. Solid Spruce Top: A solid spruce top results in great sound quality and optimal tonal resonance.
3.4. Versatile Hardware: The guitar's replaceable control plate makes it easier to customize and upgrade hardware as desired.
Cons:4.1. Plastic Nut: The plastic nut may not perform as well as a bone or synthetic bone nut, potentially affecting the overall sound quality.
4.2. Body Shape and Size: Some players might not prefer the body shape and size of the Fender acoustic-electric guitar, which could influence their playing comfort and ergonomics.
4.3. Pickups: Department store pickups may not provide the sound quality and clarity that some players are looking for, potentially requiring an aftermarket pickup upgrade.
Conclusion:Both the Dean Exotica Quilt Ash Cherryburst Martin Taylor Signature Electric-Acoustic Guitar and Fender EQ-Modified Acoustic-Electric Guitar have their strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize aesthetics and are looking for a unique design, the DEQAT might be a better choice. If you're seeking affordability and versatility, the Fender EQ-Modified Acoustic-Electric Guitar could be the right fit. Ultimately, it's essential to consider your individual preferences, playing style, and budget when deciding between these two guitars.
The Dean eqa exotica quilt ash acoustic-electric guitar really lives up to its name. It comes with Grover tuners, inlaid rosette, plus a Dean preamps tuner, 3-band eq, and presence control. Dean has taken acoustic-electric guitars to new height with this amazing guitar. Near mint condition, this beauty plays the way it looks.
The cutaway body gives full fret board access for maximum play ability. Barely played, always kept in case smoke free home. As seen in pictures, there are some faint pick marks on the finish but barely visible. Warm bright sound of taylor for a fraction the price.
The top, back, and sides of eqa are made entirely quilted ash body is triple bound. All around great guitar. Includes hard shell case, capo, extra strings and picks.