Image: Karl Jonsson from Göteborg, Sweden, CC BY 2.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Dean Razorback
| Category | Strings (electric guitar) |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | USA |
| Classification | electric guitar |
| Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org |
| Wikidata | Q4037105 |
Overview
The Dean Razorback is an electric guitar produced by Dean Guitars in collaboration with Pantera and Damageplan guitarist Dimebag Darrell. Its body silhouette is a sharper, more angular evolution of the Dean ML shape, with serrated upper and lower bouts that give the model its name. Production began shortly after Darrell’s death in 2004, and the model continues as a tribute line.
How It’s Played
The Razorback is built for stage rock and metal: a mahogany body for sustain, a long set or through-neck, and high-output humbuckers wired for an immediate, saturated voice through a high-gain amplifier. A locking tremolo system on most variants enables aggressive whammy-bar work. The aggressive shape is visually striking but well balanced on a strap, with the upper horn long enough to keep the neck angled comfortably for high-fret soloing.
Origin & History
In the years before his death, Darrell worked with Dean to develop a more refined evolution of the ML he had famously played. The Razorback’s design — sharper edges, distinct serration, and updated headstock — was finalised in collaboration with him. After his murder onstage in December 2004, Dean released the Razorback line as both a continuation of his design vision and as a tribute. Subsequent variants (Razorback Explosion, Stealth, V, and others) have expanded the family while keeping its signature outline.
Cultural Significance
The Razorback has become a defining symbol of post-millennial metal guitar visual design, and a way for Darrell’s fanbase to connect with his legacy. Its release shortly after his death helped frame Dean’s brand identity around the Darrell association in the years that followed.
Related Instruments
- Dean ML – the original Darrell-associated body shape
- Dean V – V-shape sibling in the Dean catalogue
- Dean Z – Z-shape sibling derived from the Explorer
- – influential angular ancestor
- – another iconic metal signature shape
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Dimebag Darrell play a Razorback?
He helped design it but did not live to play production models on tour; the Razorback was released after his death.
Is the Razorback a redesign of the ML?
Yes — it sharpens the ML silhouette and adds serrated details to the body.
Image: Dean Razorback 10,000 Commemorative (closeup) at FUZZ Guitar Show 2009, photo by Karl Jonsson from Göteborg, Sweden, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons).
