Dean Review: Vendetta XM

History: I've played for over 20 years or so. This Dean Vendetta XM was a Xmas gift in 05. Don't expect much for $100 from a guitar, but this might work. As is, the tuning pegs are terrible. Black covered one. Does not help the strings stay in tune very well. Would upgrade to Grovers, Sperzels, etc. The pickups, stock, aren't great, either. I'd upgrade on the cheap in that area. The bridge is "ok"; will do for now. String thru body, so. 1 volume and 1 tone knob. 3 way selector switch. Ok. 24 fretboard. Rswd. Maple neck. Ok. Oil down the fretbd. The body is made of "Paulowia"(? WTF?)wood. Never have heard of it. It's very ltwgt. One of my strap pegs came out of the body; have filled with putty, and will redrill back.

Purchase: Christmas Gift; from Musicians Friend, $100. Family got it for me.

What I Like About This Dean Vendetta XM: It plays alright; the aforementioned upgrades would help. Good beg. guitar as is. I'm not a beginner, though. Oh well, it's the thought that counts.

What I Do NOT Like About The Dean Vendetta XM: See above.

Dean Vendetta XM Quality Rating: Fair; good for a beginning player.

Review Summary: IF I do the mods, it'll be a kickaround guitar, one I can go clubbing with. As is, it stays in it's gig bag mostly. Same quality as a Squier or so. Sure, I'd get it for someone starting out. Move on as you get better, maybe for a higher end Dean. IMO...Peace out.

Rating of this Dean product: 3

This Dean Vendetta XM Electric Guitars Review Submitted By: Jiver

Review Date: 2006-07-06