Dean Chafin Del Sol

Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar

by Rich Boguszewski           November 10, 2000

But now it's time for a confession. A few weeks ago I was introduced to a new member of the Dean guitar family. She's a little semi-hollow body number named Del Sol with sleek gold hardware, great lines, and a gorgeous red finish,and we've been having an affair. A sweaty, nasty, get down, soap opera type affair. I've been making excuses and sneaking away every chance I get just to be with her. Just to hear the sound of her voice. And believe me, she can sing,sweet and clear. But she can also scream,loud and nasty. Maybe I felt a little guilty at first but now I don't care who knows about it. Her sleek neck responds easily to my caress. Her smooth body's a perfect fit next to mine. I know it sounds crazy but she makes me feel like a kid again.

O.K., forgive me for gushing here, but this really is quite a guitar!! And it really is pretty - with gleaming gold hardware from its Grover tuning gears all the way down to its adjustable tailpiece. The remaining hardware is simple but functional: two gold-covered humbucking pickups in the standard neck and bridge positions controlled by a single 3-way switch, translucent volume and tone controls with gold-colored calibrations, and a fully-adjustable gold bridge.

The smooth red body is nicely contoured with its double cutaways and dual sound holes and is tastefully trimmed in white with subtle black pin-striping. The rosewood neck features elegant Mother of Pearl sun ('sol') inlays and the well-designed cutaway allows free access to the high 'D' in the 22nd position. Even though the Del Sol neck contains a full 22 frets, it actually measures 1/2 inch shorter than my old Tele.

But this baby isn't just about good looks,she can also perform like a pro. She's got clean, clear, responsive tone when driven without effects and a superbly raunchy, solid, grinding sound when the signal is directed through various crunch pedals. The semi-solid body provides plenty of clean sustain with just enough attitude to put your lead out front where it belongs in the mix. As Musician's Friend says it's a "classy, sunny guitar made for playing the blues."

So while my old guitar gently weeps over there in the corner, my advice to you is to go out and try to meet Del Sol for yourself,she just may change your life.

Bottom Line:

This lady can really sing the blues. Though Dean lists the Del Sol's MSRP at $799, this elegant ax can probably be found on the street for around $650, a great price for a great guitar. The Del Sol's classic styling, solid construction, and attention to detail make this a great choice for the seasoned veteran or aspiring blues-man.