Written by: Luis Vox
The memory of legendary axeman Dimebag Darrell Abbott will live on in a new guitar company.
Rita Haney (aka Dimebagz Hag) and Dean Zelinsky, the founder of Dean Guitars, have announced a new guitar company called Dime Guitarz.
Rita had this to say about the new collaboration with Zelinsky in the official press release:
“The mission is simple. To build the guitars Dimebag Darrell would be playing today. There seems to be a misconception that Dime had a relationship with the Dean Guitars of today. It simply isn’t true. Darrell never had a relationship with them. He was killed three weeks after signing the deal. He had a relationship with Dean Zelinsky. He went there because DZ brought him there. That was Dime’s only relationship. Dean Zelinsky built the beloved guitars he played, including the Dean From Hell. That is who Dime wanted building his guitars, and he stated that many times throughout his notes. In this case, imitation isn’t flattery, it’s a crime! Dime played Dean Zelinsky’s MLs when he had braces on his teeth, and he died with one in his arms. Dime’s innovation for tech, his love and trust of DZ’s brilliance, THIS is what the direction of this company is, to fulfill those wishes.”
Another important figure within Dime's legacy is his longtime friend and guitar tech, Grady “Dragon” Champion, who had this to add about the new guitars:
“What can I say about my passion for all things Dime? He brought me into his world, taught me everything he liked and everything his sound was about. It all started with the guitars! The most important part was the guitar, and how it felt to him. I am honored to help bring Dime’s feel to these, plus continue in that innovative spirit. Dime would be proud. This is my purpose!”
This announcement comes after the Florida Federal Court ruled in favor of Dean Guitars in a lawsuit claiming Dean Guitars and its parent company, Armadillo Enterprises, allegedly breached their contract, had unpaid royalties, and unauthorized trademarks of the Razorback and Stealth body types, as well as a false endorsement.
Dimebag Darrell, who was the founding member of legendary metal band Pantera, is hailed by many as one of the most innovative and influential guitar players on Earth.
Alongside his brother, drummer Vinnie Paul, bassist Rex Brown, and vocalist Phil Anselmo, Pantera dominated the metal scene in the mid to late '90s when most people thought metal was dead due to the grunge rock movement. When most metal bands and guitar players slowed down and softened their sound for mainstream audiences, Dimebag and Pantera would unapologetically go harder and faster.
Pantera's second record, 1992's Vulgar Display of Power, would shed the remaining glam aesthetics and personas for a new attitude and aggression. Their third album, 1994's Far Beyond Driven, was the heaviest album to reach number one on the Billboard charts at the time.
Currently, the surviving members of Pantera, Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown, are touring in tribute to the legacy of the Abbott brothers and their band. Filling in on guitar is Dimebag's best friend, the legendary Zakk Wylde of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society fame, while filling in on drums is the equally legendary Charlie Benante of Anthrax.