NAMM 2021: Dean introduces more affordable Kerry King Signature V

NAMM 2021: Dean has introduced a new, non-limited edition of the Kerry King V, with a few changes to its specifications and a much lower price tag.

We first got an up-close look at Dean’s Kerry King V back at NAMM 2020, in its USA-made form. Some of the specifications carry over to this new version, including the mahogany body with the maple top, however, the three-piece maple neck is set rather than through. It’s still topped with an ebony fretboard, however. Measurements such as the 12-inch fretboard radius, a 24.75-inch scale length and a Kerry King specified C-shape for the neck remain the same.

The guitar’s hardware also sees a change, as the tremolo is a Kahler Hybrid rather than a Khaler KFK Kerry King signature. The tuning machines are still Grover, finished in – perhaps unsurprisingly – black.

One of the more significant changes is in the electronics department. The USA Kerry King V came fitted with a Sustaniac pickup in the neck, a pickup that provides infinite sustain thanks to an active induction system. However, this has been removed in the standard edition in favour of an EMG-85 active humbucker. The bridge pickup remains the same – an EMG 81 with a PA2 preamp booster. Controls consist of a volume and tone knob, a three-way switch for pickup selection and a toggle switch for engaging the PA2 preamp.

The finish is still black satin, however, the gloss red sigil consisting of nails and an inverted cross is no longer present.

The original, USA-made limited edition guitar notably listed for $8,666 and was limited to 50 pieces. The new Kerry King V lists instead for a minimum advertised price of $1,399.

For more, see deanguitars.com. For more from NAMM 2021, take a look at our hub here.