Remember when scientists grafted a human ear onto a mouse’s back? Dean’s SplitTail is the same concept, mashing up a doublecut front end with a V-shaped tailpiece.

Dean reckons the SplitTail is unique, but we’re not sure, with Zakk Wylde’s Epiphone ZV looking like a brother-from-another-mother on the shelf. We wouldn’t say it to Zakk’s face, but the SplitTail Floyd spec is marginally tastier, with the all-mahogany body and set neck bolstered by Dean’s DMT USA Time Capsule humbuckers and an original Floyd Rose vibrato.

We love the SG. We love the Flying V. Bolt them together, though, and it feels like too many ideas stuck on one guitar. But don’t put your wallet away...

Verdict

While the SplitTail is divisive to look at, in terms of finger velocity, this is undoubtedly a slick performer, balancing better than you’d think and letting you burn across the neck and pull off every Floyd Rose party piece in the book.

The tone ain’t too shabby either. Voiced to recreate Dean’s legendary '70s models, those Time Capsule humbuckers drip with ragged character, boxing your ears with beefy lows and mids, and ensuring this guitar isn’t just a soulless widdlestick. Close your eyes and you’ll be smitten. Open them and this is guitar Marmite.

4 Stars

Pros: Speedy feel, characterful tone.
Cons: Expensive, divisive looks.

Next: Schecter Hellraiser Solo-6