❌SOLD❌ Dean Hardtail Limited Edition Purple 30/100, 2001

Introduced in 2001, the Dean HardTail is one of the less common Dean models. Not as wild as some of Dean Zelinsky’s designs, the HardTail is a straight ahead but classy guitar.

Dean Zelinsky founded his company in 1976 in Chicago, Illinois and began producing guitars using inventive and radical shapes. THese often drew on designs such as the Explorer and Flying V, but only as a starting point; they were much more visually arresting in terms of shapes and finishes. Dean guitars quickly became popular with major acts on the world’s largest stages.

In 1986, the Dean brand was sold to Tropical Music, who changed the focus to building guitars for the Latin market. In 1997, Armadillo Enterprises led by Elliott Rubinson – a bass player who had toured with major acts – bought the name and re-established Dean in the American market and reconnected it with Dean Zelinsky.   Armadillo is now run by Rubison’s son, Evan.

Here we’re looking at an early Dean HardTail, built in 2001, the year of the model’s introduction. It is number 30 of 100 instruments and bears a Trans Purple finish on a quilted Maple top. It is in very good condition, having lived most of its life in its original case. There is no real wear, but the plating is slightly oxidized in some areas.

Dean Guitars has helpfully supplied this information about this specific instrument:

• USA Dean HardTail LTD 30/100 Serial # 0110130
• Limited – only 100 made
• Built in 2001
• Trans Purple
• Quilted maple top
• Mahogany body and neck
• Ebony fretboard
• 12″ radius fretboard
• 1-11/16″ nut width
• Abalone inlays
• 24-3/4″ scale length
• 22 jumbo frets
• Gold hardware
• Gold covered Seymour Duncan JB in bridge position and Gold covered Seymour Duncan 59 in neck position

The original Dean hard shell case is included, and contains the original registration card referring to Dean’s  headquarters in Clearwater, Florida.   Due to demand, Dean moved its operations to a larger facility in Tampa, Florida during 2009.