Dean Guitars® emerges from its USA Custom Shop right in time for the 2023 NAMM Show, introducing a brand-new Artist Series electric guitar, the Dean USA Custom Shop Kerry King Signature Overlord. A second collaboration with Kerry King, the trailblazing co-lead guitarist of the thrash metal band Slayer, the Overlord is the pinnacle of craftsmanship and completely handmade in the U.S. Sleek, stylish and downright savage in tone, the USA Dean Kerry King Overlord arrives ready for players to unleash the heaviest of riffs and most blistering of solos.
Kerry King is an iconic and highly regarded figure in the thrash/punk/metal scene. His pioneering contributions over four decades have led to the creation of some of the most brutal and revolutionary music in history. Among his notable achievements are the writing and co-writing of Slayer classics such as “Mandatory Suicide,” “Repentless,” “Hell Awaits,” “Disciple,” and “Raining Blood.” He’s an outspoken, opinionated individual who remains true to himself, and that’s exactly the authenticity he’s brought to the Overlord collaboration.
The Overlord features a solid mahogany body and maple top finished in Dark Gray. The 24.75-scale guitar has a set-thru 3-piece maple neck, with a custom Kerry King C-shaped neck profile and 12-inch fretboard radius. Twenty-four jumbo frets and an ebony fingerboard facilitate rapid soloing. Handcrafted Slayer-inspired pearl custom inlays are accompanied by ultra-vibrant LED fret markers along the side that further aid playability on a dimly lit stage. Aesthetically, the sharp-angled body and highly figured headstock make a bold statement.
The USA Dean Kerry King Overlord features a powerful combination of the Sustainiac® neck pickup and the EMG 81 with PA2 Preamp Booster pickup at the bridge. At the neck, the Sustainiac enables players to achieve endless sustain, extending the vibrational energy of the strings and creating prolonged feedback that won’t damage gear. At the bridge, the EMG 81 pickup with PA2 Booster furthers the fluid sustain, while adding intensity and incredible amounts of high-end cut. Together, these pickups help the tone slice right through the mix. Well-planned circuitry allows players to dial in their exact sound, with Volume, PA2 Booster on/off, 3-way toggle, Tone, Sustainiac on/off with mode switch, and a 25K pot to further control volume and tone.
Dean and Kerry King put the final touches on the iconic Overlord with Kerry’s own Kahler® KFK Tremolo System, built to withstand the most extreme dives. Grover® 18:1 tuners provide added tuning stability and prevent slippage of the custom KK Dunlop signature strings.
Meticulously handcrafted and ready to raise hell, the Dean USA Custom Shop Kerry King Signature Overlord is a fully equipped axe designed for the most discerning of players.
Where to buy: 
MAP/street price $6499, with hardshell case included.
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