Because of the incredible affordability and overall good reviews, I decided to purchase my first Dean guitar, and, since I am a big Scorpions/UFO/MSG fan, once I saw the Michael Schenker Retro (non-USA version) on the Dean web site it was a no-brainer as to which one I would purchase.

Sound
Needless to say, a Scorpions song, specifically a Michael Shenker one, had to be the first song played on my MS Retro V. The "Lights Out" pickups on the bridge screamed right out of the box. The normal Dean pickups on the neck are nothing to sneeze at, but the "Lights Out" pickups really made a mark and were "hot" even on a clean channel. With a little "dirt" they didn't sound too far off of that Shenker sound, even without the Wah and on a smaller amp. I was quite impressed. If you want hard, classic, no holds barred rock, this is what you're looking for. The harmonics are also quite clean and bright. No disappointment on the sound, that's for sure.

Features
Well, considering many guitars in this price range are made of basswood, it was nice to get the mahogany wood and, really, that helped seal the deal. The 3/3 tuners of the Dean headstock don't bother me, as I'm used to them on a PRS I also own. The Flying V isn't a feature laden guitar, but who cares? The "Lights Out" pickups make up for anything this guitar might be lacking.

Ease of Use
From what I've read on other reviews (not here) and seen… read more on YouTube videos some people have problems playing a Flying V while sitting down. I don't quite understand it, it's not that difficult (and it's not as if I'm the greatest guitarist in the world, far from it), so that wasn't an obstacle I had to overcome, though this is my first V. The MS Retro V has a nice, smooth neck and fretboard and it was easy to go up and down the neck. A very easy to play guitar.

Quality
I've only ordered two guitars through the internet, and my first was a bit of a disappointment (not from Zzounds), so I was a bit apprehensive when ordering, but my fears disappeared when I opened the box and examined the MS Retro V. Outside of a small "bubble" on the paint job, in the nook of the "V" (unoticeable while playing) the quality of this guitar is outstanding. I took off one star on the rating for quality only for that bubble, but I was being very picky.

Value
The value on this guitar is incredible. $400 for a quality Flying V is ridiculous (in a good way), and for this one in particular it's just a great purchase. Another $400 guitar that I own is a Fender HH Telecaster (MiM) and this Dean MS Retro V easily stacks up against it in quality and value.

Manufacturer Support
I haven't had to contact either Dean Guitars or Zzounds.

The Wow Factor
As I mentioned above, I've been a fan of both Schenker brothers, Michael and Rudolph, for a long, long time so the appeal of this particular Flying V for me was very high. For this price there was pretty much no way I was not going to get it. The paint job is very striking and the Dean "V" headstock is a cool balanced look for the V design of the body.

Musical Background:
I've been playing, as a hobby, for 30 years.

Musical Style:
Mainly classic rock, hard rock, some country. read less