In terms of guitars, Dean Guitars are relatively new on the scene. They had their beginnings in 1976 when the teenaged Dean Zelinsky decided he wanted to create a different kind of guitar design than what was present in the market. His first guitars were v-shaped and pointed which was both a function of design and helped enhance the guitars tone.

Dean is best known for their line of electric guitars that include the ML, Razorback, Cadillac, Soltero, Split Tail, Vendetta and the Dean V.

The company's bass guitar models include the Demonator, Edge, Rhapsody, EVO and Zone.

A small amount of Dean's business revolves around acoustic guitars. In addition to the traditional acoustic instrument shapes, Dean also has acoustic versions of their ML and V electric guitars.

In 2007, Dean Guitars began producing their own pickups in their USA facility called Dean DMT.

At the 2009 NAMM trade show, they unveiled the new Dime Blacktooth amplifier, which will be shipping mid-year.