Dean Guitars ML 79 Fld Flame Top Dunc Slime

Dean Guitars ML 79 Fld Flame Top Dunc Slime review

The Dean Guitars ML 79 Fld Flame Top Dunc Slime pairs the ML body shape with a high-gloss Slime finish, a flamed maple veneer top, and a Floyd Rose Special tremolo. Listed at $949 and available since July 2026, it is a fixed-specification electric guitar with a set nato neck, rosewood fingerboard, and two Seymour Duncan humbuckers. The combination gives the model a distinctive visual identity and a feature set aimed at players who want a locking tremolo system and a high-output bridge pickup.

Owner feedback is positive about the finish, general construction, and sound. One buyer praised the top and color, reporting no neck dive even when holding the guitar close to vertical. Another described the body and build as solid, with frets that were well finished and did not feel sharp. Those are useful firsthand observations, though they describe individual examples rather than a guarantee about every instrument.

Construction and feel

The body and set neck are made from nato, with a flamed maple veneer on top and a rosewood fingerboard. The Slime high-gloss finish and black hardware make the appearance a defining part of the package. The fingerboard has white pearloid dot inlays, a 305 mm (12-inch) radius, and 22 jumbo frets. The neck has a V profile, while the 43 mm nut width and 629 mm (24.75-inch) scale length provide the key measurements for assessing its fit and feel.

The scale length is in the shorter range commonly used on electric guitars, while the V-shaped neck profile is a more specific preference. Players who like a defined ridge in the palm may find it comfortable; those who favor a flatter neck shape should try one if possible. The reported clean fret ends are encouraging at this price, but a hands-on check remains the best way to judge fret leveling, setup, and neck feel on the individual guitar.

Pickups and controls

The pickup layout uses a Seymour Duncan TB-4 JB humbucker at the bridge and a Seymour Duncan '59 humbucker at the neck. Both are passive pickups. Two volume controls, one tone control, and a three-way toggle switch provide the listed control arrangement. The owner comments describe the sound as excellent, but do not specify an amplifier, playing style, or tone settings, so that praise should be treated as personal feedback rather than a measured claim.

The two-humbucker configuration offers a familiar range of bridge and neck positions, with the three-way switch handling selection. The JB at the bridge and '59 at the neck give the guitar a clearly defined pickup pairing, rather than an unspecified house-brand set. The provided specifications do not include output measurements or detailed tonal tests, so buyers should audition the guitar through their own equipment where possible.

Floyd Rose Special tremolo

The Floyd Rose Special tremolo is the feature most likely to affect setup and day-to-day ownership. It is paired with a Floyd Rose R3 locking nut, while the Grover machine heads have an 18:1 gear ratio. One first-time Floyd Rose owner said the system took patience to get used to and mentioned having trouble getting the bridge set up. Another review also criticized the inclusion of a Special-series Floyd Rose at this price, while still rating the guitar well overall.

That feedback makes setup a practical consideration, not a reason to dismiss the instrument. A locking tremolo takes more adjustment than a simple fixed bridge, particularly when changing strings or balancing the bridge. Players already comfortable with this style of system will know what to expect. New users should be ready to learn its setup requirements or have a technician handle the initial adjustment. Neither a case nor a gig bag is included, according to the supplied specifications.

Verdict

The ML 79 Fld Flame Top Dunc Slime makes its case with its striking finish, set nato construction, Seymour Duncan pickups, and recognizable ML shape. Owner reports support the impression of an attractive, solidly built guitar with comfortable fretwork and no obvious neck-dive concern. The main reservation is the Floyd Rose Special: it may require patience to set up, and its value at this price drew criticism in the feedback provided.

At $949, this model is best suited to players who specifically want the Slime finish, dual humbuckers, and a Floyd Rose-style locking tremolo. Buyers looking for a simpler bridge or an included case should factor in those omissions. For players willing to learn the tremolo system, the reported build quality and visual appeal make the Dean Guitars ML a compelling option to try in person.