Dean Guitars Thoroughbred Select Quilt TCB
The Dean Guitars Thoroughbred Select Quilt TCB pairs a set-in nato neck and ebony fingerboard with Seymour Duncan humbuckers and Grover tuners. Its fixed bridge and lack of an included case are worth factoring into the purchase.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Dean Guitars Thoroughbred Select Quilt TCB review
The Dean Guitars Thoroughbred Select Quilt TCB is a solid-body electric guitar listed at $1,329. Its specification sheet describes a set-in nato neck, a nato body, a quilted maple top, an ebony fingerboard, and a pair of Seymour Duncan humbuckers. Those details establish its basic construction and electronics, but they do not tell us how the individual instrument sounds, feels, or is finished in person. No customer reviews are available, so this assessment sticks to the supplied specifications.
Body, top, and finish
The body is made from nato, with a quilted maple top. The top gives the guitar its figured appearance, while the body wood is specified separately. The listed finish is Trans Cherry Burst, although the general color field says Cherry Burst. Those descriptions may refer to the same finish, but the wording is not fully consistent. Buyers should check the exact finish name with the seller before ordering if that distinction matters to them.
Five-ply white binding is specified, along with black hardware. The contrast between the binding, dark hardware, and burst finish is part of the guitar's stated visual design. The supplied information does not give the body dimensions, weight, or finish type, so those points cannot be evaluated from the listing alone.
Neck and fingerboard
The set-in neck is made from nato, and the fingerboard is ebony. It has pearloid block inlays, a 305 mm (12-inch) radius, and 22 jumbo frets. The scale length is 629 mm (24.75 inches), with a nut width of 43 mm (1.69 inches). These measurements provide a useful reference for players comparing it with other guitars, but they do not establish the neck profile, fret size measurements, or setup at delivery. No neck-shape specification is provided.
The 22-fret layout and the listed scale length describe the instrument's basic playing geometry. The jumbo fret designation indicates the stated fret category, but the listing supplies no exact fret dimensions. It also gives no information about fret finishing, action, or factory setup. Those details can affect playability and may vary between individual instruments.
Pickups and controls
The Thoroughbred Select Quilt TCB uses two humbuckers: a Seymour Duncan SH-5 at the bridge and a Seymour Duncan APH-1 at the neck. The controls comprise two volume knobs and two tone knobs, with a three-way toggle switch. This arrangement allows the player to select the bridge pickup, the neck pickup, or their combined position, while the separate volume and tone controls provide adjustments for each pickup circuit as configured.
The model numbers identify the specified pickup models, but they are not a substitute for listening to the guitar. The supplied data does not describe output level, wiring options, coil-splitting, pickup height, or any switching beyond the three-way toggle. There is no basis here for claiming a particular tonal character or performance in a specific musical style. Players who need more detail should confirm the wiring and pickup configuration with Dean Guitars or the retailer.
Bridge and tuning hardware
The listed bridge is a Tune-o-matic-style design, and the guitar has Grover tuning machines. No tremolo system is included. This means the specification describes a fixed-bridge setup, not a vibrato-equipped model. The hardware is finished in black. The listing does not identify the tailpiece, provide details about bridge adjustment, or specify the exact Grover machine-head model.
What the listing leaves unclear
- Included accessories: The guitar is listed without a case and without a gig bag.
- Finish wording: The color field says Cherry Burst, while the detailed specification says Trans Cherry Burst.
- Instrument weight and neck profile: Neither is supplied, limiting comparisons based on comfort or balance.
- Setup and wiring: No factory setup measurements or additional switching details are provided.
Verdict
On paper, the Dean Guitars Thoroughbred Select Quilt TCB pairs a quilted maple top and ebony fingerboard with a set-in nato neck, two named Seymour Duncan humbuckers, and a fixed Tune-o-matic-style bridge. The 24.75-inch scale length, 22 jumbo frets, and four-knob control layout are clearly specified, while several practical details, including weight and neck profile, are missing. At the listed price of $1,329, shoppers should verify the finish description and budget separately for a case or gig bag. With no customer feedback available, the specifications are the only sound basis for assessing this model.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Seymour Duncan SH-5 bridge and APH-1 neck humbuckers provide two distinct pickup positions.
- Ebony fingerboard, 22 jumbo frets, and a 12-inch radius offer a substantial, performance-oriented playing surface.
- Set-in nato neck, quilted maple top, and five-ply white binding give the guitar a detailed construction and appearance.
What bugged me
- No tremolo system is included, limiting pitch effects that rely on a whammy bar.
- A case or gig bag is not included at the listed price.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A good fit for players seeking a fixed-bridge guitar with Seymour Duncan humbuckers and an ebony fingerboard. Also suits buyers who value a quilted maple top and set-in neck.Look elsewhere if
Not a fit for players who require a tremolo system. Buyers who expect a case or gig bag to be included should budget for one separately.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Cherry Burst
- Body
- Nato
- Top
- Quilted Maple
- Neck
- Nato
- Fretboard
- Ebony
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 629 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- Tremolo
- None
- Including case
- No
- Incl. gigbag
- No
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
What pickups are installed?
It has a Seymour Duncan SH-5 humbucker at the bridge and a Seymour Duncan APH-1 humbucker at the neck, selected with a three-way toggle switch.
Does this guitar have a tremolo?
No. The specifications list no tremolo and describe a TOM-style bridge.
What are the scale length and fretboard radius?
The scale length is 629 mm, or 24.75 inches, and the ebony fingerboard has a 305 mm, or 12-inch, radius.
Are a case or gig bag included?
No. The listed specifications say that neither a case nor a gig bag is included.
What controls does the guitar have?
It has two volume controls, two tone controls, and a three-way toggle switch.
The last word from the bench
This guitar's specifications suit players looking for a fixed-bridge electric with a set-in neck, jumbo frets, and a pair of Seymour Duncan humbuckers. The SH-5 bridge pickup and APH-1 neck pickup offer different options through a three-way switch and independent volume and tone controls. Its quilted maple top and five-ply binding add visual detail. At $1,329, note that neither a case nor a gig bag is included.
Hanging next to it
Dean Guitars Thoroughbred Select Quilt TCB
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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