Watch Paul Riario rev up the 'next-level' Dean MD24 Floyd Roasted Maple electric

Dean has long been the first name in six-string shred machines, and the streamlined MD24 Floyd Roasted Maple, loaded with a Floyd 1000 Series tremolo system and direct-mount Seymour Duncan TB5/APH-1 sandblasted Zebra pickups, is another hot-rodded winner.

And if you have a sneaking suspicion this guitar looks somewhat familiar, says Guitar World Tech editor Paul Riario, “you’d be correct – the MD24 shares the wider cutaways, 24 frets and wide script headstock logo of the Dean DS90 superstrat from the early ‘90s.” 

But, he adds, “that’s where the similarities end. This bolt-on constructed MD24 is not a remake at all, but an inspired, barebones model with tight refinement and tactile ergonomics.”

And just what do you get with the MD24? In addition to the Floyd and the Seymour Duncans, there’s a basswood body with flat top and contoured arm cut, a 25 ½ inch scale, a combined roasted maple neck and fingerboard with a 12-inch flat radius, Grover 18:1 tuners, 24 jumbo frets, abalone dot inlays, a single volume control, a three-way toggle switch, black hardware and a choice of two hot finishes – Vintage Orange and Vintage Blue.

“What’s striking to me,” Paul continues, “is that the satin neck looks like it’s deeply fire-roasted. Obviously having this kind of roasted neck is great for its sturdiness and brighter tone that makes notes and harmonics pop from the fretboard. And I also love the slender C profile neck and the slightly sculpted heel that you can hang on to.”

In short, Paul says, “the MD24 Floyd Roasted Maple is a spartan superstrat with big rock tones and a super-comfy roasted maple neck that feels next-level fast. Definitely check it out.”

For more information, head to Dean Guitars.