The Guitar Player's Resource
You're looking at the "V" style guitar that served Michael Schenker through his UFO classics and beyond - the kind of instrument that responds to both delicate phrasing and soaring power, perfect for players who view technique as a vehicle for musical expression rather than an end in itself.
When Michael Schenker's black and white V-shaped guitars became iconic in the '70s and '80s, they weren't just making a visual statement - they were solving real problems for a player who needed an instrument that could handle both delicate melodic phrasing and full-throttle rock power.
This Dean USA Standard captures exactly what made Schenker's approach so distinctive. That mahogany body and set neck combination provides the warm, singing sustain that makes single notes really connect emotionally with listeners. The 24.75" scale length gives you slightly easier string bending and that warmer, more vocal quality that serves melodic playing so beautifully.
Those dual USA DMT humbuckers deliver the tonal balance that working rock guitarists need - enough output to push your amp into sweet saturation without getting harsh or muddy, but with enough clarity to make complex chord voicings and rapid single-note passages cut through dense mixes. This pickup combination works whether you're executing those soaring UFO-style leads or providing the rhythmic foundation that makes great rock songs work.
The rosewood fingerboard feels smooth and musical under your fingers, while those 22 frets give you plenty of range for extended playing without unnecessary complexity. Grover tuners and the Tune-O-Matic bridge provide the reliability that lets you focus on music instead of constantly fighting tuning issues.
But here's what makes this guitar special beyond its iconic looks: it understands that flashy technique serves musical expression, not the other way around. Schenker proved that true guitar mastery lies in making every note count, and this instrument supports that philosophy perfectly.
The black and white split design creates instant visual recognition that photographs beautifully and commands attention on any stage, but the real magic happens when you plug it in and discover how it responds to your musical ideas.
