Dean Guitars have been around since the 1970’s and were one of the first guitar makers to take vintage-style tone and playability and wrap it up in modern shapes and cosmetics that made rock players stand up and take notice. They are probably best known for their huge and pointy ML design, which most people know as the “Dimebag” shape in the present day, but they have tons of cool new axes that they are currently producing. One of their most righteous rides these days is the Vendetta XM. The XM is part of the Vendetta line, which are double cutaway, dual-humbucker instruments that are available in varying levels of trim.

The XM is a stripped-down rock machine at an amazingly low price (MSRP $210.50) that should have headbangers on a budget jumping for joy. It is built around a super-lightweight body made of Paulowinia wood, which is being seen more and more in guitar production lately, and a bolt-on 24-fret maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. The XM is a string-through-body design for maximum tone and sustain and features two uncovered humbuckers, a tune-o-matic bridge, master volume and tone controls, and a three-way pickup selector switch.

Dean Vendetta Price Point

At the price point it is found in, the Vendetta XM is clearly aimed at new guitar players looking for something that rocks that won’t break the bank. It is a fully-featured guitar that will give guitar newbies the inspiration to practice had and work towards getting their shred on, while looking cool all the while. It is also an excellent platform for mods and more experienced players may want to consider the XM as one that they can have their way with. Either way, the Vendetta XM is a great guitar for those looking to rock out on a budget without feeling like they bought a cheap guitar.

Dean Vendetta XM