DBZ Royale, Sunburst, Double Cutaway - Used
Dean Zelinsky built his reputation at Dean Guitars before departing in 2008 to launch DBZ Guitars — a venture aimed at applying everything he had learned about guitar design and construction in a more personal, hands-on context. The Royale is the DBZ take on the double-cutaway thin-body format, and it is one of the more distinctive instruments in the lineup. The mahogany body is genuinely ultra-thin — a design choice that makes itself felt immediately in the weight and comfort of the instrument. At 6 lbs 8 oz it is a featherweight that sits on the body without fatigue, and the thin profile changes the resonance and acoustic character of the mahogany in a way that full-depth guitars cannot replicate. Super comfortable to play standing or sitting, the kind of guitar that disappears and lets you focus on the music.
The custom Seymour Duncan-wound DBZ humbuckers are the voice — a collaboration between Zelinsky and the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop to deliver a high-output, aggressive tone with the balance and articulation that a generic high-output pickup sometimes sacrifices. Full bodied and responsive, a legitimate rock machine. The soft V mahogany neck is comfortable under the hand, the rosewood fingerboard plays fast, and the Grover tuners hold pitch reliably.
One detail worth noting honestly: the decorative badge on the headstock is somewhat oddly adhered — not flush and not perfectly seated. It is cosmetic only, no effect on playability or tuning, but buyers should know what they are looking at in the photos. Beyond that the guitar shows lots of play wear consistent with a loved and used instrument. Nothing structural, nothing functional — all electronics work cleanly. Check the full photo series for the complete cosmetic picture. No case included.
- Make: DBZ (Dean B. Zelinsky)
- Model: Royale
- Country of origin: South Korea
- Body: Mahogany, ultra-thin, double cutaway, sunburst finish
- Neck: Mahogany, soft V profile, set neck
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, dot inlays
- Pickups: 2x custom Seymour Duncan-wound DBZ humbuckers (DBZB/DBZ5)
- Controls: Volume, tone, 3-way toggle, coil tap
- Bridge: Roller bridge
- Tailpiece: DBZ custom stop tailpiece
- Tuners: Grover
- Hardware: Nickel
- Weight: 6 lbs 8 oz
- Modifications: None confirmed
- Includes: None
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
