A striking and innovative design from legendary luthier Dean Zelinsky, this DBZ Imperial comes from the transitional era of the brand that would later become Diamond Guitars making it a unique and increasingly hard-to-find piece.
The Imperial is one of Zelinsky’s most distinctive designs, featuring an ultra-thin carved body (as little as 5/8” at the edge) that delivers exceptional resonance, sustain, and a lively acoustic response rarely found in solid-body guitars.
Despite its thin profile, the combination of a mahogany body with a maple top provides a rich tonal balance warm, full lows with clear articulation and top-end definition.
Tone & Performance
Fitted with dual humbuckers, this Imperial produces a powerful, full-bodied tone suited to everything from clean, expressive playing through to driven rock and blues tones.
The design of the guitar including the extended distance between bridge and tailpiece also allows for enhanced sustain and unique harmonic overtones, giving it a slightly more “alive” feel than traditional solid bodies.
Playability & Feel
- Set neck construction for sustain and stability
- 24.75” scale length (familiar, Gibson-style feel)
- Slim, comfortable neck profile
- Lightweight, ultra-thin body for long-session comfort
- 22 frets with smooth upper fret access
This is a guitar that feels fast, responsive, and easy to connect with.
Key Features
- Designed by Dean Zelinsky (Dean / DBZ / Diamond lineage)
- Ultra-thin mahogany body with maple top
- Dual humbucker configuration
- Tune-o-matic style bridge with stop tailpiece
- Grover-style tuners (model dependent)
- Cream gloss finish with binding
Condition
Pre-loved and in great working order.
Shows minor cosmetic wear from normal use (light marks only), but nothing that affects playability or performance.
A true sleeper guitar boutique design, unique construction, and standout looks without the boutique price tag.
These Imperials are getting harder to come across, especially in this condition, and offer something genuinely different from the usual Fender/Gibson lineup.
Comes with hard case.
At Ron Leigh’s Music Factory, we want you be in love with your purchase! If you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, we’re here to help. You can read our full return policy here. Alternatively, you can call us on 03 9593 3900 or visit us in store to discuss your return.
At Ron Leigh’s Music Factory, we offer free, Australia wide, shipping on all orders over $100 except for large and heavy items (e.g., speaker cabinets, drum kits). We also offer competitive postage costs on all orders under $100 and for heavy items. You can also order online and collect your purchase in store. If you would like to click and collect your order at our store, please select click and collect at checkout. Once your order is ready for pickup, our team will call you to arrange a suitable pickup time. Please allow 1 – 2 business days for our team to prepare your click and collect order.