Dean Guitars introduces the St. Augustine Elite GA Solid Top Acoustic-Electric guitar, bringing the popular Grand Auditorium body to this line of fine instruments. The Elite GA offers many of the same great features as its Series counterparts, including choice materials and specifications that keep incredible tone and performance at the forefront.
The St. Augustine Series was created to blend class with top-notch construction. These graceful guitars are the epitome of tone and identity. The Elite GA brings its own unique character to the line, with its Grand Auditorium body shape (25 1/2-inch scale) ideally sized between the series’ Parlor and Dreadnought models. A flat solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and improved tonal bracing set the foundation for excellent tone.
The Elite GA’s set neck construction further improves tonal transfer between the body and neck, and a dual-action truss rod allows for adjustments as needed. Dean goes the extra mile with the mahogany neck, featuring a soft V shape and Spanish ebony fingerboard (15-inch radius) for comfortable, smooth playability. The 20 frets have an Abalone Icon design, inspired by Dean’s Icon electric guitar series.
No corners are cut on the Elite GA’s specifications. Ebony factors in again at the bridge, helping to bring even more tonal clarity to the Elite GA. A Graph Tech NuBone nut (1 11/16-inch nut width) allows for greater volume, tone, and harmonics. A Satin Natural body finish paired with Dean’s black-white rope binding offers classic appeal, while an ebony rosette and chrome hardware provide the finishing touches of sophistication.
While the St. Augustine Elite GA Solid Top Acoustic-Electric has plenty of classic charm, the Fishman Presys+ preamp with built-in EQ delivers the modern functionality today’s acoustic players look for. Compact and sophisticated, the Presys+ offers Volume control; Bass, Mid, and Treble; Brilliance control for additional tone shaping; Notch filter for anti-feedback control; a Phase switch; and a built-in tuner with LED display. As described by Fishman, the Presys+ also includes a pre-wired Fishman Sonicore pickup, a low battery indicator, low-profile control knobs, and a unique pivot design for easy access to the 9V battery compartment. Overall, the Fishman Presys+ is a simple, effective preamp that helps translate the most natural tonal qualities of the Elite GA.
With the St. Augustine Elite GA Solid Top Acoustic-Electric, players will find a guitar that brings together the best of what’s tried-and-true and aims to make it even better.
MSRP $1229, $799 street
Learn more about the Elite GA and other guitars in the St. Augustine Series at www.deanguitars.com.
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