Guitar Journal: Dimebag Darrell Culprit, Mastodon & more
Dimebag Darrell, Mastodon line-up change and remembering Punk guitarist Brian James
4,9 / 5,0 | 
This week, we look at the news about Dimebag Darrell’s rare Culprit by Dime Guitarz, due sometime this year. We also look at the news of Brent Hinds’ replacement of Ben Eller as the guitarist in Mastodon over the weekend. Finally, we remember Brian James, the founding guitarist of The Damned who died last week.
Guitar Journal
Dime Guitarz
Dime Guitarz has officially unveiled its first Dimebag Darrell-designed guitar, the long-awaited Culprit. Washburn originally crafted this rare and experimental model in the late 1990s, and it is now back in 2025!
The Culprit
The Culprit stands out with its unique body shape, a variation of the classic Dean ML with a distinctive scooped rear bout. Dime Guitarz is bringing this design into the modern era with a series of refinements, ensuring it meets the demands of today’s players.
Recent images released by Dime Guitarz showcase the guitar’s impressive features. Equipped with a powerful pair of Seymour Duncan humbuckers, including the renowned Dimebucker in the bridge position, and a Floyd Rose tremolo system, the Culprit is primed for Dimebag’s signature dive bombs and squealing harmonics.
The guitar also boasts the iconic winged headstock, now adorned with the new “DGZ” logo, and what appears to be a print of Dimebag’s signature, adding a personal touch.
Z-Glide
One of the most notable features is the availability of a version featuring the revolutionary Z-Glide neck, an innovation by Dean Zelinsky, the founder of Dean Guitars.
This unique neck profile features a precisely engraved pattern designed to reduce contact between the player’s hand and the neck, providing an “ultra-fast” and “silky-smooth feel.” Dean Zelinsky teased the model on Facebook last September, stating, “The Culprit… designed by Dimebag Darrell.”
Dime Guitarz has revealed that there appear to be at least two versions of the Culprit.
Coming Soon
While official details and specifications have yet to be released, anticipation is building among fans eager to get their hands on this piece of guitar history. Dime Guitarz’s revival of the Culprit promises to be a significant moment for fans of Dimebag Darrell and heavy metal guitar playing.
MSRP – TBC
Ben Eller Steps In As Mastodon Guitarist
Mastodon just dropped a serious curveball. After 25 years, Brent Hinds is out, and YouTube sensation Ben Eller stepped in.
Tool In The Sand
Mastodon played Tool In The Sand in the Dominican Republic, and Ben Eller is shredding 17 songs like he’s been in the band forever.
No sweat, right? Well, maybe a little. Bassist Troy Sanders said, “Can you learn 17 Mastodon songs, like, right now?” and introduced Eller to the crowd. Talk about a trial by fire!
Ben Eller
Ben Eller’s a YouTube guitar guru with a massive following. He breaks down riffs, teaches you how to play like your heroes, and he’s totally into Mastodon. He’s even done deep dives into their stuff, so it’s not like he was coming in blind.
Mastodon Tour
Now, Ben can play the stuff, no doubt. He showed that at Tool In The Sand. But can he bring his own thing to the table? That’s the big question.
We’ll find out soon enough because Mastodon is touring with Coheed, Cambria, and Periphery in May. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and check out Mastodon’s website for tour dates and tickets.
Brian James
Brian James, the influential guitarist and founding member of punk rock legends The Damned, has passed away at the age of 70. James, who penned the iconic first UK punk single “New Rose” and played a crucial role in the creation of their groundbreaking debut album “Damned Damned Damned” (1977), leaves behind a legacy that shaped the sound of punk.
Punk Guitarist
A spokesperson for Easy Action Records confirmed James’ peaceful passing on Thursday, March 6th, surrounded by his family.
James’ impact on punk is undeniable. He was a driving force behind The Damned’s early success, which included supporting the Sex Pistols on their infamous Anarchy Tour and touring with T. Rex on Marc Bolan’s final tour.
“The riffmeister, Brian has gone,” shared bassist and fellow founding member Captain Sensible in an emotional Instagram post.
The Lords Of The New Church
Following his departure from The Damned after their second album, “Music For Pleasure,” James continued to explore his musical creativity.
He was part of Tanz Der Youth before forming the critically acclaimed The Lords Of The New Church with singer Stiv Bators and drummer Nick Turner. Together, they produced enduring songs like “Open Your Eyes,” “Dance With Me,” and “Method To My Madness.”
The Damned are a significant influence on me as a guitarist and New Rose is song I have covered many times in the past (you can hear our cover here), so this sad news hit hard.
Rest in Punk Mr James!
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