The added string length created by the exclusive headstock coupled with the original Dean neck design is how the Z achieves its "incredible ease of play".

[1] Dean Guitars' parent company, Armadillo Entrerprises, was ordered to halt sales of the Z in 2022 after legal action was taken against the company by Gibson Guitars.

[2][3] However, in July 2024, the US court of Appeals 5th Circuit Court found in favor of Armadillo's appeal, reversing the prior ruling and sending the case back for retrial.

The Z shape is also available as part of the Baby Series as a scaled-down version.

[7] However, in July 2024, this ruling was overturned by the US Court of Appeals and remanded back for retrial, restoring all rights to sell the Dean model Z to Dean Guitars.