Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted 09/04/2006 at 12:49pm by Dave

Features : 10
Sound : 10
Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Reliability/Durability : 10
Customer Support : 10
Overall Rating : 10

Harmony Central Guitar Review of Zager EZ-Play ZAD 50 Acoustic

Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 11:57pm by Steve in Plano

Features : 10
The ZAD 50 Acoustic Dreadnought is a great musical instrument and it rivals much higher priced Taylors, Gibsons, Ovations and Martins. The oveal quality of this guitar is excellent and is final inspected, tuned and personally autographed by Denny himself to make sure the guitar meets his personal satisfaction.

Sound : 10
Sound great and rivals the higher end guitars. Gotta play one to believe it. I have a 1977 Ovation and the ZAD 50 is head to head with it in quality and sound.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
This is a very well built guitar. You can't beat it for the price. Your an idiot or not much of a player if you can't tell this after picking it up and playing it for the first time.

Reliability/Durability : 10
I have only had it since Christmas, but it is built very solid and the finish is pristine. It should give you many years of service.

Customer Support : 10
These guys have responded to several e-mails I sent to then within 24 hours. If you don't like the guitar for any reason, send it back for a complete refund, no questions asked. Try that at one of the major chain stores. This is a family business and they truely appreciate you business and want you for a repeat customer or to tell a friend about their guitars and service.

Overall Rating : 10
I've been playing guitars since 1965 and own 6 electrics and one Acoustic. I happened upon Zager Guitars by accident when I googled Zager and Evens after hearing their hit 2525 in XM radio. The ZAD 50 Acoustic Dreadnought is a great musical instrument and it rivals much higher priced Taylors, Gibsons, Ovations and Martins. The oveal quality of this guitar is excellent and is final inspected, tuned and personally autographed by Denny himself to make sure the guitar meets his personal satisfaction. Most of all the playability is excellent and it really sounds GREAT.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 09:06pm by Gregor

Features : No Opinion

Sound : 9
The sound is very rich and clean. Although only playing for a year, but a definite difference in the sound...greatly improved over my previous guitar

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
Nice factory set up. This is a major reason I was attracted to the company and I wasn't disappointed.

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion

Customer Support : 9
Very friendly and responsive, but no issues with the product. Nice on-line help via videos on the website.

Overall Rating : 9
I've been playing for about a year and wanted to move up in the quality of my guitar, realizing that I had to be reasonable about how much I spent. I see this guitar delivering tremendous value...and I do not define quality as inexpensive. The sound this guitar produces is head and shoulders above anything else I've heard. It is clearly a well-made and good looking guitar and I'm looking forward to playing it for years. I am extremely happy with my selection...I would defintiely repeat this purchase

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 10:11pm by Jim Pitts

Features : 9
The zad 50 is one beautiful dreadnaught acoustic guitar, with a flawless finish
Solid spruce top with mahogony back and sides, mahogony neck
chrome grover tuners.

Sound : 10
Sound is rich and full and I think superior to much higher priced guitars. Frets are customized, eliminating buzz, and making it easy to play.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
No flaws, this is a quality product.

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 10
I know of no other guitar of this quality for the money

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 01:53pm by Tom Sweet

Features : 9
This is a full size acoustic guitar from Zager, made in the USA. The finish is extremely nice, very simple, but well done mother-of-pearl inlay on the body, easy to play design. Frets are spaced well on the neck for the average size hand/fingers, and the guitar holds tune very nicely. When Zager says this guitar is set-up for easy play, they are right on---
Very well crafted instrument overall. Accessories included an extra set of strings, digital humidity/temp gauge, and Allyn wrench for neck adjustment if necessary over time. No upper strap button, had to have one installed. Comes in nice case, with option for other cases when ordered.

Sound : 9
Bright sound for acoustic guitar, with solid low notes, clear resonance.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Guitar action/frets/neck very easy to play. Nice quality finish and overall construction. Ready to go out of the case.

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion
Haven't had this guitar for a long enough time to answer the above, but my son has had one for just under two years, and it has held up very well under almost daily play.

Customer Support : 10
Zager extremely easy to deal with, very accessible from the get-go. Nice web site, phone numbers, and good communication. I haven't used the warrantee, but don't expect to have any problems if I have to in the future.

Overall Rating : 9
I have been playing for a long time, with a hiatus of constant playing for about 15 years until a couple of months ago, so am using this new guitar every day now. I like the way it sounds with vocals, and the way it holds tune. Pitch is critical to me, and this guitar fits my needs. I would have liked to have the upper strap button attached from the manufacturer, but have had one installed.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 01:41am by Jimmy Memphis
Email: jimmy_memphis<at>comcast dot net

Features : 10
Beautiful workmanship and stays in tune.

Sound : 10
Incredible sound and tone with the martin strings.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
I couldn't belive that it was in tune when I opened it up right out of the box.

Reliability/Durability : 10
In the last year I've put it through many test and played it at all my gigs. I take care of my stuff and this guitar is very well made. I purchsed the black body.

Customer Support : No Opinion
It's never needed anything done to it. So I can't say.

Overall Rating : No Opinion
I've been playing guitar for 35 years and still play everyday 2-3 hours. I have really never enjoyed playing and acoustic body ax before but this model the Zad 50 by Zager is all I have been playing for the last 11-12 months. I have a Strat and a Les Paul as well as some El Cheap O's and the Zager has proved to me to be very easy to play with a great sound. I'm 55 years old and my fingers are starting to feel pain from old age setting in. I would recommend the Zager Guitar line to anyone starting or pro.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 03:10pm by James Thomas

Features : 8
Standard features, Inlay around sound hole, Grover tuners,Solid Spruce top.

Sound : 10
Wide range of acoustical music

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Set up perfectly,low action. Perfectly bookmatched top and back.

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion
Have not owned it long enough to give an educated opinion.

Customer Support : 10
Awesome,almost instant replies to e-mail. Live person answers when calling by phone!

Overall Rating : 10
Let me preface by saying I've been playing over 30 years although not professionally.
I recently purchased a Zad 80 and case from Zager guitars. The guitar arrived in five days after placing the order, Prior to ordering the guitar I had many conversations with Denny Jr. by e-mail. My e-mails were always answered within a few minutes. Denny's patience was inexhaustible. I'm not one to buy products online and rarely have. I happened upon Zager guitars accidentally when I was just goofing around on the Internet and looking at eBay. After visiting their sight I became intrigued. Their claims about their guitars seemed too good to be true, and I am first and foremost a skeptic. After many exchanges with Denny, and after reading their testimonials and scouring their money back guarantee for small print I decided I would give them try. When I received the guitar and opened it and I was shocked at how good it looked. At the same time I was also suspicious. I took the guitar out and stummed it a couple of times. It was only slightly out of tune. After tuning it up I could not believe the volume and beautiful tone that came from this guitar. But i thought, surely something must be wrong with it. I inspected it from head to toe and could find nothing wrong except a very very small blemish on the back of the guitar near the lower bout. Probably something that you would expect to see on almost any new product. I played around with it for a couple of days trying to find something wrong with it. I couldn't. Still unsatisfied Itook it to a local guitar Luthier (some one who builds and repairs guitars). I told him I had the opportunity of purchasing this guitar, and an equal opportunity of returning it. I asked him to check it over, check the intonation, etc.. Then I asked him what he thought the value of this guitar might be. He told me that a fair price for the guitar would be anywhere from $1800 to $2300! Again I was shocked! I asked him then if I were to pay $600 for this guitar would it be a good price? He exclaimed, definitely, no question! Well to be honest, I ended up returning this guitar because I decided it was still just too much money for me to pay. I called Denny and told him I wanted to return the guitar. There were no questions asked. I received a return label by e-mail and returned the guitar and received a refund. No problems.

I then ordered a Zad 50. Again I received the guitar in five days. When I opened the guitar I was equally shocked by its good looks, especially considering that it cost $200 less than the Zad 80. I took the guitar out of the case, tuned it up, and began to play. I was stunned. Absolutely stunned! Although the tone was slightly different from the Zad 80, the volume and brilliance of tone was amazing. This is one of the two best guitars I have ever owned or played (the other being a sad 80!). The intonation of this guitar is perfect. I mean technically perfect. I've had it tested. It is perfect! I don't see myself ever parting with this guitar. I have been playing for over 30 years so this is no small feat, and I don't expect any of you fellow skeptics out there to believe me anymore then I believed the other testimonials. But all I can say is believe. Whether you do or not is your choice. But believe me I would not have taken time that it took to right this review unless it was true. This review for Zager guitar is the only review I have ever written for any product. Enough said.
James

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 10:31am by D.J. Bartholomew

Features : No Opinion
this is a satin finish dreadnought guitar with grover tuners. It has a relatively thin neck and is very easy to play. I bought the hard case and keep the guitar cased when not in use. I believe the guitar was made in 2005 the year I bought it. It is a solid top guitar.

Sound : No Opinion
The sound quality is fantastic, this is an acoustic guitar with no pick up. I had a gibson hummingbird that I bought new in 1970 this Zager is much easier to play it doesn't sound quite as good as the hummingbird but for the price I paid it is absolutely excellent. The action is very nice, after I had this guitar for several months it has become my only guitar and I have sold the gibson. Many of your readers are probably shaking their heads saying what did this guy do? But I can guarantee you this is one fine guitar with a great sound and is definitely easier to play than the gibson. At one point with the hummingbird I sent it back to gibson to have the neck reworked. Even after that was done the bird was harder to play than this Zager. I would highly recommend the Zager and I would buy another.

Action, Fit, & Finish : No Opinion
the guitar arrived at my home ready to play. It was tuned and I have to say it stays in tune for a long time..... The fit and finish were nearly perfect upon arrival. And it had a wonderful smell to it which it still does when I open the case.

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion
I don't play professionally, I play for family and friends and the guitar feels like a keeper. It was hard for me to part with my hummingbird, it was so beautiful and felt like you could drop it from a 10 story building and do no damage! The Zager doesn't feel that stout but it does feel good, real good in fact. And I know that whenever I open that case the Zager will perform beautifully. It has actually made me a better player. I have been playing for (I hate to think about it) 40 years.

Customer Support : No Opinion
I haven't had to get it repaired but when I first got it I wasn't sure I liked it and called the factory. I actually got Denny Zager Jr. and he said no hard feelings just send it back..... well I thought about it a while and played it a lot for a few days... I had been looking at many guitars and wanted something new and the Zager seemed like the best of what I had been looking at. Well those few days of playing changed everything for me, I love the Zager and have sold the hummingbird.

Overall Rating : No Opinion
I looked at lower end Martins and gibsons in the $700.00 range. I looked around at many others including Takimini in the $400 to $600 range. But then I found Zager and started reading about how Denny Zager built his guitars and so I tried one and if this guitar was damaged, stolen or lost I would definitely buy another Zager and I would probably buy an even more expensive one. This Zager was in the $400 to $500 price range and it sound and plays like a $2,000. guitar.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 05:49pm by Jeff

Features : 10
temp sensor in the case. strung and tuned to a T. Beautiful finish.

Sound : 10
I've been playing for quite some time (not professionally.. mainly for my own amusement) and after reading the reviews of this guitar, I thought I would take a chance to see how it would play. After breaking it out of the box, and one chord, I was in awe. A full sound, easy fingering, actually the first guitar that made me sound like a half-way decent guitar player. For once!!!

Action, Fit, & Finish : No Opinion
* How well was the guitar set-up at the factory? (How was the action?)

Reliability/Durability : 10
* Will this guitar withstand live playing?

Customer Support : No Opinion
Quick email replies and order status and customer service. Wonderful.

Overall Rating : No Opinion

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 06:39am by Paul Zelinsky
Email: thezelinskys at hotmail<dot>com

Features : 10
SOLID-TOP
DREADNOGHT
GLOSS FINISH
GROVER TUNERS
ROSEWOOD NECK

Sound : 10
THIS GUITAR HAS A WONDERFUL RICH SOUND

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
THIS GUITAR CAME FULLY TUNED AND SET UP. THE ACTION IS SOFT AND EASY TO PLAY. TOP QUALITY SET UP BY ZAGER HIMSELF.

Reliability/Durability : 10
JUST GOT IT. BUT THIS IS A SOLID GUITAR

Customer Support : 10
TOP NOTCH

Overall Rating : 10
FOR THE PRICE THIS GUITAR IS A GREAT VALUE

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 03:46pm by Chris

Features : 10
Natural Finish

Sound : 10
Beautiful Acoustic Guitar, rich full sound.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
I got this guitar from Denny Zager from Zager guitars. The guitar is a work of art. This is my 2nd guitar I have purchased from Zager guitar and I couldn't be more pleased.

Reliability/Durability : 10
This guitar is tough, durable, solid and feels good in your hands. It plays beautifully and I would use it for any occasion.

Customer Support : 10
I have called and emailed questions/ concerns and they were always answered promptly and professionally.

Overall Rating : 10
I have played about 4 years. I have been happy with the first one and still have it, but decided to upgrade this year. I will use both, as they are both wonderful instruments.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 02:13pm by Jake Adamson
Email: jakedadamson<at>yahoo dot com

Features : 10
Absolutely gorgeous guitar, very classy! Gloss finish really makes this baby glow. The neck is thinner than most, which makes fast playing a breeze. Spruce soundboard and mahogany back and sides looked great and sounded even better. Nut and bridge sit low for easy playability. Abalone soundhole inlays and pearl dot fret markers let you know you're getting a quality instrument. Grover enclosed tuning heads were an added bonus. All at a great price: <$400!

Sound : 10
Great for strumming, finger-picking, and even speedy soloing. Clear, rich sound with bright highs rivals even the most expensive Martins. Sustain seems to ring out forever. Sounded great whether strumming lightly or banging away.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Zager's EZ-Play system is brilliant. The action is so low, you'd expect a buzz just by looking at it, but it is completely buzz-free and plays like a dream. No more cramped and tires hands! The modified bracing really lets the soundboard resonate, and small frets are easy on the fingers.

Reliability/Durability : 10
Feels solid, with adequate bracing and a thick glossy coat that can take a few hits without dinging. High quality woods and hardware mean this guitar was meant to last a lifetime. Lower action means less wear on the strings, so they should last longer than normal.

Customer Support : 10
Lifetime warranty and 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee!! You can't beat that anywhere. When my friend's pickguard began to come up at the edge, Zager shipped him a new pickguard and a brand new set of Martin strings for free! These people really care about the people who buy their products and Denny Zager signs each guitar to show his personal approval.

Overall Rating : 10
I've been playing for 8 years. I own an American Strat, a Sonata 12-string, several classicals, a Martin Goya, ans a Stratacoustic. This is the finest guitar I've ever played for less than $3000.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 05:00pm by Ruby

Features : 10
Cutaway, electronic tuner, brand new, tone controls...

Sound : 10
Seems to have great range of sounds...doesn't buzz at any point...still trying it out...flexible for different country/blues techniques. Bell-like...great sournding harmonics.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
There's a swirl in the wood at one point which bothered me at first, but I think it gives it character. No flaws yet apparet.

The mother of pearl is pretty...I didn't expect it to be so nice. I don't really need the signature, but that's fine.

Setup was flawless.

Reliability/Durability : 10
Seems solid, easy to keep in tune on a gig (I do a lot of Nashville writers' nights).

Customer Support : 9
Very helpful on ordering, haven't had it long enough for problems.

Overall Rating : 10
I have small hands but I can barre and do a lot of up-the-neck playing that I couldn't, even on my Baby Taylor. I wish they had a fiberglass case, or other lightweight yet airline-safe case.

It's just very playable, solid.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 08:24am by Ralph Baker
Email: imperial77 at inebraska<dot>com

Features : 8
i am just learning to play guitar but i feel this is going to be one of the eassist one to learn on i have a friend that has been playing for quite a while i showed it to him he played it and said it was a nice guitar with nice sound.

Sound : 9
i love the sound of this guitar i am having some trouble reaching over the body of it but i have never played guitar it is something i will have to get used to.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
i do not know a lot about guitars but i had a friend look at it that has been playing for quite a while he said it was realy nice and i should have it for a long time i have been trying to learn to make chords on one that i was just getting sore fingers on when i recieved my zad50 i was able to make some of them i still need to practice on them but they sound better all the time.

Reliability/Durability : 8
i do not plan on playing in public but if i was i would not be affraid of using it

Customer Support : 10
ihave just recieved it but every time i ask a question they have been there to help me they ansered every thing and were very helpful and friendly

Overall Rating : 9
i am just learning to play i have little guitar that i have had since i was little but could never play it my fingers would hurt and i woud quit i have always thought i wanted to learn i started looking on the internet and found zager guitars it said no more sore fingers and had a money back guarantee if i was not happy with it what did i have to lose they were there for me any time i had a questions the strings are closer to the neck a lot easer to practice with if i can't play this one i will know that it was my fault

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 05:01pm by Mike

Features : 9
Full size dreadnought, Solid spruce top, Mahogany back & sides, Grover Tuners, Abalone inlay rosette, Gloss finish, Hand carved custom nut, Hand carved custom saddle, Rosewood fret-board, Rosewood bridge.

Sound : 8
I play acoustic rhythm for soloist, duets, and ensembles in church services, talent shows, fairs, etc. The ZAD 50 has a much fuller sound than my Ovation Celebtrity Deluxe. It is noticeably easier to change chords, play bass runs, with a cleaner sound.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
The guitar was immediately used upon arrival at my house. It was hand modified and set up for easy play and great sound out of the box and I can testify that is true. I was preparing for a peerformance within a week and I was very happy how the ZAD 50 played and sounded during rehearsals. We received many compliments after the performances.

Reliability/Durability : 8
Yes to all questions. There is no doubt this instrument will last and make live performances as long as I am up to it.

Customer Support : 10
The company is very,very friendly and quick to respond. There is a 60 day no hassle no questions asked money back guarantee.

Overall Rating : 9
I have been playing for over 20 years. I also own an Ovation Celebrity Deluxe that is a great guitar, and a Washburn D12st. I love the sound of this guitar but the looks are spectacular also. After all that, it play so easy it is almost hard to believe.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 10:01am by Dave
Email: davej12345 at yahoo<dot>com

Features : 10
I am hoping that I can do this without getting too technical. This will be a "general" rating of this guitar. This the second guitar that I have purchased from Dennis Zager. The first was several years ago - a modified Washburn elec acoustic. The guitar I recently purchased is the Zager Version of the elec. acoustic. These guitars are made to Dennis's specs buy the factory that makes the Martin Sigma series. Truely I have not played an acoustic guitar that plays as sweetly as this one. I am a semi pro that plays out 3 or 4 times a month and I used to have to space out my giggs to let my fingers recover usually 3 or 4 days apart. I just played a gigg with my new Zager ZAD 50 (on Saturday) and I could play the next day if I had to. A 4 hour gigg was no problem - usually I am pretty sore after 3 hours or so. Not that I couldn't finish the gigg but had some sore fingers.On Saturday I felt just a little fatigue in the fingers but by then the gigg was over. For the money - this guitar is a home run.

Sound : 10
Sounds great.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
See Above - this guitar plays like a dream. Dennis (The owner) personally sets up each guitar before it gets shipped.

Reliability/Durability : 10
Seems well made - top notch hardware - beautiful finish.

Would use on a gigg in a heartbeat.

Customer Support : 10
Lifetime warranty - customer support is the best.

Overall Rating : No Opinion
I have been playing guitar since I was a kid - been playing for money about 15 years. Have owned many guitars over the years. Have some artiritis in my hands and have been looking for that guitar that I can play all nite and have it sound good. I believe I have found it. Would buy it again.

You will not find another guitar with this action for this price. You just won't.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 09:59pm by Chip

Features : 9
It has a gloss finish, solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fret board and bridge, grover tuners, inlayed abalone rosette, 21 frets, it is a dreadnough body style.

Sound : 10
I'm new to playing guitar, so style of music is classic rock ballads some country.
The sound is crisp and distinct, the sustain is excellent.
I have no dislikes.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
was in tune out of the box, no flaws that I can see or hear.

Reliability/Durability : 8
Time will tell how long it will last, but it feels and seems solid to me, the finish is looks like it will last. I do depend on it, as for playing in gigs, if I do I would definately use this guitar. I rate this an 8 because I am new to guitar ownership so my opinion in this area is obviously limited, but I have worked with woods and finishes.

Customer Support : 10
I have dealt with them, but not on a repair or replacement issue, they are surprisingly prompt in their response time, and very friendly, their warranty is lifetime.

Overall Rating : 10
I've been playing for three months.
I do own another guitar not worth mentioning.
If it were stolen I would not think twice about replacing it.
It sounds great, it looks great, the action is low and easy to play, with no buzzing. I had compared it to a Washburn D10S which I also liked but was not as easy to play, also and Alvarez I forget the model but it also was a nice guitar. I also tried a couple of Epiphones. I thought, hey money back guarantee plus pay shipping both ways, give it a try, I'M GLAD I DID The ZAD 50 sounds great, looks great, easy to play, lifetime warranty, money back guarantee, even if you do return it the shipping is paided for both ways.
Oh yeah playing bar cords was difficult if not very hard for me, not with the Zager Zad 50.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 07:20am by Mike Dixon
Email: dixonmg49 at hotmail<dot>com

Features : 10
Great looking guitar but more to the point is that it is eminently playable. The Zager string science ensures that you can,t get an easier guitar to play.

Sound : 10
Great for fingerpicking or flatpicking: the sound is clean and bright.Definitely the best sounding guitar I have owned.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Exactly as advertised. A very low action allows for esay playing - and with no string buzzes.

Reliability/Durability : 10
I have only just received the instrumentb but can't see any reason why it shuld not endure.

Customer Support : 10
Zager offer a lifetime warranty- you can't get better than that. Unfortunately, I live in England so in the event of anything going awry I will not be able to take advantage of this ( you would not believe the air shipping costs!)I have e mailed and spoken to the Zagers and they are very, very customer friendly.

Overall Rating : 10
I have played for about 35 years and wish I had heard of Zager guitars years earlier. I would definitely buy another , although I think I would travel to the Staes to pick it up rather than have it shipped - it would probably be cheaper and more enjoyable.I have owned a number of guitars although never expensive or top brand instruments. The point is, the Zager guitars are by no means expensive and yet play like a dream.Thos eof you living in the Staes should definitely take advantage of these value for money guitars.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 12:49pm by Dave

Features : 10
Plenty of features for what I need. Finish is excellent. Sunburst is beautiful and the abalone inlay around the sound hole shines like diamonds. Solid spruce top. Sealed grover tuners. Add all this to the Zager modification and I have a great instrument that I believe will last longer than I will.

Sound : 10
Very rich full sound. Beautiful sunburst top with abalone inlay. I play country, gospel, folk. Love the looks and sound

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Simply amazing. Don't know what else to say. The Zager modification works great. Frets easily, yet still has full volume and projection. No flaws at all that I can see.

Reliability/Durability : 10
Have only had it a few days. Stepped up from a Zager modified Sigma DM1 which I thought was great. This is made by the same company so I don't expect any problems. Love the sealed grover tuners.

Customer Support : 10
They stand behind their products. All questions and emails answered promptly and they were very eager to help. It's too bad that there aren't many businesses around any more that have the high level of service and professionalism that Zager does.

Overall Rating : 10
I own 7 other guitars, but now I only play this one. I am 63 and have the beginnins of arthritis. I could only play for a short time on the other guitars, but with this one and the Sigma that Zager modified, I can now play for hours with no problem. I just can't say enough about this company and their guitars. They are GREAT! (I previously purchased and reviewed the Zager modified Sigma DM1 and didn't think it could get any better. I was wrong. This one is better.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 11:54pm by Steve A.

Features : 9
The guitar I got has a high gloss black finish. It is a full sized dreadnaught (41") with the usual sting-thru-body design. He uses Grover tuners which are quality tuners. I tuned the guitar a couple times after receiving it (with an electronic tuner) and since the strings have now stretched out they have stayed in near perfect tune. The only reason they aren't in perfect tune all the time is that I live in a climate that is dry on day and humid the next which always play havoc with strings. But even with that they really do stay close to pitch. The top is solid spruce which accounts for the depth of the lows right thru to the clarity of the highs. The back and sides are listed as mahogany. It doesn't state that they are laminate but from the sound I'm actually not sure (though for the price they might be). It has a rosewood fretboard and bridge which really look good against the black body. And unlike most other guitars in this range, they really are rosewood (many guitars in this range use maple or a cheap wood and actually paint the top the color of rosewood). Last, but not least, Denny Zager must be sure of what he sells as all his guitars have a life time warranty. You don't do that unless you are sure of your product.

After all this you are probably wondering if I am a family member or work for or with Zager Guitar in some capacity. I would think so if I were reading this (the sceptic in me). I have never written a review that doesn't put down at least SOMETHING on the product I am reviewing. But the fact is I stumbled across Zager Guitar on eBay (as I said) and it went from there. They just make a good product and are a good company to deal with; simple as that.

Sound : 10
I have been primarily a concert level classical guitarist and taught classical and steele string guitar for just over 30 years. When teaching steele string the style is primarily folk and pop (taught "finger picking style". I became chronically ill and had to sell off the last of my guitar collection a year ago. The medications that I take have induced osteo arthristis, firbromyalgia and a condition called Raymaud's Syndrome...all make the hands cramp or hurt (more than just a little pain and there is little that can be taken for the problems since they are medication induced themselves).

I first say the "Zager Easy Play" guitars while just looking around eBsy then went to their site. Having played for so long it was like having a child taken from you when I had to stop because even nylon strings were difficult to finger. I saw the promises made by Denny Zager and family on his site about the pplayability of his guitars and several friends got the money together to purchase a black, ZAD 50 for me. What was there to lose? They even offer to pay for s&h if not satisfied to send it back so I received one.

I have played everything from student guitars that sound like PlaySchool toys to my own collection of guitars over the years which have included a Les Paul L5 semi-acoustic (my first guitar and the one I considered my baby) to concert classicals costing as much as $4000. While the sound of a ZAD 50 cannot compare to a $4000 concert guitar I am amazed at the fulness and depth of the lows and how clean and bright the highs are. I'm sorry another reviewer had such a bad experience with his guitar but mine worked exactly as advertised. The action (to be discussed next), bridge, saddle, nut and frets were all finely tuned to each other and all the ranges of the instrument are clear and loud for an acoustic guitar. I was amazed to be able to produce harmonics at not only the 12th fret (as is normal for a student or even intermediate level guitar) but also at the 7th and 5th frets. Running scales up and down the fretboard didn't produce a single buzz (even with my messed up hands).

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
The action is amazing for a steele string on the guitar I received. On the site there is a video of Denny Zager stating that at the first fret you would have trouble sliding a piece of paper underneath at that point since the action is so low...so the first thing I did was get and piece of paper and...you can guess the rest. I was difficult to get under but the action was high enough and the guitar setup was so well done that there is no fret buzz at all anywhere on the fretboard.

Having had guitars set up by luthiers in the past, to do as much work as it would have taken to custom make the nut, bridge and file any necessary frets would have cost $300 easily. If a guitar shop says they can do it for $50 to $75 they are amatuers (I had students waste the money in many instances and their guitars really came out with little more than a new set of strings and possibly a new nut that was factory made but to a different height). This is truly the work of a master luthier.

Since the guitar is stained black it is hard to tell if the wood has been bookmatched or not. While the guitar is simple in esthetic design, it is afterall a $400 instrument that has really had another $300 (at least) worth of work done on it by a master luthier. So if it isn't overly fancy, it is still good looking and the black finish is flawless.

Having owned as many guitars as I have and having seen student guitars for 20 years I gave the guitar more than one "once over". I looked for glue at joints, dings that had been stained over (something common with black or sunburst finish guitars as it will sometimes hide imperfections). I looked at the neck from every angle. Again, I don't know what happened with the other reviewer's guitar but mine was flawless in every respect.

The base guitars used by Denny Zager are made by Martin for him and them shipped to him for customization. I actually wanted to find something wrong (it makes for much more interesting reviews I'm sure) but the fact is that there was just nothing to find.

Reliability/Durability : 10
I've only had the guitar for a few weeks. Being homebound now though it is getting a LOT of use (probably about 5 to 6 hours a day...not bad when I couldn't even play a nylon string guitar for more than 1/2 hour before my hands would cramp up or just become too painful). So I would have to say that it will probably be pretty durable. As for reliability; every part is firmly attached and none of the parts are cheap. The tuners appear to be sealed chrome (unlike guitars such as the Esteban line which used tuners enclosed in plastic painted to look chrome).

As to whether I would use it on a gig; if I had a good mic set up (since this model is acoustic) I actually would. While I might not play it with a symphony orchestra I wouldn't think twice about using it as my primary guitar on a solo gig. As I said, the sound if full in all ranges, it would just need to use a mic and amp for a large crowd. I really would compare the sound of this guitar to one costing about $1000.

Customer Support : 10
As for customer supposrt all I can say is that it is stuck somewhere back in the 60s. Before you take that as a negative, read on.

Back in the 60s there were a couple slogans that ran around: "the customer is always right" and "if you really feel you did a good job you shouldn't be afraid to sign your work". Denny Zager does just that; every guitar he modifies, he signs.

I have also dealth extensively through e-mail with his son Dennis, Jr. Every e-mail has been answered within 24 hours (even on weekends). The are always professional, curteous and actually answer my questions - no trying to skirt around issues. This company, at least in my case, has gone out of their way to be helpful (believe it or not, prior to a sale I am a "hard sell" so I ask a lot of questions and having been in the business my self for so long I sometimes ask questions I know the answer to just to see if the person answering the question really knows what they are talking about...every answer prompt and correct).

For customer service, I can't remember the last time I dealt with a more responsive company.

Overall Rating : 10
Playing for as long as I have, having taught my self and even done some custom set up on guitars I knew the questions to ask in advance (though most are answered on the site in Windows video form if you look around).

If this guitar were stolen I would definitely replace it. If I could afford it I would replace it with the next model up (only because the ZAD 80 can be purchased as an acoustic/electric) and it makes recording much easier.

I would recommend a Zager guitar to anyone who was looking. If it were being purchased as a student guitar, that student wouldn't have to upgrade for a very long time. If being purchased as a gig instrument, like I said, I would prefer an acoustic/electric. But being homebound that really isn't an issue for me any more. So don't think twice about giving them a try.

Lastly, Denny Zager also has developed a guitar teching method over the years which is on his site with downloadable PDF files of music, hand positions for chords, MANY hours of streaming video of lessons, talks with students, playing techniques and more than I can mention here. At the time of this writing he offers full on line access for a very minimal fee (based on 1, 6 or 12 month's worth of lessons). I charged more for 1 lesson than he charges for a year's membership. Also worth looking in to, even for an experienced player.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 10:59pm by Gaines Fulghum

Features : 10
Beautiful Sunburst finish. Abolone inlay around the sound hole. Tortise shell pick guard. Beautiful flame in the mahogany on the back. Solid spruce top. Mahogany sides....I still can't believe the value

Sound : 10
The sounds that come from this guitar are nothing short of amazing. The mids are not overtaken by the low or high end...very balanced.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
The action is VERY low with absolutely no buzzing. Very easy to play for extended periods with not a hint of discomfort. The string spacing is absolutely perfect for fingerstyle. Sealed tuning pegs, custom cut nut and saddle.

Reliability/Durability : 8
Only had the guitar about two weeks, but I get no impression that there is anything "cheap" about this guitar...other than the price!

Customer Support : 10
No repair needed as of yet. The warranty is one of the best in the business and I can tell you that emails are usually answered the same day....and most of the time within an hour!

Overall Rating : 10
I'm glad to know that there are companies like Zager guitar out there and more importantly that there are people like Denny and Dennis Jr!

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 12:09am by Ron

Features : 10
Very nice finish on the guitar mine is black and the reflections from the guitar are very clear,Spruce top and mahogany sides.Grover tuning gears.Custom nut and saddle ect....

Sound : 9
Just purchased the guitar and it sounds nice and bright, Great volume.
Responds well to palming bending ect.Has alot lighter strings than I am accustom too but an easy fix.Am very happy with the way the guitar sounds.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Very happy with the custom work that comes with the guitar.Easy to play little wider stance between strings the guitar is set up well.

Reliability/Durability : 8
The guitar looks to be well done no apparent flaws that I can see. Beautifull finish. Mine is Black and sleek the finish seems to be quit good, very pretty guitar.

Customer Support : 10
Absolutely the best I have ever delt with.The speed in which Zager responds was amazing. E-mailed them one Saturday night late and got up to a returm E-mail That impressed me :). Lifetime warranty
Money back guarantee shipping paid both ways..enough said.

Overall Rating : 10
I have been playing 30 years or so, self taught and just play for the enjoyment of it.I was a bit skeptical about what they said the guitar was and the price seemed cheaper than it should be for such a pretty guitar but I am very happy and there was no risk to me, if you dont like it you dont buy and they pay shippng.I have only had it a few days but am looking at getting a ZAD80 too.I have a sekova I bought in the 70's and have a breedlove for 4 years.I don't like the strings that come on the guitar but that's not a problem.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 08:01pm by Eric

Features : 10
Personally hand set-up by Denny Zager and it's done perfectly.
My Zager has a solid spruce top Mohagany back and sides. The Zager String Science is unbelievable.

Sound : 10
Designed by Denny and made at the same place as Martin. Its got Martin quality sound but its got Zager playability. Zager guitar is basically a super Martin.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Perfect, there is no guitar that can compare in action or playability. The finish is beautiful, with the choice of sunburst, natural, or black. I have the sunburst and its beautiful.

Reliability/Durability : 10
It's a dread like no others. It gets better with time.

Customer Support : 10
The Zager people are great. Lifetime guarentee, can't beat that. Paid 395 for a guitar that sounds and plays like it should be 2000.00.

Overall Rating : No Opinion
I have have a very respectable collection of acoustic guitars. I always made an effort to play them all every single day. Then recently my Zager ZAD-50 came in, and the others are collecting dust. IM thinking about selling them to accumulate some cash to get a higher end Zager. The action and playability are not just great or amazing, these adjectives don't say it. These guitars are the end all, there is no guitar no matter how expensive or what the brand name that can compare to these guitars in action or playability. Denny Zager does it right, give it a try and you will lose interest in your other guitars because you wont be able to put down your Zager.

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Product: Zager ZAD 50
Submitted at 02:16pm by Jim G

Features : 9
This is Zager's low-end guitar, and for the money I couldn't be happier. It has high-quality materials. It came with a great Martin case, extra strings and picks.

Sound : 9
I'm replacing an old Harmony guitar, and it sounds 100% better. I do fingerpicking (acoustic) and it has a great sound.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Zager advertises the quality of their set-up and I was not disappointed. The action is perfect for me, the guitar was in great shape and playable out of the box, as advertised.

Reliability/Durability : 9
I've only had it a few days, but it is a solid guitar.

Customer Support : 10
Zager really shines with support. UPS had a problem with shipping, but Zager was right on it, and made everything work out great. They are very helpful and responsive on the phone.

Overall Rating : 10
I'm mostly a keyboard player, but I've been dinging away on guitar for many years. I'd without question buy another guitar from Zager when the time comes. If you don't want to spend a fortune on a guitar, but still want high quality, check out the Zager line.