Product: Zager ZAD 80OMCE
Submitted at 12:43am by troberts

Features : 9
Made in 2006. Single cut-away, solid cedar top, solid rosewood back and sides, fret-board, and bridge. Glossy finish, with abalone inlay adjacent to binding, and on sound-hole rosette. Gold Grover tuners. Fishman under-saddle piezo-pickup with Volume, 3-band EQ, Brilliance, and tuner. Hand carved nut and saddle, 20 hand-filed frets. The OM is 15% smaller than a standard Dreadnaught body.

Sound : 8
Used for a variety of styles from finger-style folk to unplugged pop-rcok it is full sounding, with good bass/treble balance and reasonable volume. It is not quite as loud as a standard D-style body. The cedar top mellows the sound, but overall it is still crisp. Great sustain, and easy to pull harmonics. Rated as equivalent in sound to mid-range Taylors and Martins by a friend when he heard it for the first time. The Fishman electronics allow complete control over tone and attack when plugged in.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
Zager sets up each guitar at the factory by hand before shipping. This guitar came out of the case ready to play - two strings were slightly flat after shipping from Nebraska to Washington state in December, otherwise it was good to go. Action is low, and consistently so up the neck, allowing easy chording in any position even on the higher frets. Intonation is very good. String spacing is comfortable for my medium-sized fingers. The neck shape and action make it almost as effortless to play as a quality electric guitar. The electronics work correctly and sound good. Finish was very good - no flaws were found. Close inspection shows the pickguard was not quite properly aligned, and was placed partially over the outer ring of abalone inlay - a relativly minor cosmetic flaw.

Reliability/Durability : 10
This is a new instrument, and it appears to be solid and well made. The components are of good to superior quality, so it should last. After two weeks of use I'm happy, so my expectation is for a long musical relationship.

Customer Support : 10
Zager has a lifetime warranty on the instrument, and 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee, for 30-days after purchase. Telephone and email contacts have been quick, friendly, and thorough.

Overall Rating : 9
I've been playing guitar for over 40 years, and overall this guitar gets high marks. It is affordable, and competes in playability, sound, and build-quality, with 'name' instruments that are 2-3 times the price. It won't match a $4000 Martin, Gibson, Taylor, or custom luthier-built instrument, but for everyday playing, gigging, and road use this is the perfect fit. Low-cost and great sound, easy to play and a lifetime warranty.

Product: Zager ZAD 80OMCE
Submitted at 01:01am by Ed Caz

Features : 10
2006 OM model
20frets
Solid ceder top w/ rosewood sides & back signed by Mr. Denny Zager
Grover tuners
Glossy finish
Abalone inlay is absolutly gorgeous
Case purchased seperately w/ humidity sensor is beautiful (extra set of Martin strings

Sound : 10
WOW, For fianacial reasons I had to sell my high end ($3000.00)acoustic Taylor and it was the best thing I ever did!! because I purchased the Zager OM80 and payed bills with the difference. The OM80 is simply the best, you will not find better playability and tonal qualities any where even the 4k models. One thing I changed was the bridge pins with Tusq 4mm and it really put me in 7th heaven sound wise!!! I CAN NOT PUT THIS GUITAR DOWN, I play for hours and do NOT get any finger tip burns what so ever. Pleas do take their pro advise and use Darco d2100 extra light strings on this instrument do not waist your money on reinventing the wheel, I a string freak and tied different ones from the very expensive silk ones to the Martins Eric Clapton, THIS GUITAR IS ABSOLUTLY THE BEST WITH THE STRING MR. ZAGER RECOMENDS DARCO D2100 X LIGHTS!!!

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
set up is perfect
finnsih is great
The head stock and woods are just stunning the 3 piece Rose wood back is the best I have ever seen. Will beat any custom guitar out there!

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion
Thsi guitar will withstand any playing, count on it!!!

Customer Support : 10
The best Famely run ,less then 24 hour answers on e-mail and live person on the phone!

Overall Rating : 10
Ok here is the kikker all this for $595.00
YOU DO NOT NEED THE SPEND $3000.00 + ON A BRAND NAME BECAUSE THAT'S EXACTLY YOU BE DOING, DO NOT LINE THESE GUYS'S POCKETS BUY A ZAGER THEY ARTE THE BEST!!!!!

Product: Zager ZAD 80OMCE
Submitted at 09:11am by Bill Malarick
Email: wgmalarick<at>hotmail dot com

Features : 10
This "Orchestra Model" guitar is about 15% smaller than the full sized dreadnaught and is in indeed a pleasure to play sitting down. It is a 20 fret instrument. The top has a nicely grained cedar top with rosewood sides and a three piece back ( as on the Martin D 35). The abalone inlay is very well done as is the finish. It has solid Grover tuners. This is a fully acoustic guitar with no electronice on it. I plan on adding a Martin Gold Plus II acoustic pickup on this guitar at some point. Mr Zager has these guitars (shells) made to his own specifications at the same plant in Singapore that The Martin Sigmas are built. However Mr. Zager then does his magic on each instrument by lowering the strings to the fret board so one does not have to press so hard. He also widens the stance of the strings for more space for your fingers while keeping the neck shallow for all hand sixes. He then modifys the saddle, bridge and neck, nut and bracing in harmony to amplify the tone and resonance. This makes for a very easy to play guitar that sounds as good as any guitar I have ever played at a fraction of the cost of the "name brands" and I have had them.

Sound : 10
As I am a fingerpicker this guitar is perfect in its size and yet only being 15% smaller than the Dreadnaught the sound is full and rich. As mentined I prefer the full acoustic sound "as is" but may be adding an acoustic pickup at some point. I would put this guitar up against any Martin, Taylor, Huss and Dalton etc. This makes playing a guitar an enjoyable experience not a painful one. The easy play system is for real and it works !

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
I could not believe how well this guitar stays in tune. I have never had a guitar, especially with new string (Martin lites), that stays in tune so well. Even when the guitar arrived from Nebraska where Zager has his offices and plant this guitar was 100% in tune. I examined the guitar for any flaws and could find none. This is hard to believe in a guitar that costs $595.00. It is a bargain.

Reliability/Durability : 10
This guitar is as well built as any I have ever played. I am very proud to show it off to my friends who have "name" brand guitars and when they play it they are shocked when they see how easy it is to play and what a beautiful guitar it is. Then when I tell them how much I paid for it they cannot believe it. At this point they want to buy mine right then an there !
Only time will tell but I can only tell, if I do my part in maintaing this guitar well it will only get richer and more mellow in the coming years. It is a win, win situation.

Customer Support : 10
This is an area in which this small family owned business does an incdible job. Prior to my purchasing this guitar I must have emailed Dennis Jr. or Dennis Sr. 50 times or more to answer questions etc. They were polite, friendly and extremely prompt with their responses. They went out of their way to be real, honest and the kind of folks you know you can trust not only during the sale but for as long and you own your Zager. They want you to be 100% satisfied. Period. What a blessing these men are. They have an incredible busines ethic that has paid off for them in spades and it is very well deserved.

Overall Rating : 10
Having waited for a long time before I bought my Zager ( I wanted to see one for myself and play it) I spent much time finding out as much as I could. I was lucky in locating a woman near me who had purchased two Zagers and I was able to see and play her guitar. It was at that point that I realized that this is all true and this is so easy to play and yet it is a very well made guitar with much customw work for a price that very reasonalbe. I would buy this guitar over again in a heart beat. I used to own a Martin D-28 which I bought new in 1968. It had an incredible sound but it tore my fingers up and so I had the bridge worked on, replaced, lowered, the neck worked on, tha nut and saddle had to be worked on. All of this was to no avail. I finally sold it back in the 80's for which I could kick myself as that instrument would command allot of money today. I am very happy to have this great guitar knowing it is backed by a company that "cares".

Product: Zager ZAD 80OMCE
Submitted at 03:19pm by RC

Features : 10
If you want to know about these things I suggest you visit the Zager site and read about it yourself. My OM is sild top Spruce and Mahogany back and sides. Very pleased with construction and finish.

Sound : 10
My style is easy countrt, folk and I prefer finger picking. My Zager excels in all those areas

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
I haven't found any flwas. The setup is professional. The action is easy and what they (Zager) say about the playability iis a fact.

Reliability/Durability : 10
Well built. I can't comment on pickups etc. After all, it's an acoustic. I will definetely do solo work with it.

Customer Support : 10
The Zagers back their guitars with a 100% money bac or exchange guarntee. After 35 years in business, it's believable.

Overall Rating : 10
Been playing for over 50 years. I've had a bunch of guitars in that time. The Zager is on a par with any of them in all areas. I'm particularly impresswd with the overall fit and finish and yes I'd replace it in kind if it were stolen... Provided I'm not in jail for punchimg the sob with that kind of gall.

Product: Zager ZAD 80OMCE
Submitted at 10:17pm by Rusty

Features : 10
Finish Gloss
Body Style Cutaway OM
Bridge style Rosewood
Tuners Sealed Grover
Neck/Scale 20 frets
Included accessories 2 Zager picks, Martin extra light
strings, neck adjustment allen wrench,
certificate of authenticity
year made 2006
Frets 20 frets
Solid Top Cedar
Transducer Fishman Clear Wave 50
Controls Bass, treble, middle, brillance & volume
Body & neck woods Rosewood back & sides

Sound : 10
I play mostly oldie and country style music and the Zager 80CE OM is ideal. The sound is crisp and full, from the highest high to the lowest base. I would recommend a Zager guitar with Denny's string science to anyone. YOU WILL BE AS IMPRESSED AS I AM.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Denny Zager is a true guitar players friend, his set-up is superb. The action produces a smooth even sound all along the fret board.
The 80CE OM is a top of the line guitar. I have no flaws, or imperfections anywhere, it is as if Denny really does inspect every guitar before he sends it to his customers. Beautiful Guitar!!

Reliability/Durability : 10
I have not had the Zager 80CE OM for very long, but I can tell you, once you tune this guitar it holds it for a long time. One of the added features of the 80CE OM is an on board tuner, so I have been able to easily check the tuning and let me tell you it is holding the tuning.

Customer Support : 10
Again, I have not had the Zager 80CE OM for very long, But all Zager guitars have a LIFE TIME WARRANTY. And everytime I have had a question it has been answered in less than 24 hours.

Overall Rating : 10
I have been been playing for two years, I own a Martin DM1 (Zager guitar) and a Samik LW-044 GCEQ, and I have been to many guitar stores trying different brands from Crafter to Taylor. But I have to say it was the quality and ease of playing of the DM1 that sold me on the Zager 80CE OM. I felt I was ready for a high quality OM guitar and I feel I have receive that and more in the Zager 80CE OM.

Product: Zager ZAD 80OMCE
Submitted at 02:22pm by Steve Parker
Email: parkersm<at>earthlink dot net

Features : 10
Purchased February 2006 with the Zager Pro Wood Cased which has a built in humidity sensor. Cedar top, cutaway, Gover tuners and Fishman electronics. A orchestra model so is a bit smaller than full size dreadnaught making it much more comfortable and easier to sit and play, even if not in the "proper playing position".

Sound : 10
Very nice mellow sound with the cedar top which I prefer over spruce top guitars I have tried. Have not purchased an amplifier for it yet but have hooked to friends Fender Frontman 25 amp, it will blow you away. I haven't been playing long, but have two friends that have played for over 40 years. Both were very impressed with what can be done with this guitar, which is saying alot, being they were both quite skeptical about me purchasing it over the internet without ever seeing or playing it.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Absolutely nothing negative to say. This guitar came ready to play and was simply beautiful. Everyone I have showed this guitar to have inspected it like they were purchasing it themselves and could not find any blemishes.

Reliability/Durability : 10
Haven't had the guitar long enough to determine the durability, but first impression (and that of others who have played it) can't come up with anything that would make me or them doubt any facet of this Zager. I see no reason to doubt that this instrument will last me the rest of my life. The top rating is based more on others statements than my own personal experience or knowledge.

Customer Support : 10
The customer service was truly unexpected. I received email responses almost immediately from any question I sent them. They have a great website with play lists and lessons available. The lifetime guaranty plus the full 100% refund on initial purchase was more than I could find anywhere else. I feel confident that if at any time in the future there were to be any sort of problem, Zager would handle it promptly and courteously.

Overall Rating : 10
Only been playing a couple of years, but as mentioned before, friends of mine have played for over 40 years and my rating reflect there comments and my own novice perception. I would not hesitate for a moment to replace this guitar with the exact same model and style should something dreadful happen to it. It would have been nice to have some information shipped with the guitar about the Fishman electronics. The only other thing I can think of that would help me is to have a short list of various amplifiers or some guideline on what to look for in an amplifier to match the guitars capability.

Product: Zager ZAD 80OMCE
Submitted at 12:47pm by Richard Wood
Email: woodra<at>charter dot net

Features : 9
Features for the ZAD-80CE-OM are listed on the Zager website at http://www.zagerguitar.com/ No case or gig bag was included.

Sound : 10
After about 35 years of not owning a guitar I became interested again and started looking. I looked at and played all the different "name" brands that I was familure with as a lad - Martin, Gibson, Fender, etc. I recently played a $2,400.00 OM Martin, that I would have liked to own, at a large guitar store in the Detroit area. That price was a little out of my league and I started the hunt for a quality guitar that wouldn't cost me half of everything I own, if you get my drift. In searching the internet for guitars I ran across Denny Zager's website. After I purchased this guitar I challenged a relative of mine, who had been hooting on me to get a Martin, to tell the difference between his Martin and my Zager. He couldn't, and when I have my back turned neither can I. This guitar sounds wonderful, even when hooked up to this old Fender practice amp I've had for years.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Quality materials are used in this guitar, in which I have not been able to find even one flaw. But just as important, and maybe more so....set-up, action and sound is what this guitar is all about. At first I was skeptical of the touting of all the personal work reportedly done by Denny Zager on each individual guitar. After receiving this instrument and playing it I'm a solid believer. I started playing this guitar in the manner that I had played years ago and had sore fingertips in less than 5 minutes. Then I realized all I had to do was lay the fingertips on the strings and press ever-so lightly. The action is very light and is no problem, even for someone like me that hasn't played in years. I play this guitar at least an hour almost every evening. Zager advertises - No more sore fingers... and it's an honest assessment.

Reliability/Durability : 9
Comes without strap buttons - the only thing I don't like about the guitar. I don't trust drilling a fine instrument like this myself and I'm a long way from a luthier. But I'll make the trip and have the strap buttons installed by an expert. The finish is beautiful and appears that it will stand the test of time.

Customer Support : 10
Customer support is another area where Zager really shines. In making a decision about a guitar, I sent numerous emails and made several phone calls with questions over the period of 2 months. All emails were answered within an hour and phone conversations were pleasant and helpful without a hint of pressure to buy. Warranty - if you don't like the guitar, send it back at no costs, and no costs for return shipping. What's not to like about that??

Overall Rating : 10
If this guitar were lost or stolen I would definitely order another. In fact I have added this guitar as a rider on my homeowners policy. As I mentioned above, the only thing I found to be lacking on this guitar is strap buttons. Since there is no such animal as perfect, I have to rate this guitar as close to a 10 as possible. Quality for the buck - I haven't found anything to match this Zager.

Product: Zager ZAD 80OMCE
Submitted at 12:01am by Jim
Email: supra88<at>comcast dot net

Features : 10
Year 2005 Country made Asia I think Frets 20 Top solid cedar Controls Fishman clearwave 50 Pickup built in transducer Make pickup Fishman Body and neck don't know Finish gloss Body style cutaway Bridge style don't know Tuners Grover sealed Neck/scale fat Accessories case humidifier

Sound : 10
Music style folk Amps no amp What kind of sound clean and clear acoustic

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
Action great it is one of Zager's strong points Pickups has one but I don't use an amp Top and bridge great Flaws none

Reliability/Durability : 9
Live playing I do not play out Hardware is top notch Finish appears that it will last Strap buttons this is one area that needs improvement it does not come with a top strap button. Zager website says you can have one installed at a guitar shop. I prefer not to have someone drilling on my guitar. Put it on at the factory.

Customer Support : 6
Called them in Dec. 05 model I wanted was not in stock was not aware I could preorder one. Thought they would take my info but they didn't ask for it. Called in late Jan. or Feb. still no stock but was told they had model I wanted in OM version. Website needs to be more clear about the OM version right now it is in with the full size 80 CE. OM needs seperate picture on website like all other models

Overall Rating : 10
20 years Optek Fretlight guitar Wish I had asked about preorder I would buy again and may order a full size 80CE and give the OM to my son I love its sound. I like to finger pick and the guitar is great for that style. I only hate that I didn't get it sooner. The built in tuner is my favorite feature Compared to Martin DC16RGTE and Martin D28 Why did I choose $$price. Everyone knows there is alot junk and false claims on the net. Zager guitar is the real deal!