The guitar world has changed drastically over the years. Big names like Gibson, Fender, Epiphone, PRS, Taylor, Martin, Ibanez, Lakewood, and Zager are bringing innovative ideas and more convenient guitar constructions and designs each year. 

According to Business Research, The Market Size value of Acoustic Guitars was around 297.55 Million USD in 2021.

Also, the growth rate was around 5.5% globally. 

Speaking of guitars, Mr. Denny Zager started Zager Guitar in the late 60s with his personal experience and expertise. His handcrafted guitars are taking their places among the big names in the guitar industry. ZAD900CE, Parlor-E, or ZAD50CE Mahagony guitars are the famous picks in the series. 

On the other hand, In 1972, Mr. Sam Radding started a guitar shop called American Dream. He happened to employ a hardworking fellow called Bob Taylor. Later on, Bob Taylor started Taylor guitars. Cut back to 2023, we are getting high-end guitars like Taylor Builder Edition 517e, Builder Edition K24ce, or Taylor 814ce. No doubt, Taylor is one of the biggest names in the guitar industry. 

What we have here is a little comparison between Taylor guitars and Zager guitars. This comparison module solely focuses on consumer needs. 

Not everyone needs a high-end custom-built guitar. If you want one, you need to tick some checkboxes. We will focus on the details that one can easily miss out on. We do have some recommendations for you as well. 

Check This Quick Review From Ricky Lynn Gregg

Basic Differences At A Glance

	Taylor	Zager
Body Shape	Various	Custom
Body Material	Sitka Spruce Top and Layered Walnut	Rosewood with Spruce
Neck	Maple	Bolivian Rosewood
Frets	20	20
Inlay	Mother of pearl	Pearl and Abalone
Fretboard	Ebony	Bolivian Rosewood
Tuning Keys	Chromatic	Grover
Case Included	Hardshell case	No
Warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime
Pricing	Check the pricelist	Check the pricelist

Zager Guitar (History and Overview)

Mr. Denny Zager started to play guitar back in 1949. He was a guitar prodigy and left his footprints in music at an early age. His number 1 hit song In the year 2525 stayed in the top chart for six weeks in 1969. It was a blast and listeners from all over the world got to know about Mr. Zager more closely. He also started the Zager learning system. The learning system was initially for his son. Meanwhile, he started guitar modification for more comfortable playing. 

Zager guitars are made with solid wood. As a result, guitar players have a more profound sound and long-lasting guitar. Also, construction-wise the guitars are easy to play. With Fishman products and genuine Grover tuning machines, the guitars are well-equipped with proper electric hardware. You can purchase a guitar directly from the factory in Nebraska. The electronics of the guitar come with 2 years of warranty.

Zager Guitar plans to donate $1 million to a program called the Guitar for Kids. They will donate high-quality guitars (worth $ 1 million) to the well-deserving kids. John Mall High School in Walsenburg.  

What Are You Getting In Zager Guitars?
Solid Wood Guitar Grover Tuning Machine Fishman Electronics Hand-carved Bone Nut Hand-carved Cow Bone Saddle	Hand-scalloped Bracing Hand-filed Metal Frets Bolivian Rosewood Fretboard High-quality Gloss Finish Zager custom strings

Taylor Guitar (History and Overview)

Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug founded Tayor Guitars in 1974. Bob Taylor is one of the most visionary guitar craftsmen in the guitar world. As a result, Taylor has managed to permanently set their name on the prestigious and high-value brand list.  

The manufacturers blend modern manufacturing techniques with detailed craftsmanship in a very subtle way. The most common review from guitar players would be Taylor guitars can bring out the sound without extra effort. 

Taylor distributes the guitars internationally in around 60 countries. Also, Taylor patented Taylor Neck in January 1999. It was the first major innovation in acoustic guitar designs in the last 100 years. 

What Are You Getting In Taylor Guitars?
Eco-friendly, UV-curable finish Guitar gets better with age Multiple superior tonewood options V-class design bracing pattern Available for different guitar-playing styles	Patented neck design Comfortable neck Comfortable armrest Bolt-on neck Responsible sustainability

Zager Guitars Vs. Taylor Guitars: A Detailed Comparison

For convenience and fairness of comparison, we will consider the ZAD900CE 50th anniversary edition from Zager Guitars and Builder’s Edition 912ce from Taylor Guitars. We will compare the guitar body, construction, strings, and tone for the overall comparison. 

Guitar Body Comparison (Woods)

When comparing two specific guitars, you must consider the richness of the wood. As the instrument’s significance depends on wood, you can consider this as the main material. When you are paying the extra thousand bucks for a guitar, you are actually paying for these top-quality tonewoods, craftings, and electronics.  

	ZAD900CE	Builder’s Edition 912ce
Back	Indian Rosewood	Indian Rosewood
Sides	Rosewood	Lutz Spruce
Neck	Mahagony with Inlay	Tropical Mahagony
Headstock	Indian Rosewood	Indian Rosewood
Front	Solid Sitka Spruce	Solid Sitka Spruce

Guitar Construction Comparison 

Craftmanship sets the overall performance for the guitar. Both the guitars go through extreme craftsmanship in the process. Mr. Denny Zager has mastered the art of craftsmanship throughout 3 decades of guitar production. The Zager guitar lines like 20, 50, 80, or the 900 series come with extremely detailed craftsmanship, a unique bracing system, and high-quality finishes. On the other hand, Taylor guitars are specifically known for their craftsmanship in the guitar world. Their attention to detail makes all the difference.

	ZAD900CE	Builder’s Edition 912ce
Color	Natural	Natural
Tuning Machine	Genuine Grover	Gotoh
Fretboard	Rosewood	West African Crelicam Ebony
Inlay	Full abalone and pearl	Ascension
Nut	Hand-carved from bone	TUSQ nut
Saddle	Tusq hand-curved saddle	Micarta
Finish	High Gloss	Silent Satin
Strings	Zager	D’Addario XS Phosphor Bronze, .012-.053
Binding	Hand Built Maple Binding	Abalone/Ebony
Truss Rod	Dual Action	Standard

Tone and Sound Quality Comparison

Tonal efficiency will set your guitar apart. We are talking about two high-end guitar brands that focus on tone and sound outputs religiously. With superior tonewood and great craftsmanship, Both Taylor and Zager bring out the rich acoustic sound.  Zager ZAD900 is 15% more powerful in sound and clarity than the 80’s series.

	ZAD900CE	Builder’s Edition 912ce
Tonewood	Solid Sitka Spruce/Indian Rosewood	Indian Rosewood
Size	41.00 x 15.50 x 4.75 Inches	46 x 20 x 9 inches
Bracing	Can move half a millimeter more	V class bracing
String Choices	Zager Custom Light String	D’Addario XS
Shape	Dreadnaught	Grand Concert
Neck Profile	Venetian Cutaway	Beveled Cutaway
Electronics	Fishman Aura Sound Imaging System	Expression system 2

Strings Comparison

Zager’s 60 years of research makes the 50% less pressure on the strings. It’s amazing to see the custom string spacing and lower string heights. Playing will also be much more comfortable with low string pressure. For convenience, it’s called pillow touch strings. On the other hand, Taylors come with a D’Addario XS set of strings. 

	ZAD900CE	Builder’s Edition 912ce
Gauge	10, 11, 12, and 13	.012-.053
Brand	Zager	D’Addario
Material	Phosphor Bronze	Phosphor Bronze
Coating	Coated	Coated
Tension	Medium	Medium
Winding	Roundwound	Roundwound
Playing Styles	Versatile	Versatile

Final Value For Money Comparison 

	ZAD900CE	Builder’s Edition 912ce
Price	10/10	8/10
Build Quality	10/10	10/10
Hardware Quality	10/10	10/10
Tonewood	10/10	10/10
Playability	10/10	9/10
Finish and Aesthetics	10/10	10/10
Accessories	10/10	9/10
Resale Values	10/10	10/10
Durability	10/10	10/10
Lesson Offered	Yes	No
Warranty	Lifetime	Factory Warranty

Famous Artists Who Play These Guitars

Taylor Guitar	Zager Guitar
Tony Iommi Taylor Swift Zac Brown Daryl Hall and John Oates Dave Matthews	Dave Roe Andre Coutu Phil Collen Aaron Lewis Chris Lester

So, Which One Should You Get?

Understand the fact that guitars are very personal. Before making a purchase, you must know your taste, playability, genre preferences, skills, and overall requirements. 

Taylor guitars are fantastic picks for newbie guitarists to professional artists. If you pick up a GS mini as a starter guitar, you can feel a fresh start on your musical journey. When you pick the Zager guitar, you have a plethora of customization options, craftsmanship, unique sound, and a 100% money-back guarantee. 

If you want to get your hands on exquisite-level rich-sounding guitars, pick a Taylor. If customization, personal craftsmanship, and value-for-money factors matter to you, definitely pick a Zager guitar.

Whether you’ve played guitar before or are new to it, the guitar is an amazing instrument that can really add to your musical prowess. Usually, beginners start learning through an acoustic guitar and then transition to an electric guitar.

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should start with an eclectic or acoustic guitar. It depends on your interests and goals as a future guitarist. Electric guitars are popular for their volume and tuning flexibility. Jazz musicians adopted them in the 1930s for louder performances than their acoustic counterparts. 

Over the years, there have been many musicians who have changed how guitars are used. Everything can be interchanged to suit a specific style. So today we will break down the similarities and differences between these two types of guitars and discuss which one is best overall.

What Are the Differences and Similarities

Similarities

These two types of guitar mostly have several similarities. They both have 6 strings that you can tune to your preferences. The standard tuning is EADGBE. However, many musicians tinker with this to make them sound to their preferences.

Apart from the fretboard’s width, both acoustic and electric guitars share the same fretboard, given they are of the same body size.  Whether you’re playing rhythm or lead, they will easily handle every note and chord you wish to play. 

The good news is that learning to play one type of guitar can help you lay a strong foundation for the other. Once you master the basics of playing either an eclectic or an acoustic.

Differences

Looking at the differences between acoustic and electric guitars can help you decide which type suits you best. Let’s begin by comparing the foundational and operational aspects of these instruments.

How Sound Is Projected

One major difference lies in how acoustic and electric guitars project sound. Acoustic guitars, being larger, have a hollow body with a central hole. The resonance of the hollow body amplifies the sound of strings, allowing you to play without additional equipment. 

In contrast, electric guitars typically have a solid body and rely on pickups beneath the strings to convert vibrations into an electric signal, which is then amplified through a cable and an amplifier.

How They Look

Electric guitars offer a vast array of shapes, colors, and sounds, providing near-endless options. On the other hand, acoustic guitars have less variety in their appearance and sound. 

Acoustic guitar come in the classic hollow-body Dreadnought shape. Other types include Parlor, Orchestra model, Grand Auditorium and Jumbo. Electric guitars on the other hand come in solid body, semi hollow or hollow bodies. Each type of body makes the tone coming out of the guitar sound either bright or warm.

Type of Strings

The type of strings used is a notable difference between acoustic and electric guitars. Acoustic guitars can use either nylon or steel strings, with nylon providing a softer sound. Electric guitars generally require steel strings, often with a lighter gauge, allowing for more flexibility in sound.

Weight

Acoustic guitars are bulkier, potentially impacting string spacing and height, making them challenging for beginners. They may require more hand strength due to thicker strings and neck. In contrast, electric guitars, with their smaller size and lighter strings, are often considered easier for beginners.

How They Sound

The sound difference is significant. Acoustic guitars maintain a consistent sound determined by the body, wood type, fretboard, and construction. Electric guitars have customizable sound, especially when connected to an amp allowing adjustments to bass and treble. The sound of an electric guitar can be further modified using effects pedals and different pickups.

Understanding these differences will help you make an informed choice between acoustic and electric guitars, considering factors like playing preferences, body size, and desired sound.

Which Is Easier To Play

Many people question whether the electric guitar is easier to play than the acoustic one. The reality is that it depends on what you want to play and how good you want it to sound. The fundamentals of both can be grasped rather swiftly.

For many, mastering the basics of the acoustic guitar is sufficient. Being able to play basic chords can take you a long way, especially if you also sing.

On the other hand, the electric guitar is typically favored for music with numerous individual notes. While you can play open chords on it, it excels in handling riffs and more intricate playing, which may require a bit more time to learn. Advancing beyond open chords also entails additional work on the picking hand.

It’s worth noting that there’s no limit to how advanced an acoustic guitar player can become. Listening to genres like flamenco, gypsy jazz, or classical guitar music reveals acoustic guitars achieving much more than just open chords. Ultimately, the choice between electric and acoustic depends on your musical preferences and the level of complexity you aim to achieve in your playing.

Which is More beginner Friendly

Choosing between an acoustic and an electric guitar for beginners involves weighing the pros and cons of each.

Acoustic Guitar

• Cost to Play: Acoustic guitars have a cost advantage as they don’t require an amplifier. Starting with an acoustic means you only need essential accessories, unlike an electric guitar which demands an additional amp.
• Focus on Basics: Playing acoustic helps beginners focus on the fundamentals without the distraction of distortion, pedals, or volume controls. It emphasizes the basics of the instrument, tone, and sound.
• Mobility and Accessibility: Acoustic guitars are highly mobile and easy to carry, making them convenient for travel, jam sessions, or impromptu performances. They are hassle-free in terms of flying or taking on a camping trip.
• Immediate Accessibility: Some players find the immediate accessibility of an acoustic guitar appealing. The simplicity of just picking it up, whether on a stand or in its case, encourages frequent playing.

Electric Guitar

• The simplicity of Playing: Electric guitars, when properly adjusted, tend to be more forgiving for beginners. They often have lower action, lighter strings, a smaller body, and a thinner neck, making it easier for beginners to fret notes and establish finger shapes.
• Volume Control: Contrary to common belief, electric guitars offer volume control. You can practice quietly with headphones, at low volume, or even unplugged, providing flexibility in controlling noise levels.
• Versatility in Sound: Electric guitars offer a broader range of sounds with various effects. The pickups and amplifiers enhance the learning process, and the versatility of sound can be inspiring for players interested in exploring different genres.

Which Is Best For You?

Between acoustic and electric guitars, your musical preferences and the sounds that resonate with you should be what help you decide. Ultimately, the best guitar for you is the one you already own because it allows you to start playing today. Let’s break down which guitar is best for which situation.

Acoustic guitars are ideal for those who enjoy a range of musical genres, including singer-songwriter, folk, country (and complement well with electric guitar), bluegrass, flamenco, and classical guitar. These guitars offer a warm and natural sound that resonates with the expressive nature of these styles. 

On the other hand, if your musical preferences lean towards rock, metal, funk, jazz, blues, or indie, electric guitars are the go-to choice. Their ability to be amplified makes them well-suited for these genres, allowing you to explore a wide spectrum of tones and styles.

Remember, any instrument will be easy to play if mastered the right way. Having said that, both instruments can be used in almost all genres.  As you become more familiar with playing the guitar, you’ll discover that there are more types of guitars than just acoustic and electric. 

Your unique style will emerge based on what influences you, allowing you to create a musical expression that is entirely unique to you!

Conclusion

Choosing between acoustic and electric guitars depends on your personal preferences. We lean towards recommending an acoustic guitar, especially if you’re a beginner. They are very easy to approach. Electric guitars can be somewhat overwhelming initially due to their complexity, making acoustic guitars a simpler and less intimidating choice for those starting out.

Guitars have evolved significantly, eliminating the need for microphones during acoustic sessions. The advent of acoustic-electric guitars seamlessly combines the traditional tones of acoustic with the convenience of electric, offering musicians the freedom to amplify their expressions.

In today’s musical landscape, a wide range of acoustic-electric guitars provides abundant choices for artists seeking the ideal resonance for their artistic endeavors.

A Quick Look at the 5 Best Acoustic Electric Guitars

1. Gibson J-45

2. Zager ZAD900CE

3. Fender Acoustasonic

4. Zager ZAD80CE “AURA

5. Epiphone EJ-200SCE

Top 5 Acoustic Electric Guitars of 2024: Our Expert Selections

1. Gibson J-45

The timeless Gibson J-45, is a great pick in a market flooded with options. This iconic masterpiece is celebrated for its excellence. The J-45 stands as a revered workhorse among guitar enthusiasts, praised for its resonant, dynamic tonality and exceptional playability.

Crafted with precision, the J-45 boasts a round-shoulder dreadnought body shape, with mahogany back and sides complementing its solid Sitka spruce top. The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard contribute to the guitar’s warm and rich acoustic character, making it a cherished choice for musicians seeking premium sound.

The LR Baggs VTC Under Saddle Pickup is the sonic heart of the J-45, expertly capturing its nuanced tones and faithfully transmitting them to the PA or amplifier. An onboard preamplifier, discreetly equipped with volume control just inside the sound hole, ensures an unobtrusive yet powerful amplification experience.

With no compromises or gimmicks, the Gibson J-45 stands as a testament to uncompromised quality in the world of acoustic-electric guitars.

2. Zager ZAD900CE

The Zager ZAD900CE stands as another excellent guitar delivering exceptional sound quality, playability, and innovative features. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, this guitar produces a rich, warm, and resonant tone that caters to a broad musical spectrum.

Tonally, the ZAD900CE blends the clarity of Sitka spruce with the warm resonance of Indian rosewood. Its versatile sound accommodates everything from delicate fingerpicking to powerful strumming. The instrument’s playability is equally outstanding, featuring a slim, fast neck profile and low action for a smooth and responsive playing experience.

Adding good technology like the Fishman Aura Sound Imaging system, a sophisticated preamp offering tonal sculpting and onboard effects. This transforms the ZAD900CE to be very adaptable to any musical setting.

Built with meticulous attention to detail, Zager Guitars‘ commitment to excellence is evident in every inch of the ZAD900CE. This instrument is not just a guitar; it’s an investment. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, the ZAD900CE promises to inspire and enrich your musical journey, standing as a companion for years to come.

3. Fender Acoustasonic

The Fender Acoustasonic is a game-changer. A few years since its introduction, the impact and popularity of this instrument have surpassed all expectations, captivating musicians from J Mascis to Julien Baker.

What sets the Acoustasonic apart is its innovative Acoustasonic Telecaster body shape crafted from mahogany, complemented by a Sitka spruce top and a resonant semi-hollowbody design. This design incorporates a finely tuned soundport, enhancing the acoustic tones when played unplugged—an unexpected delight for players.

However, the true magic happens when the Acoustasonic is connected. Equipped with the N4 Magnetic Single-coil and Under-saddle Piezo pickup, this guitar seamlessly transitions between meticulously crafted acoustic and electric tones. The 3-way blade and blend knob open up a spectrum of sonic possibilities, providing players with a unique and versatile playing experience.

In contrast to some acoustic-electrics that may sound overly bright through sound systems, the Fender Acoustasonic produces warm and dynamic tones, making it an excellent choice for studio use. Its ability to track scratch acoustic guitar parts without interfering with drum overheads further enhances its studio-friendly features.

Despite facing initial skepticism from purists, hybrids like the Acoustasonic establish a lasting presence in the ever-evolving world of guitars due to their undeniable versatility and value.

4. Zager ZAD80CE “AURA

The Zager ZAD80CE “AURA” Black Lacquer Special Edition, is one of the very best from the brand. Skillfully crafted with premium tonewoods and adorned with a striking black lacquer finish, this guitar is a visual and auditory marvel. 

The combination of solid cedar for the top and Indian rosewood for the back and sides produces warm, rich tones, accommodating a diverse range of musical genres. 

Beyond its visual appeal, the ZAD80CE offers easy playability with a slim and fast neck profile, facilitating effortless navigation of the fretboard. The low and easy action ensures precise and clear articulation, making intricate passages a joy to play.

Enhancing its sonic versatility is the Fishman Aura Sound Imaging system, a sophisticated preamp providing a spectrum of tonal options. Whether you seek the natural warmth of an unplugged acoustic or the amplified power for various musical expressions, the Fishman Aura empowers you to shape your sound with precision and creativity.

The ZAD80CE is a perfect example of Zager Guitars’ unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. From the selection of premium tonewoods to flawless construction and cutting-edge electronics, every detail is meticulously crafted. This instrument not only delivers exceptional sound and playability but also exudes an aura of refined elegance.

More than just a guitar, the ZAD80CE is an investment in musical expression. With its outstanding sound quality, unmatched playability, and innovative features, it stands as a companion to inspire and enrich your musical journey for years to come, whether you’re a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician.

5. Epiphone EJ-200SCE

Founded in 1873 by Anastasios Stathopoulos, Epiphone has established itself as a prominent producer of acoustic and electric instruments on the global stage. Initially a rival to Gibson during its New York era, Epiphone underwent evolution over time, eventually being acquired by Gibson to broaden their line of stand-up basses.

A shining example of Epiphone’s enduring expertise is the Epiphone EJ-200SCE. Crafted entirely from laminated woods, it boasts unique electronics—a NanoFlex and NanoMag pickup combination. The NanoFlex captures bridge vibrations and body resonance, while the NanoMag, positioned at the fretboard’s end, functions akin to a magnetic pickup. The ability to blend between the two provides versatility, complemented by a preamp featuring a tuner, phase switch, and tuner.

Surprisingly, despite its laminated construction, the EJ-200SCE produces a proficient unplugged tone, owing to its resonant body size. Plugged in, it offers a wide range of tones, though achieving optimal results requires time spent fine-tuning the sound. While it competes admirably with more expensive systems, those prioritizing acoustic purity may find alternative models more suitable.

For musicians in search of a reasonably priced, gig-ready guitar with diverse tonal options, the Epiphone EJ-200SCE stands as an enticing choice. However, individuals emphasizing acoustic richness might discover better matches elsewhere.

How To Choose An Acoustic-Electric Guitar: A Buyer’s Guide

If you’re in the market for an acoustic-electric guitar, navigating the myriad options requires careful consideration. Follow this guide to make sure you get the best of the best without breaking the bank.

Tonewoods

The selection of wood for the top, back, and sides plays a crucial role in shaping the guitar’s tone. Different tonewoods, such as spruce for brightness, cedar for warmth, mahogany for balance, and rosewood for complexity, contribute to the overall sonic profile. 

Premium guitars often boast solid wood construction, enhancing tone quality. Strum a few chords and pick single notes to assess the guitar’s balance, resonance, and sustain.

Onboard Amp

Thoroughly examine the onboard electronics. Prioritize reputable pickup and preamp systems from brands like Fishman, LR Baggs, or Taylor. The quality of these components significantly impacts the guitar’s amplified performance, whether through the best acoustic guitar amp or a PA system. Test the onboard controls for volume, tone shaping, and any additional features to ensure optimal versatility.

Budget

Clearly define your budget range before checking the options. Acoustic-electric guitars span a broad price spectrum. There are many cheap options you can go for to get started. However, a more solid future-proof guitar might cost you a few thousand bucks!

Brand Assurance

Consider the reputation of the brand. Established names with a track record of producing reliable and high-quality instruments provide a sense of assurance. Brands like Gibson, Zager, Yamaha, and Fender have earned their renown for consistently delivering dependable acoustic-electric guitars. Opting for a reputable brand enhances confidence in the instrument’s performance and durability.

Conclusion

Finding the best acoustic-electric guitar involves considering factors like tonal preferences, electronics, budget, and brand reliability. Each guitar is not just an instrument but a companion in your musical journey. 

Choose carefully as your guitar must resonate with your artistic expression, inspire melodies, and elevate your musical experience. Consider the buying guide and further research before making your final decision!