Acoustic versus Electric

The acoustic electrics are nice in that they have built in automatic tuners that tune your guitar fast and precision every time.  For beginning players this is vital as it trains your ear so you develop a proper sense of pitch.  Our touring artists like them because they’re accurate and fast.  The electronics also give you the option of plugging into an amplifier or PA system and playing your guitar like a full blown electric so it’s like having 2 guitars in one.  Sound on our electrics unplugged is identical to our full acoustics so you give up nothing sound wise.  Our venetian cutaway models sound within 3% of our full box models so any sound loss is negligible.

Acoustic vs Acoustic Electric Video




Choosing the right size

Full Size Dreadnought:  The most popular guitar size in the world. If you want bass, volume & power, the full size dreadnought is the only way to go.

Orchestra Model (OM size):  Our Orchestra Models “OM size” guitars are the same as our full size guitars, but Denny designs them 15% smaller with a thinner body and a narrower hourglass shape so they’re easier for smaller players. Because they have a thinner body they will also have a slightly thinner sound but if you want a guitar that’s easy to get your arm around and pull in close our Orchestra models combine the perfect blend of comfort and playability.

4/5 Parlor Size:  Our Parlor size guitars are approximately 25% smaller than our full size guitars but what really makes them special is they have a 2 inch shorter neck design. This means children and small adults (under 5 ft tall) don’t have to reach as far holding certain chords making playability even easier. Most of our customers buying our Parlor guitars are coming from little Martins and Taylors.  They say the Easy Play Parlor has 30-50% easier playability and sound is slightly richer and deeper.

3/4 Travel Size: Hand built with the same love and care as our larger guitars, just pint sized.  Great for travel, ideal for children struggling to get their arms around full size guitars, fantastic second guitar for the office.  Because they have a smaller box design they will have a smaller sound (like any smaller guitar) but our electric model with built in auto tuner allows you to plug into an amplifier or PA system giving you the same power as our full size guitars.

Here’s a helpful video we made showing all the sizes together:




ZAD50CE vs ZAD80CE (video)

The Zager ZAD50 and ZAD80 series are our best selling guitars. Both have extreme playability levels as my father works on each guitar by hand using his String Science system. Both guitars also incorporate the use of solid woods which mature with age giving them a deeper more powerful sound that gets better year after year. The main difference between these guitars is the woods. The 50’s have a Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides which gives them a slightly louder, brighter sound.

The 80 Series has Indian rosewood on the back and sides with a red cedar top which produces a more mellow, slightly richer and deeper sound. The 80’s also have full inlay around all edges of the face, a rosette around the sound hole, inlay on the fret board, along with gold plated Grover tuners.

Playability wise both guitars will be the same so if that’s your primary concern the 50’s a bargain. If you read magazine reviews and customer testimonials you will will see a lot of players who used to own higher level Taylor and Martins going with the 80 Series because it matches those guitars aesthetically but playability is anywhere from 20-50% easier and price is about half since you’re buying direct bypassing the retail store. We also have many customers choosing the 50 Series because it offers that same great playability for a lower price. If I have a customer who can’t decide this is what I tell them. If you want the look, feel and sound of a $1500+ guitar, but with better playability go with the 50 Series….it’s a lot of guitar for the money. If you want a guitar that outperforms many guitars in the $2500+ range and plan on keeping it forever passing it down to your children go with the 80 Series.

Regardless of your decision remember that we’re the only guitar company in the world who offers a 100% money back guarantee that pays shipping fees both ways if you choose to return it meaning you can try one in your home without risking a penny.
I have a brand new video comparing both guitars right here:




ZAD80CE vs ZAD900CE (video)

If I have a player coming from a $4000 Taylor 9 or Martin I’ll usually recommend our 900 Series because if you’re used to that kind of detail and quality you get on a $4000 guitar our 900 matches or betters except we usually outperform on playability.  Our 80 Series has been one of our best selling guitars for close to 20 years now. I’ve had customers coming from Taylor 9, 8, 7…Martin D28, D35 who absolutely love the 80 Series.  The 900’s are more ornate…much more detail with the hand bent maple binding.  Sound wise I give a 20% edge to the 900.  Playability wise I give a 15% edge to the 900.  Here’s a video comparing the 80CE vs 900CE side by side: