Denny Zager is a guitar genius
The New Yorker
ZAD50CE Solid Spruce/Mahogany Acoustic Electric Natural
ZAD50CE Solid Spruce/Mahogany Acoustic Electric Natural
ZAD50CE Solid Spruce/Mahogany Acoustic Electric Natural
ZAD50CE Solid Spruce/Mahogany Acoustic Electric Natural

ZAD50CE Solid Spruce/Mahogany Acoustic Electric Natural

In Stores: $2000+ Our Price: $1,495 Sale: $1,295

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Possibly the last guitar you’ll ever buy.  60 years of playing, performing and teaching guitar has given Denny an advantage over the majority of guitar builders today. Denny understands the demands of the professional player because he is one. He discovered there are certain key elements that make a great guitar, and with that knowledge he created the Zager ZAD50 Series.  Elements like solid wood construction, high quality hardware, a custom neck design that feels good in your hand, string spacing that allows you to move faster on the fretboard, that simultaneously prevents buzzes and rattles, combined with a special bracing system that produces one of the best sounds in the guitar industry today. Read more

In designing the ZAD50 Denny wanted to build a guitar that had the special details you see in only $2500 instruments.  Things like a Venetian cutaway box design that allow you to slide your hand down low “into” the guitar for easier playability.  Hand scalloped bracing that gives the guitar a more powerful robust sound.  Hand filed frets that allow your fingers to glide over the fretboard without chafing your fingertips.

For 2024 Denny called Bob Fishman at Fishman Electronics (considered the best guitar electronics company in the world) and ordered the Fishman Presys Series electronics package used in our $2100 ZAD80 Series guitars.  The electronic transducer system and automatic tuner allow you to plug into any amplifier or PA system and play it like a full blown electric.  The onboard equalization package provides infinite sound possibilities with a built in automatic tuner that tunes your guitar in a fraction of the time it takes using conventional methods.  When you’re tired of electric simply unplug and you’ll have the traditional sound of an acoustic.

Pros using the ZAD50CE on stage say it matches or betters $2000 instruments, but with easier playability and a much lower price since you’re buying direct from our workshop in Lincoln, Nebraska. Be sure to read artist comments and magazine reviews on the 50 as it consistently rates in the top 5% of acoustics made world wide. 100% money back guarantee including shipping fees both ways. It’s a lifetime instrument so it comes with a lifetime warranty.

  • Full size dreadnought the most popular guitar size in the world.
  • Solid wood construction sounds better every year as it ages.
  • Venetian cutaway box design allows you to slide down low into the box for easier playability.
  • Built in genuine Fishman Presys electronics package from our $2100 ZAD80CE allows you to plug into any amplifier or PA system and play it like a full electric guitar.
  • Built in genuine Fishman Presys electronics package from our $2100 ZAD80CE tunes your guitar perfectly in seconds and if you’re a beginner actually trains your ear for perfect pitch.
  • Built in genuine Fishman Presys electronics package from our $2100 ZAD80CE gives you infinite sound possibilities allowing you to dial in the perfect sound.
  • Hand carved bracing for greater movement of the soundboard providing a richer sound.
  • Slim neck design feels natural in your hand making it easier to form chords.
  • Custom string spacing for greater speed and accuracy (and less rattles).
  • Zager soft touch fret design for less string bite and finger fatigue.
  • Adjustable truss rod to raise or lower action depending on your playing style.
  • Special ultra thin high gloss finish allows more movement of the body for deeper sound
  • Hand carved bone nut and saddle. (Found on predominantly $1500+ guitars).
  • Hand laid abalone inlay rosette with pearl fret markers.
  • Ivory binding detail and zipper stripe down back (Found in predominantly $1500+ guitars).
  • Genuine Grover tuning machines (best in the world).
  • 100% money back guarantee
  • Lifetime warranty

Featured Videos

ZAD50CE Natural Videos

Features

guitar dimensions
Dreadnought Size Dimensions
Height: 41 inches
Box length: 20 inches
Waist: 11 inches
Widest bout: 15.5 inches
Depth: 4.75 inches
Scale length: 25.5 inches
guitar dimensions
Venetian Cutaway Style
A "Venetian Cutaway" is a guitar that has a section of the body "cut away" by the neck which makes it easier to slide your hand down low to reach chords near the sound hole. Denny braces the cutaways a little differently then his full box guitars so sound quality matches. If you’re a player that spends a lot of time on that part of the neck a cutaway box is invaluable.
guitar topsitka
Sitka Spruce Top
The most important part of an acoustic guitar is its top. The top acts like a speaker. When a string is plucked energy is transferred to the top and the top starts to move. Spruce offers a tight, punchy low end response with great projection. Players who demand a powerful sound with tons of projection will hear the benefit of a Sitka spruce top. Used on only the highest quality guitars in the world.
See full build sheet
zager guitar
Mahogany Back-sides
One of the most popular tone woods used on acoustic guitars today. If you’re looking for punchy bass, solid mids and sparkling highs mahogany is the wood you want on your next guitar. Acoustic guitars in general tend to live in the midrange portion of the sound spectrum, and mahogany in particular displays this characteristic best. Mahogany's tendency to emphasize midrange tones gives this guitar a rich full sound no matter the playing style. You can fingerpick, strum, or flatpick and mahogany always delivers.
neck mhgy
Mahogany Neck
Mahogany—one of the most popular tone woods used on acoustic guitars for the last 50 years
travel size solid electric guitar
Mahogany Headstock
Mahogany is lightweight yet strong, and its timeless look is used on many quality guitars. The guitar head stock configuration is a registered trademark and is used under license from C.F. Martin & Co. Inc. of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, USA.
guitar brace work
Zager Design (Hand Scalloped) Bracework
The technique of scalloping or shaving the braces can have a huge impact on the power and tone of an acoustic guitar. By shaving or reducing the thickness of the brace, it becomes more flexible and therefore lets the top move more freely. When done by a Master Luthier the brace maintains its structural integrity, while making the top more efficient. The result is faster attack, longer sustain, more bass, more power, and an overall improvement in the whole tone system.
guitar rosette mhgy
Abalone Rosette
Abalone type inlay is found on only the highest quality guitars. Laid by hand one piece at a time, the color and translucence of each piece changes with different amounts of light. Not only does it add to the look of your guitar, but it also adds to the value.
fret dots
Pearl Fret-markers
Used on only the highest quality guitars in the world. Laid by hand on the fret board one piece at a time. It's a very tedious, time consuming process but the results are breathtaking.
Zipper Stripe Back-detail
Laid by hand one piece at a time. Adds to the overall beauty and sets off the color of the wood. Found on only the highest quality guitars in the world.
high gloss finish
High Gloss Finish
High-gloss finish provides excellent protection but at the same time is extremely light and elastic. This is a crucial point in both the sound of the guitar and its ability to age—which is what makes a guitar sound better year after year. A thick finish muffles a guitar's vibration and blocks aging.
guitar truss
Custom Adjustment Setting Truss-rod
Denny designs his guitars with a truss rod adjustment setting that allows you to dial in your guitar to your particular playing style. In this way if you're a heavy handed player you can set the action higher so you can "get on it" a little for more power, and if you're lighter handed touch player you can dial in the action low so you can move faster and play longer with less fatigue.
guitar transducer
Genuine Fishman Built-in-transducer
Fishman transducers are the highest quality transducers used in acoustic guitars today. A transducer is an amplification device placed under the saddle which allows you to plug into an amplifier and play an acoustic guitar like an electric guitar. This is all run by an on-board electronics package and equalizer that allows you to control the sound. A transducer properly installed by a pro luthier will bring out the bass response and rich ambiance of your guitar's wood. Done improperly your guitar will sound flat and have uneven tone quality.
Guitar Presys
Genuine Fishman Built-in-automatic-tuner
Ask any pro who makes the finest guitar electronics systems in the world and 9 out of 10 will say Fishman. An electronic tuner allows you to tune your guitar in a fraction of the time it takes using conventional tuning methods. Simply hit a string and the LCD indicator guides you into perfect pitch. A red and green light instantly lets you know when the tune is dead on. This is a very important tool for the new player who is trying to develop and train their ear for perfect pitch. It's also helps the professional player who wants to get in perfect tune fas
Guitar Presys
Genuine Fishman Built-in-equalizer
Fishman equalizers are the highest quality equalizers used in acoustic guitars today. The equalizer is an electronic unit that controls the sound and volume when plugged into an amplifier or PA system. There are adjustments for highs, mids, lows, and presence. Fishman EQ's are used exclusively on high end acoustics by artists such as Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Alan Jackson and Aerosmith to name just a few.
guitar grover gears silver
Genuine Grover (silver) Tuning-machines
Genuine Grover sealed tuning machines are found on only the finest guitars made. Look at tuners on $2500+ acoustics and you will see the majority have "Grovers." Unlike open gear tuners where the tuning mechanism is exposed, Grover sealed tuners contain a lubricant that keep the tuning mechanism sealed air-tight so the gears turn smooth and continue to for the life of your instrument. Lifetime warranty. If you have a tuner go bad we'll replace it free of charge for life.
guitar nut
Bone Hand Carved Nut
Denny hand carves his nuts from bone for each guitar so the strings are set lower with custom spacing. Lower string heights make it easier to press down to form chords and it also increases finger speed. Custom spacing allows you to move faster with less buzzes, mutes, and rattles because you’re no longer bumping adjacent strings. Custom string spacing makes it easier for all hands sizes big and small. Lifetime warranty. Break a nut and we'll replace it free of charge for life
guitar saddle
Tusq Hand Carved Saddle
Denny hand carves each saddle for each individual guitar. Denny also adjusts the intonation settings to bring the guitar harmonically in balance with itself. This not only makes your guitar easier to play, but it also makes it sound more powerful. Customers say our guitars fall into tune easier and stay in tune longer...this is one of the reasons why. Denny uses only genuine "Tusq" brand saddles on his guitars which you generally only find on higher dollar acoustics . Lifetime warranty. Break a saddle and we'll replace it free of charge for life.
zager ez play guitars
Zager Custom Lights Strings
Zager custom strings are designed by Denny exclusively for his Guitars. We have customers using all brands and gauges of strings on our guitars with excellent results (Elixir, Martin, Fender, Gibson, D'addario) but these are the strings our customers seem to like the most on our guitars. Hand wound daily in our shop in Lincoln, Nebraska.
frets
Zager Soft Touch (Hand Filed) Frets
Denny hand files each fret one at a time on every guitar that leaves our shop. By filing the frets Denny achieves two important things. When sliding up and down the neck your fingers will no longer get irritated and sore and you won't suffer from what we call "String Bite" and overall finger fatigue. Secondly, when you file the frets by hand each fret will have the same uniform height. 9 times out of 10 when you have a buzzing string it has nothing to with your playing, it’s because you have a guitar with a fret that’s sitting away from the fret board hitting a string.
life time warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Our warranty is simple. Lifetime on all guitars. A quality guitar should be made to last a lifetime and if it doesn't it wasn't a quality guitar to begin with.

Zager Artists of the Month for October




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ZAD50CE-N reviews rating image


<[email protected]>
Scottsdale, Arizona
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I would put my zad50 up against almost any Martin, Fender or Taylor for playability and tone. As far as price, there's no comparison. Zager wins hands down.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Playability, no doubt. This guitar is so easy to finger and barre and you can play for an hour without having deep ridges in your callous pads. It's a joy to pick up.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I'd say a comparable guitar would cost at least $1200-$1500.

How would you rate customer support?
Dennis and the whole crew are great. They really care about you having a great experience with your custom instrument.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. If you want a quality instrument that you can play in your living room or on a stage without breaking the bank, Zager is your guitar choice.


<[email protected]>
Peoria, Arizona
4 months ago
Model: ZAD-50CE

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The sound is as good as my classic guitar, new out of the box, and will get better with age. The finish is perfect, its a beauty.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Hands down the playability. I was a little skeptical but when I first picked it up and was able to play easily and cleanly things I played before but now I was having difficulty with, I was impressed.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
To me the question is not what would I pay, but what is it worth to have a guitar I look forward to picking up again.

How would you rate customer support?
The best

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely, its quality craftsmanship and its E-Z to Play!

Additional comments:
Thank you Denny for making it fun to play guitar again! I wish I had found you sooner.

<[email protected]>
Seattle, Washington
4 months ago
Model: ZAD-80CE

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have played many different guitars throughout my life. I personally own a Takemine EF-349 mahogany body guitar and a ZAD50CE. The 80CE is comparable in playability to the 50 CE but it has a little different tone quality. It's made of different woods so I would expect it to sound different. I love both my Zager guitars so it is difficult for me to put one against the other. When compared the 80CE to the Takemine, it has a much brighter sound, more strength overall in tone and yet is doesn't sacrifice depth in the lows. I believe this 80 CE will continue to grow in sound quality as if ages and settles in. I thoroughly enjoy playing it.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
I absolutely adore the finish and quality of construction.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I would not be surprised to find this guitar with a $1500-$2000 range.

How would you rate customer support?
The customer support at Zager Guitars is second to none. I must share a short story to illustrate what I mean. Two weeks ago Sunday, my ZAD50CE was being played by a friend on stage at church. The guitar was accidentally dropped and struck a metal part of the stage on it's way to the floor. This resulted in splitting the head right through the 1st, 2nd and 3rd string tuners. It did not break, but it split t he wood. It also cracked the body adjacent to the neck. I was crushed when I saw it happen. I had no idea what I was going to do. So I sent Dennis Zager an e-mail on Sunday morning, asking what could be done. I had no reason to believe I would get a response the same day. I thought surely it would be Monday before I got a response. But within the hour. I received a response. Not only did I get a response, he checked his inventory to see if I could get a replacement guitar right away. THAT'S Customer service at it's best.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I have already recommended Zager Guitars to every guitarist I know. I will continue to do so as often I am able. I consider my Zager guitar to equivalent or better than many higher priced big named guitars out there. I believe in the personal touch that Dennis Zager gives every guitar before it is shipped.


<[email protected]>
Cape Coral, Florida
4 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I've been playing small body (0 & 00) Martin guitars for fifty years. The Zager Parlor has a fuller, ringing sound, and the ease of play is remarkable. The craftsmanship is just as good if not superior to any Martin, Gibson, or Guild.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
For a body that measures between an 0 and 00, the sound is fantastic - and as big as a 000-18 or 28.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Not a dollar less than $1,750.00.

How would you rate customer support?
It's superb. It's a small, family run business, and they can't do enough for you. There's a personal connection immediately and I felt valued.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I recommend Zager guitars to anyone, including beginners, professionals, and especially older players like me who have mitigating factors like arthritis. When they say there's no string bite, they are absolutely accurate.

Additional comments:
When something seems too good to be true, it almost always is. But these guitars are even better than promised, with a fit and finish that's incomparable. I've made the "pilgrimage" to Nazareth, PA, to the Martin factory. Martin has been like a second religion for me - I do believe I've just converted!

<[email protected]>
Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
4 months ago

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Well, I have had many old guitars, Martins, Breedloves, Larrivee's, Gibson's I've owned them all......HONESTLY, the Mahogany ZAD50E compares tonally with any of them. I'm not going to claim that it is better, but it is at least as good as any of them. The Zager treatment really does make it easier to play. The strings that come with Zager are a little lighter than I like and with the lighter gauge there is a reduced volume and the old E and B always seem a little out of tune which is true with any guitar that I've ever owned, but that is easily remedied by putting a set of 12-53' on. Tunes normally, much more projection with the heavier gauge. Now the funny thing is that even with the heavier gauge strings it is still easier to play. LOL, I love it.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The TONE and projection.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Between 500.00 and $800.00

How would you rate customer support?
Couldn't be any better. Dennis Jr. right on top of things and is there to make you happy. Customer Service is quite remarkable.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Definitely YES! You get a guitar that sounds as good as the more expensive guitars, looks great and is easier to play than most out there.

Additional comments:
There is a lot of Zager bashing out on the internet. I wish people would grow up and stop that crap. Denny Zager offers something a little different than the norm and should be praised for it. Most other manufacturers do not set up their guitars and you have to spend extra money to get the setup. Some are satisfactory but Zager's are perfect.....I will attest that if they are not perfect it will be exchanged. I can make that statement because there was a problem with the first one that I had, I wrote Dennis Jr and he promptly sent me another guitar. He didn't feel that I should have ANY problems with a new guitar. He took care of it immediately.

<[email protected]>
Evansville, Indiana
4 months ago
Model: ZAD-50CE OM

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This guitar is very easy to play and the size of it (15% smaller than my MArtin D 28)allows a better fit to me when playing despite th=e fact that I am 6ft 1 inch tall. It is more comfortable than the D size guitar.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It matches the beauty of my $3,000 Martin D 28. The woods are flawless. The clarity is excellent and the sound is brilliant.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
about $2500.

How would you rate customer support?
The custom support is excellent and timely with quick responses to questions.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I have alrady recommended this guitar to friend. In fact a 30 yr veteran of guitar playing tried this guitar and was so impressed that he is about to purchase one for his daughter.

Additional comments:
This guitar play easier than other acoustics that I have tried. I can see myself pracicing longer without the sore finger tips

<[email protected]>
Laredo, Texas
4 months ago
Model: ZAD-50CE

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
My retained personal collection is of guitars appproximately 40-50 years old and matured. Therefore, a fresh guitar is not going to be what a really good mature guitar is going to be. At my age I don't consider buying a guitar as a competitor to a quality seasoned guitar and... in this case I purchased it as a gift to my son who plays very similar to the methods of Denny Zager and his philosophy. I think I picked a 'matched' pair in this purchase consideration.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The custom structural setup!!!

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I've cheated a bit on this one before purchasing. I researched the 'major' established competitors and several custom shops for precisely this build less the custom setup. The customs with solid wood and or HPL sides and bottom were $1400-2000'ish, some with and some without the electronics. All of these were with A or lessor grade volume production woods. Gibson, Martin etc., all have models and like woods with the HPL sides and bottoms and their pricing runs from just under a 1K to upwards of $2000....all have some trade-off points between them. That being said, the Zager lineup is a reasonable BARGIN aside from the custom setup their guitars are built around.

How would you rate customer support?
The family character and customer support is straight from an era long past and missing from todays generations of the business world! I have NO reason(s) to believe that it goes well beyond purchasing and throughout the life of the company and the guitar. It seems to be rooted deep in their gene pool!

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I certainly would recommend to anybody seeking and striving to improve their music skills or a go-around for any physiological problems they may encounter. That said, there is a large segement in the music world who would consider the Zager system as irrelevant to their playing style and perception of music from a stringed instrument so consideration of the Zager system is probably not in their sight...right now.

Additional comments:
Thanks Denny and the Zager family! Your guitar is going into the hands of an exceptional young man who shares most of your style and philosophy.

<[email protected]>
Stamford, Connecticut
4 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The looks are fantastic and the playability is effortless. I have a $3000.00 guitar that rarely gets played. And now I play my Zager almost exclusively.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
My favorite part is the ease of playability. My hands and fingers are sore with arthritis so I makes playing chords or fingering notes so much easier. I spend more time playing now that I have my new Zager guitar.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I would price this guitar in the $1500 to $2000 price range.

How would you rate customer support?
The Zager company bent over backwards to make me a satisfied customer. I think I sent around 10 or more emails one morning trying to make up my mind and each one was answered in a matter of minutes if not seconds. They let me put down a small down payment and told me they would hold the guitar and case indefinitely for me. However, I couldn't wait so paid the balance off within a month.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I have been chatting this guitar up to anyone and everyone. Those that play it are amazed especially when I tell them what it cost me because they all are thinking a much higher dollar amount.

Additional comments:
I now have two Zager t-shirts and one Zager guitar. I need to find a way to even that up.

<[email protected]>
Newport News, Virginia
4 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The difference between my ZAGER 50 natural and my SEAGULL S6 is like night and day. The ZAGER is way easier to play and the sound is great.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It takes very little finger pressure to play this guitar.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
With the quality of this guitar , I would have estimated it to cost about one thousand.

How would you rate customer support?
I have never used customer support after my purchase.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I have recommended ZAGER to many of my friends as I could not be happier with mine.

Additional comments:
I'm sure I will be upgrading to an even better ZAGER model.

<[email protected]>
Toledo, Ohio
4 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This guitar is the best I have had ,plays very easy,sounds beautiful and the finish is truly professional.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The easy play and comfort of the neck.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$1000.00

How would you rate customer support?
Ist Class .Absolutly professional.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Definately would,so they can experience the joy of playing such a wonderful guitar as I have.

Additional comments:
Thank you Zager Guitars for you easy professional support.


Alexandria, Virginia
4 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The Zager Parlor is supreme in most ways to my 40+ year old solid mahogany Harmony. Compared to other guitars I've recently checked out, I believe there's not a better guitar for me in this price range.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Playing the Zager Parlor for several months now (March to July 5013) I'd have to say, the SOUND QUALITY plus playability.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$700.00. Believe it, it's the bling and all the extra production care that makes exclusive and pricey guitars. I wanted a simple unadorned guitar and got way more as a surprise.

How would you rate customer support?
Excellent. 5 out of 5!

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely yes! I'd want any guitar player to know about the quality of the Zager guitar line.

Additional comments:
Although I'm not a pro player, I was an apprentice luthier back in the mid 70s in Toronto Canada. I learned what to look for in a quality guitar. Now that I'm semi-retired, and have a little more free time, I wanted to upgrade to a better practice guitar and I've definitely found it in the Zager product line. I've got a slower hand now, and I'm not a wannabe, but every time I see that cool hard shell Zager case, I want to open it up and play for another hour or two. I'm having fun relearning and improving technique, and I believe my ZAGER Parlor hog is making it easier. Thanks to Denny and the Zager family for their unique marketing of a high quality product at an outstanding price for all of us.


Stamford, Connecticut
4 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have two Spanish-built Cordoba classical guitars, which really can't be compared to steel-stringed instruments. I also own a Martin Eric Clapton signature model and a Zager D-80. I bought the mahogany Travel to have something I can easily take on my many road trips. I didn't expect a deep-throated instrument equal to the two full-size guitars, and it doesn't have that tone. It's a physical impossibility. But it's a much higher-quality sound than I anticipated. I love it. It compares more than favorably with the Little Martin.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The fact that the fingering is so easy and the quality of the sound. I anticipated that the neck might be too narrow for my fingers, but it's fine.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
At least twice the $345 that I paid for it.

How would you rate customer support?
Nothing short of fantastic. I think Denny Zager lives at his computer just to be able to jump in with answers to emails as soon as they hit his screen.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely. For all the reasons above.

Additional comments:
From my two-guitar experience, Zager guitars are a steal. The pricing structure puts a truly great guitar within everyone's budget. As an example of how good these instruments are, a friend of mine -- a professional guitar player of some renown -- was playing a gig a few blocks from my condo. He didn't have time to run home to pick up one of his own guitars, so he asked if he could borrow one of mine. I gave him the Clapton Martin and the Zager D-80. After playing both, he chose the Zager. I'm just sayin' ...

<[email protected]>
Indianapolis, Indiana
4 months ago
Model: ZAD-80CE

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Set up is much better than the gibson , the gospel always seemed to have a issue with the setups . All the 5-8 hundred dollars guitars are all made out of laminate , Tried a few just don't like the sound . This zager blows them away . And i have only had this guitar a few weeks .

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The neck and its ease of playing .

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
would probulary quess at 1800 to 2200 dollars

How would you rate customer support?
Wonderful , I sent them a e-mail to ask about discounted guitars and this is the one they came back to me with and the one that caught my eye, reduced the price by 500 dollars i think because of a few scratches you really can't see unless you look for them.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes in a minute , This guitar is just as good or better than my martin hd35 i sold many years ago.

Additional comments:
This is a wonderful guitar and i am sure will bring me many years of enjoyment . If you are looking for a guitar ,order one give them a try ,won't be disappointed. I 've owned gibsons and martins most of my life ,but i love this guitar .

<[email protected]>
San Francisco, California
4 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I do love my other guitar, but keep reaching for the Zager Parlor because it's so easy and fun to play.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
My Zager Parlor is fun and adorable, and I like the way she feels in my arms. Everyone admires the quality of workmanship and how beautiful she is. The sound and tone that this small-sized guitar produces is amazing. My favorite thin, though, is how easy she is to play.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Priceless to me. Someday I'll pass her on to my precious granddaughter.

How would you rate customer support?
Very courteous and helpful, beyond what I expected even after reading good reviews. I've spent hours on the website because it's so interesting and full of information.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
In a minute!

Additional comments:
My Parlor was delivered in a timely manner with all her parts, and is even well-adjusted! What more could one ask for?


Visalia, California
4 months ago
Model: ZAD-80CE

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Highest quality guitar I've owned. My other guitar is an Epiphone Nova 295. It plays well but not as easy as the CE80. I've tried Martins, and assorted others at Guitar Center at prices from $500.00 to $3500.00. This guitar plays as well or better than most of them.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The ease of play is great. Also, the guitar is beautiful with nice appointments. Sound quality is fantastic and I've yet to try other string brands.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$1500 to $2000

How would you rate customer support?
Best I've ever encountered. Dennis answered all my questions, was not hard sell and even sent me a front strap button free of charge. Also, I originally tried the Zad50 and felt I was simply trading dollars compared to my Epiphone. I sent it back free of charge and was credited my purchase price and shipping in a timely fashion. This experience caused me to try the CE80 which I will keep.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Already have because of quality and customer service.

Additional comments:
It can't hurt to give Zager a try. It's risk free and worth the investment.


Norwalk, California
4 months ago
Model: ZAD-50CE

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have and have had many guitars throughout my life. I have owned Gibson, Fender, Martin, Yamaha, Condor, Carlos, Ovation and a whole slew of lessor named guitars. From the moment I took the guitar case out of the shipping box, I was impressed by how nice and well made the case is. Upon opening the case I was really surprised by how good looking the guitar is. However my biggest surprise was how great this guitar sounded. Having played for 60 years since I was 5 years old, I have never had a guitar that was perfect right out of the box. Until now. Every note on the entire neck was perfect pitch. Denny does an outstanding job of fine tuning and making sure that every aspect of the guitar is perfect. Thank you Denny.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Well, I love everything about this guitar, obviously. But my favorite thing is the ease of playing. My old arthritic hands have a hard time playing for more than 50 - 30 minutes with my other guitars. I have been able to play for hours on end with this guitar. I play many different styles but I really like finger picking i.e. Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, Jerry Reed, Doc Watson etc. I am just blown away by the clarity, and sustain and how rich and warm the lows and mids are and how bright and clear the highs. Overall just one super fantastic guitar for the money.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Having purchased many guitars in my life, I know that half of the price of a guitar is just the name on the headstock. The music store has to mark up the price big time just to keep their doors open. So, an in store price for this quality would probably be $1595.00 to $2295.00 plus tax. Thanks to the Zager Factory for allowing us to purchase direct. What a huge savings over retail music stores.

How would you rate customer support?
I have not needed to use the customer support, However, KUDOS to Dennis Jr. for his quick and honest answers to all of my many questions.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Simply, Price, Quality. This model compares to any Martin, Gibson, Ovation, Guild, that I have ever played.


<[email protected]>
Peoria, Arizona
4 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I bought an Aria acoustic about 35 years ago, but never really learned to play it. I have a relatively small hand and the Aria frustrated me to the point it sat in my closet for years. I was interested in the Zager as it was described as easy to play. I love the feel of the Zager Parlor, and it fits my hands well.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It feels very easy to play. I love the position of the strings.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
500.00-600.00

How would you rate customer support?
In a word, Incredible. Every email sent is responded to within minutes. Denny helped me decide which guitar best fit my needs.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely. The quality and finish of this instrument is A+. It is very easy to play even for me, a beginner.

Additional comments:
A little story about this purchase. I will be. 61 April 1 and my wife asked what I wanted for my birthday. I told her a guitar. She told me to go find one. Enter Denny Zager. I sent him an email inquiry asking first was I too old to learn. I have not picked up a guitar in over 30 years. He coached me on what he though would be the best instrument to learn with and even found a brand new Parlor in their scratch and dent area. Long story short, I received the guitar within a week of ordering it and I love it.. I have a relatively small hand and it fits it perfectly. Thanks Denny for your help and I look forward to my first set of lessons. Steve.


Dallas, Texas
4 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
It is comparable with low end Epiphones and Martins. The finish is done well but not over the top. The Grover tuners are not high end but work very "grover tuner" well. I own a few guitars that are set up by a local well-known luthier and the Zager plays as well if not better than the current setup I have.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The back radius of the neck and the taper fits my hand. It plays well right out of the box. Nice quality fitted case.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Honestly about what I paid for it with the case...around $450. It's good value for the money.

How would you rate customer support?
Support is outstanding. I don't think it will change

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes. Get past the advertising needed to get website traffic and try one...you'll be hard pressed to find a better deal off the shelf or as conveniently. IF I wanted to send it back I don't think there would be any questions asked. Dennis Jr has been nothing but top notch with answers and response.

Additional comments:
After an impulsive buy I have since done additional research looking for similar setup and quality. I purchased my guitar because the money back guarantee seemed legit and I wanted time to "test-drive". I have honestly found no other guitars that "off the shelf" are worth the money. Every higher end guitar I have played ($500-1400 range) since getting the Zager Parlor would need a setup to play as well with the additional cost of a hard case. The Zager's do get panned for marketing but get one delivered, actually playing it and looking at the value for the dollar makes getting one worthwhile in my opinion. TO get a guitar that plays as well would cost more money and time and expense to get it dialed in by hand by a luthier. Zager's work on many levels which I didn't really expect, and have made deciding to keep it easier. This is my honest opinion and it is in no way influenced by Zager except for the fact that I now own one. I also own 1943 Epiphone Blackstone, Epiphone AJ250S, Fender Strat,Martin LX1, Hofner Shorty, & Rogue A-style Mando. I have no particular style I just play guitar to amuse myself.

<[email protected]>
Hartford, Connecticut
5 months ago
Model: ZAD-50CE OM

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have had several major brands and this guitar certainly can stand up to any of them.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The easy way it chords and the tone of the guitar.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
twice as much as I paid for it

How would you rate customer support?
superior to any other guitar shop.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
My friend was over when I received my guitar and I don't think I have to recommend a guitar. She heard it and loves it and will buy her own soon.

Additional comments:
Really an execeptional guitar for the price you pay.

<[email protected]>
Olathe, Kansas
5 months ago
Model: ZAD-80CE

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Best ever!

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Sound, Playability and Action are superb.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I wouldn't care. It's better than any guitar I've ever tried.

How would you rate customer support?
Every business should learn Zager's Customer Support. I mean, how can you beat getting to try it out, and if you don't like it, send it back and they pay the return shipping. I did it with the 900 model they had. Didn't like it for the price, but I was a know nothing novice. Sent it back and got the 50 Mahog. Loved it so much I bought the 80 a year later. Now I wish that I had all three, instead of just the two. Would love to have a 900 again, as now I understand. I might even pay more if Denny comes up with a "Super Model" of what he thinks the ultimate guitar is.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I already do. These are top of the line, hand made and crafted custome guitars. You'll see that there is only one of two available at a time.

Additional comments:
If I haven't said enough, Dennis is great. He handles all the web stuff. You couldn't find a nicer guy to talk to. I grew up in the era of his dads songs, so it's all good and mellow with great support and quick responses to emails.