Denny Zager knows guitars
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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]>
Minneapolis, Minnesota
4 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I would have to say that it is as well constructed as any of my other two guitars (yamaha and martin) but is much easier to play due to the size and string ease. I do not have to mash as hard on the strings to get a clean note which is a joy to me because I am tired of sore fingers. Have had it a little over a week now and haven't experienced any soreness yet! :)

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Hmmm....it's size is nice because it is easy to tote around. It has a good sound for small areas and practicing playing...granted it is not a concert guitar but for it's size, it sounds as good as any other baby/palor guitar out there for a whole hellava lot less! It looks awesome. It is fun to play. I guess that is more than 'a' favorite part...sorry, got carried away.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I would guess in the $800 range.

How would you rate customer support?
Awesome!

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absoultely...They put the customer first which is the way it should be.

Additional comments:
I will probably never buy another guitar from anyone else as long as Zager is still around and hasn't changed their customer focused business plan.

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

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
to truly "compare" this guitar, one would have to spend a bunch more money, to achieve the same satisfaction.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
the playability...( is that a word? )... is like nothing else. i have other fine guitars...breedlove, martin, paul reed smith, but i have never been able to play comfortably for hours on end!!!

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
between $2000.00 to $2500.00

How would you rate customer support?
!!!!!five star!!!!!!

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
certainly....it's easy to remain excited about your next session. i have been playing off and on for over 40 years and i'm so looking forward to getting better and enjoying playing more

Additional comments:
....above all the fine assets that this instrument has..eg. the finish, the feel, the top notch components, the gorgeous tone, i'm more impressed with the personalized customer attention i got from the first e-mail on. the zager team is a class act, second to none.

<[email protected]>
Norman, Oklahoma
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?
There is no comparison among the Zager and my current acoustic guitars. In stores, only the high-end guitars compare with the Zager.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
My favorite part of my new Zager is the ease of playing which lets me play longer with no soreness in my fingers.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$1000+

How would you rate customer support?
Excellent - zero complaints and Denny is highly responsive to my inquiries. He even responded almost immediately to an email I sent on Sunday.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I would definitely recommend Zager guitars to anyone because you receive a high-quality guitar at an affordable price.

Additional comments:
Since Zager guitars are not widely available commercially (i.e. guitar stores, etc.), my Zager guitar seems like one of a limited number and will become more valuable over the years.

<[email protected]>
Atlanta, Georgia
5 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Only brand of steel-string that I like.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Purchased this guitar for travel after being so pleased with the ZAD50e. Not only is it perfect for travel, but it is gorgeous and sounds much better than I expected in a small guitar. Plus, the 'feel' is so similar to my other Zager. The bottom line is that I enjoy playing your guitars! Another cool thing is that as I get better the guitar continues to respond with improved sound.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$700 +

How would you rate customer support?
Responsive and courteous

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Already have.


<[email protected]>
Yonkers, New York
5 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
It's easier to play, and it isn't cumbersome. Very light weight.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The tone. It's beautiful and so mellow.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$800.00 - $1000.00

How would you rate customer support?
EXCELLENT!!! OUTSTANDING!!

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
DEFINITELY! It's custom made, and with so much care and love.

Additional comments:
Thank you for the exceptional service.

<[email protected]>
Springfield, Illinois
5 months ago
Model: ZAD-20 Black

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I am a new player and was playing my daughters guitar and noticed my black Zad50 was so much easier to play and was really easy on the eyes as well.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Well since I really haven't learned how to play it yet I love the looks of it. It is truly a beautiful instrument, love the inlay, the finish and sound. I also love that the strings don't cut into your fingers and I can practice for longer periods of time.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I would estimate the price to be at least $750 or higher.

How would you rate customer support?
I emailed Denny early one morning and within 50 minutes he had responded to all my questions with very helpful explanations. I would rate customer service an A+!!

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes I actually told my husband about my Black Zad50 as I had ordered it for my birthday. I recommended Zager because I could tell by my research it was a good product with great service and would help me be successful in learning since it is more comfortable to play.

Additional comments:
Thanks again for a beautiful guitar and giving the beginners out there a better chance of success in playing an instrument.

<[email protected]>
Arlington, Texas
5 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Compared to the baby guitars and mini modles, this guitar makes them sound like ukueles

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It absolutly rings with every note, It almost feels like feedback

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
700

How would you rate customer support?
Customer support could not be better. Dennis will really go out of his way to help you

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
YES It is the easiest playing and best sounding small guitar out there

Additional comments:
Although this guitar was sold as blemished, I could barely find the flaw in the finish on the head stock.

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

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Head and shoulders above. I am only a strummer player. I sing and play with a Country Classic Band and before I got this guitar I doped the ends of my fingers with "New Skin" liquid bandaids to help my play longer without sore fingers. I've never used it again since I got this guitar.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It is hard to pick one part as the favorite but I guess it would have to be the neck. a couple of years after I bought this guitar I bought a new Martin D-41. I only played it a few times. It had a beautiful sound but was not nearly as comfortable as my Zager. I sold the D-41. This guitar stays in tune better than any I've played also. Since I'm not a picker I don't practice every day but many has been the times when I would play about 3 hours on a Friday night, about another 2 to 3 hours on Saturday night, and then the next Friday my guitar is still in tune. It is awsome.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
If I had never heard of this guitar and played it and then the Martin D-41 I would think the Zager would be as expensive or maybe more than the Martin.

How would you rate customer support?
I actually just found out how good the customer support really is. I have had this guitar at least 6 years. The battery box is extremely hard to get out to change the batttery in the Tuner/Pick Up. I contacted Dennis about the problem and he said the electronics are normally warranted for one year but he is sending me a new unit. How could it be better?

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I would and I have. I believe this guitar cannot be beat for anyone from beginner to professional. I believe that for the price of these guitars and the ease of playing as well as the sound a beginner has a better chance of staying dedicated to playing than he would on a cheaper or more expensive harder to play guitar. And the professsional, well, some people will buy for the high dollar name brand because of the prestige of owning "one of the best". I already own one, a Zager.


<[email protected]>
Gainesville, Florida
5 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
My new ZAD50E is much easier to chord. The string placement and fret heighth is much more confortable. The tone is incredible, I've been playing a Hofner dreadnaught, a very nice guitar in itself, for almost 40 years and the tone and volume of my new Zager far surpasses my Hofner.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The genuine pleasure I get from playing such a fine guitar

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

How would you rate customer support?
Zager Guitars should be the yard stick for customer service for other companies. I recently ordered some parts and received them in just 3 working days, along with a complimentary set of strings. They are THE BEST!

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely without any doubt. In fact, I already have. The quality and value of the Zager guitar is, in my opinion, the best in the industry.

Additional comments:
For anyone looking for not only a great sounding guitar, but a beautiful instrument as well, the Zager products are unmatched. I've been playing at a couple of open mic' gigs recently and several musicians have asked to play my guitar instead of theirs. Most are playing Yamahas or Martin's costing hundreds of dollars more. To a man, each person says, "I can't believe the playability and the tone of this guitar". I just say, Buy one!!

<[email protected]>
Flint, Michigan
5 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This guitar sounds awesome loud, strong, and proud. High quality sounds just come blasting out at you.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The beautiful finish and every detail from the stringing of the guitar to the finish.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
1200.00 to 1500.00 price range

How would you rate customer support?
The customer support is as good as the guitar. EXCELLENT in today's market of being able to purchase anything on the internet and the customer support that is sometimes terrible this is one company that stands tall when it comes to customer support. I'm telling everyone that if you want a super nice guitar excellent quality and customer support that comes with the package then don't look any further this is the one for you.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Zager guitar company stands out from the rest of the guitar manufacturers they don't just say they put out quality they prove it. With excellent shipment to quality control and superior customer service.

Additional comments:
All I can say is thank God my wife found Zager Guitar because I know that I couldn't be happier. Thanks Dennis and Mr. Zager for the wonderful guitar you should be very proud of the excellent service and great company.

<[email protected]>
Boston, Massachusetts
5 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
There IS truth in advertising. It is by far the most playable guitar I own, and I could only compare it to a $3,000-plus Gibson in terms of easy of playing. I also own a Breedlove that would go for around $1400, the ZAD50E is pretty close to it in terms of sound quality. I'm sure the higher end Zagers (still at a fraction of that price) would blow it out of the water.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Its looks make it inviting to play, but the playability of it keeps me opening the guitar case!

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Probably $1500, particularly since it is all wood construction and there are many big-name brands that now use laminate sides on guitars costing nearly or slightly more than four figures.

How would you rate customer support?
Incredible. I've had numerous e-mail exchanges with Dennis, and he responded within an hour or two if not much less time than that.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely! It's pretty simple -- all wood construction (you know it will age well), incredible value, excellent tone and superior playability. Why spend two thousand dollars or more to get that?

Additional comments:
I look forward to the day I can purchase a ZAD80E and then pass it along to my son.

<[email protected]>
Alexandria, Virginia
5 months ago
Model: ZAD-50 OM

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This is my first. However, comparing it to others in the store, I find it superior in worksmanship to most.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Ease of play is wonderful. String height is amazing! Since I'm a new player, I'm sure the overall string abuse to my fingers has been reduced significantly.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$1000 +

How would you rate customer support?
I don't think it could get any better! Instant reply to emails and a wonderful person at the end of the line (phone calls). Very knowledgable, caring and a pleasure to do business with.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely! Why? For all the reasons stated above. Quality product, great price and great customer service!

Additional comments:
I just wanted to say "Thanks!" Denny! I'm so happy with my new guitar. Some things in life are just made for 'enjoyment'... and this is one of them. It just gives me pleasure every time I pick it up!


St. Louis, Missouri
5 months ago
Model: ZAD-50CE

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I've owned various mid-range acoustics - Fender, Alvarez, Epiphone, Harmony, Yamaha etc. The best guitar I've owned was a Martin D-35. Loved the low and mid range and the action was fair. The Martin D-35 was stolen - hope they enjoy it as much as I did. lol Comparing the ZAD50CDLH to all the rest of the guitars I've owned the Zager won hands down. As a left hand player I would have purchased the ZAD80CE or ZAD900CE given the opportunity but unfortunately for me Zager doesn't make them in a left hand model so I purchased the best lefty they had which was the ZAD50CE. I purchased a discounted guitar for $645.00 but when I received it much to my surprise they sent a new undamaged one - 5 Stars. The day UPS delivered the guitar the temperature was 104 so I let it set in the case for a couple of hours. When I opened up the case and took a look at the guitar the action was terrible so emailed Dennis Jr and asked him if maybe they had missed setting this one up. He said the hot weather had been giving them havoc the last week of two so I set it back in the case till the next morning. When I checked it the next day the action was nice and low just as I was hoping for. Comparing the Martin D-35 to the ZAD50CDLH is hard because they are 2 different breeds of guitar. The Martin had a rich low and mid range while the ZAD50CDLH is rich in the mid and high ranges. From what reviews I've seen I would say when comparing the the Martin-35 to a Zager guitar the most comparable would be the ZAD80 or ZAD900 which are right hand only.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Hands down it would be the action. Very nice and easy to play. After the purchase I received a link to some videos from Denny Zager and it was clear that our playing styles were not the same. I like my firm pick and although his picks play well with the extra light strings I didn't like the sound of the pick on the strings. The ZAD50CDLH is bright and loud and the acoustics are very nice. Yes, it is a Sigma Martin made in Indonesia but it is not just another cheap guitar. It has customized bracing and the solid sitka top is thin enough for great resonance. The first thing I noticed about the guitar was the projection... Unlike other guitars I've owned the back and side are relatively silent while the sound resonates richly from the top. When playing standing up it doesn't sound like it has much volume but it does. Really nice volume to the people in front of you. In the future I plan on installing a JLD bridge system to support the custom bracing and top and experiment with various gauge strings.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I was worth what I paid for it... No complaints. $640.00 + $95.00 case + $40.00 shipping

How would you rate customer support?
They did good - Dennis Jr did the sales questions and Jillian handled the emails after the purchase. Jillian was very helpful...

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes, I would... But there are some things purchasers need to know. Don't do anything to the guitar if your thinking you might want to use their money back guarantee. Zager guitars don't have a front strap peg. Don't add one or you won't be able to get a refund. Also the lifetime guarantee doesn't cover heavier gauge strings - only the gauge of the strings that come with the guitar. Like other guitar manufacturers heat and humidity are not covered in the warranty. Zager guitars are customized and delicate instruments and although they are well built they're not your usual Yamaha tank. I highly recommend a good quality case. Zager sells one that also comes with a humidity meter inside the storage compartment.

Additional comments:
Dennis Jr would make a good politician. lol So don't settle with the normal sales pitch. Ask questions till you are satisfied. He will answer you truthfully when pressed.

<[email protected]>
Allentown, Pennsylvania
5 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
My other guitar is a Martin DC 16o gte, and the new one a ZAD-50. Both guitars were set up well. Their playability is similar, but the Zager wins in this department by a small edge. One of the endosers of the Zager was "Doc" Holiday. He owns a recording studio and made mention that the Zager is the best recording guitar. I just did a side by side comparison while recording. By a small difference the Zager did record better without my attempting to make adjustments to either guitar. The Zager has a much brighter sound to it, probably why it recorded so well. When sitting down, on my couch to play, the warmth of the Martin is my preference here. Considering the cost of the two guitars, Zager at $495.00 and the Martin at $1750.00 the Zager wins the event.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It is nice to play and it looks good. The shape of the head and Zager name tag makes it looks like a Martin.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I'd have a tough time comparing this to other guitars to come up with like prices, I've never played other brands. I was always a Martin fan. Zager has taken a place right up there though.

How would you rate customer support?
The support at Zager has been terrific. The Zager Team is quick with responses and support for everything asked of them.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I would. For the $500.00 dollars, the ZAD 50, the guitar I purchased is a winner. I beleive the woods get better as the price goes up and that would enhace the sound od the instrument.

Additional comments:
Team Zager is just terrific.

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

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Much easier to play then my Yamaha. After playing my Zager for the past two months, I took a trip to our local guitar store and sat and played Gibsons, C.F. Martin, and Takamine. Although each has variances with sound and handling, my Zager was as good and in most cases better.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
I love the sound that comes from this guitar. Play-ability is great as I am 54 and have arthritis in my hands.

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

How would you rate customer support?
I have not had to use customer support.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes. I't just perfect in every way.

Additional comments:
The best compliment I can give to my Zager comes from my son who also plays. After having my guitar for a few weeks, he came into my room where I was playing and said "I have never heard you play the guitar so much."


West Valley, Utah
5 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The Zad50 is so much easier to play and the sound is far better then the one I played the music stores.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It's really easy to play for an older player arthtritis in his hands.

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

How would you rate customer support?
Excellent

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes,I already have had a friend of my mine check it out.He said he would order his own.

Additional comments:
I could not put it down I must have played for three hours last not.

<[email protected]>
Hartford, Connecticut
5 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
There is no comparison to my old guitar, which is an acoustic Fender. The Zager has much more depth to its sound and much better action.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It would be hard to single out a favorite part. There are so many things I like about this guitar, to pick one would be impossible. The nice action, the totally awesome sound, the attention to detail...it's the total package.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
This is a $1600 guitar by any stretch.

How would you rate customer support?
Customer support was great. Any questions I had were met with an almost immediate response by email.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I would recommend this guitar to anybody looking to move up to a quality guitar, but doesn't have a bucket full of cash to spend. They can get the same quality and sound of a much more expensive guitar at about half the price.

Additional comments:
One feature that encouraged me to order this guitar was the liberal return policy. I'm glad to say "Sorry Denny. You're not gettin' this one back. It's staying right here in Sonoma."

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

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I bought a ZAD80CE about a year ago. It plays so much easier than any other guitar I have ever had, including a Martin. It is very easy on the fingers. I can play for 2 or 3 hours and could not before.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Ease of playing and sound. It is a very beautiful guitar. I play guitar with an accordion band so I need a strong bass. The sound is awesome and electronics work very well. No feedback that I have experienced in the past. Wonderful guitar!!

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
More than I paid for it for sure!

How would you rate customer support?
I have not had any problems, but all my questions have been answered promptly.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes,Yes!!! For all the reasons I have described. If some thing would happen to my zad80ce I would get another one.

Additional comments:
I sure would love for you to build a 12 string like this zad80ce for me. Thanks! Robert Kaiser

<[email protected]>
Fresno, California
5 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
There is no comparison. I recently returned another guitar that was given to me as a gift because the action was ridiculously high making the guitar virtually unplayable. This particular guitar was rated as one of the best available under $500. Unfortunately it did not live up to its rating. On the other hand, the ZAD 50 is everything it is advertized to be and more. It is extremely easy to play and sounds great.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
As a beginner, I appreciate how easy this guitar is to play compared to others I have tried.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$1,000.

How would you rate customer support?
Unbelievable. All of my e-mails have been promptly answered.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Excellent product, outstanding customer service.

Additional comments:
More businesses should try to operate the way you run your company. Congrats on a job well done.

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

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
It is the guitar that would have been custom built for me.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?
bright sound

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$ 1700.00

How would you rate customer support?
Bought it used.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
No! My technique, speed and lack of muscle tension improved. Why help,them play better. Just kidding I have recommended it to several people.

Additional comments:
I would like to have a condenser bender mic in a highend fishman set up.