Denny Zager is a guitar genius
ZAD50CE Solid Spruce/Mahogany Acoustic Electric Vintage Sunburst
In Stores: $2000+ Our Price: $1,695 Sale: $1,395
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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
For 2024 Denny called Bob Fishman at Fishman Electronics (considered the best guitar electronics company in the world) and ordered the Fishman Presys 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 $2500 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 $2000+ guitars).
- Hand laid abalone inlay rosette with pearl fret markers.
- Ivory binding detail and zipper stripe down back (Found in predominantly $2000+ guitars).
- Genuine Grover tuning machines (best in the world).
- 100% money back guarantee
- Lifetime warranty
Features
Dreadnought Size Dimensions Height: 41 inchesBox length: 20 inches Waist: 11 inches Widest bout: 15.5 inches Depth: 4.75 inches Scale length: 25.5 inches | |
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. | |
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. |
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. | |
Mahogany Neck Mahogany—one of the most popular tone woods used on acoustic guitars for the last 50 years | |
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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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 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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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 | |
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. | |
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. | |
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 | |
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 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. | |
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. | |
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 December
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Peoria, Arizona
2 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
There is no comparing my new Zager to anything else that I have owned or played. The Zager outplays them all.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The sound and the ease of play.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
1500-2000
How would you rate customer support?
Well I've not really needed any support since I got the guitar but when I was trying to decide which Zager to purchase I emailed Dennis jr about 50 times. Dennis jr. Is the best. He helped me with any questions I had and I had a lot of questions.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely. This guitar is so well made and so easy to play. When I took this guitar out of the box I sat down and played for three hours. No pain or soreness in my fingers at all. The sound is just as good as aged Martins that I've played and this thing is brand new. When it gets a little age on it I don't think anything will compare to it on sound.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
2 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Simply the best, I can't say enough how happy I am with it.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
EVERYTHING, no joke, I am amazed how amazing this guitar is.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$3,000 which will compare to how well the guitar plays, feels and sounds.
How would you rate customer support?
10 out of 10 again "amazing"
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes, yes, yes, don't go any where else.
Additional comments:
Hi, I am "Max Twelve O Six" a singer/songwriter in the NYC area, and I just got my Zager guitar. I went on a search for a guitar about one year ago, I tired may, many guitars at stores around my area, most of these store here have pretty much all the top guitar anyone would want to play and I did tried them, I can say proudly that my Zager guitar by far outplays any of them, you would have to be crazy to not get one if you are on your search. One of the biggest reasons why I needed a new guitar, is because I have very bad tendonitis on both hands and arms, so I needed a guitar that I could play without aggravating my condition and I know I found it with my Zager.
Baltimore, Maryland
2 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have four acoustic guitars. A Taylor,Blueridge,Gibson and now a Zager80ce. The Zager blows the others away!!! It is much easier to play and has a much deeper and richer sound. I don't get near the volume with the other guitars.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The ease of play is amazing and I have never played a more beautiful guitar but the sound is my favorite part.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$2500 to $3000
How would you rate customer support?
Unbelievable! My emails with questions were answered very quickly. One even on the Fourth of July . I was not expecting to here back for several days but it only took about 50 minutes .
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely ! It is a beautiful instrument that almost plays itself and has an incredible sound.
Additional comments:
If anything ever happens to this guitar I won't have to shop. I'll just order another Zager.
Pembroke Pines, Florida
2 months ago
Far Better, have Taylor and the ease of playing my Zager is worlds apart.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Ease of action and tone
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Being a true beginner, I don't really know, but comparing it to ones I have tried in shops, probably £1000 -£1500 .)(1700 to 2,200 $ )
How would you rate customer support?
.Unbelievable, Denny and the team have been fantastic, whilst I had to wait longer for my guitar due to initial quality of wood was not deemed not to be of the standard required, and kept informed all the way....great team.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolute and unequivocal.
Additional comments:
As a beginner, to own something like this is .Fantastic, at such an affordable price it just goes to show that this company is not about money or profit but quality and customer satisfaction, I will recommend without being cheesy!!
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
2 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Much easier to play than my previous guitar. It also sounds great. I would compare it in sound to
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
I like the look, sound and play-ability. It is a work of art.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I don't know for sure, but I would say it compares in quality, play-ability and sound to a $1500 to $2000 guitar
How would you rate customer support?
Excellent A+. This is what impressed me the most about your company. The direct communication from the people that actually own and run the company is unbeatable. Plus your willingness to work with the customer exceeded my expectations.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I would highly recommend your guitars to anyone looking to buy. When you compare the quality of the instrument, ease of play, sound quality and finally the customer service I can't think of a better company to buy a guitar from. Plus you are buying from an american company that has a mid-west work ethic. What could be better? I congratulate you all on your fine product and company.
Waterbury, Connecticut
2 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
well know that I own and have played the zad 80ce I think the guitars in the store are all over priced or your price is cheap. the playability is light and comfortable. the sound is warm, clean and the resonance is awesome. ive played the high end Martins and Taylors and the zad 80 stands alone
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The playability
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$3000.00
How would you rate customer support?
Very nice people
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I will continue to share my the experience to all my musician friends and have the play my zad80c
Additional comments:
First off for me I don't buy guitars without playing them 1st, but when I saw the add on the internet pop up for your guitars I clicked on it because I never heard of them. When I watched the video testimonies I decided to take a shot at the Zad 50ce that you have on sale for $795. I received my guitar today and unpackaged and looked over the guitar and was amazed at the workmanship, I am a 30 year machinist that daily builds parts to blueprint, so I know how hard it is to manufacture things. I sat down and played it.This guitar is truly a piece of art. The tone and resonance is warm/ sharp and sweet and it does play easily just like one of my high-end electric guitars. The whole time I was playing it, something in the back of my mind was wrong though. When I was done playing the guitar and putting it back in its case then it hits me. This isn't the guitar I ordered, its the Zad80ce. So I go back to the box with the shipping instructions and confirm that the shipping label says Zad50ce. I pull out the shirt out of the bag and notice the black envelope with the post it note that says " You've been upgraded to an 80ce for free"! Dennis Jr. I sat back in my chair and was humbled. I want you to know how grateful I am and appreciative of your generosity. I play with a lot of musicians in bands and open mic nights and I can't wait to share this story with everyone and let them try this guitar.
Naperville, Illinois
2 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This is the first acoustic electric guitar that I have purchased. I'm new to the guitar and have primarily played an epiphone hollow body. I love the tone and the ease of playing even with the limited skills that I've developed thus far.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It's beautiful and it sounds great.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Hard for me to say since I haven't purchased or shopped for that many guitars.
How would you rate customer support?
Superb.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I would, but being a novice I'd be more inclined to let them try it and I'm pretty sure the guitar would sell itself.
Additional comments:
Looking forward to continued learning and hours of enjoyable playing-thanks for your dedication to the craft.
Columbus, Georgia
2 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Best I have ever owned... and I have owned many of the common and top brands.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Easy of Play & Sound
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$3,500.00 - $4,500.00
How would you rate customer support?
Very Good
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes, Because for the value - to price ratio - it is the best in the industry. Moreover, even if it cost more... I would still recommend it.
Additional comments:
I received my new Zager 900CE guitar and I wanted to let you guys know that I am completely satisfied and most impressed with the workmanship, skill and expertise ZAGER put in designing and making this guitar. I have had so many guitars over the years (some of the other top brands) and I wanted to say that this guitar is truly the best I have ever owned! The easy of playing, the rich and profound sound, the beauty and the electronic transducer/pick-up are the right combinations for a “near perfect guitarâ€. I will be letting all my associates and friends know about the ZAGER custom guitar company.
New York, New York
2 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I was looking for a quality 3/4 guitar. This has great sound, appears to be crafted very well, and has a beautiful finish. The ones I tried at stores used laminated woods, didn't have as nice of a finish, and sounded "tinny" to my ear. This one sounds like I'm playing my regular size guitar.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The size. It's easy to transport and easy to play. When my 9-year old grand-daughter visits, she can play it while I play the full size guitar. In the meantime it's become my "go to" guitar.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$700 to $800.
How would you rate customer support?
I haven't required customer support other than being updated on delivery. Dennis immediately responded to any inquiry I had.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes. It's a beautiful product with a great sound at an affordable price. You can't go wrong.
Oxnard, California
2 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This is the best guitar I have ever owned. I have had Martins, Takaminis, Ovations, Yamahas and more...
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Sound and craftsmanship
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$4,000.00 - $5,000.00 price range
How would you rate customer support?
fantastic!
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes - I do recommend this because of the price and the quality.
Additional comments:
I received my new Zager 900CE guitar and I wanted to let you guys know that I am completely satisfied and most impressed with the workmanship, skill and expertise they put in designing and making this guitar. I have had so many guitars over the years (some of the other top brands) and I wanted to say that this guitar is truly the best I have ever owned! The easy of playing, the rich and profound sound, the beauty and the electronic transducer/pick-up are the right combinations for a “near perfect guitarâ€.
Burbank, California
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The sound quality was not as deep as my Epiphone...making me a little nervous. I read all the literature that you sent and noted that the guitar would get a deeper tone once the wood cured. When I first began playing it my fingers hurt (I have not played in a while)and I thought easy play? I next played a chord with a light finger touch and laughed out loud at the full rich sound with such a light touch. The playability is all that was promised.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
One cannot choose a single favorite. The beauty out-classes any guitar that I have seen and yes the playability; something that I have to remind my fingers that a hard press is not necessary.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$3,500 to $4500
How would you rate customer support?
Boy do I know about customer support! I ordered my guitar on January 30, 5014 and knew that it was backordered. I emailed Dennis and had an immediate reply with the anticipated delivery month. I emailed him several times in the interim and had a gracious reply each time. When the delivery month arrived I was notified that there would be a delay due to a non satisfactory delivery of materials. I considered canceling my order and purchasing a guitar from a local music store. Dennis gave me this opportunity and said that you would refund me at anytime. I decided to stay the course. I was told that the new delivery date would be the end of June and on the first week in July I had my guitar. Customer support...Great!
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes, the beauty, playability and cost versus lesser quality guitars costing an equal amount are reasons to order a Zager.
Additional comments:
My zad900ce arrived with an upgraded case, a years worth of strings and a very nice guitar strap. All due to the wait time. Now that is taking care of ones customers!
Santa Clara, California
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This guitar was nicer than any other guitar I own.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The ease of play. Also, the construction quality is very high.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I would have expected the guitar to cost ~$3,500-4000.
How would you rate customer support?
Customer support has been very responsive.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
It is a high quality guitar, sounds good, plays well. Even more so given its price
Stamford, Connecticut
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This guitar is so much easier to play, and has such great sound quality! I have played a Martin guitar, but it was harder to play. I barely have to press down on the frets with my new Zager guitar.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Easy to play.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Doesn't matter... I love it!
How would you rate customer support?
Customer support was excellent and kind!
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I would most definitely recommend this guitar to others, because it's a beautiful guitar, plays easy, and most definitely has great sound quality.
Lancaster, California
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
There is no comparison. This is a masterpiece in quality and craftsmanship.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
E V E R Y T H I N G. There is no way I could choose any one part over another. They are all equally excelletnt
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I would expect to pay well over $2,000.00 for this ZAD50CE Special
How would you rate customer support?
Customer support is superb. Dennis answered my questions usually within 10 mins of sending the email. I don't know of a better customer service.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Without question. The quality of the instrument and workmanship are excellent, but the sounds and ease of playing is unmatched. The action is incredible and your fingers do not get tired after extended playing.
Additional comments:
I could not have found a better guitar for myself. The sound is incredible and the ease of playing is something you have to try to believe. The entire package is off the chart. The guitar, the case (with humidifier)and the care and attention to detail that Dennis Zager puts into each and every one of his guitar4s. I'm sold, and so will you be.
Des Moines, Iowa
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The sound on the Zager is brilliant and rich.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
That I can practice for more than a half hour without feeling discomfort in my hands
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
800-1000
How would you rate customer support?
The customer support has been fantastic. Every question I asked was answered literally in minutes (if not sooner)
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
The look, feel and sound of this guitar speaks for itself. It is by far the best guitar I have owned.
Additional comments:
I’ve had a guitar most of my life, but never really took the time to really get into it. I have mostly just picked it up every once and a while and strummed along to songs or tried to figure out how to play something. This year I decided that (at the age of 59) it was time to do something that I always wanted to, really learn to play guitar. Once I started practicing on a regular basis, I felt myself not being able to put in as much time as I wanted, since my fingers we bothering me. Playing an electric guitar helped a bit, but my acoustic was not very comfortable to me. After about 50-30 minutes my fingers (not just my finger tips) were hurting. I started on my internet search for help. I tried finger exercising, bought finger exercising grips (which does help a bit), had the acoustic setup with the action as low as I could get it, but I either had to suck it up and work through the pain, or keep looking for a magic answer. Well, I think I found it. After doing a lot of research on the internet, I thought I would try a Zager guitar. They seem to have a great loyal following, although they also seem to have a lot of haters, which made me shy away at first. Most of the negative reviews I saw were from many years ago, so I thought I would give one a try. I was on contact with Dennis Zager Jr, who answered any and ALL questions I had before I made the purchase, not only quickly but honestly. Since Zager has such a great return policy, I figured I had nothing to lose, but the pain in my fingers. I ordered a ZAD50 Sunburst from their discount section. Great(er) price and almost perfect (once I received it I had a hard time finding the small cosmetic defect). Due to a UPS screw-up, I had to go pick up the guitar at the UPS office. The UPS employee at the counter was also a guitar player and had never heard of Zager guitars. I told him a brief history, of course he had known Zager and Evans great hit, “In the Year 2525â€. I was excited to see the guitar and play it, so I opened it in the UPS Office. I also purchased a case, don’t buy a guitar without one, and when I opened it and tuned it up, I knew it was a good decision. It sounded Great!! Of course the UPS guy wanted to give it a whirl, which I let him and it sounded even better with someone who really knew how to play. I unfortunately had to go back to work, but when I got home I was like a kid with a new toy. When my wife called me for dinner, I realized I had been playing for well over an hour pain free. I thought that maybe it was the “new toy†adrenaline, but so far I have not run into any significant pain issues. First, any fingertip pain is gone. The amount of pressure required, is so much less than my other guitar. I guess the pressure I was exerting on my other guitar was causing my joints to hurt, but that pain is minimal know. I have no problem going an hour or 2 comfortably. Another first happened. My wife actually knew what songs I was playing without me telling her. My
Downey, California
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
it is very, very good. the comparison includes my gibson, taylor and martins all of which cost more than twice the price.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
it plays so well and the sound is balanced and prominent.the frame is classic and when i knock on the front it gives great sustain. the wood is lovely and superbly finished. i wd take it anywhere.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$900 or more
How would you rate customer support?
very good, was contact, comment and explanation all the way.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
yes; because it is good and outstanding for its price
Additional comments:
thanks to zager. i dont quite understand the mechanics of why it plays so easily and well, but i can live with that.
Irving, Texas
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The neck fits my hand better and the string height makes it easier to make chords without as much pressure. The strings themselves are to me smoother and feel better on my finger tips.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
First I love the look but then comes the sweet sound...
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I figure in the 1200 range as some others I have looked at but they did not play as well.
How would you rate customer support?
To this date the customer support has been outstanding...Every question I have asked has been answered very promptly and answered in a way that is easy for a beginner like me to understand...
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely...It is a quality guitar for a very good price.
Additional comments:
Just want to thank the Zager folks for their help and service. If not for this guitar I might have gotten fed up with sore fingers and quit. This has helped me to extend my practice times greatly and sped up my learning curve...
San Diego, California
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have owned 28 guitars in my life time and had them from Gibsons, Yamaha, Fenders, Ovation, Harmony, Music man, Martins Mitchell's, Stella, & more, I still own 8 of my collection and 4 vintage which I love playing and sound great. When I received my Zad50E took it out of the case it was just beautiful, The Sunburst color is such a great finish and the smell of the Mahogany wood is very strong and fresh, Love it, I tuned it some from the long trip to AZ with the on board preamp tuner, the guitar sounded great played wonderfully up there with the very top of the line $3000.00 plus guitars that I previously own. The case has a beautiful black felt cushion perfectly cut to fit the guitar snug & Zager Logo on it which looks great also
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Well my favorite part of this Zad50E is the sound it puts out, from the very low end to the high end E & B strings just sing out, The on board Fishman 60 is one of the best that I have plugged in to an Amps and sounds great, On board tuning is quick and easy and very accurate tested it with my other tuners and right on pitch. The playability is very easy and the feel of the neck is just a perfect fit, easy and quick chord changes, just an all around great guitar to play for hours on end.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I would have to rate my new Zad20E around the price range of about 1800.00 to 2500.00 dollar guitar
How would you rate customer support?
Customer service is right on and answered my emails with in minutes of any questions that I might have asked about the guitar before I even purchased it, that was a mind blower cause companies to day take days to reply if they do at all. Dennis was emailing me as soon as he received my email. That said a lot for me.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Oh I would most definitely recommend these guitars to any of my musician friends, this will not be my last ZAGER by far Planning on to purchase the 50 & 80 CE in the future to add to my collection of beauties
Additional comments:
I have been playing guitar for over 50 yrs and have played them all from low end to high end in the thousands, and this Zager is right up there, the looks the style just a beautiful finish, and of course the sound just awesome, The comfort of holding it is a perfect fit could play it for hrs and never get tired of playing it. My Thanks to Denny for a great design & Dennis for a great customer support and also can't beat the life time warranty for no additional money for insurance like on most guitars being purchased out there
Bellevue, Washington
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have an Ovation Ultra that from day one, needed the action lowered. The seller did not mention that, it was my first big dollar guitar so I was ignorant of guitar set ups. After years of not being able to play beyond the fourth fret, I had the action lowered. It plays better but I liken the frets to playing a cheese grater! Sound is dull. My new Zad50E is light years ahead in all aspects, playability, tone, Fishman 60 electronics package with tuner over all quality.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The tone, its so clear and rings out.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$1000.00 easy..
How would you rate customer support?
Excellant plus..
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I already have. Over all quality and sound and customer support.
Louisville, Kentucky
3 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have an Alvarez from 1964 and the Zager just feels better in my arms. I love the touch of the strings to the neck.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Besides it's playability, it is also a beautiful looking instrument.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I would have figured it sellingat over $900 and well worth it.
How would you rate customer support?
It is great to see a company that takes such pride in their product and what they do for the customer.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I have already told others about looking into Zager.
Additional comments:
If they ever come out with an electric, I'll be one of the first customers.