Denny Zager is a true guitar master
ZAD80CE Solid Cedar/Rosewood Acoustic Electric “AURA” Pro Series
In Stores: $3500+ Our Price: $2,495 Sale: $1,995
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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 ZAD80 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
Denny wanted only the finest electronics system for the 80 series so he called Larry Fishman at world renowned “Fishman Transducers.” Fishman’s new Aura Digital Sound Imaging System allows you to download thousands of sound images directly from the Fishman online library that have been professionally mixed in Fishmans multi-million dollar recording studios. You can select from images mixed specifically for your Zager as well as thousands of others depending on the sound you’re looking for. Denny used to spend countless hours in studio time dialing in the perfect sound for his guitars. Fishman’s Aura Image Gallery Software (included) does this for you by allowing you to select from thousands of images in their online library that will give you the sound you want no matter what you’re looking for and downloading them onto your guitar via USB cable. Read the reviews, talk to the pros, and you will see this system dominates every guitar electronics package on the market today.
Players using the ZAD80CE AURA Pro Series say it matches or betters $3500 instruments, but with easier playability and a lower price since you’re buying direct from our workshop in Lincoln, Nebraska. Be sure to read artist comments and magazine reviews on the 80 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. Truly a work of art with a stunning sound that will get better year after year.
- 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.
- Fishman’s new AURA Digital Sound Imaging System that allows you to download thousands of sound images directly from the Fishman online library that have been professionally mixed in Fishmans multi-million dollar recording studios.
- Built in genuine Fishman transducer system allows you to plug into any amplifier or PA system and play it like a full electric guitar.
- Built in genuine Fishman automatic tuner system tunes your guitar perfectly in seconds and if you’re a beginner actually trains your ear for perfect pitch.
- Built in genuine Fishman equalizer system 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
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. | |
Western Red Cedar 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. Cedar is softer than spruce, and that softness translates into a sense of sonic warmth. Cedar guitars sound warmer, deeper and slightly richer. Used on only the highest quality acoustics in the world. |
Indian Rosewood Back-sides One of the most popular and traditional guitar woods of all time. Where mahogany lends itself to the midrange, rosewoods sonic profile is deeper in the low end. Not to take anything away from mahogany as many players will find it difficult to tell them apart, but the dedicated ear will notice a deeper, richer, sweeter tone coming from a rosewood guitar. Many players don’t know that cedar is one of the few woods that can outperform spruce when paired with rosewood which is why Denny uses a Western red cedar top with Indian rosewood back and sides on his 80 series guitars. | |
Indian Rosewood Headstock Indian rosewood is commonly found on high-end guitars. This wood is heavier and more dense than mahogany and also is very stable and resonant. East Indian Rosewood is dark brown with sometimes purple-brown streaks giving a pleasant figure. The guitar head stock configuration is a registered trademark and is used under license from C.F. Martin & Co. Inc. of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, USA. | |
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. | |
Full Abalone Inlay Inlay Abalone 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 overall look of your guitar, but it also adds to the value. Our 900 Pro Series guitars have an inlay rosette around the sound hole in combination with inlay around the entire face as well as small cross fret markers going up the fret board | |
Pearl Cross Fret-markers Used on only the highest quality guitars. 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 (gold) 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 November
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Baltimore, Maryland
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The Zager guitar is equal to any premium high-priced guitar that I've personally seen and played. And it is superior to most. The only guitars that could compare aer very high priced Martins.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The SOUND! That tone is wonderful! And the playability. Simply unmatched.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$1,800.00.
How would you rate customer support?
Denny and his son Dennis are first rate. They respond to your questions (even if they are dumb questions like mine) and give you real information, not just a sales line.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely. Price and playability. To get this playability would cost 3-4 times as much from major guitar makers. The Zager is everything they say it is and more.
Additional comments:
What more can be said? If you are a beginner, this is the perfect way to start playing guitar. If you are experienced, this guitar will give you all you want in a performance instrument.
Plano, Texas
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
It is my first guitar. It is much easier for me to play than my husbands Guitars. He has a 1968 Martin D28, a new dreadnaught Epiphone, an Alvarez classical guitar,(my next favorite after the Zager) and a $50 Ensenada.I tried a friends new small size Loar last week and I like my Zager much better.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
How easy it is to play without loss in sound quality.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$700 or $800.
How would you rate customer support?
excellent.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Oh yes!Because it is so easy to play and sounds great and is very competitively priced.
Additional comments:
It is also a very beautiful looking guitar and the case is real high quality too.I loved the little extra things that came with it-picks, tee shirt, strings guitar lesson, etc.
Santa Ana, California
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The guitar I replaced was just an old beater guitar that had been my brothers....it had a pretty good sound but the ZAD 50 is much more balanced and much, much easier to play. One thing that caught my eye was the ease of play mentioned in the ads...I have a pretty busted up left hand from 55 years of living and my old guitar was very hard on my arthritis. Whether it is String Science or just a good set up I don't know or care...all I know is that the Zager plays very easy with no fret buzz or clinker notes. The other guitar I owned was an old Ovation Baladeer....1975 model that I bought brand new with one of my first paychecks when I got out of tech school and had a "real job". The Zager's sound is much more of a true wooden sound and much more alive and once again very easy to play as compared to the Ovation.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Playability and overall sound.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
This is a very subjective question but I have played much more expensive guitars that did not play as easy nor sound as good. If venturing a guess I would say it compares favorably sound wise with the $1000 guitars but at that price range you would probably have solid woods, but you would not have the abalone inlay nor the quality of finish which is on my Zager.
How would you rate customer support?
This is where I feel the company is head and shoulders above most other companies that sell online. Dennis and his staff are very responsive, but in fairness they really have to be since it is nearly impossible to do a side by side comparison before purchasing. It remains a fact that they truly have AAA+ customer support.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I would definitely recommend others trying a Zager while doing their comparison shopping. Sound and playability are very subjective and what I like may not be another's cup of tea; however I think they owe it to themselves to play and listen to a Zager to make up their own minds rather than putting a lot of stock in other folk's reviews or opinions (good or bad). Based on my own tastes I would definitely recommend this to others.
Brownsville, Texas
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have a 1971 Epiphone Classical Acoustic which I had been learning with, before I bought my Zager, I went to my local music store and tried a Martin, It sounded great.....it was also $2500.00! Couldn't do it.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It sounds gorgeous, clean and bright... but warm at the same time,and it is truly a beautiful guitar. I took it out of the box and it felt right the minute I sat down with it. It stays in tune.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
It feels and plays like the $2500.00 Martin I tried out. My fingers don't get sore with my Zager unless I play all day.
How would you rate customer support?
AWESOME!!!! I had a lot of questions, received lots of advice, very patient and helpful.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
It's sooooo easy to play..... it sounds wonderful..... your not fainting at the price.... customer service is unbelievable.
Fort Worth, Texas
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Better than anything I have ever played before.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Ease of playing and sound.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
More than I paid for it.
How would you rate customer support?
Haven't needed any ,but I am sure it would be good.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes. Ease of playing ,Sound, beautiful workmanship.
Additional comments:
Thanks again! Bob Kaiser Eagle River ,Alaska
Reno, Nevada
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This guitar is amazing. My other guitars are jealous. I have never played a guitar that I like more than this one. I absolutely love it. It's like the sound of a Martin but plays better.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Everything. Playability,and sound are excellent.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
2500$
How would you rate customer support?
5 out of 5 stars. They treat you like family.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Absolutely. It is the best guitar ever made!
Additional comments:
I can't put this guitar down,it has become a part of me.
Austin, Texas
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Better quality set-up, finish, tone
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The nice ringing tone.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
at least 600.00
How would you rate customer support?
Fantastic!
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Without a doubt! Service & quality
Additional comments:
Im So glad to deal with someone in the USA with a quality product, and great customer service finally
Hartford, Connecticut
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This is a travel guitar for when I go away not on a music tour or gig but just to have something to play every day--I get some withdrawal if I don't play for a few days.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
It has basically the same feel as my other Zagers. You buy a Zager for playability and I want the same feel in a smaller travel guitar. With the smaller body you have some attenuation of sound projection and frets are closer together but the action feel is similar to my other two Zagers. The case is built like a tank--just right for travel.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I would guess about like the Little Martins.
How would you rate customer support?
There is no comparison. If you don't like it, they will take it back and pay shipping--who else is going to do that unless they really have a great product? What do you have to lose, if you don't like your Zager he takes it back--they do not want unsatisfied customers.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
If you play every day and use differing guitar sizes for different venues and want the same sort of feel and playability over your go-to guitars, Zager is really hard to beat. The setup is everything. Denny's system is right on the money. He knows what a player really wants.
Additional comments:
If you are a heavy handed player, you might not like the Zager action and setup. If you are struggling with Barre chords and fingerstyles and flex in your strums for a wider sound--you probably found the guitar you will play every day in a Zager. You can play for hours without sore fingers and still get big sound.
Little Rock, Arkansas
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This guitar far surpasses all other brand guitars.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Ease of playability, good looks and quality service.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I comparison to previous guitars owned I would consider this guitar close to a $2000.00 value.
How would you rate customer support?
Excellent. They are very curtious, quick to answer emails and make you feel like part of the Zager family. They work with you 100% with no questions asked.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes. It's the best guitar I've owned and I've been playing for over 50 years.
Additional comments:
I'm very happy with this guitar and play it regularly. I just can't seem to put it down. It's everything I wanted in a guitar. The customer service is the best, bar none, and I feel very comfortable that they would take care of any problem, without question.
Boston, Massachusetts
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This guitar compares very favorably with my Gibson J-500 and 1961 Gibson Byrdland, which practically plays itself. This guitar has huge tone like the Gibson Jumbo (the largest flat top they ever made) and plays pretty easily, though I'd like to lower it just a hair. I went to the guitar show in Miami and played a number of multi thousand dollar guitars that I didn't think were any better.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Where to start: the sound is very forward, great for fingerpicking, and the spacing of the strings feels great. The guitar is very resonant, with lots of harmonic colors on each note if you're playing a melody. Tuning is spot on perfect, up and down. No dead zones or funny places (unlike my dear gibson) no buzzing, fretting out, intonation issues anywhere. The detail is tasteful and lovingly rendered. One is reminded of a Martin D-45. Terrific sustain.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
3K or more
How would you rate customer support?
top notch. They have been very friendly and helpful.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes. I already have, to my students. For the money I don't see how you can beat it. I'm sure it will only get better with age and playing. I can hear the tone opening up after a week.
Additional comments:
I would like to lower the action just a tiny bit, but I"m not sure how with a non adjustable bridge. I don't want to mess up what is nearly perfect. The case is nice, and this guitar deserves to be kept away from the salt air of fort lauderdale when not in use. But it's hard to put her down.
Waco, Texas
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
astounding value for money. tone, touch and texture are really excellent
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
ease of fretting (old arthritic fingers!) and the tone/sustain is so well balanced allowing a wide range of styles to sound clean, fresh and with just the right depth. The set up was near perfect and I've never been more comfortable playing a guitar right 'out of the box' as it were.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
at least twice the price - in the range of $1000+
How would you rate customer support?
This is the best I have experienced. Receiving the guitar feels like the beginning of the relationship with Zager Guitars rather than the end of a purchasing process
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Totally - service and quality are exceptional,
Additional comments:
I bought an 'entry' level model but I'd be happy gigging and recording this without demur. Next year, I will be getting a high end model and I know it will be as good as you can get - and then some.
Riverside, California
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Without a doubt this is the easiest guitar to play and volume of sound output is amazing. It's an acoustic that plays like an electric guitar. I can play this guitar twice as long before getting tired.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The strings are so close to the frets making so easy to play and yet no string buzz.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Atleast double what I paid for it, probably around $2000.00.
How would you rate customer support?
Excellent, Dennis Jr. has been a pleasure to communicate with. it's obvious he loves what he is doing and is eager to make sure you are a satisfied customer.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Heck Yea! Why? Heirloom quality, playability, beautiful sound, warranty and the price is right.
Additional comments:
I received my new ZAD80CE Acoustic Electric guitar just about a month ago in perfect condition and I am very satisfied with every aspect of this beautiful instrument. I have been in the woodworking business for 31 years and I know quality when I see it. The workmanship, quality of materials and finish is top of the line. It is obvious that you take great pride in the work that you do. Interestingly, the weight of the guitar is somewhat lighter than both my Gibson J45 or Martin D35. The richness of the sound and the volume that jumps out of the box is awesome. EZ Play, you weren’t kidding, the setup is unbelievable! It is all that I had hoped it would be. Honestly, since I got my new Zager guitar I haven’t had much time for the other two. It’s funny but I could swear this thing keeps calling out me. It’s hard to put down. Seriously, I love playing this guitar because it sounds wonderful and it takes me to that feel good place where all is right with the world and that’s what it’s all about!
Bellevue, Washington
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
This has to be the best guitar I have ever held in my hands, and I have been in many music stores and tried out quite a few brands and models,Gibson and Martin to mention a couple top of the heap brands, the ZAD80CE stands with or above them all.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
I don't believe I could choose one favorite part, it is the whole package that stands out.If I had to choose I think the tone and ease of chording would be at the top.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Judging from the other brands that I have tried I would expect to pay far more than I payed, probably in the $2500.00 to $3000.00 range
How would you rate customer support?
The People at Zager Guitars are simply the best I have ever dealt with in any business and stand alone in the music business. They are doing business like they were selling to their family, as a matter of fact they make you feel like family. As I stated above this is my second Zager and if I ever feel the need to have another guitar it will be the ZAD900 an nothing less.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I recommend these guitars and this company to everyone I meet in the music world and highly recommend them to new guitar players because if you want to learn to play these guitars are the easiest you will ever find and that will make the difference in a person sticking with it or quitting.
Additional comments:
If you are looking for a new guitar do yourself a favor and try a Zager you will be glad you did and with their 100% money back plus shipping both ways you don't have a thing to lose but you have much to gain.
Austin, Texas
9 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
My favorite acoustic guitars were my OM28 Custom and my old buddy, a 1974 Yamaki (Martin 40 D series lawsuit copy purchased new in 75.) I received my ZAD80CE on a Monday. This ZAD is the guitar that would be my utility instrument if it lived up to the hype I'd read... I've spent this week playing my two favorites, and the newby. It's been fun, interesting and, educational. The Martin and the Yamaki have been set up by a good pro 6 month's previous and they play beautifully. All week I'd play some favorite bit's of song's on each guitar one after the other. Maybe two or three bars and then switch to the next guitar. Some times just one chord sustained, then pick up the next guitar for a comparison. They all had their own distinctive sound. Now, I have 3 ditinctive sounds and I love all three of them. One thing that did stand out is, (and I hate to repeat Denny's ad's) this guitar played great right out of the case without having to bring it in for a pro set up!!
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
I really like finding equipment that is not a big name (at this time) and it lives up to/surpasses its claim's.It has low action to decrease fatigue on your fingering hand. It has low action all the way up the neck. Mine is a cutaway and it plays great on the upper frets. It plays as easily as my $3-$4K guitars!! So if we do away with playability, my favorite part of the guitar is the fit and finish!!! It's incredible!! This really is one beautifull guitar. Denny's guys do go the extra mile for him. I've seen two of these and the finish is, well, all I can do is smile when I bring it under a set of flourescent lamps and check the angles. For this price point, I cant expect perfection. IMACULATE!!!
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
In a blind taste test, if all guitars had the same strings and string spacing,I could not pick a winner between the 3 guitars mentioned. Taking the blindfold off, the ZAD80CE has cosmetic options of competitors $5k guitars. The fit and finish is superb. (ironically, I bought this guitar as beater so I would not have the wear and tear on my Martin... Well, now, I have this guitar that cost me 1/3rd the price of the Martin, and it's prettier than the Martin, so I've failed on this quest, but definately came out ahead!
How would you rate customer support?
The customer service of Zager guitars is "unsurpassed" in my book. I make a living in the customer service/technical support of Pro AV equipment and M.I. industry equipment. On a busines partner level, I deal with the biggest and not so big venders in the world every day. We can only strive to attain the level of customer support that I experienced from Denny's people on my purchase of the ZAD80CE. There was an unforseen glitch in my purchase and they definately turned that negative into a positive experience!!!! I've brought the details of my experience with Zager Guitars to our managment team. Thank you Dennis Jr, Jill, and Denny!!!
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Of course I will recommend this guitar to others. This is a guitar that I'd expect to be listed at twice the price! It has the cosmetic features of a Martin D42 and the playability as well! (1/4 the price...) It plays well all the way up the neck.
Additional comments:
I can not say enough about the personal attention provided for me on my transaction. I started off with some questions that were answered honestly and promptly. I ended up a very satisfied customer.
Lancaster, California
10 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have never found a guitar at any music store that you could pick up and play with such ease. I have a Gibson 500 and both had to be set up buy a luthier.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
From headstock to pickup pin everything is perfict. The beautiful wood, the workman ship, the substain.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
The Zad 80 I would guess at 2,500.00 to 3,000.00 dollars
How would you rate customer support?
"A" number "1". The best I have seen in all my years (74)
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes I would recommend this guitar to others. Why, it is the best guitar you can buy and the service is second to none.
Durham, North Carolina
10 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I have a Martin D2R and a Yamaha classical. I've tried Seagulls in stores. With out a doubt, when I opened the case and saw this Zager zad 80ce, I knew at once this was a piece of art. The feel, tone and ease of playing are amazing, far better than the guitars I own and are now for sale.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
What I really like, is when in the morning I go back to my office with a cup of coffee, and open the case and see that beautiful piece of machinery. I love the sound of it as it says Hi to me. It looks fantastic, sounds fantastic and is fantastic to play !
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
Easilly over $2,500. My Martin was over that and not nearly as friendly
How would you rate customer support?
I don't even know Dennis and Dennis Jr. but I feel like they are already friends who would do whatever they could do to help. 0 - 10 How about 100 !
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I have already done so. One cannot go wrong with the product backed by the guarentee !
Additional comments:
Thanks Zager's......let me know when the Amps come out......I'll be order # 1
Salem, Oregon
10 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
Black Zager model 50e. Can not get over how easy it was to play, and how good it sounds. High quality fret board and fret work ensure smooth fingering all the way up the neck. Clean notes/chords above the 12th fret and beyond thanks to the cutaway design. Good harmonics. Absolutely no hand fatigue. Appreciate the high end Fishman onboard electronics (tuner was a nice touch). Solid construction, Grover machine heads, tasteful inlays all add up to a very nicely appointed guitar.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
Playability is outstanding, and sound is way beyond what you might expect in this price range.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I think this guitar compares favorably to other acoustic/electric guitars in the $1000 - $1200 price range. If you are in the market for a solid performer without the huge sticker price, you have to take this rig for a serious test drive.
How would you rate customer support?
Second to none. Personal correspondence with Denny Jr. and Denny Sr., prompt and honest.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes. It's an outstanding value. These are the type of people who are in business for the right reasons. They want you to be able to get a guitar that is in your price range that plays great. Very difficult to find anything out there that would compare at similar prices.
Additional comments:
playability: 10 sound: 9 accessories: 9 look and feel: 9 bang for the buck: 10
Paterson, New Jersey
10 months ago
Additional comments:
I recently had a question for Dennis & he invited me to write a review of my Zager ZAD-80. I've played it since 5004 & even have Arlo Guthrie's autograph on it in addition to Denny's. I found Zager on e-Bay while looking for an upper end guitar. It sounded good but I was reluctant to by a guitar without playing it first. But I took the chance & have never regretted that decision. It's ease of playing & tone is second to none. I knew I had found the right guitar because I stopped looking at other guitars. In fact, at a folk festival that my wife & I recently attended, she was amazed that I bypassed a booth by a custom guitar maker. The reason is simple--I'm completely satisfied with my Zager. Ben Zandstra, 36022 Co. Rd. 1, Lake City, CA 96115
Little Rock, Arkansas
10 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
I own several guitars. I have a alvarez, rodriguez, epiphone, sigma, washburn,and have played and owned several more. But until now I have been looking for something that would knock my socks off and I finally found it. The Zager really is a nice, easy playing, great sounding guitar. I always said I wouldnt buy a guitar I couldnt play first but you made it so I had NOTHING TO LOSE> My only disappointment was I waited too long to buy one!!
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
My favorite part would be the playability. It almost chords itself. I love the clear sound and volume is great. I also like the look of the back. It looks like a three piece setup. It resembles the old Yamaha 340 I had for ages and loved.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
If I didnt already know the price I would easily guess it to be in the 2K range. My favoite guitar was always the gibson songwriter but this is hands down a better player.
How would you rate customer support?
Customer support is first rate. Dennis was always quick to answer all my questions and worked with me on shipping my guitar on my schedule.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
I would be glad to recommend this guitar to anyone who wants to own a guitar they just cant put down. I play it all the time ( in fairness I am retired ) but it is so easy to play for long times. If anyone is on the fence dont wait you have nothing too lose. Great guarantee.
Additional comments:
If you have anyone that might want to talk to someone who owns one I would be glad to answer emails if you ever need. Thanks for a great guitar.@@
Pompano Beach, Florida
10 months ago
How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?
The Zager is much more playable then my Takamine. As a new guitarist I found the playability to be so much easier and forgiving.
What's your favorite part about this guitar?
The guitar looks and sounds so much like many of the more expensive guitars on the market that I like to fool my friends and family into thinking I paid much, much, more. Then when I tell them what I actually paid they just react with amazement.
If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
$800 - $1,200
How would you rate customer support?
Outstanding. I danced around the purchase decision for a while and Dennis was always available to annswer all of my questions.
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?
Yes, definitely. The look, sound, feel and playability would suit players of all levels.