Zager ZAD 80CE OM

Features for the ZAD-80CE-OM are listed on the Zager website at http://www.zagerguitar.com/ No case or gig bag was included.

After about 35 years of not owning a guitar I became interested again and started looking. I looked at and played all the different "name" brands that I was familure with as a lad - Martin, Gibson, Fender, etc. I recently played a $2,400.00 OM Martin, that I would have liked to own, at a large guitar store in the Detroit area. That price was a little out of my league and I started the hunt for a quality guitar that wouldn't cost me half of everything I own, if you get my drift. In searching the internet for guitars I ran across Denny Zager's website. After I purchased this guitar I challenged a relative of mine, who had been hooting on me to get a Martin, to tell the difference between his Martin and my Zager. He couldn't, and when I have my back turned neither can I. This guitar sounds wonderful, even when hooked up to this old Fender practice amp I've had for years.

Quality materials are used in this guitar, in which I have not been able to find even one flaw. But just as important, and maybe more so....set-up, action and sound is what this guitar is all about. At first I was skeptical of the touting of all the personal work reportedly done by Denny Zager on each individual guitar. After receiving this instrument and playing it I'm a solid believer. I started playing this guitar in the manner that I had played years ago and had sore fingertips in less than 5 minutes. Then I realized all I had to do was lay the fingertips on the strings and press ever-so lightly. The action is very light and is no problem, even for someone like me that hasn't played in years. I play this guitar at least an hour almost every evening. Zager advertises - No more sore fingers... and it's an honest assessment.

Comes without strap buttons - the only thing I don't like about the guitar. I don't trust drilling a fine instrument like this myself and I'm a long way from a luthier. But I'll make the trip and have the strap buttons installed by an expert. The finish is beautiful and appears that it will stand the test of time.

Customer support is another area where Zager really shines. In making a decision about a guitar, I sent numerous emails and made several phone calls with questions over the period of 2 months. All emails were answered within an hour and phone conversations were pleasant and helpful without a hint of pressure to buy. Warranty - if you don't like the guitar, send it back at no costs, and no costs for return shipping. What's not to like about that??

If this guitar were lost or stolen I would definitely order another. In fact I have added this guitar as a rider on my homeowners policy. As I mentioned above, the only thing I found to be lacking on this guitar is strap buttons. Since there is no such animal as perfect, I have to rate this guitar as close to a 10 as possible. Quality for the buck - I haven't found anything to match this Zager.

Year 2005 Country made Asia I think Frets 20 Top solid cedar Controls Fishman clearwave 50 Pickup built in transducer Make pickup Fishman Body and neck don't know Finish gloss Body style cutaway Bridge style don't know Tuners Grover sealed Neck/scale fat Accessories case humidifier

Music style folk Amps no amp What kind of sound clean and clear acoustic

Action great it is one of Zager's strong points Pickups has one but I don't use an amp Top and bridge great Flaws none

Live playing I do not play out Hardware is top notch Finish appears that it will last Strap buttons this is one area that needs improvement it does not come with a top strap button. Zager website says you can have one installed at a guitar shop. I prefer not to have someone drilling on my guitar. Put it on at the factory.

Called them in Dec. 05 model I wanted was not in stock was not aware I could preorder one. Thought they would take my info but they didn't ask for it. Called in late Jan. or Feb. still no stock but was told they had model I wanted in OM version. Website needs to be more clear about the OM version right now it is in with the full size 80 CE. OM needs seperate picture on website like all other models

20 years Optek Fretlight guitar Wish I had asked about preorder I would buy again and may order a full size 80CE and give the OM to my son I love its sound. I like to finger pick and the guitar is great for that style. I only hate that I didn't get it sooner. The built in tuner is my favorite feature Compared to Martin DC16RGTE and Martin D28 Why did I choose $$price. Everyone knows there is alot junk and false claims on the net. Zager guitar is the real deal!