Zager ZAD-50 Dreadnought

Nice, feature rich guitar. Much nicer than expected for the price.

Comaring this to my (soon to be sold) old guitar, this is very rich and deep sounding. Makes my last guitar sound like a plastic kids toy. Sound quality rivals much more expensive guitars I have looked at at the music store. (Better than some!)No string buzz and the strings look like they are almost sitting on the frets.

Guitar showed up almost perfectly tuned, wonderful action and beautiful finish. Couldn't find a single flaw. Sunburst on face is wonderful to look at with a nice transition from dark to light.

Guitar seems very solid and looks like it will provide years of service. Much better build than my previous guitar.

Haven't had any problems with the guitar, but the case had a flaw and they quickly addressed the problem by sending out a new one and bringing back the defective one at their own expense. Their response was within 24 hours!

I have been hacking around for a little while now, but kept getting frustrated by the "work" it took to play my current guitar. I tried the Zager and now enjoy practicing. I love the action, finish and sound of this guitar, and if I lost this one, I would replace it with another Zagar. My only regret is that I didn't get the acoustic/electric model.

The finish is transparent. The body style is Dreadnought. The bridge style is standard acoustic, similar to Martin. Grover tuners. Neck is thin, rosewood with white edge binding, small dots on the fret board and dots on the edge binding. Came with, strings, extra strings, picks, and a tee shirt. Date of birth is 12/06. 20 frets. Solid spruce top. No electronics. Body is mahogany, neck is rosewook, top is spruce.

This suits my style which is folk and soft rock, no electronics on this guitar. The sound is full bodied in the lows, great mids, and eloquent highs. I like the sound because it sounds better than my 1972 Guild D-50.

The guitar arrived from the factory in perfect tune and excellent action. The top was good, and the bridge was routed well. I can find no flaws in the finish. It is brand new, and signed by Denny Zager on the back.

The day after I got this in the mail, I took it from California to Colorado, and had to put it in a gig bag and send it through with my luggage. Of course, I loosened the strings for the flight. This was probably not the best thing to do to a brand new guitar, but it suffered the trip there and back without problems. I even let my great neice (7 years old) play with it, and she could play it easily with only a couple of instructions. It was her first guitar lesson. Her small fingers played nearly effortlessly. I would say that I can depend on this guitar. However, I don't go into any gig without a backup, therefore the 9 in this category.

I can't remember what the warranty is, but after looking at the website I trust the maker to fix any problems. My impression is that the maker and company is helpful and friendly. As I said there haven't been any problem so that is why there is a (.

I have been playing for 40 years, sometimes professionally. I own 11 other guitars, from the 1972 Guild D-50 that I mentioned before, a 1969 Eko Ranger VII 12 string, a flamenco guitar made by Esteve in Spain, a fender Acoustic/Electric, three Strats, and three Teles, and a Washburn copy of a 325. If this guitar were stolen, I would but another one an hour later. In fact, I am going to order the same model in the acoustic/electric version to play on stage. I love the sound on this guitar, as well as the easy playing that it has. I can play this guitar for four or five hours straight. My voice gives out before my fingers and my wrist, and that is something for someone who is 56 years old with a little arthritis. I think that I wish that I could put some medium strings on it, but the maker says no. It would be interesting to hear it with medium strings.

I didn't compare it with any other guitars, I just saw it on Ebay. Since I can get anything I want, I got this one.

I may buy one and send it to my brother.

Solid Spruce top with high gloss finish
Full-size Dreadnought
Sealed Grover tuners
Acoustic model - no electronics
Sides and back mahogany
Bought a Pro Wood case with humidity sensor.

Folk, strumming but mostly fingerstyle. Suits my style, but want to get the smaller OM body on my next purchase.

No amplification, yet. Waiting on a Martin ThinLine Gold Plus 332+ to come in to add to this model.

Warm, rich sound.

Guitar was setup perfectly. Needed minor tuning upon arrival. Action is like no other in the price range. No flaws visible. The guitar has custom filed frets, custom saddle and nut work.

I play only at home, no live performances. I plan to play with my church's praise and worship group very soon. I will be on stage with my Zager after I get the acoustic pickup installed.

All the workmanship and materials look superb and of high quality. Many of years of service and use seem reasonable to expect.

I do not know if I would consider another guitar as a backup or not. I do not play for an audience often enough to fully answer this question.

I previously owned a ZAD-50, and returned it for an exchange. There was a minor blemish in the finish on the back of the guitar. I only returned out of my own selfish vanity. The guitar was just as impressive in quality, sound and playability as the one that replaced it.

The waranty is lifetime, no questions asked. They did not hesitate to make me happy with my purchase. They even paid for the shipping of both the new and return of the old guitar. Outstanding customer sevrice that I would say would be hard to be challenged by the larger and more known guitar makers.

All correspondence is professional and extremely coordial. They are available by email, chat or a phone call. I used the email option as I am an introvert and hate the phone. Dennis Zager Jr. responded to my email inquiry concerning my request for replacement within 15minutes. I do not know that this time is common, but I was very pleased that he replied to quickly, and continues to do so when I write to them.

I have been trying to learn guitar for years and years. I had a job related injury that caused serious nerve and motor damage to my left index finger. The previous guitar that I owned was an older Yamaha folk guitar. Purchased many many years ago at a local music store for $300. I also tried a Taylor 414 that I purchase thinking that the guitar would be easier to play. I did enjoy the Taylor. This guitar was superb in craftmanship, look and finish and the sound was just so impressive. I just could not play it for any length of time. I got the Zager after a friend of mine had heard of them. He is not a customer, but thought that they might be a good fit for me.

I purchased the ZAD-50, with nothing to lose since they offer a 100% guarantee. I bought it, in 3 days it arrived at my door, with perfect setup along with a minimal amount of tuning needed. I have since played this guitar and only this guitar. I sold my Taylor to a friend for a fraction of what I paid for it. Didn't phase me a bit because I knew that for the rest of my life, I will play a Zager guitar. My skill level and confidence has soared with the ease of this guitar. Denny states in one of his online videos that the guitar doesn't play itself, but it is pretty close. I will have to say that I can second that statement. I am not a gifted or overly talented player... by any stretch of the imagination. But, I have a joy and passion for playing that I thought I would never have. And, I have the good folks at Zager guitar to thank for giving me that.

The Zager ZAD-50 is a work of art. I bought it over the web from Zager Guitar in Lincoln Nebraska. The extensive web site included dozens of pictures showing the guitar from all angles. The guitar features a solid spruce top, mahogany sides and back, rosewood fret board and bridge, Grover tuners and is outfitted with Martin springs. Each gutiar is hand modified and signed by Master luthier Dennis Zager. It came exactly as promised and is the nicest guitar I've ever played.

Others have said that the sound of this guitar compares favorably to $2000-$3000 guitars. I'll have to take their word for it as I've never played a guitar costing that much. I do know that there is absolutely no comparison between this guitar and the Epiphone I played previously. The sound is alive, and it makes me sound like I'm a lot better than I am. I prefer Americana (Robert Earl Keen, Jack Ingram, Townes Van Zandt, etc) and this guitar is the perfect instrument for me.

As I mentioned above, Master luthier Dennis Zager sets up each guitar before delivery. It came perfectly tuned and was playable right out of the box. Dennis signs each guitar prior to shipping, and obviously that means a great deal to him as it does to me.

The quality of this guitar is simply as good or better than any other instrument I've ever used. It has a great feel, very solid, and is well balanced and first class in every way.

The nice folks at Zager offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee with every guitar. I am free to return it to the factory (fat chance) on their dime if I am unhappy in any way. While I was waiting for the guitar to arrive (I ordered it on Thanksgiving Day and it arrived the following Wednesday), Dennis Jr. patiently answered all of my questions and made me feel like he really valued my business. Most importantly, he listened instead of simply choosing an answer from a list as so many companies do these days. I suspect that many of you know just how rare and special that is.

I have been playing guitar on and off for about 15 years, more as a hobby than anything. I'm getting older and decided that I really wanted to learn how to play well. I was impressed with the Zager string science system and marvelled at the comments so many people made about this product. I am really stingy about buying something special for myself. I decided to buy this guitar because I liked the price and the comments of so many previous customers sealed the deal. I am so pleased with the whole experience and this guitar is a delight to play. Do yourself a favor. Buy this guitar. You won't be disappointed.

This is a straightforward Dreadnaught, simply & beautifully designed, solid Spruce top, mahogany back & neck. Dreadnaughts have only a few features, and this dreadnaught's appear to be all high quality.

Exquisite tone, resonance, sustain and volume for this price range -- or for just about any price range. Plays consistent up & down the neck. Holds tune extremely well.

Zager Guitars centers their market campaign around the playability of their instruments, a result of unique neck design and a meticulous setup. It works. This was not my reason for purchasing, but their statements are right on. This is good for beginners of course, but it also can add enjoyment to anyone's playing. The fit & finish appear flawless.

All aspects of this instrument appear completely solid and meet the highest professional standards. It's just well made.

No need yet, but they're an extremely friendly and service-oriented family business. My expectation is that they're great.

This is my first product testimonial, internet or otherwise, and I wouldn't have written this unless I was extremely impressed. I???m a 50-year fingerpicker, taught by my Indiana grandmother who learned (at least in part) bywatching Mother Maybelle at Carter Family performances. Not long ago, I gifted my beloved Martin of four decades to a young relative. Seeking a replacement, I found the Martin Mahogany 15 Series. They???re quite striking woodworks, and a local seller had done an intricate setup on one that he???d planned to take himself. Then another customer mentioned the Zager website. I was drawn to the clarity of articulation about design and set-up -- it just made sense, and I felt I could trust the tone of the instruments. I purchased a ZAD50, and it???s a fine
instrument in all respects. Today I was in the guitar shop???s neighborhood and tried the Martin again. Even accounting for the dusky sound of the Mahogany, the difference in tone and projection between the Zager and the Martin was surprising. And really for the
first time, I came to appreciate the fluidity resulting from the Zager neck design & set-up. Said simply, Zager does masterful work. I???ve found there are certain blessings in life to which all the sweet words in our heads just can???t do justice, and I believe that excellent musical instruments are among those indescribable blessings. So I???ll just say that this
guitar is a truly fine creation, worthy of any player???s consideration. Thank you.

High gloss finish with solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, Rosewood fret-board and bridge. It came equipped with "Grover" sealed tuners and "Martin" Extra Light strings. the frets had been hand filed to eliminate any buzzing.

The guitar is equally well suited for finger picking or strumming. Rich full lows and bright clear highs.

The action on this guitar is wonderful. The EZ-Play set up includes a hand carved custom nut and saddle. Very light pressure is needed on the strings allowing me to play much longer without my fingers getting tired. In addition the strings have been placed slightly further apart.

I have only had the guitar a short time. However, before I ordered it I looked lots of others, many priced hundreds of dollars more, and my Zager seems as well, if not better built, than any I saw.

I can not imagine a company with better customer service. I have had no problems, but did have some questions concerning strings etc. In both cases my emails were answered, by Dennis Zager, within a couple of hours. They offer a 100% guarantee. If for any reason you are unhappy with your guitar....you just return it for a full refund. They even pay the freight both ways. You can't lose.

I have been playing less than a year so my knowledge of guitars is limited. However, I Know quality when I see It. I love my Zager guitar and hope before too long to purchase an acoustic/electric to go with it. Try a Zager...you won't be sorry.

Take a look at them and see for yourself. They have a great website with plenty of pictures. http://www.zagerguitar.com/?event=public.guitars.models

This guitar sounds beautiful. Amped or straight it sounds like a 1500 dollar guitar. All the chords sound great and there is no feedback or vibrations.

The action is the easiest that I know of. Zager guitars are custom made with the EZ-Play method so the action is low and very easy on the fingers.

The thing does not fall out of tune. For four months I played it daily and did not need to tune it once. The finish is excellent and has survived two years of college and a trip through Europe.

The customer service is purely excellent. Denny Zager Jr. responds to every email that I send in a timely manner and they have been nothing but helpful. They know how to treat a customer and that is the reason I'll pay more to keep purchasing their product.

Believe all the good reviews about this guitar that other people have posted. All of their guitars sound amazing and I would match them up to any Taylor or Martin on the market. Amazing product and any beginner or pro would love to own one of these babies.

Finish Gloss,Body Dread,Tuners Grover,Made this year,Rose wood body,Ceadar top, Mahogany neck

Well I must say first that for the money this guitar sounds like one that cost 3x more. I like to play Ballads folk/Rock and use some different picking styles along with strumming. This guitar sings with a distinct warm tone that is well balenced. I am very pleased with the price,quality sound. Now let's talk about the the play ability.Pardon my english I am from Denmark. But the system just works it let's you get a cleaner sound with less practice. I have big Seinfeld hands and it helps.

Action is where this guitar shines. It has light fast action. It came from the factory well tuned. There was very little to adjust. My critical eyes have looked this guitar over very well and there is very little I could find wrong. A slight bit of doming on the Ceadar top. The Rose wood back looked outstanding with it's 3 piece back.

Well having only owned this guitar for over a week. I have no reason to believe I should not get a lifetime of use.

I have dealt with this company with a shipping problem and they were so on top of it. Helpful friendly, and most of all treated me like I was buying a 5,000$ guitar. They even threw in a guitar stand for postal mistake.

2 years I own a Epiphone masterbuilt acoustic, a Gibson Hummingbird, and a Ibenez acoustic. Yes. I love the tone and how it plays. Don't hate anything yet.

Fantastic finish and beutiful to look at. Which coincedentally is sounds a lot like it's owner.

I can only compare this guitar's sound to my Aria. Comparitively there is no comparison. One word to describe the sound is clean. The Zager Zad-50 is the first one I reach for whether it be for practice or play.

The easy action is the reason I made the purchase. I went from being able to put maybe a half hour in to easily being able to handle a whole hour of play and practise. It's fun to play a guitar that's so easy to play.

I have only owned it for a couple of weeks but from what I can see the thing is put together with expertise and care.

This'll be an easier question to answer after I have witnessed it standing the course of time.

You will not find better customer service for any product anywhere. Period.

Thanks to my new Zager I've been playing everday since I've owned it. If it were stolen or lost I would buy it again but in the natural finish (I have a black one).

I love the easy playablility of the thing.

The only other guitar I can compare it to is my old Aria. Which IMO was a bitch to play.

The only thing I wish it had was magical powers to make me play like a guitar god...other than that it's all good.

These are the features of my Zager ZAD-50 Acoustic Electric Cutaway:

It's a full-sized dreadnought; solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, sealed Grover tuning gears, abalone rosette (nice touch, for the price); tortoise pickguard; high gloss finish; handcarved nut and saddle - both quite unique. Frets are hand-filed, scalloped x-bracing (similar to Martin); rosewood fretboard and bridge (quite nice).

The pickup that comes with it, is adequate, at best. But it's full featured! 3 band EQ w/ contour, onboard tuner that works, even when the guitar is not plugged in. I suggest buying the guitar acoustic-only and installing your own pickup.

Again, FOR THE MONEY, this guitar has no equal, in the market. And I know the market.

The Zager should fit any acoustic playing style. I'm a CCM guitarist, so my style is a blend of rock, jazz and country - lots of Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman stuff. The Zager is capable of rendering smooth, clear tones fingerpicked, or flatpicked. The pickup seems biased towards fingerpicking.

The acoustic tone is balanced - the guitar is brand spanking new, so the sound is a little tight. I'm sure the top will loosen up with time. My version has a solid spruce top, with solid mahogany back and sides, and it sounds like it. Studio-neutral.

The fit and finish are on par with a Martin D-28 or Taylor 810 - very nice and clean. All the edges are well fitted and polished off. The neck is straight, the frets are even. For the price - it's very impressive.

It's the guitar's set-up that really shines, and distinguishes the Zager from any other guitar I've ever received, out of the box. The action is real low and easy, but does not buzz or clank. It's easier to form barre chords on this guitar, down to the 12th fret, than any guitar I've ever owned, and I presently have 2 Olsons, and 2 Ryans, in my collection.

The intonation is spooky. At first, I found the guitar twitchy to tune - the buttons are touchy. But once set, the entire fretboard, down to the 12th remains in tune. Capoed down to the 7th, the board remains in relative tune so precisely, there's no need to tweak it. Amazing - it's the only guitar I've ever had, that I can say that about. I have a Larrivee and a Rainsong, both fitted with Buzz-Feiten systems. This guitar has better intonation than they do.

I've played it live a couple of times - it seems hardy enough. I'm not planning on going off like Peter Townshend at the end of a worship session, anytime soon, so it should hold up. If this guitar has a weak point at all, it's the pickup. It's adequate - I would say in this one department, I did get "what I paid for". It has an onboard tuner, but it's marginally accurate at best. My Petersen strobe doesn't agree with it's readings, BUT ... it does work, whether the guitar is plugged in or not, and it's way, waaay better than nothing.

The guitar does not come fitted with a strap button on the neck. That kind of surprised me.

Would I use it on a gig without a backup? I wouldn't do that with any guitar.

This is the best company to work with, I've ever seen.

They're good on the phone - they answer emails quickly. You might even get a note from Denny Zager himself ... that's kind of a rush, for a 60's-70's rocker like me. Denny is the Zager part of the group "Zager and Evans" who wrote and performed "In the Year 2525".

If there's anything wrong with your guitar, they'll handle shipping to and from, and fix it, on their dime. How intense is THAT? This includes customer satisfaction issues - they'll handle shipping, to take it back and give you a refund. Jeepers. They must be REAL confident people will like the instruments. Since they policy hasn't sunk them yet - it must be all good.

They extend this accommodation to me. I live in Hawaii.

How long is the warranty? Check the website. LIFETIME WARRANTY ON ALL GUITARS.

Wow.

I've been playing acoustic guitar for 20 years. I haven't cut any albums, but I'm ok. I've lead worship for churches for 15 of those 20 years. For different congregations, I have to be marginally proficient in a number of different playing styles.

I'm a guitar collector and luthier groupie. I own 2 Olsons (Mission Concert and Jumbo) and 2 Ryans (Mission Concert and Jumbo). I also have a spattering of Martins, Taylors, Rainsongs and Larrivees.

I love this guitar. I brought it to a jam session with a group of playing friends last night, and everyone wants one. The pickup was the only thing that made noses wrinkle a little, but that's an issue that can easily be fixed. With the money you save on one of these instruments, you can fit one with a LR Baggs iMix and still be paying half of what you would, for a D-18 without electronics.

Bottom line - this guitar is worth WAY, WAY, WAAAY more than you pay for it.