Zager ZAD-50

I bought the guitar along with a case from the Zager website. They included an extra set of strings and a t-shirt. The guitar was exactly as advertised.

I play fingerstyle with no nails or finger picks. The ZAD 50 is an excellent guitar for me. I has a nice balance with a full base and surprisingly clear treble.

As Zager advertises the guitar is very easy to play. They really are "EZ play." There are no flaws.

I just got it, but it appears very durable. I very much like the light weight of the guitar. I think it is due to the bracing.

Zager's customer support is great. It can't be improved! All emails were answered promptly.

For the first guitar Zager sent me, I did not like the wood matching on the top. It appeared to be a cosmetic issue since the guitar played and sounded excellent. I contacted Zager and they readily agreed to replace it and paid all shipping costs! I had my replacement guitar in about nine days. They even sent me another set of stings and another T-shirt!

I have been playing for 30 years, and the Zager is now my favorite guitar. I would definately replace it if lost or stolen.

It is an excellent guitar for the price. If you want a cosmetically perfect guitar, I suggest to look at other brands. But if you have a limited guitar budget - like me - the ZAD 50 is an excellent guitar.

Features
Finish - Sunburst
Body style - full size dreadnought 6 string acoustic
Tuners - sealed Grover
Neck/Scale - Thin, easy to play, rosewood fretboard.
# Frets - 20
Solid Spruce Top, Mahagony Back and sides
Hand carved nut, saddle, hand filed frets, abalone inlay, tortoise shell pickgard.

Beautiful sounding guitar - better than my Washburn and Seagull cedar top. This is a great step up from my first, second and third 'beginner' guitars --> and it's a huge step up for the money. Listen to the demonstrations on www.zagerguitar.com and you'll see and hear for yourself how nice these guitars sound.

Denny sets these up to have a nice low action, hand filed frets and custom nut to spread out the strings a bit. I have short stubby fingers and this guitar is so much easier to play than my other guitars. Easily the best playing acoustic I've played, including Martin D-15 (which runs about 2x cost of this guitar).

I bought this one as a discounted second from Denny's site, and other than a very minor spot by the pickgard (the glue on tip of pickgard came loose, easily fixable), the guitar is beautiful. First thing my kids said when I unpacked this guitar: "Wow Dad, that's GORGEOUS".

I don't gig so I'm not sure. Seems very well built, no finish flaws, everything is neat -- so I have no reason to think it won't hold up.

Zager guitar is the most responsive family run business I've ever dealt with on the Internet -- and I've been doing Internet since well before the 'dot com' boom. I've only been playing guitar for about 3 years, they have been very responsive to all my questions.
Fast shipment and 100% money back guarantee - can't beat that!

I'm telling all my friends about Zager guitars. I'm also trying out the online guitar lessons, which seem to be helping me tremendously - I may finally break out of my acoustic rut and get somewhere with playing fingerstyle, thanks to Denny.

Full Size Dreadnought, Solid Spruce Top, Mohogany Back and Sides, Rosewood Bridge, Rosewood Fret Board, Gloss Black Finish, Scalloped X Bracing, Hand Carved Custom Nut, Hand Carved Custom Saddle, Hand Filed Frets, Sealed Grover Tuning Gears, Abalone Inlay Rosette, Genuine Martin Strings

Right out of the box from shipping the guitar was out of tune a bit. I tuned it by ear and was amazed at the sound this guitar has. Really nice.

This guitar is everything that the manufacturer says it is. After owning a well used starter guitar, I decided I wanted to upgrade to something nice. I visited several guitar forums trying to make a decision on which is best and for what reasons. To my dismay, so many choices and different price ranges. I happened to catch a comment about how anyone intersted in alot of guitar for a very reasonalble price, should take a look at what Zager has to offer. I visited their website and in short order decided to try one of their instruments. Zager offers discounted guitars at reduced prices; units used in shooting videos, or giving lessons, with minor marks or flaws. I purchased a discount guitar and I am hard pressed to find anything wrong with it cosmetically. Bear in mind I am no expert by any means so someone who is, might find a small defect. Again, I could not. I also purchased a used hard shell case and same scenario, cannot find a single flaw in it. Everything was exactly as advertised and the instrument plays like a dream.

The instrument looks to me like it will hold up for many years with no problems. Everything on it is top notch. Shipped with an extra set of genuine Martin strings.

Zager offers a 100% moneyback guarantee. Period ! If you buy the instrument, and you don't like it, for any reason, they will take it back, give you a full refund including shipping both ways. All Zager guitars come with a lifetime warranty. I have mailed the manufacturer on two occasions and recieved prompt helpful replies.

I have been playing for about 25 years. Strictly a hobbiest, for my own enjoyment. I would definately purchase another Zager if I were to lose this one for any reason. I love the neck action on it. And if you put a capo on it, its unbelievably easy to make your chords. I looked at Martin, Taylor, ect. Its hard to beat the quality of this instrument for the money. I wish it came with a top strap button installed. They currently do not offer this service. I have no regrets about making this purchase. I find myself playing more now because this guitar plays so easily.

This guitar is a dreadnought with mahogany body, spruce top, and rosewood fretboard. It comes with chrome Grover tuners, a very nice abalone inlay around the soundhole, and white binding on both body and fretboard. The craftsmanship on this guitar is excellent. It is as well made as any acoustic guitar can be.

This guitar has a great tone that should improve even further with each year as the wood ages. I play country/rock/blues/folk with a lot of bass lines, and I like an acoustic with a rich bass as well as a ringing treble that really fills a room. The guitar comes with extra light strings and is set up for fast action and a minimum of hand fatigue. String bends are easy, and I can play for a long time without tiring my left hand. The tradeoff is a little less punch than my other guitar which has slightly heavier strings.

Each Zager guitar is hand set-up before shipping because this is a small, family owned company according to their website. You can see that the frets have been hand filed and the nut and saddle are set for the lowest action possible without buzzing. If you play it hard it will buzz, so the player has to adjust to the lighter strings and low action accordingly. After an hour or so, I had completely adapted to the feel of it. The instrument had no cosmetic flaws that I could detect. I am not sure what type of plastic is used in the nut and saddle. Both are well fitted and do a good job. I think I would replace the saddle with one made of bone after this one begins to show some wear.

This guitar is as sturdy as any expensive guitar that I have played. It is somewhat lighter than my other dreadnought. The workmanship is virtually flawless. The Grover tuners are my personal favorite, and I have used them for years on my guitars. The guitar comes with only the rear strap button, and it is a plastic one that I would replace with one that is more secure. I would have no problem using this guitar on a gig without a backup.

These guitars have a lifetime warranty that covers any failure of the instrument that was not caused by abuse. If the quick and friendly service I got when purchasing the guitar is any indication, I believe that this small company will make it right if the the guitar needs repair or replacement in the future. They also offer free video instructions on how to care for the instrument, install strings, and a variety of other topics.

I have been playing since 1964, and own two other acoustics and a vintage electric, as well as several amps, mics, and other gear. I did not ask where the guitar was actually assembled. I know it was overseas because a guitar of this quality made in the USA unfortunately would cost a small fortune. I had planned on buying one of the 3 US made guitars, but when I saw this website I took a chance on this one, and I feel that I have a guitar that is as good or better than most of the top US guitars and the cost was quite reasonable. I have played all of them in music stores. If it was stolen I would order another one just like it.

This guitar is an upgraded Martin Signa and the overall workmanship is excellent. The EZ-Play neck and string height that Zager promotes does exactly what they claim and is easier to play. This guitar looks and plays luke the higher end Martins and Taylors. Definately the best bang for the buck!!

Sound is rich and full, just like the more expensive Martins, Taylors and Ovations.

This guitar was hand tuned by Denny Zager himself then autographed before it went into the box.

I've had this guitar 8 months and play it daily and I've never had a single problem. It's solid, dependable and I have absolutely no doubts that it would hold up under "road and concert" conditions.

Get this, their warranty is lifetime. Dennis Zager Jr. handles this end of the business and makes himself available 24/7 via the internet. I've sent him a couple comments and he answered each within 24 hours. Can't get this service at a retail chain.

I've been playing since 1965. I still own my original 65 Telecaster, Stratocaster, Jaguire, Les Paul Studio, 57 Gretsch Silver Jet, and Ovation Balladeer. Honestly the first guitar I now grab is the Zager. I like it so well, I going to buy another one, the ZAD 80 very soon. Check out their web site. It's very impressive and they are very upfront and honest with their business.

Seen from a distance, this guitar appears to be your standard dreadnought in a light finish with a tortoise shell pick guard. Up close, several details reveal this isn't a production line instrument. The gloss finish over solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides is flawless as delivered. The mahogany neck is overlaid with a nice rosewood fretboard and is custom sculpted to give a thin and extremely comfortable profile. There are 20 frets with 14 open. Sealed, chrome Grover tuners look nice on the headstock which, other than the ZAGER name, is unadorned. Abalone inlay around the sound hole is simple, but not at all plain. All models are available as accoustic electric for those who prefer them.

New and "right out of the box", the ZAD 50 sounded impressive, with great tonal range and sustain (10 sec+). It comes with Martin extra light strings (extra set included) that sound good anywhere on the neck. The sound is full, clean, and balanced, with no excessively this or that. It seems it will fit well with the folk/pop/blues/bluegrass music I favor.

Action and playability are where this guitar shines. Made to Martin specs, the guitar is personally hand-modified in several important ways by the owner of the company, Denny Zager (Zager & Evans..."In the Year 2525"). It's called an EZ PLAY because Zager reconfigures the neck to a thinner profile, hand-filing frets for comfort and buzz-free sound. He also custom sculpts the nut and bridge to lower the action which, though not effortless, is dramatically different (easier) than the vast majority of off-the-shelf instruments, shop-set or not. String spacing is slightly wider than standard and doubtless will improve my finger-picking (and I think this accounts for the fact that, in a face-on view, the fret markers...dots...aren't perfectly centered between the 3rd and 4th strings; but, who cares?). Barre chords are a breeze, even way up on the neck. The light spruce top and light mahogany body have a flawless finish and the joinery, inside and out, is beautifully done. Who'd have thought the inside of a guitar would be as pretty as the outside? Looking around with a flaslight, I saw an immaculate interior and attractive labeling, as well as the extensive hand-shaping of braces (again, by Zager) which must account, in part, for the great sound. I've had this guitar only a short time, but every encounter only impresses more. Denny Zager personally plays and sets up this guitar before delivery, and he signs the back, which I think is a nice touch. If you don't, I understand the signature can be removed, but don't know how.

Although quite light for a dreadnought, the guitar seems rock-solid, and has balance that makes holding it easy. The only hardware are the Grover tuners, and we all know about them. Treated properly, I can't imagine this guitar not lasting many years. I'm 63 and fully expect this to be the last guitar I'll need to buy.

ZAGER gives a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a LIFETIME warrantee. They will even pay for return shipment via UPS. This is a small, family owned business (in Nebraska) and obviously can't make an offer like this without something to back it up. Their service has, so far, been exemplary. Call the factory and you'll perhaps be answered by one of the owners. Email is answered quickly and questions dealt with more than adequately. I emailed a question in the wee hours this morning and had an answer by 9 AM; personal AND friendly. Their web site is easy to navigate and comprehensive. Offered as part of "the deal", is access to a large catalogue of on-line instruction by Denny Zager. Nice videos, but way better with a broadband internet connection, which I don't have...the only fault I've noticed, and it's not with Zager.

I've just retired and decided to "re-learn" guitar after a long hiatus. I currently have a Johnson resonator and a generic, discount-store dread. My previous experience had been pretty much recreational, with occassional gigs solo or with a small group. Had I been lucky enough, then, to play the Zager I now have, I'd have saved endless hours of pain and frustration, and I see Zagers as a real boon to beginning guitarists who want to go the accoustic route. I've never played a $5000 guitar, but I shopped extensively, on-line and in the flesh, before stumbling upon ZAGER via a Google search and buying mine sight unseen. The web site is detailed enough to answer most questions (also a large number of nice photos of each model) and customer service handles the rest nicely. So, comparing apples to apples, I didn't find anything among the "famous" names I encountered that would stand up to my ZAGER at 2, 3 or more times the price. If it disappeared, I'd drive to Nebraska and grab another ASAP! In fact, I wish I could afford to give a few of these as gifts. What do I love about my ZAD 50? Reviews are so subjective, by definition, but the proof is in the playing. I see I've given the whole ZAGER experience a solid 10 rating. The instrument and the folks behind it, in my mind, deserve it! Oh, yes; they sent me a a cool t-shirt, to boot!

Beautifully made instrument. First rate construction, fit, and fginish.

Wonderful crisp clean sound.

Everything was as advertised.

Will have to wait and see. Everything looks solid and built to last.

Very friendly and very helpful.

Wonderful. The best choice and best guitar for my level and needs.

Solid Spruce top. Mahogany back and sides. All Gloss, beautiful guitar, mine has the sunburst finish. Thin mahogany neck with the "zager string science" that allows for incredible easy plyability. I'm 50 years old and this is the easiest playing acoustic guitar I've ever seen.

Beautifull tone to match the looks. Unbeleveably easy to fingerpick.Very easy to play barre chords all the way up the neck. The sound is mellow but strong without any "muddines". The guitar sounds as good as it looks and that is no easy feat.

Hand made guitar, hand made saddle, hand made bridge, special hand adjusted string spacing. A lot of time and effort went into building this guitar and it shows. Danny Zager hand signs all guitars personally. If your dissatisfied he will pay for shipping both ways as well as give you a 100% refund.

Only time will tell but it seems as sturdy as a tank!

Any questions any time you can contact Zager guitars for support. By phone or email and they'll get back to you (by email) within an hour or call and they'll talk to you right away. The BEST customer support in the industry.

This guitar is made to be played and played and played. Virtually no hand or finger fatigue. I thought because my Multiple Sclerosis was causing me to loose the srength in my fingers and my hand was cramping so bad I had to give up my acoustics. I didn't own any cheap guitars either .I had a Martin D-16GT and a Taylor 310-CE. This is the first acoustic I've been able to play in 2 years and no fatigue,cramping or pain. This guitar is the hardest to put down of any Acoustic I've ever owned. I have a Fender ash stratocaster that I had a luthier put a Fishman Power bridge in and I have a Parker (03) Nightfly M because that was the only way I thought I'd ever be able to play Acoustic again.Thank you Mr Zager..you make the easiest to play acoustic on EARTH!! and it SOUNDS as good as it looks. Check them out at Zagerguitars.com

This is the Zager basic entry model guitar, nothing too fancy. They threw in a T-Shirt, an allen wrench, and a new set of strings and some picks. The neck had a nice profile. You can get the rest of the specifications from their website.

The guitar had a decent sound, not too bright like some lower end guitars, but not a Martin or a Taylor either. It did project well. Anybody that says this is the best sound ever has either never played really good guitars, or got one much better than the one I got.

I bought a ZAD 50 that was a discount guitar, it was described as "virtually perfect, played by Denny in several videos". The finish was pretty decent, there were a couple of black specks under the finish on the front near the soundhole, and a very small bubble also on the front. I didn't expect perfection since I was buying one of their discount models. My big disappointment in the guitar was the action. It was 4.5mm off the fret at the 12th fret, which is higher than any other guitar I own. The frets sure were hand filed, they had great big flat spots on many of them that were not polished or crowned in any way. The low E string was way up there height wise, and the high E string was buzzing from the 4th to the 7th fret. Not at all what I expected, I was expecting a GREAT action since that's their main selling point. The action was in my opinion not even good, much less great. The extra light guage strings made it easier to play of course. The top wasn't even close to bookmatched, the top and bottom halves were even a very different color. Also, the white binding was discolored a great deal, it was white and faded yellow.

I don't gig, so that's a moot point. The guitar's quality of construction didn't seem any better than the $100 Samick that I bought for my daughter, but it didn't seem any worse either. No obvious problems with it that I found in my short time with the guitar.

Customer support when buying the guitar was great. All my emails were answered within a couple of hours, most within 20 minutes or so. When I emailed after recieving the guitar to tell them I wasn't pleased with it, things slowed down some, but then again all my emails were answered within 24 hours so that's still pretty good. Dennis Jr. tried to get me to keep the guitar telling me that they were set up high on purpose, and that the guitar would "play in" and the action would get better. The way I understand it, string tension only works one way, unless physics have suddenly reversed themselves. He also said that a truss rod adjustment would take care of the buzzing hight E, I responded that if I adjusted it looser it would only make the rest of the action worse. The next email said they'd take it back and they sent me a pre-paid UPS label to ship it with. Then they told me that in order to have the refund issued that the guitar must be perfect and the pick guard plastic must still be in place. Glad I didn't peel it off. They also said that no refund would be issued until it was inspected by Denny himself, which I guess is reasonable. I shipped the guitar on 7/30, they recieved it on 8/2, and on 8/7 I emailed asking about my refund. Dennis Jr. took care of it in a couple of hours after that, so the 100% refund is truly on the up and up, as long as you live up to the part of the bargain that they didn't tell you up front, which is leave the pick guard plastic on.

I've been playing for 27 years. I currently own a Martin D-28 Shenandoah, a Martin DM, and a Washburn Woodstock. I've owned many other guitars through the years. I sent this guitar back, so obviously I wouldn't replace it.

2007 Gloss finished dreadnought with silver grover tuners, solid spruce top and laminate mahogany back and sides. Bound body and neck with abalone rosett. Came with extra picks and martin strings.

Very good sound and sounds equal to higher priced solid body guitars. It is somewhat brighter than my martin dcx1e but hard to pick which sounds better.

This guitar was set up well and easy to play. Close action, alot of attention was given to the playability. No problems noted here. The exterior finish was very nice and it is a good looking guitar. I inspected the interior of the body and could see some splinters inside on the back. Despite this the rest is very good.

This guitar seems well made. I don't see anything to have me doubt it.

No repairs needed. I have telephoned and e-mailed them and the response was quick and courteous.

I have been playing for about a year. I own a Martin acoustic and Norman acoustic. I was looking for the nicest guitar I could get for the money. Playability, sound, and looks in that order of importance. This guitar was more than I expected for the money. I expected to pay three times this much.