Zager ZAD-50

Finish is flawless, awesome product.

Excellent sound, cannot say enough good things about Zager

No flaws, just perfection

I have a Gibson LP Std, Guild and Ovation is the Zager stands up to and surpasses the others in many ways!

This guitar is a very well made with a spruce top , mahogany sides and back and a rosewood fretboard.It has a glossy finish, which will protect it from those annoying nicks and scratches.The strings are set low and a little wider apart than most dreadnoughts , which makes learning a lot easier.It has sealed Grover tuners, which are a big plus for keeping it in tune.I believe it was made in Indonesia, but that is where some Martins are made, so don't hold that against it.

I like the sound , and that is all that matters to me. Most of my friends and people I play with like the sound , of course there will always be critics. I personally think Taylors sound terrible , no matter what the price, but that's my opinion.

The guitar came to me tuned perfectly , I was amazed.It had absolutley no flaws. I even asked my wife to look at it ( and believe me if there had been the slightest imperfection she would have found it )

I don't ever intend on playing on stage. This is a hobby, a passion to me. I do play with a bluegrass jam , and I am comfortable playing my guitar with them. Again , there will always be critics. With the construction and finish, I believe I will have this guitar for a long time and pass it on to my grandkids.There is a lifetime guarantee which I hope I will never have to test.

All I can say about this is , dealing with the Zager company is a pleasure. Every question and concern was answered promptly , by email or phone, with the friendliest people. No questions seemed to silly for them to answer , and I think I did ask some ridiculous questions. Other companies could learn a lot from Zagers commitment to their customers, not only guitar companies. And like I said a Lifetime Warranty, I don't see many companies offering this. Also a website that is full of useful information about your guitar.

Well, I've owned guitars for over thirty years, like I said this is a hobby.My favorite guitar was an Ibanez PF 5 , but I can only play it for a short time because it was tough on the ole fingers , and it has a narrow neck, which made some chords impossibe for me to play.Now I have more time to spend playing so I searched for months for something new , and I chose the ZAD 50.And I'm happy I did. It plays with the slightest of touch, and hitting notes and chords is so much easier for me. I know one thing for sure , I am practicing a lot more, I enjoy playing more , and my fingers don't hurt as much any more. They still hurt , but not anywhere like they did.
The best I can say to you is, if your planning a career playing the guitar, maybe this isn't the guitar for you. If your looking to impress your friends with a big name guitar, maybe this isn't the guitar for you. BUT , if your looking for a good guitar to learn on, that has a fantastic sound ( in my opinion ), at a very reasonable price, then this may be the guitar for you. I love mine and am proud to bring it out of its case. Nuff said.

I am a beginner having only 6 months of experience but I bought the Sunburst model and my instructor says that this guitar has more features than he has seen on guitars that costs hundreds more.

I only played the S101 that I bought when I started. This one plays much easier and sounds much better.

The guitar came 3 days after I ordered it and it was perfectly in tune. There are no flaws and it has a beautiful finish.

Like I said I am still a beginner, but all of my family members and friends who have seen it are amazed. It seems as though it will be dependable for years to come.

I have had no problems to date. Before I bought it, I emailed Zager with some questions that were answered within minutes. In fact, I made a mistake and bought the wrong model and they corrected the problem immediately. The guitar comes with a lifetime warranty.

Excellent. I love the EZ play design since, as a beginner, I need to practice more than most and with the S101, my fingers were numb after 20 minutes, even after I had the action lowered. The ZAD 50 is effortless to play and I just love it. I can't wait until I get better and I am able to wring it out like my instructor does!

A beautiful glossy finish on this dreadnought lets the solid Sprucewood top fully show. The sides and back are Mahogany. The fit and finish is super with no visible flaws all around. It is obvious that there is great care and attention to quality built into this guitar even before hearing a single sound. A trim of abalone around the sound hole really sets off the finish too.

Both the bridge and the fret-board are Rosewood, a real deal on a guitar in this price range and a feature that adds to the great body sound.

The tuners are sealed Grovers. Helps to make the fine adjustments to get each string just right to bring out the clean sound.

Some customizations are built-in to the standard guitar really push this model way beyond standard. These include filing the frets down to make super easy and smooth playing, hand-carving the saddle and nut to bring the strings lower and to widen them just a bit - this small adjustment gets my fingers dead-on the correct strings with no problems. And there is some scalloped bracing (rather than the usual flat) that really opens up the sound moving across and through the top.

All-in-all, one of the best-built guitars I have come across for less than $2,000.

I used to play a lot maybe 20 years ago. Never professionally but often with friends. That was 20 years ago... I wanted to start again because my daughter wanted to learn, so this guitar seemed like a good one for her. I was surprised (and very pleased) that this ZAD-50 rivals both my Yamaha CJ838S (circa 1980)and what I remember of my Martin D-35 that was ripped off from my apartment a long time ago (I always suspected a deal made on the street by my room mate, but that is another story). I have not had the budget to ever replace the D-35 and have really missed that sound - until now. Again, amazed at the sound quality from this guitar. In a blindfold test, I doubt that many could pick it from my D-35 if played side-by-side. That is saying something. With the fret and saddle mods, I was worried that the strings would either not carry or would buzz-out. Neither has happened. So I got a great playing guitar that my daughter is learing on that is much easier to play than any of my other guitars.

This thing played and was almost perfectly in tune right out of the shipping box. A nice set of Martin strings was neatly strung and trimmed out. There were no flaws visible in the mechanics at all.

Cannot say. I believe it would. I traveled and played hard with my Martin and it was scuffed, but never tired. I belive this model would hold its own in just about any situation. I have never miked this one, but bet it would hold the house as long as you wanted to and I would not need anything else. If I were on the live circuit, I would probably get the acoustic/electric version that has a pickup built-in because it looks like a breeze to get a room-full of sound from. Still, I think this one would do it too if miked properly - with the customizations, I would not want to modify this myself.

No repairs. Have only had for one month. They offer a 100% guarantee and a lifetime warranty, so that seems good enough for me.

I did exchange a few emails with the company and these were answered promptly. And Denny Zager (founder/owner) and his son Dennis Jr. really stand behind their products. Their web site is full of useful tips. for example, I have been playing and stringing my acoustics for over 30 years, and I was showing my daughter one of Denny's short tip videos and I picked up one little tip that I plan to use next time I put strings on. It just makes sense. My daughter says she enjoys watching him play (maybe only because he is a lot better than me... but also because he does a good job teaching about the guitar, how it works, how to tune and care for it, etc.

Also, through something I did (bad wireless connection on my end I think), I ended up double-ordering and they promptly fixed this the next business day with no major discussion needed. That was refreshing. Usually, once a company has your money, good luch.

Been playing for 40+ years - I think I started out on a Sears Silvertone handed down from my brother in maybe about 1966...try doing the Wipe Out by the Beach Boys on an acoustic... Have an old Ventura Bruno V-23S, Circa 1970 (think Gibson Dove knockoff), a Yamaha CJ838S. Had my Martin D-35 (sigh) and had, played, borrowed and sold several others usually bought used in the $500 range(Epiphone, Gibson, Alvarez)over the years.

Worth noting this is the only guitar I have ever bought that I did not play or hear played first. But after reading several reliable reviews and looking at the construction of this one, plus the money-back guarantee, it seemed worth the go. And it has worked out great.

I really like the rich sound. I heard my daughter plunking away a couple of days ago and I was both upstairs and two rooms away distance wise. The sound from this thing was amazinging clear and especially when you consider that she has been playing for only one month. Just think back to what you sounded like in the beginning. Ouch.

And the next best thing is that she really can play it with ease. That is no idle boast from Denny Zager - this model has EZ-Play in the name and it really is.

I would probably go for the acoustic/electric Zager model if I bought again just for the convenience of a built in tuner, pickup, etc.

I got the basic model, but tuners were excellent and the finish was unbelieveable. People think it is a much more expensive guitar, expecially when they hear and play it,

Excellent projection for an acoustic. I have 6 other guitars, Washburn, Gibson, Fender (gave away two of my others when I got the Zager) and this sounds better, plays better and projects great.

This is an excellent example of craftsmanship. I have not been able to find any flaws. Excellent set up and finish.

I would use this guitar anywhere. In fact I do. I play at home and at business meetings and everyone always comments on the guitar.

Never had any problems. Prior to purchasing, I emailed several times and received prompt responses. This is my second guitar from Zager. The first was a Martin Sigma that can't hold a candle to the ZAD 50.

Excellent. What more can you say than that. I will never be without a Zager ZAD 50. I am 64, have arthitis and this is the only guitar I play now. Anyone who doesn't recognize the quality and expertise that Zager puts into these guitars doesn't know guitars.

Dreadnought solid spruce top; rosewood bridge and fretboard; gloss finish; hand carved nut and saddle; hand filed frets.
Finished and dated Jan 2007

For beginner acoustic, seems excellent. Rich,clear tone with very light touch needed.

Finish superb. Arrived needing only low E string slighy adjusted.
No flaws.
Ease of play outstanding.

Brand new.

Prompt, friendly email responses by the owners of the company.
Lifetime warranty.

50 year old beginner, playing one month; taking lessons; practicing daily.
Started with a Takamine GS330S.
Zager tremendously easier to play. Chosen because of claims of easier playability. Surpassed expectations.
Finish and appearance impeccable.

Great Sound, radiateing affect. Reaches out and makes you hear it !

No flaws found. Pick guard a little lose on the edges but easy enough to fix.

All looks great. Guitar is brand new durability seems good but time will tell.

No major problems, however minor issues and quetions were taken care of immediately

Well I am 42 years old, been singing(for money)for awhile and only been playing guitar for a year. I have alot of support and friends who play and help me out, already sounding good(according to others opinions, and mine) I own 4 guitars of varying value, however the Zager is already in the top 2. I would buy another Zager and will probably own another by early next year. I don't think I've fallen in Love with the guitar, however I like it alot...Nothing I really disliked. I may be like some folks and expect to much from a new instrument like this one..............My wife told me something very interesting about the guitar last night, and I quote,"the guitar doesn't make the man, the man makes the guitar". I believe she said that because I was probably expecting to much from my new Zager, although its a great guitar, it won't play the music for you or "Leap tall buildings in a single bound". Its just a great tool to allow me to do that myself...................

Just received the guitar and I'm impressed with it's workmanship.As far as listing features, that can best be determined by visiting their website.

Sound is more "bright" than rich & full.Perhaps that's because it's new and the wood still has to mature?

In comparsion to my old/cheap Yamaha, it's the difference between a Mercedes and a Geo Metro.Strings are low to the fretboard,neck is slim which allows my small hands to reach previously impossible chords and hold without buzz.

Just received it,so I can't speak to its long term durability but workmanship and components appear to be top notch.

Has a lifetime warranty and I've traded e-mails with the owner(s).No reason to believe they wouldn't stand by me if there's a problem.

I'm only a novice player having learned basic chords in my teens and never progressed beyond simple strumming.With my small hands I was resigned to the fact I'd never get any better.Now that I've tried the ZAG50 I know that my biggest limit was the guitar,not me.With the slim neck and action I can reach and hold chords and pluck notes without buzzing.I wish I would have layed my hands on a similar guitar 30 years ago.

ZAD-50 is an acoustic dreadnought with a solid spruce top, glossy natural finish, rosewood fretboard, grover chrome tuners, 20 frets, mahogany back and sides, hand carved nut and bridge. Modified EZ-play by Denny Zager.

Beautiful rich tones, not "tinney" like some I have tried. I like a finger picking style and this guitar seems well suited for that.

The action is very good although it is not magic. It is marketed as "no more sore fingers" but trust me they still get sore although my finger tips are getting tougher by the day. The nut and saddle are custom made out of corian (sp?). I see no flaws in the wood or manufacture of this guitar.

I just play for my own pleasure but it seems very solid and should last several lifetimes.

I have had the guitar for 15 months now playing almost everyday. I have had no problems and it stays in tune day after day. My dealings with Zager have been completely over the internet. Quick responses to any emails I have sent them. They delivered my original order in just a week's time.

I have had a guitar for 30 years but only really started playing to really try to learn for a little more than a year, ever since I got this guitar. My favorite features are the sound/tone and the string science modifications that spread the strings slightly and lower for easier fingering. I would but another one but probably an electric/acoustic next time. I definitely would buy another Zager especially after trying others in the same general price range.

Gloss finish, full size dreadnought, Grover sealed tuners. Guitar is full scaled, made in 2005. Solid Spruce top with active Fishman Piezo pickup.

My style is flat pick strumming with about 25% fingerpicking. I have been performing since 1967. My duo plays folk rock, blues, covers and originals. The ZAD50 is plugged directly into a Peavy 400 mixer/amp and the tone controls are flat.
The sound is full and has more of an accoustic sound than Piezo than my prevoius Takamini 360 or Ibanez AEF 30. WHere some times, pickups emphasize some strings over others, the Fishman seems more equalized. Finger picking is somewhat easier because the strings are wider apart than my previous guitars. Some notes buzz on some frets but I haven't played a guitar that hasn't had this problem.

My prevoius Takamini had numerous setups with extensive fret work and the action was great. The Zager plays as easy as I could want and it's never had a setup. Our gigs are typically 3 and four hours and of course my fingers are somewhat sore but unless I play my Line 6 Variax 300 I found all acoustics are like this.

I use the Zager live on the average of 3 times a month. Only recently I added the Variac 300 and this was for a puncher lead sound. One things that I noticed on the Zager is it stays in tune all night. The finish is as good as when the guitar was new. I really would not own a guitar that I couldn't depend on. I used to break G, D and A strings often on my Takamini but this hasn't happened on the Zager.

I have not had any repair work done but when I had questions, my emails were answered within hours. Compare this with Line 6. I left a voice mail with questions, and it took a week for an unhelpful person to respond.

Again, I've been performing for 40 years. I've owned 2 Martin D-18s, a Guild D-35, F-30, F-50 and two other Guilds that I don't remember the models of. A Takamini 360SC that I loved, and an Ibanez AEF 30 that was ok but didn't feel right.
I purchassed the Zager ZAD50 used. I had never heard of the brand but after playing it acoustic and plugged in for about an hour I fell in love with the feel, the weight and the sound. I compared it to two $750.00 Martins and the ZAD50 had a much more natural sound. My only hesitation was the Zager name on the headstock. What would my guitar playing friends think. The sound and playability helped me overcome that. If this review seems overly positive it's because I truely love picking it up and playing it.