Zager ZAD-50

EZ-Play Zager ZAD-50 Acoustic Black

I will be 55 this year and just started playing six months ago. I was using a borrowed Applause until last week when I purchased the ZAD-50. I wanted to make sure I was going to stick with it this time before buying my own. I had a cheap guitar when I was 13 and messed around with it for a couple months and again purchased another cheap guitar when I was 40, only to give it up again after a few months. I feel like I just struck Gold! This Zager sounds great and is so easy to fret compared to the other guitars that I have played on. A friend let me borrow his Martin D35 over night before I bought the Zager, he wanted me to feel and hear the difference so I would know that I had made a mistake in buying the Zager. WRONG!!! The Zager is a keeper and I can highly recommend it. The big reason being, that it is so easy to fret. The second reason being is that unless your loaded why spend money you don't have to for a great sounding guitar? I admit I was skeptical, seemed to me like there just had to be something they weren't mentioning. Truly is a great deal.

I took a Martin D35 home overnight and would like to say that it did sound wonderful. But on the otherhand this Zager has great sound also. Don't know about you but I'm kinda frugal. If I can get the same effect for a fourth of the price. Thats a no brainer!

I love the action! Takes less pressure and that translates to a more enjoyable learning experience.

I've only owned this guitar for a week. I did however check out this companies feedback on Ebay and over a five year period and 1000 guitars later still no negative response. Believe me if they were selling inferior quality guitars, someone would have had something to say!

Lifetime warranty and shipping paid both ways if you return if for any reason. How can you find fault with that kind of deal.

I've only been playing for six months however this is the third guitar that I have owned. Would not hesitate at all to purchase another one just like it if something happen to this one.

Amazing 10+

Reviewed this guitar for Gritz Magazine so I wont repeat it here see www.gritz.net

Love it. Agian read the review

Excellent in all categories. See review

Zager family is amazing , you wont have problems.

See above

AMAZING GUITARS!

2006 Professionally modified, full size dreadnought. Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides. Sealed Grover tuning gears. Abalone inlay rosette, tortise shell pick guard. Gloss finish. Hand carved custom nut and saddle. Hand filed frets. Scalloped x-bracing. Rosewood fret board (14). Rosewood bridge. Came with Martin strings. 2 picks, Also purchased Zager custom case w/ digital humidifier, locking. Great case.

This guitar will stand up against any $2000-$3000 guitar. I haven't played for years (raising children i gave it up). But my husband who has a top line Gibson was totally inpressed with the beautiful clear sound and quality of tone that came from this quitar he had never heard of. He was skeptical when i purchased it but then I couldn't get it out of his hands!!!

This guitar came with out one flaw or blemish. Has a beautiful sunburst gloss finish. Was pre-tuned and the action is perfect. I was amazed at the ease of which I could start out after so many years with clear easy chords. My husband says the finger board and action are better than his $3000.00 Gibson. The fit is perfect!!

This guitar is going to be with me for years. No Doubt! My husband will be playing it live.

Customer support. GREAT> RESPONSE within hours.Complete lifetime warranty.

Yes, I comparison shopped and this was the one. I would never part with, if stolen, would purchase again for sure. Not one feature I don't like. Played 25 yr ago and starting over but hubby is a semi-pro and loves it. He has Martin, Gibson, Takamani, dobro, banjo. Plays with band, country, bluegrass. This one stands up. Couldn't believe the quality for the price.

Zager modified in 5/05, standard size dreadnought acoustic, rosewood fret board, 2 piece back and sides of mahogany, gloss finish, custom nut and bridge, grover sealed tuning gears, abalone inlay, inlay around body and along fret board, tourtise shell pick guard.

I believe it has a rich sound compared to other acoustic guitars I have seen. It stays in tune very well.

The finish is beautiful. No flaws that I can see. The action is much easier to play than the other guitar I have. I would say about 40-50% easier to form chords and get notes to ring clear. Minor tuning adjustment out of the box. It was a mail order.

I use the guitar strictly for my personal pleasure but it seems very solid and will certainly last me a lifetime.

Lifetime warranty on the guitar. Email responses are returned very quickly. I have had the guitar for 6 months with no issues at all. I was skeptical about buying a guitar through the mail over the computer, but have no regrets and am very happy with the entire experience.

I have had a guitar and a banjo for many years, but I'd still say I am just a beginner. I bought the Zager 6 months ago along with the Zager online lessons. I have played it almost everyday. It does not play itself but it is definitely set up and plays easier than my other guitar and I think it is a great value. I would buy another one but probably an acoustic/electric with a cypress top but I would not trade the one I have.

I believe it was made in Indonesia at the same factory that produces Sigmas. It is a 14 fret, slope shoulder dreadnought. Gloss finish. Grover tuners.

I play mostly bluegrass and folk. I do not use a pick but I am no finger style wizard either. Slight buzz on the low E string.

This is advertised as having a low action and slightly wider string spacing than most affordable guitars. I just had to do some tuning and it was ready to go.

I do not play live. I do take it on business trips in a soft gig bag. I have been playing it almost every day for the last 6 months. So far so good.

On line support seems good, no problems yet.

I bought my first guitar 7 years ago at the age of 46. It is a Mitchell dreadnought, no electronics. I think I paid around $250.00. I purchased the Zager about 6 months ago. In that time I picked up the Mitchell twice, both times for about 5 minutes. There is no comparison. The Zager is easier to play, sounds louder and somewhat more bright. Nice sustain too.

I tried some Martins and Taylors in various music stores but for the price I don't think this can be beat. It really is a joy to play. I can go for hours with a 6 pack and some Homespun videos and my fingers are none the worse for wear. If anything I still grip the strings harder than I have to.

I would definetly buy this guitar again, maybe add the electronis next time.

Don't think I will "singing along with Mitch" any more.

Solid Spruce top, Mahagany back & sides.
Rosewood fingerboard and bridge.
Grover seales tuners.
BEAUTIFUL two-color sunburst on top (even though the website shows three color).

Rich, full and bright sound. Not quite as loud as other dreadnoughts, due to extra light strings. The average player will probobly not even notice this. Beleive ir not, this guitar really does compare with guitars in the $1500-$2000 price range. You have to hear it yourself...

I admit to being a guitar snob. I generally only buy USA made instruments made prior to 1970 (with the exception of Fender Custom Shop guitars- Well done Fender!)
The set-up is better than ANY acoustic guitar I have owned or played. No, the action is not as low as my original '57 Strat, or my Custom Shop '62 reissue Strat, but the transition is very easy. I have examined this guitar with a magnifying glass and can find no flaws. Binding, rosette, bracing, frets, all perfect. I only wish it has a front strap ped, & will add one.

I've only owned this guitar for a week, but I'm confident that this guitar will be as durable and dependable as any fine acoustic. These are not solidbody guitars, folks, and require a little extra care and protection.

After 35+ years of playing, I avoid Mr. Murphy by always having a back-up. (Now you understand why a guitar snob would buy a $400 guitar). But my ZAD-50 will NOT only be used as a back-up!

Dennis Jr. answered all questions promptly. Try that with other companies and be prepared to grow a long, white beard.

I do not know the Zager's personally. I have no financial interest in their business. I primarily bought this guitar because transporting, insuring, and mothering more than one vintage Gibson or Martin kinda takes the fun out of a gig. Get a SM57, a good sound guy, and you're in the money. My next guitar purchase WILL be a ZAD80-CE

2006 ZAD50 Acoustic. 21 frets, solid top. Black finish deep shiny, excellent finish with white binding. Grover chrome tuners. Thin neck.

Loud crisp sound...rings well!! Covers wide spectrum.

Came from maker in tune. custom set-up with Zager action.

several friends have 'wrung it out" and it holds up well. Still new but seems very solid!

All dealings so far have been well above average. Lifetime warranty!

I am a beginner with several friends that play and have played for many years, all are really impressed with the Zager. The action is especially quick and requires much less effort to chord. If lost/stolen, I would buy another. The standard acoustic that I was playing is far outclassed, as well as most others that I have tried.
My comment: "Try it you will be impressed."

Sounded superb right out of the box

Flawless...

I'll play this guitar for the rest of my life

The Zager family has been both patient and supportive. E-mail support is outstanding.

I own an autoharp and a William's V-1 Keytar. I am a massage therapist with soft, sensative fingertips. This is the only guitar on the market I can play.

- Full size dreadnought
- Solid spruce top
- Mahogany back & sides
- Sealed "Grover" Tuning Gears
- Abalone inlay rosette
- Tortoise shell pick guard
- Gloss finish
- Hand carved custom nut
- Hand carved custom saddle
- Hand filed frets
- Scalloped X-bracing
- Rosewood fret-board
- Rosewood bridge
- Genuine "Martin" strings
- Zager EZ-Play Modified
- Lifetime warranty
- 100% money back guarantee

I play Folk/Rock and find this quitar a nice addition to the two Martins I own. Only had it a couple of weeks and play it every day. The EZ play feature is a wonderful thing and the sound reminds me of a Taylor 810 I used to own.
This guitar is worth the price big time.

Holds tuning well and came well set up. I live in Florida so naturally I had to tune it. Condition was perpect and I was surprised at the solid feel and beauty of the instrument.
Remember considering the price this quitar is a real winner.

Have not played out with it yet but will. I'm sure it will do well micked (which is my preferred method). The finish is beautifull and I beleive it will last the distance.

Warranty - Complete money back guarantee. Can't ask more than that.
I have emailed them and always got a prombt response.

I've been playing on and off over 30 years and if this guitar was stolen I would get another. All the questions I asked before I got it were answered such as tuning down a full step (because of EZplay set up not a good idea).
By the way "I don't work for thses guys"

Very recently purchased 2006 full size dreadnought with solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, sealed Grover tuning gears, Rosewood fret-board and bridge.

To me it has a full, rich sound.

Arrived in tune and intonated. Great set-up. No flaws noted yet.

It seems as though it will be very durable but I haven't had it long enough to form an opinion yet.

Absolutely fantastic customer support.

I've been playing for only a few years and, in addition to the Zager, I own an American made Fender Stratocaster (1998). I had played my buddy's Martin but it was way out of my price range. The Zager sounds just as good to me. I like it so much that I've ordered the acoustic/electric model from Zager. It's unquestionably a tremendous value for the money.

The guitar is dreadnought style, sealed Grover tuning gears, rosewood fret-board and bridge, hand carved custom nut and saddle, hand filed frets, solid spruce top and abalone inlay rosette. You wont find a guitar this nice with such detailed work at this price any where else!

I'm a beginner at guitar but accomplished on other instruments. I've been playing the Zager along side other guitars players and its sound is right up there with guitars that cost 4 times as much!

Again, I'm a novice so I'll mainly passon what was shared with be by professionals that picked up this guitar. The set up is excellent and they are amazed the string height is so low with no fret buzz. One player did what he called "speed work" playing chords/notes as fast as possible... then did the same exercise on the Zager, and you could tell the sound was more crisp and clear because the Zager "string science" was more forgiving to improper finger spacing. Hey if it can make a professional player sound better, I know its going to help me as a beginner!

I've only had it two months, but I examined a lot of other guitars before I bought it and after, and the Zager seems to be as well made as any of the top name brands costing far more. Reviews from professionals were that it should last as long as any other guitar with proper care.

No problems so far... if anything comes up I will post and let you know.

Overall, I would have to aboslutely rate this as a solid 10 for a guitar under $500. For that matter it rated a 10 up into the $1,000 plus price range. Every time I'm around experienced guitar plays and bring out the Zager, I hear "I've heard of those!" or "Never heard of them!" and then after playing it, the comment is "Where can I get one?".

Zager guitars are really fantastic. I have purchased two of them, and love them both. These guitars are manufactured specially with a thinner neck, and lowered strings. They are very easy to play, and have a fantastic sound. They tune very easily, and stay in tune.

My guitars are beautifully made with a great finish, perfect neck, finely adjusted frets, and easy tuners. The think neck is perfect for my smaller hands.

You have a choice of a molded or regular case. I have one each, and both are high quality and durable. My guitar was sent with lots of extras such as case key, and humidifier.

I play my guitars at events for the Dances of Universal Peace, playing in large dance camps across the country. Many other dance leaders have had an opportunity to pick up my guitars and play them, and they always comment on what a wonderful guitar this is. Tone, playability and quality is equal to guitars costing thousands. Denny Zager claims that he has made it possible for anyone to own a quality guitar, and he is absolutely right.

Both my guitars have a deep rich sound, and are very easy and smooth to play.

Both of my Zager guitars are beautifully finished, blimish free, and totally totally georgeous. I particularly love my black one.

The finely fitted frets are the best feature as they are what gives the guitar its smooth play.

I play my guitar in large dance events, drag it around all over the place, and share it with lots of people. It holds up well.

Not only is my guitar wonderful, but the customer service I received in purchasing both of my guitars was fantastic. Their website is really easy to order from (zager.com), and I received my guitar very quickly - within days! They communicate very nicely with their customers, and love to hear that we have received our guitars and are loving them.

Not only that, Denny has posted fabulous information on his site on many subjects such as stringing a guitar the most effectively, and more. He also has some great online guitar instructions.

I tell everyone I meet that these are the best guitars, and anyone should feel safe and secure in purchasing from Zager Guitar.

I own lots of instruments and am also a drummer. I will always buy Zager guitars, and own two of them.

Only owned it for 2 months but so far I'm satisfied

After 2 months of playing I got a string buzz. After following their help line and videos and the buzz was still there, they suggested I send it back to them, (at their cost). 1 week later I had a new guitar. No one likes it have problems, but when you do it's nice to have someone that backs up their product without waiting forever.

I've been playing off and on for 40 years. I have a 60s Mayfair electric that I learned on. It takes very little finger pressure to play any fret. Thats why I chose the Easyplay, it lives up to its name.

The Zager ZAD-50 that I own is a solid top acoustic made for Zager by Martin & Co. I've rated it as 10 due to the action and sound generated from the EZ-Play string science that has been incorporated into this guitar. The guitar is of dreadnought style, with sealed Grover tuning gears, rosewood fret-board and bridge, hand carved custom nut and saddle, hand filed frets, solid spruce top and abalone inlay rosette. This guitar comes with a 100% money back guarentee and a lifetime warranty. If you are in the market for a fine quality instrument for under $500.00, you can find no better deal anywhere!

I play a little of everything and will be doing it all due to the excellent sound quality on this guitar.

Again - string science. Go to the Zager Guitar web site for a detail explanation. This guitar is ready to play as soon as you pick it up.

This is a quality instrument that will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

The customer support is second to none! Questions will be answered in a timely manner. As stated, this guitar comes with a 100% money back guarentee. You cannot ask for anything more,

I currently own a Yamaha classical and a 1971 Strat. My new Zager has immediately become my "go to" guitar. As soon as I am able, I plan on purchasing another Zager guitar.

The ZAD 50 Acoustic is loaded with features; 20 frets on a Rosewood fret board, a solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, sealed Grover tuning gears, Abalone inlay rosette, Tortoise shell pick guard, Gloss finish, Hand carved custom nut, Hand carved custom saddle, Hand filed frets, Scalloped X-bracing, Rosewood bridge, Genuine "Martin" strings, a Lifetime warranty, a 100% money back guarantee, and to me the most important feature of all is Denny Zager's "EZ Play" System.
"EZ-Play" Guitars are modified by Master Guitar Luthier Denny Zager to play easier than any other guitar made. The EZ-Play modification process involves:
Lowering the strings closer to the fret board so you no longer have to press hard to form a chord.
Widening the stance of the strings so there is more space for your fingers, while keeping the neck shallow so its easy for small hands.
Modifying the saddle, bridge, neck and nut in harmony to amplify the tone and resonance.
The result is a guitar that is 50% easier to play with a sound that rivals guitars costing 5 times the price.
As a 58 year old begining guitar player I looked for what I thought would be the best valued instrument for me to learn with. While I realize that there is no way around practice and musical ability, I believe that because of the features of my Zager it will be the easist guitar for me to learn on.

As a novice with no prior guitar playing experience I can only tell you that it sure is easier to press the strings to the fret board, making it easier to play chords. I have listened closely to various guitars and their individual tones and I would say that as the ZAD 50 is set up it has a wondrful bright sound. To me, beautiful music can be made by any quality instrument regardless of the range of it's tone, and this guitar has loads of that necessary ingredient - quality!

Zager's EZ Play set up was the main draw for me to this quitar and I have not been disappointed. The action is just as promised! Even though I have not developed much ability with it yet I can tell you that the set up works for me.
When it comes to the fit and finish, the appearence of this guitar is, well, I'll just call this icing on the cake! The ZAD 50 has just the right amount of "fancy", it looks terrific without being overdone or gaudy. Some folks may describe this as understated beauty, but I say it's just my style! Hold one of these in your hands and you'll know what I mean! Not only do the pieces of the guitar fit together as they should, more importantly, thanks to Denny's improvements, it fits the player. It's not only the string technology that makes this go, the redesigned neck aids in finger reach.
I cannot say the finish on mine was 100% perfect. It came to me with a small piece of sawdust(?) embeded in the glossy finish near the sound hole, you have to look close to see it, it is something I can live with. But if I had requested a relacement it would have been offered. Otherwise the finish and looks of this guitar is fantastic, the quality craftmanship used in it's construction is apparent.

Predicting reliability of any manmade device calls for some speculation on the part of the predictor. I can tell you that from what I've seen in it's solid build, smooth working Grover tuning gears, tight fitting joints, and deep, lustrous glossy finish that appears to offer a long lasting durable coat of exterior protection, I would say that the ZAD 50 should last for many, many years. Zager guitars are warrented for a lifetime of use!

I haven't had to contact for any repair/warrenty work, but since Zager guitars are offered only through their own shop, every new guitar ordered is handled by the Zagers personally. So everyone has at least some contact with the owners of this business. My experience with them has been pleasant, courteous, and they haven't given me any reason to expect anything different in the future. They shipped my guitar and case promptly and responded to email in less than a day.

As stated earlier I am a novice at guitar playing. If this guitar was lost or stolen I would quickly replace it with another of the same. I purchased it for the EZ Play string setup with the added bonus of it being a beatiful instrument to play on. I purchased an acoustic model with no electronics because I want this hobby to be low tech; no electronics, no wires, no batteries, no amplifiers, the least amount of ingredients that can fail or go wrong. I want to keep it simple!
Now if I can find the time to practise!

Made 2006
Country Made ? It is made in the place that makes the Sigma Martins.
Solid-Top Spruce
Pickup? did not buy one with a pick up
Back and sides Mahogany
gloss finish
Body style dreadnought
Bridge is Rosewood
Rosewood Fretboard
"Grover" sealed tuning gears
slim -front to back- neck design
hand filed frets
custom made hand carved saddle and nut
scalloped X bracing
Abalone inlay rosette
included extra set of Extra Light Martin Darco Strings, picks, neck wrench, tee shirt, upgraded case (I bought the case seperate, and they upgraded it).
Web instructions about playing, changing strings, ect.
An extra nice would be if they would put in a wipe down cloth instead of a tee, it is a nice tee, but I would be happier with a wipe cloth (-;

How does it suit your music style?
I like to play singer/song writter stlye and this guitar is suiting that.
What amps and effects are you using it with?No Amp
What kind of sounds can the guitar make? How much variety?
The sound is Rich and full when I use only my thumb and fingers, it is bright with a pick. The sound is balanced-the high notes do not die off.
I like that I can play notes and chords cleanly. I like the look of this guitar, it is a Sunburst. I continue to look at it inside and out. I would like an upgrade on the pegs, but I can do that myself, and I wish the dot markers on the frett board where albalone, but it is not neccessary to how the guitar plays, and does not take away from the overall apperance.

the guitar set-up by luthier Denny Zager in Nebraska
it has good action, I am able to play music for the first time. After a week I am already putting togethr my own chord and note arrangments.
the top is well matched.
I am happy with The sunburst finish, which is not "museum grade (like you'd get on a $4000 Martin ), but it is very attractive to look at.
The bridge routing is correct and expertly done by hand.
I am picky about things I buy and I am very happy with this guitar. Sound and play is the most imporatant thing for me.

I belive this guitar would withstand live playing.
Does the hardware seem like it will last? Yes
Are the strap buttons solid? Yes
Is the finish good enough to last? yes
Can you depend on it? so far yes I have been playing it almost non stop, it has not let me down yet.
Would you use it on a gig without a backup?
I do not know if I will be playing gigs, but it puts out a big full sound with a thin pick.

Ok my contact so far has been in asking questions about the ZAD 50, I wanted to know about the woods of the box, and material of the bridge, nut and saddle, and construction and they where very friendly and helpful.
Emails answered in a timely and professional manner.
No repair work needed to date.
It has a lifetime warrenty.

How long have you been playing? Since about March 27 2006
Is there something you wish you had asked before buying this guitar?
No
If it were stolen or lost, would you buy it again or get something else? Yes
What do you love about it? What is your favorite feature? I love it's sound that when I unpacked it it was still in tune, and it's looks.
What do you hate? I haven't found a thing to hate.
What is your favorite feature?
all the hand set up work that was done by D. Zager, before I recieved it, that has made it playable and good sounding.
Anything you wish it had? Natural string pegs, but that is a minor thing. I am going to this one a 10 as this guitar I believe is a great value for the dollar spent. I did visit guitar shops in Sioux Falls, and the ones they offered in this price did not do anything for me. I had been playing an Aspen with a loose bridge that sounded as good as the ones they had on the floor, in this price range. I brought home books from the Library about guitars, and how they made, and what I should look for. Visited many web sites, like Martin, Gibson and Guild, before I decided to buy the ZAD 50. I choose this as it had a money back offer, so I could try it, I liked the way answered my email, I liked that it is set up in a professional manner, and it is a family opperation. I choose to keep it as I love the way it sounds and plays.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I received the Zager - professionally packaged and delivered. I have not played a guitar since 1980, at that time I had not been able to get past learning a few basic chords. My folks gave me the Aspen for Christmas in 78. They purchased it in a local music store, you know the story? high action, hard to play - thought it was me, and put it away?life happens. I now know setup is the biggest factor in how a guitar plays. I have had my Sunburst ZAD 50 for a few days now and I play it for ?hours? every day ? I cannot leave it alone.

Zad-50 is a standard accoustic guitar and has all the features described in their web site
www.zagerguitar.com

I am a 53 year old who decided to teach himself the guitar. It sounds as good as some of the more expensive guitars that I though of buying, and is better than the $900.00 guitar that I did buy. The more experienced guitar players that I hang out with say that it is every bit as good as some of the big names.

It was in perfect tune straight out of the box. The action is outstanding. The strings are very close to the frets and are easy to play. The finish looks very good for the price I paid for the guitar.

Being a new player, I have not learned to caress the guitar yet. I still try to subdue it and this guitar seems to be able to handle that.

The company has been outstanding so far. If you e-mail with a question or concern they will answer you today and most of the time within a couple of hours. The warranty is a life time warranty.

I have been playing for about 6 months. I also own a Takamine accoustic electric and I truly prefer this Zad-50 to the more expensive Tak. I work on a big city fire department have one station where everyone plays so we get together on Saturday and Sunday shifts to play. It gives them a chance to laugh at my skill level but they do teach me some good technique. I have introduced them to the Zager guitar method and several of them are going to sign up for the online lessons. During these sessions I don't get to play my own Zager guitar because there is always someone else who wants to try it out. These more experienced guys (some have played for 20 plus years) are very impressed with this guitar. In fact, I am thinking of selling my Tak and getting a Zager-80 Accoustic electric.

I had an opportunity to buy a Martin with a flame maple back that was absolutely drop dead beautiful. It only costs $2700.00. When I told my wife that I wanted to buy it she said, "You are not going to spend $2700.00 on a guitar that, I might add, you do not know how to play!" Well when she started throwing that logic stuff around I knew that I might as well go find a less expensive guitar. That is when I got the Tak. It is pretty nice but is difficult to play. Maybe a better description is that it is painful to play. I had seriously looked at the Zager stuff on line but I could not fondle it before I bought it. I like to be able to feel and touch the things that I want to buy. If you read their add it says you can send it back if you don't like it. Now I wish that I had bought it and left the Tak in the store. I would have bought the Zad-80 to start with. To make a long story short, the Zager is not quite as pretty as some of the others but if it was a girl back in high school you would not be embarrassed to take her to the senior prom either. I will bet that you can't tell the difference in the sound quality between a Zager and some of the most expensive guitars. For a new guitar player, this is the guitar you need both for the quality and the price.

Solid spruce top, Mahogany back and sides. Gloss finish, dreadnought body, thin neck, low action with Grover Tuners. Ordered with Zager hard shell molded case which is well built.

Very full, rich sound with good volume. I have yet to find another guitar that matches its sound for anywhere near the price.

When it was received it was tuned a little bit flat but it may have been due to the weather (hot summer) as much as anything else. The action is low and it is a pleasure to play compared to other guitars. Stays in tune quite well. The fit and finish is commendable, no flaws or blemishes to note.

Stays in tune very well which is a good indication of its reliability and durability. To be honest though, I baby all my guitars.

All questions have been answered honestly and quickly in past dealings with Zager. My wife and I made a few inquiries to Denny and Dennis before the ZAD50 was purchased and that is what led to the purchase.

If this were lost or stolen (not likely) I would buy a new Zager without question. It is one of the best guitar values around in my opinion.

Researched this guitar for months- havn't played for 30 years- quit because I just couldn't finger chords well with stubby fingers. Ad for this "EZ Play" guitar caught my eye along with heavy positive reviews here and on ebay. Cynical I was but the hype came without risk as you can return this guitar in 30 days no expense.
Solid top dreadnought, natural spruce, rosewood board, grover tuners. The gimmick is the special set up done by Denny Zager to lower the action, increase sustain and widen the nut slightly.
Came with some picks, wrench, a cool t-shirt and a picture of Denny Zager.

Having tried many acoustics in the $200 to $600 range(Martins, Alverez), the sound rates at the top. The sound is bright, bell-like on the higher strings. Bass notes are resonate, but not too boomy. The light guage strings cannot be attacked too hard as the super low action will slightly buzz and you lose the timber. If you are comfortable playing fingerpick style or a delicate pick you are rewarded with sound that is pretty and vibrant which the box projects well. Because the guitar really is "EZ play" your chords are clearer with less muffling on adjacent strings. Maybe this is why the sound is a stand out.

Set up was dead on. Arrived in tune in December and really hasn't gotten out of tune since. Smelled of a recent polish. Zager signs the guitar inconspicuously on the back, but this can be removed.

3 months later no problems: finish is durable,resisting my attempts scuff it up with shirt buttons and wristwatch. The guitar is lighter than other acoustics I've owned and doesn't convey that "built like a tank" sensibility, but the workmanship appears better than mass produced so time will tell.

Lifetime warranty-havn't had to test it out. If you get one please note that if you want to return a nondefective guitar, it has to have the protective film still on the pick guard, so keep it on for the first 30 days. The Zagers were easy to contact with questions via email.

Been playing (?) 30 + years sproradically. Own Yamaha and noname acoustic, a Squire tele and US strat. When I showed the guitar to my teacher he played and raved about it. Told me to show it to the store owner who in turn disparaged the guitar (polished turd). It appears that because Zager only sells direct and not through stores there is a lot of so called experts in the business putting the instrument down. I was cynical that a guitar in this price range could be all that is claimed, but the ZAD 50 is the rare product that delivers on the hype. If you are an expierenced player the sound is likely to please. Student level players will have noticeably less difficulty fingering chords. Tried to initially buy used on ebay but the used Zagers sell close to what the new go for-this speaks to something about this item. I would buy again if lost/stolen but would be tempted to try their more pricey mahoganay top model.

Made by Denny Zager, in USA. Dreadnought, steel string.
Solid spruce top.
Case includes humidifier.
Beautiful instrument!

Far surpassed my expectations. Clear, full sound.

Great low action, very comfortable to play.
No flaws at all.

Feels great - solid, good weight. Look forward to playing this guitar for many years.

Extremely helpful in answering all my questions as I considered the purchase. Shipping was very prompt, guitar arrived in perfect condition only 4 days after I ordered it.

Have been playing for 20 years. Own classical and flamenco models as well. This is the first steel string acoustic I've owned.
Would definitely purchase another one, and will recommend these guitars and this company to others.

The ZAD-50 is a full sized dreadnaught that has a solid spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard. The nut and saddle were modified to lower the action and create more string separation

I play a little blues, rock and roll, classic rock, and progressive country. This guitar has an excellent bright sound that is real hard to find for the price I paid ($395). I have yet to find any dislikes.

This guitar was set up by Mr. Zager using his "string science". I have a Washburn that I paid to have the action lowered and the ZAD-50's is very similar. The wider spacing from nut and saddle modifications works really well for me.
The guitar has a beautiful glossy finish with no apparent flaws.

I haven't had the guitar long enough to know about any durability issues, but it seems to be a real quality product.

Are you kidding? 100% money back guarantee including shipping. The Zagers (Dennis and Denny) take a lot of pide in their work and truly want you to be happy with their product. I have only contacted them a couple of times, but had a very quick and informative response each time.

I've been playing guitar for about 20 years now and have a Les Paul custom Lite, American Stratocaster, and a Washburn WD20S. Figuring I had nothing to use with the guaruntee, I had the guitar delivered and compared the ZAD-50 with as many guitars as I could in the price range. Nothing even came close.

Bright sound

Action was fantastic, playability is excellent, no flaws, beautiful guitar

strong reliability and durability, built to last

This is perhaps the most responsive and friendliest company I have dealt with regardless of the product. Lifetime warranty. Can I give it a 10+?

Own a Martin, Hoffner, and Yamaha as well- the Zager is the best of the lot and the value is fantastic. Recently spent at day at the Martin factory playing demos. The Zager ZAD 50 competes with any of them, when you factor in the price, there is no competititon. I'm happy with the Zager

The Zad-50 from Zager Guitar is the is a Quality guitar do let all these other remarks fool you i have done some research and the guitars the some people are bad mouthing from zager anr not even guitars that they offer. let me say that the tone and playablity or super this is the best guitar that i have ever played an playing it is such a blast.It has a Solid Spruce top gloss blavk finnishe mohogany sides and back with seald grover tuners
Chirs S
memphis tn

THe tone on Zager guitars is extrodanary

The action in low so there is no more sore fingers and hands after playing for hours. The finish is pristen not a single blemmish any where

I have only had the guitar for a few days but is seem to be very well made and solid

The coustomer supoet you get From Zager is top of the line. They actually care about the people they sell to and want to make sure that every on that buys there guitars are happy wiht the product and let me tell you i know 3 people that have them and they are all happy with the sevice they got and still continue to recive for denny and dennis zager

I have been playing for a few years and i have an ovation that i have played on and of the ZAD 50 i would chose over the ovation any day. If it were stole or lost you can bet you bottom dollar that i would buy another one.i have no hate for this guitar it is beautiful and has an excellent sound

- Full size dreadnought
- Solid spruce top
- Mahogany back & sides
- Sealed "Grover" Tuning Gears
- Abalone inlay rosette
- Tortoise shell pick guard
- Gloss finish
- Hand carved custom nut
- Hand carved custom saddle
- Hand filed frets
- Scalloped X-bracing
- Rosewood fret-board
- Rosewood bridge
- Genuine "Martin" strings
- Zager EZ-Play Modified

Great sound, rivals Martin.

Action, fit and finish are outstanding, none better.

Materials are of the highest grade and will last a lifetime if properly cared for like any guitar should be.

Outstanding could not ask for more. - Lifetime warranty
- 100% money back guarantee

Just learning had given up with other guitars from sore fingers, this guitar eliminated that problem. I would buy again without question.

Guitar was made in 2005. It's a dreadnought body style. I have to say that after playing around 20 guitars in price ranges between $500 to $3,500, it sounds better than any guitar under the $1,500 price tag. I am amazed at the quality of the gloss finish, playability (Zager easy Play system) and the inceredible sound. It's spruce with mahogany back and sides and sounds just as good as the Martin D-18 in my opinion.

I play only Christian praise and worship music for which it sounds great. It's non-electric although I would consider buying one of their electric accoustics. It's the brightness (sound of spruce and mahogany) that attracted me to the guitar. The sound is also rich and full.

The action is incredible. Everything is algned properly and all parts in top shape. No flaws of any kind visible. Very good quality woods fret material and saddle.

I'm a fairly new guitar player and don't perform live, but I would have no reservations about using it in a session. That's not why I bought it though. It comes with only one strap button, which I would not count on. I would have strap buttons professionally installed.

Company is great. I had a little string buzz problem when I got it and they told me what to do and it worked. People are extremely friendly and quick on the response time if sending email.

I used to play a little when I was around 12-15. I stopped and started playing again about 2 months ago. I play at least 4 hours a day since right now I have the time. I definitely would buy it again, especially since I started out with a Big Baby Taylor which sounds like crap compared to this one. I love everything about it accept the strings it comes with and the fact that the strap buttons need replacing. I can easily say that it beats out the Taylors, Fender, Ibanez, Gibson and Marting guitars that I played and had a professional musician play for me at the Guitar Center in Nashville, TN. under the $1,500 price ranges. Great product for the money. Some day I would love to have a custom guitar, but I don't know exactly what I want until I hear more guitars and play longer. This company lives up to what it says. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.