Zager ZAD-50CE OM

Made in USA
- Solid Spruce top, Mahogany Back & Sides, cutaway body
- Rosewood Bridge, Rosewood Fret-Board
- Equalizer & Electronic Tuner

I'm a newly returned player, having played a guitar last in the 80s. I play a little folk, a little rock. This instrument has a bright, clear, resonant sound. I've only used it acoustically since I bought it, so cannot speak to the sound through an amp, nor any effects, but for a brilliant guitar sound, I highly recommend this guitar.

My instrument was flawless, but it comes with a money back guarantee, including shipping, no questions asked.

Again, I've only had it a short while, but the construction is solid, and all indications present the maker as someone who stands behind his work.

I emailed questions, they were returned within 12 hours (one within 30 minutes!) Very prompt, very pleasant on the phone.

I love the sound, the ease of playing (relatively lower strings to the fingerboard), the beauty of the instrument, and the solid, quality feel. I would get another in a heartbeat!

Gloss finish, Orchestra Model w/cutaway, Grover tuners, Thin neck, Fishman Electronics Tuner/Equalizer, Rosewood fretboard, Mahogany back and sides with a spruce top.

It works great for for flat or finger picking country. Has a rich sound but not as much volume, because of the smaller body size of the Orchestra Model. But if I need more volume than that, it gets plugged into the amp. So far, I like everything about it.

Denny Zager personally sets these guitars up one at a time himself, and does an excellent job. I can't speak for anyone else, but mine came with no visible flaws at all and was in perfect tune when it arrived. The only thing at all and it was very minor. The nut had somewhat of an edge to it and was rubbing on my index finger on certain chords a little more than I like. Just a little light smoothing took care of it easily. Other than that it was excellent. Great action and no buzzing.

I haven't played with it professionally yet, but see no reason why you couldn't. It is a well constructed guitar that looks as good as it plays. I feel it will be a dependable instrument for years to come. Plus the fact that the Zager guarantee is very good. As honest as these people are, I feel they would make it right if it fell apart unnecessarily due to faulty workmanship. As far as the finish, it looks great, but it will take time to find out true durability.

Zager guitars have as good of warranty as you will find. Besides the 100% money back guarantee, they will pay shipping both ways. Over the telephone they were very helpful with everything, and their email correspondence is equally good. Very quick response.

I have played off and on since 1982. I bought this guitar mainly because of such high ratings, curious if it had the quality and was easy to play like many were saying in their testimonials. If it were stolen would I buy it again? Absolutely. I honestly feel dollar for dollar you won't find a guitar that plays or sounds better. I am still amazed at what you get for your money with this instrument. If you need bragging rights, go spend several thousand on a top name guitar, and have one that plays probably no better than this one. Give any of the Zager guitars a fair try, and I think you'll find the quality and value is there. They are really quite user friendly.

After much thought and research I ordered a Zager Zad-50 OMCE accoustic/electric for $495 through the Zager Guitars website. I had heard this guitar maker was a well kept secret and an unbelievable value. I received it over the weekend and I am completely blown away by its sound, quality and beauty! It's hard to believe what I have paid for guitars trying to get the sound and playability that my new Zager has. I have no need for my $2000 Martin and will attempt to sell it. There is absolutely no camparison in the sound and ease of play. My guitar came with a picture of Denny Zager testing it and his autograph on the beautiful mahogany back. I couldn't be happier and recommend this to anyone who wants quality over name brands.

I purchased this Guitar new from Zager a few weeks ago. It is an Acoustic Electric with spruce top and Built in tuner and Pre Amp. You can find all the detailed info at www.Zager.com Body style is a cut away, and because its an OM size, its a little smaller (15%) it's more comfortable to hold, but if there is a volume difference, it makes little difference to me..its plenty loud. The grover tuners turn with ease. The neck is wider than my Framus Studio, but thinner than my son's classical. Its just right. It came with a solid built case, in which the guitar has glove fit. The Temp/humidty sensor is just icing on the cake. The Guitar also came with a spare set of Martin Strings, a quality T-shirt and some nice picks

I like the sound of this guitar. I am plying the finger style that Denny teaches. Its smooth and mellow sound. Its not one for just banging on and making noise like a metal head. I had hooked it through my computer for recording and for amplifing. I had no problems. The acoustic sound is rich and bright. I sometimes play real soft after the kids go to bed. The full sound is there, just not loud, but if I want it to be loud, it can do the job. The base notes can play any Johnny Cash song. I can hit a string and it will ring what seems forever. There is nothing to dislike. and if there was something that I didnt like, I know Zager would take care of me.

I had no problems here. The guitar traveled by ups truck across the great plains and two mountain ranges and arrived in tune. After a day I started getting a buzz on the bass E string. Dennis Jr, told me to watch the buzzing string video. I adjusted the truss rod like Denny said and the buzz was gone. By the way, there are several video on working with your guitar such as buzzing strings, string changes etc. These are available to anyone who buys a zager. The action is low and EZ to play as adverised. The look of this guitar is stunning. The web site photos do not do it justice. You have have it in your hands.

I work in the quality department of my company. I looked really hard to find something wrong, the best I could come up with was slightly mismatch wood finish on the face, and that was with just the right light. I wish there was a second strap button, but again there is a video that tells you how to do it if you want one. I have not played a gig ever but I would just make sure I had a spare set of strings. Its more likely it would get stolen (it is very pretty) that it malfuncting. And if it did have a problem, it does have a lifetime warrenty

None Better.

There is no re routing you call to India here. I have only called them one to order, but I had a million questions before I bought and I emailed them to Dennis Jr who was alway very prompt and with good information.

I have been trying to play for 30 years. I am just now really playing thanks to this guitar and the Zager lessons for about 6 months. I got lessons first, then the new guitar. I didnt know what a good setup could do for you. I have been fighting my old guitar and didnt know it. (and it had low action of a floating bridge)

I didnt think I would need the on board tuner, but its so much handier than getting out my stand alone tuner like I use to do. I had my brother compare this to his Martin, he said this sounded better. I tried a smaller martin from a friend, it was nice, but I could not hear a better sound...just a bit different and that guitar cost $1500. I have seen and played guitars that look like this one but they did not play or sound as nice.

I wish it had a guitar stand. Its nice enough to put on display in the den.

I would just share, if in doubt try the other brands, pick out the one you like, then buy a Zager. If you dont like it, send it back..They will pay for the frieight and you lose nothing.

Features galore, for the price almost can't be beat. They ought to charge more! and include a case and top strap hardware. I guess for the money its a 10, but on an absolute scale, somewhere 8.5 - 9. The components and features they do include are first rate, and there are many! from the little things, t-shirt, picture of zager playing your guitar as its getting packaged up, etc. to the actual guitar features: Venetian cut-away, solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, fishman pickup (built in tuner), rosewood bridge and fretboard, sealed grover tuners, check out their website for the many other features. But the real issue is not how many features can one slam into a body and neck and headstock, but, how does that package work together for long-term ultimate sound quality?

This guitar just sounds great! Its an OM with venetian Cutaway, but really its hard to notice the lower volume. The sustain and clarity is beautiful, and favorably compares to other NEW 1500 - 2000 guitars. basically, I could buy something for 1500, but why, when you could spend less than half as much and truly get as good a guitar? If this is your first or second real guitar, a Zager is the only way to go.

I've looked for flaws, to no avail. This thing is solid! Low, light action, easy to play, beautiful finish. The first time I played it, I played for about 2 hours (not solid, but steady) and realized, wow, this is really comfortable and made for playing! Zager signs his guitars on the back, and even that is classy!

This is the only thing I cannot answer honestly. I have no reason to believe it won't last many many years, but, I have nothing other than quality of construction and initial feel, heft, and balance, to base that on.

This and overall rating is where Zager must be at the top of the world, in any industry. I own a busines and I envy the customer service and support of Zager. 100% money back guarantee, lifetime warranty, with return shipping paid? You basically can order a new guitar, play it for a week and return it, no questions asked. If you do get one, with plans to return it, good luck -- you're never going to want to. These guys already had my guitar packaged and ready to ship before I could get them paid. They are a real big time business with a mom and pop service attitude. Customer service has been great, they've answered all my emails in about 30 minutes. I honestly don't think anyone at Zager sleeps.

Not only would I buy another, I am going to buy another, soon; probably a ZAD-80 CE. If this is going to your first or second real guitar, a Zager is the only way to go. After three weeks of looking hard at Taylors, Martins, and many other "lesser but greats," takamine, blueridge, washburn etc., I had NO problem spending 600.00 on the zager instead of 1500. I normally can't do that (with wine, fountain pens, and cars), but in this case, it was easy! The only complaint I have is that there is a somewhat limited variety of guitars you can get from Zager, and I can not tell if all colors are available in all styles (guess I ough to email them, huh?). But, Overall, like I told Zager in and email, I feel like I made out like a bandit.

My Zager has the Satin Finish, OM size Venetian cutaway, Grover Tuners, Hand Filed Frets, Came with a stand, truss rod tool, and an extra set of Martin Strings, Solid Spruce Top, Mahogany Back & Sides, Rosewood Bridge, Rosewood Fret-Board, Built in Transducer w/ an Onboard Equalizer AND TUNER! Hand carved custom nut & saddle,
Abalone inlay rosette, & Tortoise shell pick guard.

Has a Great Sound amped or acoustic. I could play this guitar all night without getting tired. The OM model is a little quieter than the usual Dreadnaught size I'm used to, but the highs are crisp and clear. You can still make it loud with a little extra effort picking, but it doesn't take much! Besides if you really want to be loud just plug it in! I love the on board tuner, not that I use it much, it keeps it's tune well. Great for alternate tuning though. It tells you what not you're playing as it is strummed.Smart! Sounds great playing any style, I play classic rock, rockabilly/bluegrass, etc. sounds good playing hard and fast, as well as soft and sweet.

Barely had to tune it out of the Box. Action was set perfect. Bookmatched top was virtually flawless much like my bro's Taylor 510, back looked same. The frets look immaculate. Nut and Saddle are Good too.

As long as it is kept humidified it should. I keep all my guitars humidified with a damp-it in the case. Probably a must as the top looks thinner than most, but that is good for sound. Won't be a problem as long as it doesn't dry out.

100% money back guarantee & Lifetime warranty!
Had a question for Customer Service and was answered immediately in the evening after my 9-5 no less! Fast Friendly service! They have a no questions asked warranty.

I've been playing for 14 years and I own an Alvarez 25th Anniversay Koa Dreadnaught, A Taylor Big Baby, My Brother owns a Taylor 510 that I frequently play, and an electric Epiphone Strat, an old Kay, and an old Stella,(Last two are pretty much wall ornaments) If this guitar was stolen I would buy another one. The only thing I'd like to change is the strings(I like Elixirs) I compared this to Taylors and am glad I saved the money. This model is similar to a 714ce and a third to a fourth the price!! I do wish it came with a front strap peg, but I can turn a screw I guess!!

Gloss Finish, Cutaway, Smaller Body style (orchestra model), Grover Tuners, Spruce top, Mahogany back/sides, rosewood fretboard with binding, Fishman Electronics w/EQ

When played accousticaly, the sound volume is less due to the smaller body as compared to a Martin Dreadnaught for instance, but tone is outstanding and it's still plenty loud enough for smaller sessions. Plugged in, the Fishman electronics are very useable and sound great. Plenty of versatility with the onboard 3-band EQ.
Sound quality is on par with the top names available.

Factory setup was very good. These guitars are individually inspected and hand tweaked by Denny Zager himself before they're shipped to you. Workmanship is excellent. The only imperfection I can find is a very small knot in the top spruce (about 1/16 inch). which caused a dimple in the finish. More of a character mark than an imperfection.

Time will tell how durable it is, but I certainly don't see anything that makes me worried. It's got good quality hardware. The finish seems plenty durable.

Haven't needed to get it repaired. I have no doubt that Zager will take care of any problem should it arise. Their guitars have a 100% money back guarantee.
Service at Zager is OUTSTANDING.
Dennis Zager Jr is the customer service guy and is very responsive to emails etc. I've emailed him several times and his average response time is approx 10 minutes.

I've played for 20 years. I would definitely recommend trying a Zager if you're in the market for a high end guitar. You sure can't beat the price for what you get and if you don't like it, send it back.
Incredible value.

- EZ-Play Modified
- Smaller Orchestra Size
- Venetian Cutaway Design
- Solid Spruce Top
- Mahogany Back & Sides
- Rosewood Bridge
- Rosewood Fret-Board
- Gloss Finish
- Built in Transducer
- Onboard Equalizer
- Onboard Electronic Tuner
- Scalloped X-bracing
- Hand carved custom nut
- Hand carved custom saddle
- Hand filed frets
- Sealed Grover Tuning Gears
- Abalone inlay rosette
- Tortoise shell pick guard
- Genuine "Martin" Strings
- 100% money back guarantee
- Lifetime warranty

This guitar is truely amazing.I've played guitar for 48 yrs,Cheap & expensive,on stage & off.Am disabled now,so I wanted one I could just pick up & play...the OM size is perfect.The OM size claims to be 15% smaller & have 15% less sound than a standard size,but it sounds as good or better than the "big boys".
Best action I've ever played,STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX!!
The finish is beautiful.The electrics are powerful...
I have Fender & Crate amps...It'll sing,& it'll crunch...
If you plug into an amp...you better use ear protection,it chews butt.

At 1st,I ordered a Zad 50 CE(black).It arrived with a chip on the face,probably from UPS football!! I liked it,but seemed too big for me.Normally,I usually stood while playing,for better movement,now I must sit .Zager told me to keep it & play it as if it were my own,while they shipped a Zad 50 CE OM.Just as the black one,the OM arrived in a Martin case.It is flawless,a joy to play for hours.I returned the other,in the same box,with a prepaid label they provided.
Over the years,I hate to think how much I paid (luthiers?)to work over ones I had,this was already done here,& much more than just setting the action.You can feel & hear the work that went into it.
It's well made,& pretty to look at,but I just gotta PLAY it!!

This looks like a solid guitar to me.One thing I love,is that your cord plugs into the back strap button,this takes away alot of headaches,some like to put the input on the back,in the way(Ovation),or a hole in the front of your instrument(most).One thing I hesitate on is drilling a hole in it for a front strap peg.
Haven't had it long enough to gauge endurance,but with proper care & handling,it should last a long,long time.
So far,I've been very careful not to bump,or scratch it,but it's sure to get some wear,maybe even a few dings,can't be helped.

Zager sent a replacement to me,before I returned the other.The flaw was likely done in the mail,though no questions were asked.They go above and beyond for the customer.No other instrument I've ever seen has had a lifetime warranty,or fulltime expert service from the Luthier himself.
I expect to ask for advice from time to time,& have no doubt that it will be given tenfold......that's just the way they are.
I doubt I'll ever have to use the warranty,but I know it's there!!

I've been buying & selling guitars off & on for a hobby for awhile now.I can't remember not having a guitar.I think my 1st guitar was a Kaye,& a Sivlertone amp :)- I'm not a pro,shredder,or maybe not that good..but it's what I like. I know GOOD music when I hear it,& I know a GOOD guitar when I play it.ThIs guitar doesn't make NOISE,it makes MUSIC.

Gloss finish, cutaway acoustic, smaller orchestra size, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood bridge and fret board, 20 fret, built in transducer, on board eq, on board tuner, made in feb of 2007 in the good ole USA!

This is the best sounding guitar I've ever played. The mahogany back and sides resonate sound beautifully!

I don't even know where to start, I barely have to tune it, everything is so precisely aligned, the sealed grover tuning gears give a solidity to the whole piece. Not to mention its perfectly matched

I play live with it twice a week at least without a backup, and have had a desire to change a thing.

I had an issue with my first ZAD-50, so I email Denny Zager Jr. told him what had happened, and within a week I had a new guitar arrive at my door. There was no distrust on his part and only the most helpful service!

I've been playing for 14 years. I have played ibenez, yamaha, guild, prs, taylor, gibson acoustics and I haven't enjoyed just picking up a guitar and playing until this Zager acoustic. This is the last guitar I will buy! I haven't found anything I hate about it, and until you hold it in your hands and play it you won't understand what I'm talking about! Thanks Denny!

Spruce top, made in Korea. Acoustic/electric smaller OM body style. 3 band eq with presence control and built in chromatic tuner. Grover tuners, laminated rosewood sides and back.

With its spruce top, the Zager has a bold, bright tone. It takes to both picking and strumming well

Here's where the Zagers shine. The setup and intonation was exceptional - and has remained so for more than a year. The finsh was not perfect - there were a couple of very small thin spots but nothing you can find without REALLY looking for them. I'll be the only person who'll ever know

Having owned this guitar for more than a year, I have to say it has lived up to my expectations. I have gigged with it often. The hardware is good - particularly the Grover tuners.

The Zager family stands behind what they sell 100%.

If something was to happen to the guitar, I'd gladly replace it with another Zager. One day I'll be able to afford a Martin, but for the time being this will suit me just fine. If you plan to pay $500 for a "out of the box" guitar, I'd recommend anyone to give Zager a chance. The setup is exceptional. Try one on for size www.zagerguitar.com