Zager ZAD-50CE

This guitar was made in 2005 and is a venetian cutaway box with a Solid Spruce Top with mahogany back and sides. It has 5 way selector for electronics and a built in tuner. I ordered the sunburst finish and it looks great.

It sounds full, warm with bright trebles and rich base notes. I have only played it without an amp but I had a friend who owns a $2,500 Taylor try it and he got a big smile on his face. It sounds like it should have cost much more than it did.

This is where the instrument shines. It has hadboth the nut and saddle custom fit and worked by a master luthier. The strings are set in a slightly wider stance and the frets are filed and worked. The end result is an unbeleivably low action with incredible intonation. I tried serveral "off the shelf" guitars in the same price range and this one played much, much easier. Bar cords, slides and hammers are much easier. It should be a 20 but 10 is as high as I can rate it.

I haven't had the guitar long enough to really give you an opinion here other than the instrument is well built and sturdy.

I have talked to the guys at Zager and they are very helpful. They respond to emails within minutes. I am very, very confident that they will take care of any issues that might arise.

I would rate this instrument a 10 and would not hesitate to buy another one if anything happened to this one. I can't imagine finding a better sounding, higher quality instrument in this price range or for that matter for significantly more. If you are looking for a great sounding, easily playable guitar this is the one you want.

Made by Denny Zager and Denny Zager Jr. with a large amount of frets, beautiful wood, and EZ play modified action which makes the guitar sound incredible. Also includes an equalizer and electric ability.

Gorgeous sound that competes with guitars 15 times the price!

EZ Play modification makes the action incredible, for fingerpicking or strumming.

Except for the occasional sting breaking, I would trust my life with this guitar. I use it for all my live performances and treat it with the best strings money can buy, because I know it can handle them.

AMAZING! They really live up to their lifetime warranty...from the free goodies that come initially...picks, strings, a t-shirt, to the friendly nature of just talking to them on the phone, to when the electric part of my guitar for some reason stopped working and they actually sent UPS to PICK IT UP and they SENT ME A NEW ONE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE, to just the other day when for NO REASON they decided to send me new pegs and strings! They are THE best sellers I have ever dealt with!

I have owned many acoustic, electric and acoustic electric guitars and this is by far my favorite. Don't listen to the slander of some of these other reviewers, these are honest, incredible sellers. Contact me or any of the other 1000s of people who have spoken so highly of them on their website if you have doubts. I was at first weary of purchasing a guitar online I had never gotten to feel with my own fingers, but the risk was worth it beyond belief. And if you are skeptical, just keep in mind what amazing businessmen they are and know they will take care of you if you have ANY concerns or problems!

I just purchased a used ZAGER ZAD 50CE..Acoustic/electric (rare to find one used. the guitar store guy didn't even know what it was). The guitar is made in Asia somewhere but supposedly setup by Denny Zager personally (I don't believe that) It has a solid spruce top and the Mahogany (layered wood) sides and back..Nice active pickup with built in tuner and 4 band eq. the neck and the low action is the main selling point of this guitar.

The sound is very nice...but I hear a lot of people say that it sounds thick and bassie...however compared to my seagul it sounds more on the high/punchy end and very bright...Sounds very nice through my bass amp (Hartke 3500 head/hartke 410 transporter) and plugged into a PA system with a church band.

the setup and action deserves a 20 not merely a 10!!!!! I bought this guitar because I have mild corpal tunnel syndrome and my wrists hurt when I play too much. Denny Zager truly delivers in this department. He calls it an easy play guitar and it most definetely is..and that is the main, and in my opinion the only reason I would recomend a ZAGER over any other guitar.

It seems solid but I have had it only a short time. I will rate it a 10 because it feels so good..

Well I emailed ZAGER on a Sunday night and they responded immediately (within 10mins) and it wasn't a computer generated response it actually answered my question (unless that is one smart computer)..so I assume that the customer support will be good...however since I got mine used and at a seriously reduced rate...i don't have the customer service or warranty..

I have been playing mainly rock and alternative rock for about 18yrs. I have had a Fender and Seagul Acoustic and played many other types of acoustics. I bought this guitar because the action is so low and it is a lot less stresful on my wrists...Basically if you do not have problems with your hands or wrists (pain or small hands) then you could get a guitar of equal quality for less money..(eg. Martin Sigma for $399 where ZAGER charges $495+$45.00 shipping for the exact same guitar but set up in the zager string science method) For me, I would pay the extra Money because it would cost at least that much to have a local guy setup the guitar like zager does..But if i was younger and my wrists didn't hurt so bad..I wouldn't care about the setup...My off the shelf 80's Seagul was great for many years...So basically when you are buying a ZAGER or Zager modified Martin you are paying extra for the setup..and for me it would definitely be worth it..at least at this stage of my life..lol...and since I got it used and it was made in July of 2005 (practically new)..I paid only $350 for it so I got a killer deal...i don't know why it was traded in and why the person who owned it before me didn't send it back for the 100% money back garentee..but I DON'T CARE...I got a great guitar, great deal, but I would have paid FULL PRICE..for the action alone!!!

2005 acoustic-electric, included great hard case, hex wrench, etc. On-board tuner is fantastic and included EQ slides for electronics are VERY responsive

over 40 years playing folk/blues/folk-rock and this guitar meets all my needs except not great for alternate tunings - however, they tell you up-front it's specifically designed for standard tuning. Sound over the hole is full and rich and brightens as you move down to bridge. There was a slight buzzing problem (from the battery compartment) when I first got guitar and Zager.com walked me through taking care of it (though the would have replaced or refunded!)

What "factory set-up"? These guitars are all set up by Denny Zager himself. Action is fabulous while not killing hands.

Bought it specifically for gigging as I don't like to have my more expensive instruments leave the house (particularly not as I mostly play outdoors). This guitar will withstand a lot of abuse and oddly gets less sluggish than any of my Martins in humidity! While it's the newcomer in my collection, I expect it to be in good shape for a long time to come.

Support was great and included nearly instantaneous responses from Denny Zager Jr. They are very willing to work out any problems.

I own 3 Martins, 3 Ovations and a Craviola and have been playing for 43 years. If it were stolen I would replace it as I like the flexibility of the sound and how easy it is on the hands and I love knowing the folks at Zager will go the extra mile to make things work.

The Model I bought was made in 2005 in Asia. I've had it now for almost 2 months. An Acoustic Electric, it has a solid spruce top, mahoghany back and sides with impecable grain and color. The controls have volume, bass, treble, mid and presence. It also has a built in tuner for each string note. The tuning heads are sealed Gorver tuners. Body style is cutaway, with 21 frets. Neckscale through the bridge is Rosewood and specially adjusted for "no-buzz" or sore fingers! Anybody can play this for hours, I do and I've never been comfortable with an accoustic.

For me, I have always played on a classical and this is my first stab at steel, let alone A/E. I researched all brands popular on the market, most well beyond my price. The sound is incredible, every note or chord rings forever. I prefer a picking style, all music. I haven't tried the electrical yet, I am having too much fun with it without.

This guitar was set-up beyond typical factory settings and personally signed by the person who did so. My son owns a fairly new Taylor 314 and a brand new Alvarez AD60K, which did not come in set as this one. And it stays in tune.
The finish, the quality of the wood selected is excellent and actual abalone inlay.
the action is very smooth. I can move anywhere through the neck.

Yes, this guitar will stand live play without a doubt, but not on a rock concert. It wasn't made for that. I don't play live but two of my friends do. I didn't buy a strap or case yet, but I am. This finish is gloss and not filmy or thin. All of the edges are "bound" not taped, humidity hasn't been an issued when I taken it anywhere. There isn't a backup, in my opnion, that will suit it, except some extra strings.

This is the best part. Here is where all others are left standing in my opinion. I communicated before, during and after the purchase. I get answers immdeiately by phone or e-mail. I had a lot of reserve buying it on the internet, but no more. Even dealing with people at the retail level, once you buy it....goodbye. Not here!

Since I was 16 and I am 52 now. I wish I had know about this company before. I'd definitely buy another one. The sound and playability. I compared Taylor and Martins first because that was my original choice except for $, then Takamini, Alvarez, Yairi (used) and Dean.
Playability, action, intonation and the resonance I heard.

Lh Cutaway, solid spruce top,mahogany back & sides, Grover machines, transducer,equalizer & tuner,strap audio jack,abalone inlay rosette, tortoise shell pick guard, gloss finish, hand carved nut & saddle, hand filed frets

This guitar delivers all that I ask. The highs are crisp, the lows are full & deep.

The guitar was set up properly on arrival, only minor tuning needed.
The action is very low (the reason I bought a Zager). Though the top was properly bookmatched and finished beautifully, the left & right sides had a cosmetic tone mismatch. I asked for a replacment from Zager.
The next guitar arrived beautiful...no hastles and no additional $$$.

This guitar seems solid. I have faith that it will be their to play when ever I need it. If I found myself playing in front of an audience of size, I would always have a back up guitar no matter what the brand.

This is my second purchase with Zager. The first purchase had fast delivery, a great guitar & great customer service. My second purchase had fast delivery on both the initial & replacment guitar. Both guitars have a great full sound. I had a cosmetic concern with the inital guitar of this second purchase, it was replaced very fast. The response from Zager was friendly & understanding. Zager covered all of the cost required in getting me my second guitar and in getting the initial guitar back to Zager. The service is the best.

I have owned Stagg & Ovation guitars.
If it were stolen or lost I would replace it with an other Zager.
I love its' sound, playability and "guitar for the buck value".
I hate that I wasted time & money on other guitars before learning of Zager.

Its a pretty standard dreadnaught cutaway. The top is solid. The features are the wonderful built-in tuner. If you play for a living like I do, its just one more thing not to have to carry around and worry about losing. The tuner works great and the electronics are easy to use and work well too. But the real "feature" is the great set up. Absolutely the best! Very low action, no buzz and so easy to play. Wonderful!

Well, this guitar sounds good. Very good. But they are set up for extra light string guages and I think it might be a little louder with just a slightly heavier string. Maybe 11 thru 50 or so instead of the 10 thru I think 47's it comes wiht. These guitars are very specally made for Zager, wonderful slim neck and carefully set up for the extra lights. I'm going to try a little heavier string because I'm a bit of a beater but might have to switch back. We'll see. I certainly like the sound of this guitar as is.

The set-up, of course is perfect right out ofthe box. That's this guitar's big selling point and its not at all exagerated. Denny Zager has figured out how to put the strings right down on the fingerboard and not have any fret buzz. Awesome set-up. The very best acoustic set-up I have every seen and I have 16 acoustic and electric guitars and have played for nearly 50 years. Just amazing. The fit and finish are flawless and its a very lovely instrument. I ordered a black one and its gorgeous!

I used it the very first night in a club and it was a pleasure. I always carry aroung at least two guitars when I work so I'm covered jsut in case but this guitar seems well made and just bout like any other good quality profession instrument.

Well, here's another "feature", I guess. The Zager reputation for excellent customer service seems very well deserved. It is a small family owned company and they are very nice. These Zager guitars have a lifetime warranty and I don't expect any problems either with the ax or with the Zagers if something goes wrong. Very nice people.

I think I've really discovered something here. An amazing luthier having a really nice guitar manufactured to his specs and then carefully doing his own custom set-up and all that for a very reasonable price. I'm excited! I want another one soon! Yippee!

This guitar is a dreadnought cutaway with underbridge pickup and built in controls & tuner. I'm sure, as most others, it is made in Asia. It has a solid spruce top, and the finish is superb. It has Grover tuners and Martin light strings, rosewood frets and a thin neck.

I have not used an amp., but it has a very full full sound. Very satisified!

This guitar, of course, was reworked by Denny Zager (String Science) and is so easy to play, that once I thought I heard it play itself. As far as flaws, this is a (B" model), and I still can't find a flaw.

I think this guitar will withstand anything that I could throw at it. It seems to be very solid and keeps its tune very well.

Zager offers a 30 day return warranty with no questions asked and they will even pay the shipping both ways. They also offer a lifetime warranty on the guitar including the electronics. How can you beat this?

I have been playing for 46 years. I would replace this guitar with another Zag. I love the sound and ease of play. I looked at other guitars, but for the money, they didn't come close. My other guitar is a 1969 Harmony Sovereign, which I bought new.

2005. Made in USA.
- Venetian cutaway box
- Solid spruce top
- Mahogany back & sides
- Sealed "Grover" Tuning Gears
- Built in transducer
- Onboard electronics & EQ
- Onboard electronic tuner
- Guitar strap audio jack
- 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 (+ extra pack and Zager T-shirt)
- Zager EZ-Play Modified

I play fingerstyle in various speed ranges as classical as my own music.
Using M-Audio Delta 1010 LT to record audio tracks.
This Zager guitar has superior clear sound as long as it has EZ-Play modified strings - it is easy to play without accidential noise. It sounds great with middle (flat 0 level) settings even. But I like to have full highs and lows and this what I use for onboard EQ.
Zager 50CE has very specific sound - rich, full and spicy. If to compare to my previous guitar which I liked for 7 last years (Almirez 550) such a guess would be like to compare generic sigarettes to cuban premium sigar. Zager guitar has its very own way to sound...
So I enjoyed to play classic Russian romances on my new guitar as much as "Wish you were here"... and it is a real joy.

Guytar has arrived in great condition, tuned, double packed for safety and along with certificate of authentity, poster, beautiful T-shirt, and pack of Martin' strings. I have no negative things to say about.

I got Life Warranty on this guitar from manufacturer.
I will use ti as main instrument for my on-stage performances.
What about finish and quality overall - I can say for sure that I already depend on it.
This guitar has steel strap which is used as cable jack. Very gentle architecture for stage accoustic guitar.

My new Zager guitar has Life Warranty. 100% money back guarantee if I don't like it and many other nice things which are not often listed in other guitar manufacturers support list.
Honestly, It was amazing to have conversation with Dennis Zager. He answered every little thing I need to learn about guitar. Also I was allowed on Zager's website to hear the sound of guitar before I decided to buy. I was not worried about shipping at all - my guitar was covered for any bad thing which may occure and I knew that I will receive new guitar with 'no question asked'. It is no need to list here all amazing things about this manufacturer as long as there is Zager's website...

I playing for about 26 years. I had before following guitars: Cremona (Chech guitar), Orpheus stage guitar (Bulgary), custom Russian guitars - 6 and 12 strings, then I got Almirez 550 and finally - Zager EZ-Play ZAD50CE Accoustic/Electric (current).
Zager website has very descriptive testiminials and suppors and FAQ pages so... I do not have questions which I wish now to ask before...
I definitely will buy it again if somewhat will destry this guitar 'cause of its incredible sound and easy to play for hours.
I was looking close Washburn, Alvarez, Fender... but - what I really like from those manufacturers is priced so high... I sipmple can't afford such A TRYING... Then, again... not many of them will accept 'disliked' guitar back and return money in full plus both ways shipping... But Zager will do that. And this guitar sounds like other brands with tripple zero in price...
If Zager will produce two-neck guitar with not that shallow body as Washburn did and with EZ-Play of course - I will be first customer in line. It was my realy great experience.

The guitar was made in May of this year, and actually was rated a "B" stock guitar because of a small blemish on the front near the sound hole. Zager discounted it and I was aware that it was a "B" stock guitar. However, I had to hunt a bit to actually see the blemish; I had to hold it at just the right angle. So this could have been sold as new but I appreciate the honesty of a company that does things like this. The top is Solid Spruce, with Mahogany back and sides. Fit and finish was very nice, Zager advertises that these guitars are made to his specs by Martin, and they look almost exactly like a Martin.The electronics are more than decent,with a 4 band equalizer, but what I really like is the onboard electronic tuner.

The guitar has a bright sound overall- probably because of the extra light strings Zager uses- I've always gone with a medium or medium light gauge so this is a bit new for me, but I don't think it will be difficult to get used to. The lows are still full and I'm sure with age it will sound more mellow. I have an acoustatonic amp at home but have't hooked this up to it yet,but through a little Fender 25R amp it sounds pretty nice.

This is pretty much what Zager guitars are all about- Zager modifies his guitars with his "E-Z Play" system and I must say that this is the easiest guitar in this price range I have ever played. Even had some of my guitar buddies play it (they own Gibsons), and they were impressed. I played an $800 Martin at the store that wasn't as easy to play as the Zager.As for flaws see above- this was considered by Zager to be a "B" stock guitar.

I have been a playing musician for about 48 years and although primarily a keyboard player, this guitar is making me re-invest my time in bringing my guitar playing up to speed. Everything is top notch and more than expected for a guitar in this price range.

This is the other area that made me choose a Zager guitar. Anytime I had questions I called and spoke with a live person- and most of the calls were to the same person (name was Tony). He took his time, and answered my questions. And what really blew me away was the fact that even my "B" stock has a lifetime warranty- I was told that if that blemish changes or gets worse, that they will replace the guitar; not many companies will do that today-definately not for a $500 guitar.

As I said earlier I have been playing music for about 48 years (whew). I am currently the Director of Music at a large church (6000 members) and have been a working musician for almot all of those 48 years. I have owned a number of guitars and all of them brand names (Gibson,Ovation,Fender)- I have an Ovation Celebrity, A Giannini Classic, and used to have a 1970 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe(which much to my dismay was stolen).The keyboards I play at church are a Korg Triton Studio, Yamaha Motif 88, and Korg N1. So I am familiar with a quality instrument. If this guitar were lost or stolen, I would definately buy the same-( I would love to replace my Les, but can't afford the $2K price tag right now). I love the playability the most- I simply do not get hurt fingers or fatigued any more.I know that some say waht Zager does, any Luthier worth his salt can do and that's fine. He just chose to advertise it- nothing wrong with tat in my book; especially when it gets me a pretty nice guitar at less than half the price of something comparable from Martin,Takamine or Taylor.