Zager ZAD-80

This acoustic guitar has a solid cedar top with rosewood back and sides. It looks as good as any guitar four times its price with its abalone inlay around all edges of the face, sound hole, and fret board, in combination with gold plated "Grover" sealed tuning gears. Dreadnought size guitar with rosewood fretboard. Hand filed frets make it very easy on the fingers.

This guitar has the most beautiful, deep, rich tone. The guitar resonates and has great projection. The sound easy fills every room that I play it in. Its intonation is perfect and harmonics are a breeze on this guitar.

Here is where this Zager really shines. The action is perfect! I've spent hours in several music stores over several months playing all guitars from $700- $4000 and I can honestly say that my ZAD-80 is the best sounding and best playing guitar out of them all. I found a few $3000- $4000 guitars that either sounded as good as or looked as good as my guitar but I haven't found one that could beat my guitar in both sound and playability. The workmanship of this guitar is flawless.

I've only had this guitar for 6 months, but I have bumped it several times and it hasn't affected the guitar one bit. I also have a toddler that likes to help me play and my guitar has taken that abuse without skipping a beat. Zager has a lifetime guarantee on all their guitars. This thing is definitely built to last. It tunes easily and always stays in tune.

No "fine print" with Zager- they hold up to every claim they make. One of the biggest reasons I decided to try this guitar was because of Zagers 100% money back guarantee. I first ordered one of their guitars that had been discounted due to some marks on the guitar. It played and sounded perfect but the marks on the guitar were too much for me so when I let them know that I wanted to return the guitar they emailed me a prepaid UPS shipping label. And as soon as they received the guitar a 100% refund was issued immediately with no questions or problems (they even refunded my shipping charge!). No other company does that! Their customer service is hands down the best I have ever seen, anywhere! When I purchased my first Zager guitar, I sent them an email with several questions at around 9pm and to my surprise I received a detailed response within 15 minutes! Their knowledge about guitars has been invaluable to me even though I have played for over six years.

If you want a $4000 guitar for under $800 then a Zager ZAD-80 acoustic is the only way to go. I also own a ZAD-50 CE, which I love so much that when I found out that Denny Zager was retiring from making guitars I quickly purchased my second Zager guitar. This guitar is one of the best purchases I have ever made. This guitar holds its own against $2000 - $4000 guitars in every category. The thing that I love best about my guitar is the deep, rich tone and it's perfect action and playability. Take my advice and buy a Zager, I bet you'll love your guitar every bit as much as I love mine.

Purchased about 6 months ago - dreadnought with solid cedar top and rosewood b/s, 3-piece back with abalone rosette and purfling, cross inlay fret markers, body & fretboard binding, gold grover tuners, this one's sweet. Standard frets/scale length, gloss finish, and even signed on the back by Denny Zager himself.

Sweet, mellow sound with full bass and clear trebles - its been compared to high-end Martins and Taylors by a friend who owns several of each

top bookmatched well, beautiful amber tone, almost vintage-look. Craftsmanship appears excellent - the only flaw I found is an area on the fingerboard that had been buffed when it was finished (3 or 4 frets on the body)and had a slight shine to the rosewood. When I recently changed the strings I cleaned the fretboard with lemon oil and it is hardly noticeable now.

The guitar is light-weight, which probably contributes to the great sound, but it is well-made and should make several generations if well-cared for. Nice gloss finish, Grovers are good, stays in tune. Wish it had come with a strap button - came with endpin only. Don't gig, but I have never had any problems with it, always been dependable for me.

Very responsive customer service, took the time to answer questions before and after purchase. Great warranty/return policy - I'm sure I could have gotten a replacement because of the overbuff on the fretboard, but it sounded and played so incredible I couldn't part with it! Blem hardly noticeable, sound VERY noticeable.

Playing over 5 years now, this is my favorite of 2 acoustics, 1 acoustic/electric and 2 vintage Gibson classicals. I would immediately try to get a replacement should something happen to this baby. You can't find this quality anywhere for the price, a great value.

Purchased this guitar for two reasons. (1) The economy has forced me to sell my two high end guitars, (2) I still wanted as close to high end product as possible without the high-end price. Well, I have more than met my expectations. The Zager is not only the easiest playing, best action guitar I have ever played, but the workmanship, materials, and details rival or best both my Martin D 28 and Gibson J 160-e. It is a truly beautiful instrument using materials as good as guitars 3 times the price and Denny Zager's personal set up is second to none.

This acoustic uses a thinner bracing system than most. It is lightweight but has a sound which I believe is better than both the Martin and the Gibson. The Zager is brand new and beats the aged sound of my other two high end guitars.

Here is where the Zager blows away the expensive competition. The set up is the reason people buy these instruments. Denny Zager sets them up personally. To me it's like having a guitar custom built for me. Can any other owner out there tell me the name of the person who set your guitar up at the factory? He even sent a picture of himself setting up my guitar! Yes, MY exact guitar. And he was kind enough to autograph it. Talk about standing up for your product. The action is ridiculously low without any fret buzz. I looked till my eyes hurt to find a flaw ( over-gluing, loose bridge, warping, saddle problems etc.). There are no flaws. Both my Martin and Gibson needed set up work AFTER purchase and the luthier still couldn't get low action.

I swear, I have heard so many testimonials from guys in bands who take their Zagers to a practice or a gig and the other band members gravitate to this guitar no matter what they are already playing ( from Martins to Taylor high ends). I haven't played in a regular band since college a long time ago but I will have this guitar forever. Even the gold plated Grover tuners just feel more substantial than the Martin or the Gibson tuners. The finish is a beautiful mirror gloss. If I blindfolded a doubter they would be hard pressed to tell the Zager from any similar model in any price range except the action and sound of the Zager would be better.

When you buy a Zager...let me correct that....even before you actually buy a Zager, I exchanged many emails with Denny's son Dennis who answered all of my questions by email personally within minutes! After receiving the guitar I received a follow-up email to make sure I was satisfied. If there is a problem, you actually talk to the person who knows your specific guitar. Does any company ( not just the music business) do that? If I ever have a problem with this guitar ( which will probably never happen) I can talk to the person who knows this guitar. Amazing.

I have been playing for 30 years. Not only did I get what I paid for, I got more. When I opened the case upon receiving the guitar, I thought they made a mistake and sent me someone's custom made model. The guitar is that beautiful. This should be the only acoustic guitar I will ever need to play ( other than a prized Gibson B-45 12 string). There simply is no better guitar for the money or considerably more money for that matter.

take a look at Zagerguitars.com for specs and materials. It is all right there and the pictures do not lie. This guitar is a beauty !Worth a few minutes and seeing for yourself spares us both.3-piece back is too pretty for my words and the mother -of -pearl inlays are a neon blue that jumps out.There are excellent fotos on the site.Way better in person. The hardshell case is jet-black and velvet lined. It has a humidity and temp sensor attached inside. Sturdy enough to protect and last -if you don't fall down stairs too often. Good hardware latches give a positive and snug closure.Good value .

This guitar is warm and bright,full and rich. It has a wide range and will surprise a player with its versatility and capability which allows one to play it like ya feel it.From rock to finger-picking it satisfies. Sustain is a pleasant fade and it will ring as clear and as crisp and bright as the player is capable. I instantly knew it was for me as I picked it up and it plays like it was custom fitted to my wide palms and short fingers. Top, mid and bottom range hold their own which is vital to a solo player/song-writer. I will say that until you pick one of these up and play it-and get your eyes opened - it is hard to believe the Zagers' claims-and the testimony. But I am here in Truth to tell you that this guitar not only meets all expectations-but exceeds them across the board.That is a rarity in itself these days. Cannot beat it for the price.

The set-up is a major factor in guitar playability. A properly set-up guitar can make a decent guitar sound good. It can make a good guitar sound a lot better ,and it can make a well-made instrument come to life in its own unique way- a way that will never be known nor felt nor heard- unless done by an expert. Mr. Denny Zager is a Master Luthier. His Zager String Science System for his EZ-Play setups is immediately seen ,felt, and heard upon first encounter. If you have ever picked up an expensive guitar and its reputation-and known it only as a "clunker" - it wasn't set-up to enhance its design and reason for being.The Zager ZAD-80 Acoustic Dreadnought has low action on a straight fretboard.While tuning -up with the gold -plated Grover Heads- the guitar resonates with a vibe and sound that lets you know-this is how it always should be.

This guitar is well-made. The finish is done by someone who cared to give it a long life and to really enhance the beauty of the wood.I looked up and down and all aroung to find one wrong thing-and still have not found a flaw !I cannot recall picking up another guitar and not seeing 1,2, or 3 things instantly-can you ? Wow is the word right there.I suggest you take a look at Zagerguitars.com for yourself to check out the beauty of this instrument-and to check out the specs. Every claim on this site has been true to my experience. I am 56 and have owned and played many a fine and expensive guitar .I have only fallen in love a couple times in over 40 years with any guitar and I fell instantly in love with this one.This guitar is as good as any player.dig that.

lifetime 100% warranty with full satisfaction guaranteed ! The only guitar makers in the trade to fully stand behind their product. This integrity shows in the instrument.First class people who have a righteous product to share and really truly care that people are satisfied with their guitars.Have you ever gotten a "well what do you want me to do about it ?" response from any customer service ? The Zagers ask up front " what can we do for you" and they are accessible for feedback and customer after-sales service. They do not keep you waiting-they respond promptly, professionally and sincerely to see how they can assist you. They truly care about "making it right".I have emailed them several times before ,during, and after my purchase and they answered every question fully and personally .

I have been playing guitar for over 45 years now.With a few months off here and there. I own a Yamaha keyboard and some blues harps.And an upright piano.I have owned a D-28 and an old Martin cowboy guitar. A Les Paul Artist , a Tele, a Vox, an SG, a Carvin (Les Paul ) recently been playing a Fender acoustic,a Goya, and occasional brushes with a 10 k Taylor-courtesy of my friend( his first words were WOW! Nice tone !) an LP Standard and a custom rocket of an Ibanez electric.To mention a few I can recall.I not only would buy this guitar again, I am considering getting one or two others. And one for my brother.This is my everyday player and the EZ Play set-up is all about reducing fatigue and pain in the hands and fingers to allow us to just play when we feel like it -for as long as we feel like it. For the freedom of this alone I highly reccommend this guitar and company-The Zagers are first -class all the way. P.S. And I do not kiss anyone's -ss -believe that.This is my honest review and I am proud to own and play my Zager- check it out. Peace

my ZAD 80 was made in USA by denny himself. its really light and beautiful and it is easy to play

the sound cannot be described. im speechless since it sounds so beautiful as it looks.

when my guitar arrived, it was in the super flawless condition i can say

i never use my ZAD 80 to perform yet. but i believe, it would be awesome!

the company is really awesome since it will answer all of your doubt and hesitation about their guitar. i swear to god. yes, it has a life time warranty.

i've been playing for 4 years in acoustic and electric guitar. i learn john mayer's a lot. in my point of view, my ZAD 80 is better that high end ibanez even it is better than martin and taylor

no pick ups, acoustic, dreadnought style with a gold tuners and rosewood back, solid top.

So crisp compared to my Washburn, I'm hearing notes that were previously muted to my ear.

Customized by Denny Himself! Can't beat the personalized touch. I even recieved a Poloroid of Denny working on my guitar before it shipped.

Solid guitar

Outstanding customer service from point of purchase on.

I would recommend this guitar and company to anyone interested in a quality affordable guitar.

all ratings are based off of a perfect guitar. i.e. Martin- OMJM

Custom made guitar, solid ceder w/ laminated indian rosewood back and sides. the laminated back and sides are what brings this down to a 9. High quality tuners, abalone inlays in the sound hole and outer bindings. Custom Frets

I'm not feeling the sound, it seems muffled when i do heavy picking and the mid seems to over power the high. Relatively good sound, but i expected better. John Mayer would not approve.

Action is quite nice but not as good as the hype. There are glue smears every where! on the neck and higher frets. The wood is nice and polished whistle clean, it squeaks in my case. Custom set up is worth the money.

Well built, i'm sure the overused glue will keep everything in tact. Inlays are nicely done, i'm sure I will keep this guitar for at least 10 years. Btw, be prepared to baby your guitar, it's just so beautiful :)

Defiantly the best i've ever encountered, it's like the Nordstrom of the guitar world. Ask them anything and they will reply with pleasure and promptly.

I did my own appraisal for this guitar. I've played 90% of the expensive martins, taylors, etc. so i have some credibility. the sound ranges in the $1,200-1,600 area.Action ranges from $1,000 - 6,000 i guess. (kind of hard to estimate that). Wood, features such as 3 piece back and grover tuners, $2,500-3,000 guitar. So I firmly believe this guitar is worth at least $2,000-2,300 if sold in guitar center with Martin slapped on the headstock.

This is a dreadnought acoustic guitar with a solid cedar top, solid rosewood sides and back and a deep gloss finish. I recently purchased the guitar new from Denny Zager's website, and it was shipped to me promptly inside an excellent hard case w/digital humidity and temperature sensor ($95 extra, no extra shipping charge). I was amazed at how light the instrument was when I unpacked it. I was expecting it to be reasonably well made, but I honestly had not expected it to be so delicately crafted from such fine woods. The tuners are gold Grovers, and the nut and bridge are finely tuned by Denny Zager to maximize playability. It came with a T-shirt, some picks, a Certificate of Authenticity, and an extra set of Martin strings. Of course, I ordered several more sets of strings immmediately, since I'm wearing them out so fast. I can't put the darned thing down.

This guitar absolutely sings. The notes ring out clear and strong with just the lightest touch. I'm no expert, but the sustain and harmonics, the clarity and warmth of the sound, and the tonal response I get to whatever I do just knocks my socks off. I'm mostly a finger picker, but I do use a flat pick, too. The guitar plays so easily and predictably I'm even trying a little Flamenco (did I spell that right?). It's fair to say that it suits my playing style perfectly (I played lead guitar in various garage bands in the 60's and 70's, but have mellowed a bit with age).

The guitar was beautifully set up, tuned and ready to play right out of the shipping carton. I was a little leary of buying a guitar with a rosewood fretboard, but the piece of wood used on this guitar is just as dense and tight-grained as I would have expected an ebony board to be. It feels great under my fingers, and the carefully dressed frets and well-tuned action make it a joy to play. I can't put it down. I find myself playing in front of a mirror so I can be the one who gets to enjoy looking at this beautiful instrument. I did find one small glue spot at the neck joint, and the rosewood neck could have been a shade darker to better match the back and sides; but for the price I paid and what I got, I'm not complaining. Denny even says he's primarily committed to providing an instrument that maximizes tone and playability over fit and finish, but the combination of solid cedar and rosewood with beautiful bindings all around and elegant inlays and a deep, rich finish is an unbelievable deal for 750 bucks.

The hardware is excellent quality (I did see a speck of tarnish on one of the gold Grovers), and the finish is deep and beautifully applied. All joints are solid. I would judge this to be an instrument that will only improve with age. Like any fine guitar, I would not have dreamed of buying it without a good quality hard case. The delicate woods of the top, sides and back require care and environmental control, but given that, should return many years of increasingly pleasing tones and playability.

This company has one of the best websites and support service networks of any company I've seen on the internet, in any business.
If I call, I get an answer. If I e-mail, I get a reply: I don't know if it's always the case, but late one Saturday I got a reply e-mail from Dennis, Jr. (it's clearly a family business) within 30 minutes. Their guarantee is lifetime, 100%. When I ordered the guitar I was immediately directed to hours of on-line video sessions with Denny demonstrating how to care for, string, tune, adjust, etc. the new guitar. And they have put together a huge library of on-line videos including lessons for all skill levels, Denny's own arrangements of dozens of popular songs, tabs, and enough information and help to keep anyone busy for years.

I started playing 45 years ago. Career and family took me to another place for a long time, but this guitar has helped me re-discover the passion I had years ago for music and playing guitar. I've always had at least one guitar since I left full-time involvement (inexpensive acoustics, a Peavey Strat), but this one has truly inspired me to play again. Over the coming years I will probably spend time comparing this guitar to others out there, and may even buy one or two (or three or four). Or very possibly another Zager, if I can find one. I'll report back. But I'm grateful to Zager Guitars for providing a high quality product at an extremely reasonable price with unbeatable support. They gave me back the music.

Great set-up, very comfortable and definitely easy to play. The Zager case is also well worth the money. The finish is outstanding and the wood is truly beautiful.

Rich-sounding, great highs and lows, perfect resonance

As I noted before, the set-up is unbelievably comfortable and easy to play.

Brand new guitar. However, the guitar appears to be very well made and very sturdy.

Probably the best of a many good things about this guitar; these guys are great. Very responsive, resolved a small problem caused by UPS without hassle or hesitation. Very well pleased.

I played for a good while many years ago and have just picked my guitar back up within the last year. My other guitars are Yamaha, Ovation, Takamine and Washburn and by Zager blows them all away in terms of playability, appearance and sound.

From Denny Zager, the ZAD80 is the top of the line acoustic guitar sans any on board electronics. It is the standard Dreadnaught size with light weight, high gloss finish, solid cedar top, 3 piece rosewood back, and rosewood sides. To round out the eye candy, the ZAD80 has abalone inlays on the edges, face, soundhole and back, sealed gold Grovers, and abalone rosettes on the fretboard. The first impression is one of very high quality, and at just under $900 with case and freight, it just might be an absolute steal.

My 1969 Martin D-28 Brazilian Rosewood is THE guitar I use as my standard when comparing acoustic guitars. It sounds very "mature" with great tonal balance, projection, and sustain. While I wouldn't put the Zad80 in that category, it is a sweet sounding instrument. The cead seems to impart a somewhat mellow tone, the action is excellent with no buzzes or clunks. It simply compares to many guitars costing thousands more and puts some to shame.

I am no celebrity looking for cash, nor am I the greatest player on earth. While I have read some reviews on these guitars that were very critical, this one is quite simply first rate. Great action, fit, finish, wood kit, and style, and is a joy to play. Even my wife's dead ears have perked up when I pick around. I play a little of several styles and this guitar is capable at all of them. Frankly, it plays much better than I.

Well, my 1969 Martin has been lovingly cared for since new, and it has a stress line or two showing, and the pick guard is pulling awau, so I doubt any guitar could survive that many years without some minor imperfections showing. I doubt this ZAD80, with proper care, would be any different. Very durable and reliable.

Frankly, anyone who is disatisfied with Zager as a company, must be impossible to satisfy. They not only talk the talk, buy truly walk the walk. Lifetime warranty, send it back for full refund including freight? If you received one that wasn't quite up to snuff, this is always possible in manufacturing and sales, then Zager WILL fix your problem.

While the Zager family is human and I'm sure mistakes have taken place, anyone who slams this company must have a hidden agenda. Realizing not every person knows guitars and may not have the ability to accurately compare, it just makes sense someone out there would be dissapointed. Not me! It's to their credit an American family is willing to take on the "big boys" and compete effectively. It's too bad the run is about over for these guitars. Those who miss out will likely have to pay a much higher price later.