Zager ZAD-80

This is the first I have ever left, but felt compelled to do so because of the exceptional value this guitar delivers. On features I give it a 10 because it delivers on structural and cosmetic at all points I love the 3 piece back but would be just as happy with or without the abolone. It does turns heads.

I've played for over 15 years and have owned the likes of Taylors,Guild,Larivee,Takamine,Dana Borgeouis,Daion etc and this guitar hits the sound I was looking for. The set up Denny does makes the sound balanced, deep and sustain that I was looking for. I might ad a cannon as well. The only other guitar I would compare was the Dana Borgeouis costing thousands more. This is the Martin D35 sound without the price tag and professional set up to boot!!

The set up was the second reason for my purchase. Sound first then the set up. I can play this guitar longer and easier than any other I have owned. I dont know how it works but Denny has figured out how to do it right. As a guitarist I thank you! for those of us who love to rock "accousticly" we solute you!!!

dont know yet but will treat with loving care. This guitar is to much fun to not keep around.

I had originally purchased an OM that arrived in 15* weather, very cold. The temperatures in delivery caused a small crack in the finish. They not only returned and replaced but paid the shipping both ways. They also allowed me to change models to the Zad 80 that I wanted. Family owned and it shows!! You wont find better service, period.

Playing is beleiving. With a 100% money back guarantee. You simply cannot afford to "not" try one of these. Forget the Large manufacturers who dont personally set up your guitar for you. You owe it to yourself to play one of these guitars.

This is an acoustic guitar with no electronics or cutouts.
It has a high gloss finish.
Body style is a Dreadnought
This is an American Made solid cedar top guitar with solid rosewood back and sides.

It sounds amazing great crisp clear highs and Long sustained bass.

The fit and finish is awesome. The easiest acoustic guitar I've played. There were no flaws or problems that I've discovered.

This is one solid guitar. I don't play professionally but it seems like it should last a lifetime.

I have a friend that had to contact the company and said the support he received was far above expectation.

I received my Zager ZAD80 Acoustic guitar in March of 07. I've been playing guitars since 1983. I currently also have a Taylor 414ce from before I got the Zager. However, now I play the Zager regularly while the Taylor collects dust in the corner. Don't get me wrong the Taylor is a fine instrument and well made, but it costs alot more, doesn't play as easily and doesn't have the resonance of the Zager. Maybe if I compared it to the Taylors in the 700 series with list prices of $3500 it would be more fair to Taylor. But, that said, you're getting that much quality in a Zager for a fraction of the cost. I get crisp clear highs and long sustained lows with the Zager It sounds and plays awesome. I keep the Taylor around just in case I need to plug in. I should probably sell it and buy the ZAD 80CE Acoustic Electric. Merry Christmas to Denny and his Crew. Keep up the tradition, A great guitar at a better price

The finish is lovely, with solid wood, inlay front and back, and gold tuners.
Body style is dreadnought.
Purchased their $99.00, best selling hard case and its complete with humidifier. Excellent buy.
Solid Ceder top for a warm, but punchy sound.
Its non-electric.
Mahogany/Rosewood body

I play Bluegrass, Folk and Jazz music and I find this instrument suited to all three.

Notes bend easily for a non-electric, and most important, its in tune up the entire neck, on each string. Great balance on both Bass and Treble ends.

No flaws
Great bridge and string set up. Easiest guitar I've ever played.
I only wish they made a 12 string model!

YES to all the above.
My gigs are often outdoors, with mic set ups...this guitar can hold its own.

It is a new purchase for me, and I am extremely pleased.
I currently play a Koa Martin anniversary model. I find the Zager to play much easier and speak in tune up and down the neck, on All strings.

I am a professional musician and have purchased this instrument as a back up gig instrument. I am very pleased with my purchase.
Thanks, To Danny for his innovative design and set up.

I've been playing for over 30 years.

I would purchase this instrument over any other in its price range, as I think I've played them all at on time or another.

Encourage them to make a 12 string model!

The guitar is beautiful. It has a solid cedar top and rosewood back and sides. Golden grover tuners and a gorgeous abalone inlay also add to its looks and overall presence.

Sound and playability is what Zager Prides themselves on and rightfully so. The sound is in a word "amazing." I realize that Denny says roughly the same thing on his website, that his guitars will rival the sound of those high priced big name guitars that cost four and 5 times the price. Well I'm happy to report this is 100 percent accurate. The sound is incredible all across the board. It really just is mind blowing that it produces such an amazing tone. I truly only believed that this type of sound quality could only be found by spending thousands of dollars, so lets just say that I couldn't have been happier to be dead wrong. The sound will rival or even surpass any top dollar model on the market. Guaranteed.

This is with out question Zagers best quality. Although the sound is amazing, it's the action that will really put you over the top. His set up result in the easiest playing guitar I have ever picked up, including your taylors, martins, takamines and dozens of others. They design them perfectly. No I'm not sure exactly how, but If you'd like a detailed description visit their website (www.zagerguitar.com) you'll will be able to get a detailed description. But to keep it short and simple and not go off on too much of a tangent. This will hands down be the easiest playing acoustic guitar you will ever play. I'm convinced.

Everything about this guitar is solid, both literally and metaphorically. It's a solid cedar top guitar with a high gloss finish, sealed grover tuners and hand filed frets. I've already taken it out to see how it would preform against others in a live performance. As with just about every other feature it has to offer, It plays live than any other guitar I have previously played. All the hardware is built to last.

Now I really hate to sound like this much of a cheerleader but...I'm really left with no choice. Every guitar they make comes with a lifetime warrantee. Yes that's a LIFETIME warrantee. Plain and simple, I have yet to come across another company that has the same deal. Also their customer service is outstanding. I had a few questions about the guitar before and after I got it. I sent an email to customer support and had answers to all of my questions in under an hour. True professionals over at Zager; they're dying breed. Anything you need at any just about any time during the day/night can be dealt with in a matter of minutes with kindness that just may go unmatched.

As a whole this is not just the best acoustic guitar for the price, it's the best acoustic guitar period. I've played countless high end acoustics, that don't get me wrong, are very fine instruments with all the attributes you'd expect from a high end model. But the Zager Zad 80 has the features, easier playability and a sound that rivals/surpasses all of them for a fraction of the cost. If you play the acoustic guitar, I can promise you, you will not be dissapointed with Zager. And just to throw it out there, lets just say you weren't so fond of the instrument. They have a full 100% money back guarantee on all of their products, also paying for shipping. So even if you're still skeptical... what do you really have to lose?

I received my ZAD 80 about a year ago--it arrived on time and was beautiful--but now a year later it's even better--the cedar has darkened and it always catches peopples eye at jams etc

I like to play folk and bluegrass and wanted the deeper cedar tone, and it's definitely filled the bill

I added a K&K pickup and WOW does it sound awesome

It sounds better every day. The reason I didn't review it until now is I'm always skeptical of the stuff you read on line--but this guitar has lived up to all my expectations. Every week I go to guitar center and play the Martins and Taylors and shake my head--you've got to get into big $$ before one sounds as good as mine

It did need a slight intonation adjustment but I called and they walked me through it over the phone and even sent me a new set of strings--since then it has been perfect--Marin Xlights (10's) sound the best on this guitar

I bought one with a slight flaw ($50 discount) so other than that it looks great--especially for the price

A year later and it's better than when it was new--I play it everyday and take it to jams around town and have never had any problems

As I said they were very responsive etc--definitely A plus on customer service

Been playing for 20 years--wish I would have had one of these when I was younger--they play so easily

If lost I cry like a baby--then buy another--actually I'm thinking of buying a ZAD 50 with spruce top for that nice brightness

I must say the K&K pick up I installed is far superior to anything I have heard on other acoustics

I did sign up for the lessons too-but quite frankly they were not my cup of tea

My ZAD80 came with full mother of perl inlay around the complete top, sound hole and neck fret markers. It also has the tortus shell pick guard. The neck is custom made for Zager Guitars by the Martin factory and is different in it's thickness front to back which makes it much easier for bars and reaches. Denny Zager does a complete and very professional setup which makes this guitar a joy to play. I bought mine with the Zager hardshell case which came with a digital temperature and humidity sensor. The guitar fits in the case like a glove with soft long fleece type pile. The guitar is totally protected from movement and damage. A very complete and primo package.

I have two nice guitars that I had before I purchased the ZAD80. A 1970's vintage Lyle and a Yamaha 12 string. Both are mid priced guitars with very clean full sound. My ZAD80, for very little more money, is noticiably crisper on the highs and mellower on the lows. The cedar top and rosewood sides and back produce an extremely "Sweet" sound. I am told that with age - this guitar will get even better - if that is even possible. I enjoy playing full arrangement songs where I am playing the base, rhythm, background fill and melody all together on my guitar. The sound produced by my ZAD80 across the full range is amazing to hear. It doesn't seem to matter how strong you play it - the sound is pure and undistorted.

The stand-out feature of my ZAD80 is the action. Denny has done his magic on the string spacing and height adjustments. I can't say enough for how nicely it plays. I can practice for hours with no hand fatigue or finger pain. As for Fit - it is a standard Dread with a much nicer neck - and as for finish - All I can say is WOW! Absolutely perfect. Too beautiful to describe - You just have to see it.

I haven't had this guitar long enough to tell you hands down that it will not have a problem. What I can tell you is that I don't have to worry about it. Zager has a rock solid warranty. If ANYTHING happens to go wrong with my ZAD80 - for as long as I own it - Zager will fix it - including the shipping to have it fixed. You show me a company that will stand behind their product like that - I'll tell you that you should buy it.

I haven't had to request customer support on my ZAD80 - but if I do - I have no doubt that the customer service will be top drawer. I have had several occasions to ask questions - both before I purchased and about Denny's lessons. Every time I've emailed Zager Guitar, I have received a very prompt and satisfying response. This company is a family owned company who really care about their customers and potential customers.

I did a lot of research before I bought my ZAD80. In short - if you are in the market for a very nice acoustic guitar - that means nice looking - nice playing - and nice sounding - you simply can't do better for the money than a Zager. I don't think you can do better even if you are willing to pay three to four times the price of a Zager. You certainly won't find a better company to deal with. If you buy and don't like it for any reason - any reason at all - you get a full refund and they will pay to have it shipped back. How can you possibly go wrong.

The Zager Zad 80 is a full dreadnought with a solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides. (3 Pc back). The high gloss finish is outstanding! It comes with Gold plated Grover tuners, and the sound hole and body is trimmed with Abalone. The look is of a much more expensive guitar. No complaints what so ever on the looks!

As for the sound? I must admit after months of reading all the outstanding reviews on Zager guitars, I was still very skeptical. But, with a return policy like they offer, I had nothing to lose. In a word, WOW!! If I didn't experience this guitar for myself, I would have never believed it. The sound of this ZAD 80 is incredible! I've owned and played alot of guitars, but this is absolutely the best sounding guitar I have ever owned! I put it right beside my Brothers Martin D45V and other than The 45 projecting a little more than the Zager, I absolutely could not tell them apart! (The Martin better project a little better at $11,000.00!) I don't know how Denny Zager does it, but I really don't care. This is one outstanding guitar for $745.00!! WOW!!!

As far as I can tell, other than a small tool mark on the edge of the top (under the fingerboard), this guitar is flawless! The action on this thing is just as Zager promised. It is the easiest playing guitar I have ever played! Including my Brothers $11,000.00 Martin D45V. Again, had I not experienced it for myself, I would have never beleived it!

I don't know yet, but with a full lifetime warranty from Zager. I have nothing to lose!! But all appears to be rock solid!

Outstanding family owned company. I asked alot of questions in e-mails and by phone before I bought the guitar. E-mails were answered almost instantly (even at 10:00 on a Sunday night) and all phone conversations were kind and helpful.

I assure you that all skepticism is gone!! If this guitar were stolen, (after crying like a little girl) I would order another one right away! In my opinion, you will not buy a better sounding, better playing, or better looking guitar for alot more money anywhere! Unless you're planning to spend $11,000.00 to $15,000.00 for a guitar, save your money and purchase a Zager ZAD 80. You will not be disapointed!

From the moment i opened the case, the finish on the ZAD 80 Dreadnought just blew mw away! I would have never believed a guitar costing under $900. could be this nice. The ZAD 80 is a solid cedar top matched with solid rosewood sides, and a three pc. solid rosewood back. Trimmed with abalone around the sound hole and the entire body, matched with the high gloss finish, it is absolutly stunning!! I only found one little tool mark under the neck at the sound hole that is barely noticible. Outstanding workmanship for the $$$!!.

As for the sound of the ZAD 80? I was pleasantly surprised. It sounds far better than any major brand (including Martin) in the price range that I have ever owned or played. I mostly flat pick, and the guitar is very clean and bright as well as having great low end. Over all it seems a little strong on the mids, but a very pleasing strong. I can't get over the projection of the instrument in this price range!
Well done Denny.

Ok....this is where I have to say I was really sceptical. I had been reading reviews on this "String Science" thing for months. It just sounded to good to be true. Well, it only took about 5 minutes to realize all the claims by Zager are true!! This thing plays and handles easier than any other guitar I've ever had in my hands including my brothers D45V $11,000.00 Martin! I know that sounds hard to believe, but true. It doesn't sound or project as good as the D45V, but it's not far behind. Remember, it cost's less than 1/10th as much!

I havn't had it long enough to know, but Zager offers a full lifetime warranty on thier guitars. Anything ever goes wrong? they will repair or replace it 100% free of charge! It's a no brainer for me....but time will tell how they hold up over the years. The guitar does have gold plated Grover tuners, a bone nut and saddle, and the construction looks as good as any I've seen.

Again.....A full lifetime warranty! Dealing with the Zager family Co?
Could not be any more pleasant. I sent emails with questions on a Sunday night, and had a reply in 10 minutes! Didn't expect that.

Excellant customer support!

I've been playing guitar for 30 years. This is absolutly the most stunning, easiest playing, best sounding guitar I've ever seen for under $900.00! It should cost 3 times that! I thought my Washburn WD45
rare wood that a pro Luthier carved a bone nut and saddle for, and re-worked the action on was nice. (which it was). But this Zager ZAD 80 blows it clear out of the water!! Not even close! Trust me...you will not find a nicer instrument for the money anywhere..anytime!!

gloss finish is superb--conventional Dreadnaought--14 frets clear neck, comfortable shape--current production--acoustic only

extremely well suited to my style, which is acoustic accompaniment to vocals--been playing professionally and teaching, retailing, repairing 30 years--acoustic only--full, balanced sound, clear and vibrant--no dislikes

setup was superb! no flaws--couldn't ask for better playability--

instrument has withstood vigorous daily use and live performance use since arrival several months ago--self-installed heelblock strap button--finish durable--NEVER go on gig w/o backup, which is another zager!

Lifetime warranty, and MOST helpful staff and management

30 years playing, perfoming, mkulti-instrumentalist, retailer, repair technician, teacher--own other manufacturer guitars, top end--would certainl duplicate purchase with no reservations--love everything about the instrument--compared it to other guitars that I own, and retailer's knowledge and experience--there are no dealer discouonts or wholesale sources for these instruments, so I, a legitimate dealer, paid full retail price to own this Z80, and have no regrets--use it regularly in preference to my other top end and collector guitars

Check the Zager website, its all there and was delivered as advertised.

Rich and full with lots of sustain. I have yet to compare to stiffer opposition such as a Taylor (there is nothing much here in Muscat) but will check against my borthers next month.

I read elsewhere that this is a musical guitar. Seems to state the obvious, but now I own one I find this a fine description.

Action spot on. Low, light and no buzzes at all. Exceptional. Easy to play.
Finish on dressed frets under top E string (only) poorly or even unfinished which spoiled otherwise excellent set up. The frets will play in.

A beautiful looking guitar.

Too early to say, but looks solid enough. Lifetime guarantee seems rock solid as well - how many manufacturers offer that?

I would like to emphasise the excellent customer support as this is exceptional. Response time on emails is excellent and queries addressed usually within hours.
Zager guarantees all of their guitars for life. My fret problems were quickly resolved. Denny offered three options: refund, replacement or further discount. All three were to Zager account, no quibbles. You cannot ask for more than that.

To anyone considering buying a Zager, do it, you cannot go wrong. Its win win.

Been playing for 30 years on and off and this is the best acoustic set up I have experienced. I think the guitar is excellent value for money.