Zager ZAD 80

Guitar has all the features of a high end guitar Solid cedar Top,rosewood fret, grover tuners, mohaghony body. Also included were an additional set of Martin strings, some picks and a t-shirt. None of the extras were advertised, so it was a nice surprise. Has a beautiful gloss finish of museum quality with a beautiful abalone inlay.

Great sound, Rich deep tone with amazing sustain. Highs, mids, and lows all right on the money.

Family run operation. Guitar is set up and worked on by Zenny himself. Arrived in mint condition perfectly in tune. The action is outstanding. It"s easy on your fingers. I have some nerve damage in my fingers from an old injury, and have never played a guitar that feels this comfortable to play.

It seems to be sturdy and reliable although it is has not been in my home all that long. I have no doubt about it's ability or it's warrantee.

This is where it counts. I had an issue with the first guitar I was sent. It had a defect that was not visable upon initial inspection. When I contacted Zager Guitars I got an imediate responce from Dennis Zager and delt only with him throughout the entire process. He said "if you do not like the guitar we want it back, and will give you a full refund. One unhappy customer is one too many". I asked for a new guitar and was sent one right away. Shipping charges were covered both ways. This is a class act.

I shopped for a guitar for about 3 months with a 1,000$ budget. I played evrything I could get my hands on in that price range. I have owned high end Martins in the past I don't think I could have done better. I am no expert and am not claiming this sounds better than guitars that cost five times more. It does sound and look better than any guitar you will find in the 750.00$ range. That's what I payed for it. I did play guitars that cost twice as much. It's not hard to figure out how much extra you pay for brand names, someone has to pay for the advertising and marketing. This a smart buy. Well worth the money with a lfetime guarantee. I will be buying my son one for xmas. Because he is not aloud to touch mine.

The Zager ZAD 80 has a solid cedar top with rosewood back and sides. The back is made using 3 pieces. It has beautiful abalone inlay and gold plated Grover sealed tuning gears. It is a great looking guitar with a perfect finish. It is much better looking in person than on the web.

The sound is better than what I expected. I have a classical guitar and love the warm rich tone. I also have the ZAD 50 black and know it has a clean bright sound. But the ZAD 80 blew me away! The tone is very warm and better than other high end guitars. People don't have to spend thousands to get a great sounding guitar.

Denny Zager did an excellent job at setting it up. I couldn't play for hours like I do if my fingers were sore. I could not find any flaws. It's scary that he can provide an excellent guitar that people can play and other companies that have been selling for decades can't or don't care to. His EZ-Play string science really is a science. In plain English it works! I've read negative reviews and just don't understand how people miss it. Yes I could spend thousands and get a high end guitar with low action and have it play like a Zager. Well DA why don't I save thousands and get a Zager? Isn't the end product in playing the guitar sound and playability?

This is my second Zager. The first one I had is still in great condition and it's 3 years old. Yes I can depend on it and the Zagers do stand behind their products. Fear not.

The support that Dennis Zager gives is well beyond any company that I have ever dealt with. Most internet companies don't have a live human to help their customers. Dennis got back to me within 24 hours and even shipped the guitar in good faith that I would send the balance in the mail! A 10 isn't good enough with this company it's 100. Other companies should learn how to work with people like the Zagers do.
I have signed up for the lessons because of the great customer support. Years ago I signed up but couldn't take them. Dennis graciously extended my time for free. And I bought a second Zager guitar.

I have been playing for a couple years. I have a Martin, Yamaha classical and a Zager 50 black. I bought the ZAD 50 a few years ago. My brother is taking guitar lessons and he bought a beginners guitar. At the store they told him buy a cheap one and after he learns how to play they can lower the action to make it easier to play. They have it backwards!! I gave him my ZAD 50 so I called Dennis and bought a ZAD 80 for myself. So yes I did replace it and would a thousand times over.

PS-my brother took the ZAD 50 to class and his teacher was blown away and is now telling his students about Zager guitars. They commented on the beautiful sound quality and how easy it was to play.

I did alot of homework both on the internet and visiting 6 music stores. I compared solid wood guitars like Martins and Taylors and laminated wood guitars like Blueridges and low end Martins and then ordered the Zager ZAD 80. This guitar had a solid cedar top and laminated rosewood back and sides. The color and grain of the wood is really nice. It looks like a very expensive guitar. It came with what I would call custom set up. The strings are further apart from each other than any other guitar I played, which was good for me, I wear XL size gloves. I also ordered the mid range guitar case which is an above average case in my opinion, it came with a humidty gauge.

The sound of any guitar is subjective, what sounds good to me may not sound good to any one else. However, I had in my head what guitar sound I wanted. I wanted a full rich deep base with good midrange and no tinee sounding treble out of the high strings. And that's pretty much what I have with this ZAD 80 guitar. It has above average sustain. Each string sings out for a long time. What was really amazing is how much better this guitar souneded compared to solid wood guitars that cost alot more. Which prooved to me that just because a guitar is solid wood doesn't automaticly mean it will sound better then all laminated wood guitars. You owe it to yourself to compare for yourself.

The action is not as low as I was expecting it to be. When I read low action in the discrition at the Zager web site, I immediately thought of an electric guitar with really low action. This guitar does not have that low of action, but it's alot better than my 1980 Yamaha G335. There is no string buzzing when plaid normally and the only time I had any was from the low E string when I got carried away strumming to loud. The wood finish is flawless, it has a gloss finsih which makes it look like a really expensive guitar. It really is a good looking guitar. A very high quality look.

This guitar reliabilty should hold up very well as long as it is taken care of. I keep it in the case when not in use. The Grover tuning keys are quality and are gold in color which adds to the over all look of the guitar.

Customer support is where Zager has everyone beat. I e-mailed the company with all my questions and I recieved a very quick response. I was skeptical after reading all of the information on their web site and then all of the glowing reviews, but it's all true. If you are skeptical like I was, e-mail with concerns and questions. Order the guitar and see for yourself. I was fully prepared to send the guitar back if I did not like it and go buy some other guitar. So I was pleasantly surprised with the over all buying experience and the product.

I started playing in 1968 on a Harmony, sunburst acoustic, moved up to a hollow body electric, later had a 12 string Epiphone and in 1980 my wife bought me a Yamaha FG335 that I have been playing all these years. I did own an Epiphone Les Paul for a while. I compared this guitar to High end and low end Martins, Taylors, Guilds, Larrivee, Parkwoods, Blueridges, Epiphone Mastercraft DR 500's. The highest price guitar I compared it to was a Taylor at about $3,500 and Martin D35 at $2,200. The least expensive was the Blueridge 40 at $495. This guitar in my opinion sounded better then all of them and played better as well. There were two that were very close and cost more. If this guitar ever got stolen would I buy another one, yes!

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

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