Zager ZAD 80CE

Zager has chosen to lower the strings closer to the fret board & I have to say this really helps the fingers & I don't have to press as hard to form chords as I had to with my previous guitars. With a wider stance of the strings there have created more space for my fingers, it really makes a BIG difference for me when it comes to especially the difficult chords. As this guitar has rosewood on back and sides, the sound produced is resonant, beautiful, stable, etc. This is my 2nd Zager guitar, first being the ZAD50CE; have to say I have yet to find something that I dislike.

Again, really no complaints but compliments. Have been jamming on the guitar for a few weeks since it was delivered; yet to find any faulty parts.

This is my 2nd Zager guitar purchased in the last 6 months, I have done it not only because I really like their "modified" guitar but the 2nd most important factor is their customer service mindset. They have been most responsive to emails when I had questions and ready for recovery when a mistake is made. In the purchase of my first Zager guitar 6 months ago (ZAD50CE), the wrong colored guitar was delivered to me. When I informed them, they were quick to apologize and recover. I was offered 2 options, either to return guitar to them at their expense or to keep the guitar at a HUGE discount!! I kept the guitar. Not many companies have service recovery plans; they certainly seem to have! It was beyond my expectations.

I have been playing guitar for more than 20 years. Although I may not be a professional guitarist but have had professional voice training and I know I have very good ears. This ZAD80CE really sounds as good as many guitars that are above the $1000 range that I had played on. I have come to apprecaite Zager guitar more and more for the modification really does make playing alot easier; for skeptics you really must try it to believe it! There is only 1 wish I have for them, that one day they will be able to provide shipping services outside of USA.

I really like the looks of the guitar. Cedar top with Rosewood sides and back. I particulary like the abalone inlays in the rosette and along the purfling of the top. Finish is immaculate with no blemishes. Nice Fishman electronics. Makes it incredibly quick to change tunings on the guitar(have discovered drop D and DADGAD tuning for some new sounds).

Sound is great. Has a good booming bass with really good tone, and nice sustain. Played a nice vintage Martin D28 the other day in a music store and it's sound isn't a great as that, but pretty darn good still.

This is the main reason I chose a Zager - to get a good, easy to play setup on an acoustic. I wasn't at all disappointed either. Compared to several other guitars I've tried out (including new Martins) the action is fantastic and everything they claim on the website. String action is lower, more spread across the neck and easy to play. Makes it easy to sit and practice for a few hours without the pain I was getting from my Fender acoustic. The finish on the guitar was flawless.

Hard to gauge this on a 3 month old guitar, but no problems so far and no real sign of any problems developing.

Company is very responsive. I ordered the guitar and literally had it delivered the next day (didn't order overnight either). Just had a question via email and had it handled immediately.

I'm a newbie with guitars, just having taken it up. Been to the local guitar shop more times than I can count looking at acoustics and learning about them. My first guitar was a Fender - nice look, nice sound but an action that was incredibly painful to play. Looking at that guitar and my Zager side by side is enlightening. You can definitely tell how the action has been adjusted to make the Zager easier to play without any compromises to sound or playability. It's lived up to its claims and is a great deal. People have put Zager down because they think it's just an internet scam or come-on. But I'd buy another one in a second and have recommended them to friends.

Great sound. Good harmonics and balance accross the whole range.

Good guitar. In tune. Stays in tune. No flaws.

Playing on and off for 40 years. I have an Epiphone E-Dot and a classical guitar. This fills my musical needs.

I will comment more on this as I explore the electric effects of this instrument.

I'm rating this guitar based on its use as an acoustic instrument.
I have yet to test its qualities as an electric guitar. I would prefer to make a brief summary in each category to avoid confusion.

I use several styles on the acoustic, straight blues picking, bluegrass flat picking and finger style.
I'll try not to sound too effusive, but the response of the instrument in the upper regions, due to the cutaway, were marvelous.
Finger picking and flat (double picking) were equally satisfying.

The sounds are bright and the volume and resonance surprised me.
I frequently use short slide notes, many hammer-ons and triplets. The sound quality exceeded what I have been experiencing from more expensive guitars that I have owned.
The only complaint I have in this catagory or any other is that it took a while to adjust to as I am used to a larger dreadnought neck.
Within the span of a few minutes I was producing sounds that I had stuggled for months to perfect on my other guitar with greater clarity and much brighter sound.

In comparison to my other acoustic guitar, which I bought new, ( I will not mention the brand and slander the reputation of this fine company)I was equally impressed with the set-up.
I found no flaws in any of the areas mentioned above. I was more than surprised at the beauty of the finish.

I didn't care for the factory strings. I prefer a slightly better grade.

Nothings perfect. I plan to purchase another of these guitars as a back-up in the event a mishap occurs. The finish is solid and thick.
I wore the finish from my other guitar in an effort to get the volume I wanted from it. I don't anticipate this problem occuring with this instrument.

I'll respond in this catagory should this occur.

I don't plan to own any other guitar again. Yes, I intend to purchase another and perhaps several. I choose this one due to testimonials as I had become frustrated attempting to get sounds from my other instrument that I could not produce. I was producing them with the first hour of use with the Zager.
If I ever have to eat my words here, trust me I will eat humble pie and let you guys know.
I've played since I was 6 and I am now 52. I've owned a host of fine guitars. None have performed across the board straight from the factory as well as this one has.
As I have already mentioned I will not slander other guitar makers by mentioning those I have owned. There is no way I could give them this good of a review so I will not mention them.

Single cutaway dreadnought 20 frets
Solid cedar top
Fishman electronics and tuner
Rosewood back and sides
thin neck

I play a wide variety of styles form jazz to country to rock.
Both acoutstically and through a p.a. it sounds great
The cedar top lends a warm sound. Very warm and sweet

I could not ifnd and flaws in fit or finish. It looks great. The action is great. It plays very easy.

It seems well made

Prompt and outstanding customer support. Denny Zager himself does all of the work,

These guitars are everything Denny Zager says they are. They play great. Sound great and are an excellent value.

- Solid Cedar Top
- Venetian cutaway box
- Rosewood back & sides
- Sealed "Grover" Tuning Gears
- Built in transducer
- Onboard electronics & EQ
- Onboard electronic tuner
- Guitar strap audio jack
- Full abalone inlay
- 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

Full rich tone. Resonant bass. Long sustains. A joy to listen to. However, I reserved judgement until I let my guitar teacher evaluate it. He is a very accomplished musician, with a collection of expensive guitars, so I was a little anxious to hand him this guitar. When he took it in his hands and started playing, he suddenly stopped, and all he could say was "Wow!" He absolutely loved it.

Action, fit, and finish were A-1. Nothing to find fault with.

Very sturdy and solid. Absolutely dependable.

Great customer support both by phone and email.

FEATURES:10 "TOP NOTCH"
MODEL YEAR: MAY 2006. The Zager Guitar Company out of Lincoln, Nebraska is a family owned business who manufacture very high quality acoustic and acoustic/electric guitars. I purchased the Zager ZAD-80CE which is the "flagship model" that Zager produces.

The ZAD-80CE has the following features:

-Solid Top Cedar Full Size Acoustic/Electric Dreadnaught
-Venetian Cutaway Box - Hand carved custom nut
-Rosewood back & sides - Hand carved custom saddle
-20 custom filed frets - Hand filed frets
-Full abalone inlay - Scalloped X-bracing
- Abalone inlay rosette - Rosewood fret-board
- Gloss finish - Rosewood bridge
- Built in transducer - Sealed "Grover" Tuning Gears
- Onboard electronics & EQ - Onboard electronic tuner
- Tortoise shell pick guard - Guitar strap audio jack
- Genuine "Martin" strings
- Zager EZ-Play Modified Set-Up by Denny Zager Sr. 30+ yrs
experience as a luthier of fine acoustic instruments.
-Optional Zager Professional Hard Shell Molded Case w/ Digital
Humidity and Tempature Sensor List: $150.00 Cost:$125.00 (extra)-Great Fit and Finish to case "built like a tank" to protect your investment with onboard atmospheeric sensors to tell you how your "baby" is feeling ( i.e. hot, cold, cool, thirsty, sweaty, etc).

Now some of what I believe are the most important features from Zager, because quite honestly, initiallly, I wasn't satisfied with the first ZAD-80CE I received,due to a "minor (my words) surface scratch," near the strap audio jack. I am really picky about the look , as well as the sound on my guitars and a stickler for value and quality, no matter what what the price and "I certainly did not want a new guitar with even a minor a scratch...I wanted
"pristene." So, now the test for the Zager "satisfaction guarenteed pledge."

Well I'm here to tell you that Denny Sr., Dennis Jr. and the whole crew at Zager stepped up "Big Time!!!" I called with my problem and Zager said; "No Problem," we'll send you out a new ZAD-80CE the first thing Monday morning(I called Saturday), and it was on its way and it arrived within the next five days, due to shipping time from Nebraska to Rhode Island.

I can't say enough great things about the quality features of the instrument and the support and service I recieved. In fact, I still had the original guitar the whole time to play with and it was just today, a week after the second guitar arrived, that Dennis Jr. and Tony and I set-up the return of the first guitar, by UPS ground and UPS is comming to "my door" to pick-up the return guitar with "NO CHARGE TO ME!!!" Now, that's a feature of a very high quality, top notch organization and guitar company.

Sound...OH, YEAH!!! THIS BABY GOT SOME SWEET< SWEET SOUND!!!

Great tone, excellent projection of the entire spectrum of sound available from the rosewood fretboard and solid ceadar top, with plenty of presence and volume unplugged!!! And when you plug into the "Fishman", well lets just say it... "Fishman electronics are used in only the highest grade guitars made...enough said!!!

What really cinched this guitar's sound excellence was the comment from my wife Annie, who has a great appreciation for fine sound in instruments and music in general, as a former Opera Mezzasuprano. Well, Annie, came into the back room from the front of the house to tell me how "sweet" my playing sounded. Now, I know my wife loves me but, it wasn't me who had changed my playing from one day to the next. Annie saw I was playing the Zager ZAD-80CE "unplugged" and she said that neither the 1989 Ovation Custom Legend nor the Epiphone 12 String sounded anywhere near as sweet as the Zager..."I kid you not...her words, not mine." But, I'll tell you something else, that one comment from "my biggest fan and yes, critic too" gave me a feeling of pride I have never felt in my playing in over 30+ years of playing and performing with the guitar!!! Yep, SOUNDS GREAT,,,YOU BETCHA!!! BTW, I played a few other high-end guitars around CT and RI between 5K & 8K, and the Zager ZAD-80CE held its own against giitars more than five times its value and all told I paid under a grand, for what I believe is as good or better an instrument as the Taylor's, Martin's, and/or Gibson's I tested costing thousands more.

I know this sounds like I must be getting something for this evaluation, but that's just not the case...I'm just this impressed with this fine instrument Denny Zager is putting out there to make his statement about his acoustic guitars and the service and guarentee he puts behind each guitar that goes out the door.

Ok, here's the bottom line...other's have said it before me, but I'm here to tell everyone that this ZAD-80CE's action is just the best I've ever encountered in over thirty years of playing all types of guitars, both acoustic and electric, from the finest guitar makers on the planet. I can't say it any plainer than that!!! Denny Sr's "String Science and fine tuning set-up of each and every guitar that goes out the door is AWESOME!!! I'm looking at the fit and finish because of the "minor" scratch problem I had with the first guitar to make sure everything is perfect and after the visual and tactile inspection it's time to tune it and play it, which is what I did next. Well, I'm looking at how low the action is and I'm thinking, "it's gonna buzz its just too low..." so I playing very lightly, and gentle like with open chords near the head stock...no buzz, just really sweet mellow tone which is crystal clear. Then I fugure lets see what happens with "Blackbird" just keeps on playing and sounding wonderful, (this is where Annie cane in), then I figure I gotta play some Robert Johnson to see the soul and what this guitar really has and now, I'm not the worst player in the world and I'm sure not the best picker either but this guitar is making music I have never heard come from my instrument. Power when you want it, subtle when you need it, and sweet(I know, I know...I must have said sweet about a billion times but folks, it is, what it is!!!) SWEET!!!

You know, this is the real test that Zager has to pass in my opinion. Now, I know on the website at www.zagerguitar.com it states, "E-Z Play Guitars - On-Line Video Lessons - Since 1969", but I've only just found out about Zager Guitar's making instruments of some acclaim since 2005. So, I really cannot comment yet on how reliable/durable the ZAD-80CE is or will be, YET!!!

That said, I have owned and played what I consider, some pretty good guitars in my "Ovation Custom Legend" and my "Epiphone 12 String" and I've owned both since the late 80's and mid-80's respectively , as well as, a Fender Strat since the early 70's, so I buy and keep my guitars in great shape because I was taught a long time ago by a well respected blues guitarist and by a few of my older friends who play, and what they have shared with me is that a great guitar, will sound better and better the more you play it. Especially, if you take care of your instrument like it was your sister, or your mother, or grandmother. So, if you own what you consider a fine instrument, albeit a new model, of which you love the sound, taken care of the proper way your instrument should wear well and reward you with years of fine companionship. You know all great instrument makers of which I've mentioned above, began life as an unknow and today some are real classic guitars. So, from my point of view, the measure of an instruments Reliability/Durability begins in the workmanship on the inside of a new instrument, and from what I have seen and heard from Zager so far, is a fine beginning of a clean, honest, instrument manufaturer providing a finely crafted, very fairly priced product of quality, that hopefully for us Zager guitar owners, stand the test of time in the years to come.

WOW, as you've read above I can't say enough good things about the way Zager Guitar treated me because of my discontentment (for cosmetic reasons, not acoustic reasons)of the first ZAD-80CE. Zager was right there for me, no hassle's, no problems, no questions, they said, "if you don't like it, we'll replace it or refund my money...my choice, that's it. They do what they say, plain and simple...their not happy, unless and until, you're happy. They treated me like I owned the company, not like I was a nobody, which, I got to tell you, felt really, really, good.

DUH!!! Just the best looking & sounding guitar for its price range...oh, sorry, I mean, "for any price range!!!! OK, Sorry Guy's and Gal's...SWEET!!!!!!!!

Features are as advertised with beautiful craftmanship! Abalone inlay combined with the rosewood fret-board and solid cedar top are all well designed and crafted.

The cedar top makes a very "warm" tone which is appealing to my acoustic playing abilities and tastes. I especially enjoy the Fishman Clear Wave 50 electronic package with the built-in tuner which has performed admirably.

The "set-up" on this Zagar is as good as advertised! Unbelievable playability for a finger-style guitarist like myself.

I would certainly have no second thoughts about using this guitar on a gig without a backup. Until it proves me wrong, I'm a firm believer in the quality of this guitar.

The strength of Zagar continues to be it's Customer Support. Upon receiving my guitar, I plugged it into my amp and found that there was a problem with a connection somewhere. Zagar guitars was extremely supportive and was willing to do whatever it took to fix or resolve the problem. Well, it turned out to be "my" cord and was not a problem of the guitar! But the reaction and response from Zagar was impressive and confirmed my high opinion of the company!

I have been playing for approximately 10 years seriously and this is my first upscale guitar. I literally went to every guitar store and played every high end guitar I could find. There is no doubt that this Zagar matches up equally well with any Taylor, Martin or Takemine. I am truly pleased with my guitar!

2006 Acoustic / Electric.
- Solid Cedar Top
- Venetian cutaway box
- Rosewood back & sides
- Sealed "Grover" Tuning Gears
- Built in transducer
- Onboard electronics & EQ
- Onboard electronic tuner
- Guitar strap audio jack
- Full abalone inlay
- 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

Guitars intonation is excellent. I describe the sound as crisp, bright but very warm.

Action is incredibly low, no visible flaws. Very nice fit.

I wouldn't set the guitar on fire during a stage performance, but its as solid as any acoustic, a little heavier and sturdier than most.

It shipped the day I ordered it. I had a valid UPS tracking number within 4 hours of ordering, it came when promised, well packaged and in perfect condition.

Their web site is very informative and I think they are very genuinely concerned about their customer's experience.

Generally played a Taylor Big Baby most frequently before this purchase. Unfortunately for that guitar, it doesn't even come close to the sound and playability of the Zager. I honestly can't say a thing against the Zager, it is the easiest, best sounding guitar I've ever owned, period.

Made in 2006, this solid cedar top and solid rosewood backed acoustic is a marvel to behold. When you first take it out of the box, you can't help but wonder if someon in shipping screwed up and sent you a much nicer guitar than the one you ordered. The fit and finish compare to a high end Martin, and the choice of electronics and tuners are top flight all the way. If that is not enough, look for a few extras tossed in the box, at Zagers expense.

The tone on this guitar is nothing short of a joy to hear. My music teacher has a $3000 Martin, and compared the tone and range in the same arena as his Martin. Rich, Full sound that resonates through the room and touches not only the audience, but the player as well.

There are no negatives to this guitar

Out of the box and ready to play, the ZAD 80CE is a racehorse waiting at the gate. From the novice to the skilled veteran, everyone is going to like this guitar. Add to the fact that a trained luthier like Denny Zager Sr, personally inspects every guitar before it recieves his OK and better yet, his signature, what more can you ask for?

The Zad 80CE is nothing short of an heirloom, waiting to be cherished by the current player, and looked on with hope from the next generation who hopes to play it. I am 42 and know that this guitar will be the last I purchase foe a long while, and know that it will be as clean and crisp when my grandson is ready to start playing.

This is a subect near and dear to my heart. As a business owner, I treat my customers the way I would like to be treated. You can say that the customer service was great at Zager, but that praise is not even in the ballpark to being correct. From the countless questions that Tony answered before my purchase, to the fact that the owner and his son are just a phone call away if you need them, the customer service at Zager is what other guitar makers should strive for.

This guitar is a blessing for the new player and a ace in the hole for the veteran. I have been playing a short time, but this guitar will help me reach my goals much faster, and with a feeling of pride every time I see it or play it.

I had the chance to buy any guitar I wanted, price was not an issue. I purchased the Zager because it was the finest guitar I have ever played, bar none.

Don't think twice about purchasing a Zager, because someone else will beat you to it and you might have to wait to get yours!