Zager ZAD-80CE

From the Zager website (Zager.com)

Full Size Dreadnought
Venetian Cutaway Design - lower frets are very accessible
Solid Spruce Top
Rosewood Back & Sides
Grover Sealed Tuning Gears
Built in Transducer
Onboard Equalizer - Fishman Clearwave 50
Guitar Strap Audio Jack
Onboard Electronic Tuner - Part of Fishman equalizer package
Abalone Inlay Rosette
Full Abalone Inlay
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
Zager EZ-Play Modified
100% Money Back Guarantee
Lifetime Warranty
Hard case with humidifier

You get alot of guitar for the money.

The guitar sounds great. I compared it to many guitars at my local music store and it sounds better than all others in it's price range. I found the sound comparable to guitars costing $2-3000. I know everyone says that, and you may think this is just Zager hype, but it is soo true.

The sound is rich and full, and harmonics are great. The only reason I did not give the guitar a 10 in this catagory is that I find the high E string to sound a bit thin, compared to the other strings. All the others are perfect. I'm not sure if this is true of all Martin/Sigma dreadnoughts, or it's just my guitar.

As advertised, I found the action close to the nut to be outstanding. Low action and light gauge strings means this is an easy guitar to play.

I did not rate this guitar a 10 because the string height at the saddle I found to be a little high. When I got above the 12th fret, the action was higher than I liked. A freind of mine played it and was amazed by the action, and felt you really couldn't go lower with out buzzing. I am a true fanatic about the string height so I sanded down the saddle a bit and now my action is flawless. No buzzing anywhere.

I've had the guitar for 4 months and it has been rock solid. So far, so good.

Zager really shines here. I had instant response to any emails. I've had no major problems yet but have no reason not to believe their lifetime warranty policy.

This guitar is a fantastic value for the money. It compares to guitars that cost $2-3000. You may find that hard to believe, so my recommendation is to try one. Order one and try it out. You have nothing to lose, since they have 100% money back guarantee and free shipping both ways.

I almost feel guilty because this is such a great guitar for the price. I've never written a testimonial before, because it's very rare to buy a product these days and be blown away. This company over delivers on their promises.

This acoustic/electric studio-sized cutaway is, quite simply, beautifully traditional. And true to its hype, it does play easily, making me a more nimble and flexible player than I have been on other instruments. The strings lay close to the frets and are spaced slightly wider than normal for easy clean finger placement without the extra width of a nylon-string classical. The guitar does seem heavier than I'm used to, but since it sits on my thigh, it's really not a problem.

It has the same rich, throaty tone as my Eric Clapton/Martin, which is saying a lot. I've owned it for a week, and it has responded to all my requests, from folk to blues to classic rock.

Perfect factory setup. Everything tight as a drum. The guitar was nearly perfectly tuned when it arrived. The hardware is beautiful, and the strings are so close to the frets you can nearly blow a chord onto them.

I wouldn't use any guitar on a gig without a backup, but that probably has more to do with the possibility of a string fraying or breaking than anything to do with the guitar itself. I've only had it a week, but this instrument seems as if it would stand up to any reasonable use. The finish is very uniform and deep, and everything about the guitar is solid.

Lifetime warranty. Awesome support. My first contact with the Zager company was by email on a Sunday evening, and someone was there. No repairs required yet, but if early experience is an indicator, they will be there when I need them.

I've been playing for 36 years. In addition to the Zager 80CE, I own a Martin/Eric Clapton signature, a Small Martin for travel, and a Cordoba acoustic/electric nylon-string classical guitar. My favorite feature on the Zager is the string positions. My least favorite is the weight. I recommend the Zager line without qualification. The 80CE cost less than half what the Clapton Martin cost, and compares quite favorably.

This is a solid Cedar Top, Redwood back and side guitar with a cutaway. It comes with an electronic tuner and pickup and plugs into any board or speakers (1/8 plug). For the price, the finish and style are best of the best.

Perfect note quality and great tone, especially when plugged in. Again, this guitar is far less money than top end Taylors and Martins, but sounds absolutely terrific.

If you have other guitars, even very expensive, high end guitars (like I have), and you wish to continue playing those guitars on a regular basis, then do not purchase a Zager. You will (and I don't believe there will be any exceptions) play the Zager more than any other guitar you own, no matter how much money you spent on your other guitars.

Guitar seems very well made (I believe the body work is made in the Martin factory). Denny Zager sets every guitar up himself; a custom set up, by the master.

Hard to say how the quality is long term, since I recently received the instrument, but the initial quality is excellent.

Absolutely top notch - check out my final comments below.

Being a chronic skeptic, I ordered a new 80CE from Denny with an exaggerated sense of trepidation. While the testimonials on Zager's website are quite impressive, infomercials regularly line up willing and able customers to help peddle the latest gadget or poorly constructed piece of rubbish. When the gadget arrives, and typically after only a few uses, the item does not live up to your most watered-down expectations. And then you enter the unsavory black hole of waiting on hold the equivalent of the running time of the TBS "Old Testament" mini-series, waiting for a live person to get on the help line, just to learn to your utter dismay that you are more knowledgeable about the product than the underpaid, temp worker on the other side of the planet, whose remedial English is the tipping point between sanity and the beckoning abyss.

Needless to say I've had my share of bad internet experiences, just like everyone else.

My experience with Zager guitars was the exact opposite; it was absolutely first rate. The guitar is a gem. Like other buyer's on this page I own several high end instruments (Taylor, Ibanez, etc.) and the quality the Zager 80CE is absolutely terrific. The Zager guitar is the best instrument value offered by anyone, anywhere - period. I think Denny is a saint for sticking to his guns for so long and selling direct, cutting out the middle man and passing the savings on to the customer. The tone of the guitar is excellent. My daughter is a gifted musician and music composition major in college, and she called the clarity of the individual notes on my Zager, exquisite. And to top of a great price and great sound, the guitar is downright addictive to play. I can sense my Taylor 814CE begging me from across the room to pick her up and play her a little bit, but I just have to get one or two more licks in on the Zager, and a couple of licks turns into a couple of hours of playing. This guitar is easy and fun to play. Try one and tell me differently...you won't.

And finally, the customer service is second to none. I had a minor issue with my 80CE and made a suggestion for a very fair resolution to the issue. Denny Jr. blew me away when he addressed the issue beyond my idea of fair, making me feel like I was part of the family; I guess I am part of the family now - the Zager family. Because, not only am I buying a second guitar to add to my collection, I will be a life long advocate of Zager guitars.

The ZAD-80CE is a full size dreadnought electric acoustic with Fishman electronics.
It has an excellent gloss finish, Grover tuners, flat neck, rosewood sides and back with solid cedar top and Abalone inlay on binding and rosette. (Beautiful)

I play contemporary, country and western. No string buzz, thanks to Zager's String Science. Rich, full sound from the cedar top. Great sustain. I like everything without exception.

The action defines the Zager - it is setup perfectly!
No flaws anywhere on the guitar and the overall fit and finish of the wood is outstanding.

I would say this ZAD-80CE will be around for a long time. It is a quality instrument, well made and deserving of its fine reputation. All parts are solid and show top craftsmanship overall.

Zager has the best service of any company. 100% money back guarantee and a Lifetime Warranty. The Zager staff is knowledgeable, friendly and courteous. They talked to me and answered all my questions. I felt like I was a family friend!

I have been playing 40 years and would certainly replace my ZAD-80CE if something happened to it. I've played them all and I'll go out with my Zager!

DreadNought with venetian cutaway, Solid Cedar Top, Rosewood Back and Sides, Grover Tuners - Gold, Fishman Electronics with Built in Tuner, Abalone Inlay, Tortoise Shell Pick Guard, Hand Carved Custom Nut/Saddle, Hand Filed Frets, Scalloped X-bracing, Rosewood Fretboard, Rosewood Bridge.

The guitar has a rich full sound when playing classical or fingerstyle. When strummed with a pick it is bright and clear. I play it through a Fender Acoustasonic SFX ampifier but it also sounds great unplugged.

This guitar is setup to be easy to play. The action is low and fast and it produces a good clean sound. The guitar's finish is excellent. There were no problems with the guitar when I received it.

The hardware, wood and craftsmanship on the guitar are of the best quality. With proper care there is every reason to beleive this guitar will last a lifetime and would withstand live playng.

Zager guitars customer service is great. I emailed and called many times before and after I purchased the guitar. Everyone was friendly and extremely helpful. Also, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

I've been playing guitar for 43 years. I own Guild, Gibson, Lowden, Taylor, Alvarez, Fender, Yamaha and Ibanez guitars. The Zager guitar is easy to play, sounds great, looks beautiful. This guitar is one of the best I've ever played.

ZAGER 80-CE GUITAR..MADE IN 2008, PURCHASED IN 2008
This is an acoustic/electric guitar manufactured by Zager.
Features solid cedar top, locking tuners, fishman electronics, rosewood back & sides, rosewood bridge, and rosewood fretboard.
( all specs available on Zager website ).

I bought this as I play a lot of acoustic gigs, yet need the capability of amplification for some larger gigs. With my acoustics
( I have 3 others as well, a Fender, an Alvarez, and a Zager ZAD50 ) I play in praise band at church, as well as duets in which we do everything from Neil Young to Alan Jackson. The first gig I played with this ZAD-80CE was a Valentines Day death by chocolate thing, where it performed flawlessly.
I use a Fender Princeton amp to complement the guitar, and they seem to go together well. I never cranked the amp or guitar up super loud as I didn't want to blow eardrums out, however, at a nice medium volume no hum or noise present at all, and the on-board tuner is a great feature.
The Fishman electronics have a brightness setting, as well as bass, mid, treble and volume, consequently a great variety is available to you.

Anyone who owns a Zager will vouch for this..The factory set-up is PERFECT !!! This is my second Zager, and each has been flawless.
This ZAD-80CE has lots of inlay work, and it is gorgeous, and it is obvious a great deal of work has gone in to making this fit right.
Without trying to sound like a factory rep, I don't think you could find a flaw with a magnifying glass.

This guitar is extremely well built, the finish is high gloss, everything is rock solid. If it is anything like my ZAGER ZAD50 purchased in 8-05 and played hundreds of hours, both gigging and practicing, I would definitely say that YES...you can depend on it !
I never gig without a backup, not because the quality of the guitar, but say, even if a string breaks you can pick up your backup guitar and play without having to stop the show and re-string.

This guitar comes with a lifetime warranty. I have not had any trouble with it. MY ZAD 50 had a slight problem once and I sent it to ZAGER for repair...they paid freight both ways, fixed the problem, while they had it they re-polished it, and I received it back in two days. Talking with them on the phone they were nothing but extremely courteous and helpful, in fact I was so impreesed I sent them a thank you ( something I have never done with any other company )

I have been playing for over 40 years, and have quite a menagerie of guitars, both electric, and acoustic. Including 2 Fender Strats, a Fender Telecaster, a Les Paul, and a Carvin Bolt, a Fender 12 string acoustic/electric, a Fender 6 string acoustic, a Zager ZAD 50, and now the Zager ZAD-80CE
Were this stolen or lost I would buy another one before the ink on the police report was dry. The ease of playability is the biggest plus feature of the Zager. I have owned a Gibson Hummingbird, as well as played a lot of my colleagues Taylors and Martins, and other high end guitars..they are great guitars too, however, in all honesty, I can say the Zager can hold its own to any of them, surpassing many that cost double or more what the Zager cost.
Already owning a Zager ZAD50, I was already familiar with the quality, so I had absolutely no qualms about buying the ZAD-80CE.
In closing I would encourage anyone considering an acoustic, or acoustic/electric to give Zager a try..you won't be dissapointed.

Transparent Gloss Finish
Dreadnought Cutaway Accoustic/Electric
Gold Grover Tuners
Including case, tools, case humidity gauge
Electronic Tuner/Equalizer
Abalone Inlay
Solid Cedar Top
Rosewood Back and Sides
Rosewood Fretboard

I play primarily a fingerpicking folk and country style and the setup on the Zager fits this style very well. The low action, slightly wider string spacing and dead-on harmonics work extremely well.

The sound is rich, full and mellow with good clarity in the mids and highs.

The setup from the factory was flawless. I did have to adjust the tuning on the B and high E strings, but there was no string buzz and the action was low and very playable.

I am a living room and small jam session player, so I cannot comment on heavy duty use for this guitar, but it comes with a lifetime warranty and my customer service experience with the company has been unparalleled. I have every confidence that, should I have an issue with the guitar, Zager will make it right.

I have not had to have the instrument repaired. However, the lifetime warranty and my customer service experience has been outstanding.

I played for over 20 years and then stopped. I have recently decided to take the guitar up again and I can already see that the setup on this guitar will ease my transition back into playing. The sound is fantastic and comparable to guitars costing many times what I paid for the ZAD-80. I played Gibsons, Taylors and Epiphones before purchasing this guitar.

Other guitars I have owned:
Gibson J-40
Gibson Hummingbird
Gibson Barney Kessel Jazz Guitar
Alvarez Classical
Gibson SG Standard
Antoniotsai Solid Body Electric (heavily modified with upgraded Grover tuners and new Humbucking Pickups)
Fender Jazz Bass
Original Tweed Fender Deluxe
Behringer V-Ampire LX 210 Modeling Amp

This guitar has a beautiful gloss finish that is truely a work of art. The Zad-80CE is a dreadnought with a cutaway for easy fingering for the realy high notes. It has a rosewood peg style bridge with a transducer under the hand carved custom saddle. The nut is also been custom hand carved with a wider than standard with for larger fingers. The tuners are non-locking Grover Sealed. The neck is made from Rosewood and the frets are hand filed for the lowest string clearance with no buzz. The case is a standard wooden case with a digital humidity sensor. This guitar was made in the USA, 2007. There are 20 frets. It comes with a solid Cedar top with scalloped X bracing along with abalone inlay rosette and binding. The back and sides are Rosewood. It has a onboard equalizer and tuner by Fishman. There are four tone sliders and one volume slider. I give it a 9 only because I will have to install a second strap peg near the neck because it doesn't come with one.

This guitar sounds as good if not better than my brother's High end Taylor. But for a several thousand less. I don't usually play through an amp but this guitar sounds great using chorus and reverb through my Fender Ultimate Chorus. I had to lower the volume on the guitar to iliminate the feed back when playing close in front of the amp. Also, by lowering the volume at the guitar I was able to lower the hand noise when sliding down the string. This guitar has a full range of sounds using the equalizer and sounds very rich. When played without an amp it is plenty loud and the tone blows you away. I can't think of a thing that I don't like about it.

This guitar is custom set-up by a Luthier Denny Zager. He is known for his easy-play string science where he lowers the strings as low a possible by hand carving the nut and saddle while maintaining near perfect harmonics. He follows up by hand filing the frets to remove all string buzz. My guitar arrived in perfect condition and ready to play. Denny personnally checks the guitars prior to packing and it shows.

I just got this guitar and you can't be absolutely sure anything will not breakdown but, I don't see any reason that it would not last a life time. It comes with a life time warranty. The finish is very professionally done and it will last as long as the guitar is taken care of. The lone strap buttone is solid and I feel I can depend on this guitar. I always bring a back-up for a gig.

Everything was perfect as Denny said it was and with the life time warranty and the word of the man that stands behind says enough. This is a family owned and run business and it lives on word of mouth. So it can't afford not to give the best support. I have inquired about getting a second guitar for my son and the comunication I have had with them is outstanding.

I have been playing off and on for 37 years. I have owned mostly Fender guitars with my favorite one being a California made Stratocaster. This guitar was the one I learned on and it is special to me. I wish I had asked about a second guitar strap peg by the neck. No big deal because I think I can find a Luthier than can fix me up here in town. If this guitar was stolen I would indeed buy another one because I can't afford a Taylor. I love the deep sound it has and can't think of anything I hate about it. My favorite feature is the incredible ease in playing. My arthritis usually stops me from playing more than just a few minutes on my other dreadnoughts. Oh! I have given all my other dreadnoughts guitars away because after playing this one I will never play another production guitar. Except for my Fender Strat. My brother's Taylor has the name recognition but, I can't see or hear anything about it that my new Zad-80CE doesn't have except for the outragious price tag.

EZ-Play Zager ZAD-80CE Acoustic Electric $995
On sale $895...Limited time only



With all the attributes of the Zager ZAD-80, the ZAD-80CE Acoustic/Electric takes it one step further with a built in transducer and electronics package that allows it to be plugged into an amplifier and played like an electric. It has a venetian cutaway box that allows your left hand to slide down low for those hard to reach chords. The onboard electronics package with equalization gives you the ability to change the sound according to your playing style. It also has a built-in professional grade electronic tuner that allows you to tune your guitar in a fraction of the time that it takes using conventional tuning methods. Denny specially selected the electronics package used in the ZAD-80CE which is made by "Fishman." If you do your research you will find that Fishman electronics are used in only the highest grade guitars. Being an acoustic and electric the ZAD-80CE is like having two guitars in one.

Compare Guitars

- EZ-Play Modified
- Full Size Dreadnought
- Venetian Cutaway Design
- Solid Cedar Top
- Rosewood Back & Sides
- Rosewood Bridge
- Rosewood Fret-board
- Gloss Finish
- Built in Transducer
- Onboard Equalizer
- Onboard Electronic Tuner
- Scalloped X-bracing
- Hand carved custom nut
- Hand carved custom saddle
- Hand filed frets
- Sealed Grover Tuning Gears
- Abalone Inlay on Binding
- Abalone Inlay Rosette
- Tortoise shell pick guard
- Genuine "Martin" Strings
- 100% money back guarantee
- Lifetime warranty



(straight from the website)

Amazingly bright and loud! It sustains like a piano and the set up Denny does gives each string a perfect and melodic sound that blends uncomparably with itself. The only guitar I have played that sounds similar was a 4000 dollar Taylor at my local music store.

Action is perfect! I dont have weak fingers but this guitar immediately made me better at acoustic guitar. The neck is very thin compared to most which allows once impossible stretches for myself. All in all the finish is BEAUTIFUL!

I have played 4 days a week with this guitar for a month now and have had no problems. I haven't had the guitar long enough to really review its durability. However I have a liftime warranty so I am in no way worried.

The best I have ever experienced! Every question has been answered, every request granted. I always got a reply within 2 hours of emailing Denny.

This is the best guitar I have ever played end of discussion. I have read some really stupid reviews on it posted by people who have never even played the guitar! How do you review something you have never touched or heard? As a musician I am gonna recommend that you other guitarists open your mind. This company also provided the greatest customer service I have ever experienced. As for the guitar it is beautiful and I constantly get stopped after shows by people who ask where I got my guitar and where they can get one. They action is amazing, the finish beautiful, the pickup amazing, the frets smooth, the sound literally gave me chills the first time I played it. The set up is perfect! PERFECT!! And guess what! If you hate it they will give you a full refund shipping and all! Now only an idiot would overlook this offer. I had to try it and I'll admitt I was worried at first but now that I have it... Well I can't put it down.