Zager Guitar Review

Product: Zager ZAD 80
Submitted 5/6/2011 at 03:04am by Boris Sakic
Email: sakic<at>mcmaster dot ca

Features : 10
Free T-shirt and extra set of Martin strings were a nice touch from the company.

Sound : 10
I play "folk baroque" style (music by John Renbourn and Steven Grossman) and before ordering I was concerned about fingerboard width, thinking that it will be narrow for fingerpicking. However, I soon realized that after some practice, the neck on ZAD-80 is just fine and that I can play techinically demanding riffs with ease.

The sound is crisp, balanced, and intonation is perfect.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
I am not a luthier, but this model seems to be manufactured according to high standards. Inlays and finish are beautiful; action is low, but there is no buzzing and barre cords are easy to play.

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion
I will use this guitar for home studio recordings exclusively. At this point I cannot comment on how long it will last. However, if the sound and finish do not deteriorate with time, ZAD-80 will be like a bottle of good vine - will get better with age (and I would like to grow old with this instrument).

Customer Support : 10
Better than Dell's (few years ago :). Dennis alomost instantly replied to my e-mails and gave me excellent advices before I made my decision. On-line ordering and shipping were smooth; packaging professional. With 100% return policy, on-line instructional videos and music, and lifetime warranty one just cannot ask for more!

Overall Rating : 10
I've been playing for 30 years, mostly classical and Takamine guitars. I presently own a 7-string Brazilian guitar (Rozini Studio) and Godin Nylon ACS-SA. ZAD-80 belongs to a different category and represents an incredible value!

Zager guitars

Product: Zager ZAD 80
Submitted 04/21/2011 at 10:46am by David Wladaver

Features : 10
Cutaway style. Built in electronics as well as a ClearWave electronic tuner. Built in transducer.
21 frets
Cedar top, rosewood back and sides
Grover sealed tuning gears
Abalone inlay (Stunning)
Rosewood bridge and fret board

Sound : 10
I was torn between the ZAD-80CEOM and the ZAD-80CE. Both are electric and acoustic but the OM is slightly smaller. Both had a marvelous sound when I played them acoustically (without electric). The tone is warm and deep.

I use it with a variety of amps, mostly in a church, and the sound is clear as a bell.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
The guitar came in spotless condition - it clearly was tuned before being shipped, and needed little effort on my part. I checked it carefully and found nothing, not even the slightest problems.

The action is easier than any steel-string guitar I have even owned.

Reliability/Durability : 10
It looks like a museum piece. This is a very high quality guitar.

Customer Support : 10
Since I did wanted to try both the ZAD-80CE and the ZAD-80 CEOM, I called Zager and asked them how I could do that, since this was an Internet purchase (in other words, I could not try each one at a store).

They made it simple - they sent me both! They gave me a prepaid return label and asked me to send back whichever one I did not want to keep.

Overall Rating : 10
I have been playing guitar, on and off, for about 50 years. I tried other guitars in stores, including Martins, and the Zager sound beat them all.

I also own a 12-string Alvarez, a 6 string Gretsch and a classical guitar.

I only wish Zager would install a strap pin on the guitar, but having that done locally is a small price to pay for such a fine instrument.

My advice: Do not have any concern buying from Zager over the Internet. They are first class.