I've flat picked acoustic guitar since 1980. Playing NGDB's Will the Circle Be Unbroken in the backwoods of Philmont Scout Ranch until the cassette nearly wore out gave me a well-marked guidepost into the legacy, musicality and skill of the bluegrass greats on that album. Inspired, I went home and bought a $270 Alvarez. First thing I did was have the action lowered. Played it for 30 years and wore grooves into the frets. Then I bought a Martin DX-1. I immediately had the action lowered. Sounded good for a laminate guitar (heh), but it would not stay in tune. Frustrated, I informally started casting about for another instrument. Years go by. Then I happily stumbled upon the Zager Guitar website. An American luthier crafting direct-to-customer high-end guitars for an affordable price with good customer service? Too good to be true. So, I started the verification, research and comparison shopping process. Months go by. I finally settled on a ZAD 50 CE and put it in my cart probably twenty times. The African Mahogony spoke to me... this from a screen. I watched Zager's YT videos. Read reviews. Put it in the cart 20 more times until I finally got brave enough to press the 'checkout' button. The 30 day no-questions-asked money-back guarantee with free shipping both ways gave me the confidence I needed to finally press 'buy'. This was a Saturday.

A few hours after I ordered the guitar I asked Dennis Zager Jr. Via email to please add a Zager Guitar t-shirt to the order (expecting to pay for it). He answered my email within 15 minutes and said he'd add it to the order. I asked him a few more questions and all were answered quickly... on a Sunday. The guitar showed up in Reno, NV on Wednesday.

The case (included in the sales price) definitely impresses when you take it out of the shipping box. It is well-crafted. The guitar form-fits in the padding perfectly. No, I did not drop it off the roof, but I think I could. Dennis added the t-shirt gratis(!) and it was in the case pocket as promised! Zager luthiers Denny Zager Sr., Henry and Scott signed the craftsmanship card tied to the neck. The guitar itself is signed on the back by Denny Zager, Sr. There is a certificate of authenticity. There is a promotional photo of Zager and Evans singing their hit "In the Year 2525" (that one is going on my wall). The buying and unboxing experience is a lot of fun and greatly exceeded my expectations.

So, I've had my hands on this work of artistic craftsmanship for 12 days and probably 40 hours. The setup is perfect. No need to lower the action. That is a first for me. Barre chords are easier than on my nylon stringed Ibanez. The Zager plays like butter and rings like a bell. This instrument easily exceeds in every category multi-thousand dollar instruments I've played. The fit and finish, action, and outright playability of this dreadnought-sized instrument are stellar. The African Mahogany is -tres- gorgeous with a depth and sheen that, looking into it, I could shave with.

Buy one. You will be delighted. You will not have buyer's remorse... and you will decide to -not- return it to Zager.

Great company to deal with and I love my ZAD50CE OM that I purchased.

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ZAD900CE Solid Spruce/Rosewood Acoustic Electric AURA Pro
ZAD900CE Solid Spruce/Rosewood…
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ZAD80CE Solid Cedar/Rosewood Acoustic Electric Pro Series
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ZAD50CE Solid Spruce/Mahogany Acoustic Electric Sunburst
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Travel Size Solid African Mahogany Electric
Travel Size Solid African Mahoga…
$695.00

ZAD80CE OM Size Acoustic Electric Pro Series
ZAD80CE OM Size Acoustic Electric…
$1,795.00

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Q: What are the hours of operation? Can I just drop by on my way through Lincoln tomorrow? I'm in a semi truck, is there parking?
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"The only thing better than the guitars is the service and support of the staff."

"The price points also are comparable to other quality guitars."

"I ordered a Zager acoustic guitar, parlor size, for my birthday."

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Ron Wright
44 reviews·22 photos
Just now
NEW
I bought a Guild D25 in 1979 as a beginner (not the right guitar for beginner) and had a difficult time learning because it really hurt my fingers. I learned a little but didn't progress. I thought in the beginning playing guitar would be … More

Doyle Alcorn
3 reviews·1 photo
3 months ago
Thank you Zager family for a great guitar!

I received my parlor guitar and absolutely love it. It is one awesome guitar! … More

Greg Partin
3 reviews·2 photos
3 months ago
I received my new Zager Zad50 OM size guitar about 3 weeks ago, and I haven't missed a day playing it yet. I still consider myself a beginner, but it doesn't take a beginners ear to recognize the difference in the quality and sound of this … More

Wayne Morton
8 reviews·5 photos
2 months ago
I bought a ZAG50CE and it arrived earlier this week. I've only been playing for several months but I noticed how much easier this guitar is on my fingers. It sounds great and looks great. It came in a beautiful case. I'm thankful for their … More

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Ron Wright
44 reviews·22 photos
Just now
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I bought a Guild D25 in 1979 as a beginner (not the right guitar for beginner) and had a difficult time learning because it really hurt my fingers. I learned a little but didn't progress. I thought in the beginning playing guitar would be fun but it was hard work, and grueling on my fingers. I eventually just put the guitar away to save for a later day. I was 20 years old when I bought that Guild guitar, and I am now 63 years old still having a passion to play after all these years. Now with a little more time on my hands, and the desire to learn. Actually, I found Zager guitars online about 10 years ago, but couldn't really afford to buy a quality guitar then, but still had the desire. I just recently bought a Zager Zad20 finally! I've been playing for 3 weeks now, and learning. It's much easier to play and I can play longer. I tell myself when I get home from work I'll just play for 15 minutes, but I end up playing for 45 minutes to an hour practicing, and I'm having fun. I like the quality of the guitar and the beautiful sound that comes out of it. I've gone into Guitar Center played a little on some of their guitars, but I find the quality, and feel of Zager better. I'm looking at a smaller one now to carry around on my travels because it's so much fun learning, and I want to get better. I'm so happy I found Zager guitars not only because of the quality of the Guitar but they're quick response to my questions. The customer service is very good.

Dear Zager Family,

I received my new Zager ZAD80Ce almost a month ago. I want to first Thank You for putting a rush order on my order. I received it in perfect condition and it only took a few days once it was shipped. It is a beautiful guitar looks and sound. When I opened it I was surprised to see all the accessories. (I wish the T-shirt was a 2x so I can wear it.) I would be thrilled to wear it!
Little story... I was on Quora.com reading the reviews of Zager guitars. I found it hilarious how many people chimed in the 2 cents about how the are cheap guitars made in China. NON OF THOSE PEOPLE HAD PLAYED OWNED OR EVEN SEEN ONE OF YOUR GUITARS. The people that actually purchased one of your guitars ALL spoke very highly of it. (Don't you love that!) I asked everyone that gave it a bad review if they have ever owned or played one. They all said for that kind of money they would much rather own a Martin Taylor etc. I own a Martin, and I love it!
So here are my thoughts on the Zager.
Like the Martin, it needed a bit of adjustment on the action, (for my liking) I thought the action was a bit high. Simply fixed on both. The Zager sounds much better plugged in than the Martin. I really love the Fishman Aura preamp. The Zager is an absolutely stunning looking guitar! I
The finish and looks are fantastic! The only negative I have about the looks is the Z at the twelfth fret. It is very dark and does not stand out like I would like it to. Actually I think I would say that honestly about all the inlays in the fret board.
Playability, it plays very nicely. It has a nice fat C shaped neck which for me personally is great since I have quite large hands and big ol' cigar fingers. It did take me a bit of getting used to my martin neck feels quite different.
Sound, it sounds amazing plugged in or not. It has a beautiful warm tone, and very well rounded. Nice bass, mids and trebles. I took it to play with my band for a rehearsal session and it absolutely delivered. It was the first time I had really played it for any serious playing. My husband of 37 years has terminal cancer, so I haven't really had the opportunity to play it other than a bit of noodling here and there. We played for a good three hours, fingers (Tips) were a bit sore because I haven't really been playing much lately, but my hands were not fatigued, and I really wanted to keep playing. The case is very nice I feel it will protect my Zager guitar very nicely. I love the digital hydrometer especially in Arizona where the climate is very dry. It has plenty of room for all the things I bring with it on a gig. The only negative I have on the case is the lining was not fully glued in one area and the lining is not attached to the case.
The accessories were a lovely added gift, again a 2x Tee would have been great. I'm a big guy.
The customer service I ha e received when ordering my Zager was excellent. When I found I would ha e to wait months to get it, I asked Denny to cancel my order. He immediately responded, by saying he would be happy to refund my money and was concerned if they had done something wrong and apologizedI if that was the case. I replied by simply saying I didn't want to wait that long. He said they could ship one out immediately if I still wanted to keep the order. I was quite happy to hear that. I received my new Zager ZAD80ce within two weeks. Again thank you for that.
I love my new Zager, and will be happy to wear the Zager tee while playing shows. I will have this guitar for life.
I am going to include a link to the video of that rehearsal. Feel free to use it and this review. Zager Rocks!

Rob Evans
Lindsay Evans Band
Phoenix Arizona

https://youtu.be/OItyuSxJebo
Attachments area
Preview YouTube video August 3,2022

I received my Zager Parlor guitar in eight days following my order. Wow. I have it out of the box and have played it a bit. It is brand spanking new and so these are raw thoughts for a somewhat raw guitar.

My initial impressions: overall fit and finish is really excellent and hardware looks
Great and long-term functional. Grover tuning heads work beautifully. Simply looks very handsome. I looked it over carefully and the fit and finish is stellar. The guitar is a solid device, but has the delicacy and beauty for the ages. The mahogany grain is a bit coarse and looks too even, but the lovely abalone trim around the sound hole softens and improves the overall look, which I regard as very good. Looks great on my couch.

The size is small, but fits well. The reduced size is accomplished partially by having 12 frets to the body (no cutaway). I found that this made me rearrange how played the guitar and wanted to hold it somewhat differently from 14 fret guitars. But the neck's width is 1 ¾", a nice width. The neck reminds me of my J-45, a bit thick but just fine. Nut and bridge are bone, a nice and to me necessary part of a good guitar.

For starters: Action is a bit high for me, but I think I will leave it that way for a month before trying adjustments on the neck bar, which seem almost too easy as they involve entry through the sound hole – what a wonderful design! The sound is bright but seems a bit raw to me. The total projected sound of chords of this brand new guitar does not hold together so well yet (as predicted by the Zagers). I will be patient and wait
For it to set in and eventually sound a bit rounder and richer as they state. I am optimistic. But this is not a 000 or a dreadnaught. It has a small guitar sound.

I got the acoustic-electric version, with a fairly stripped-down Fishman setup that is powered by a 9V battery. Tried it quickly on a small amplifier and it worked well as a simple amplifying device. But included in the Fishman is a really cool electronic tuner with nice buffer arrows to help with quick string tuning. It is well worth the extra money to have this in the guitar if your are amplifier-inclined.

This guy has lots of competition in my house. I usually play a Collings OM3 that
Is twangy and superb, and I have on my couch every evening a very special
Electric-acoustic Flyer made by Joe Veillette. Its fingerboard is truly amazing but its acoustic sound does not project like the Zager, and maybe is more meant to be an electric. But I think the Zager will catch on soon when I can get the action more to my liking and the guitar ages a bit. Even now it is a high quality guitar, great for on the porch or on the couch. I won't say that the sound is up to premium larger guitars – the size and wood limits things a bit - but the price for its build quality and potential makes the Zager parlor a bargain and a joy to play. You sure made a lovely guitar out of mahogany! Happy to be introduced to these guitars!

(Of course!) I dialed up "In the year 2525." Fantastic to see a major hit played on an acoustic! Shades of Elvis and the Everly Brothers.

Just got my Zager50CE OM. Beautifully crafted Guitar And Sounds great.

The Zager guitar is one of the best instruments that I will ever have. I purchased the Zager acoustic electric ZAD-80-OM-CE- Aura, It arrived on January 2022, I play the guitar for not less than an hour every day.

The guitar came with a life time warrantee, it has been made to last a life time, with 100% money back guarantee. What else can you ask for?

Sound
Beautiful warm and mellow sound, with deep bass. The sound board is Western red Cedar with back, sides and headstock of Indian rosewood. The Neck is African mahogany,
Features
Binding: Ivory
Tuning: Grover gold
Inlays: Abalone.
Back inlay: beautiful Herringbone Zipper stripe
Nut and saddle: Bone hand carved
Strings: very high quality coated Zager brand, pillow touch
Fret board, 21 frets, 25" scale,

The electronics is a Fishman Pro 900 with a build in auto tuner, it comes with a battery. For the battery to last, I only need to unplug the guitar when not in use, and turn off the tuner. I have reachable batteries, the last one used, has lasted over a month without having to recharge it.
Playability
Very easy to use. It is a true EZ-Play Guitar
Quality
Outstanding quality, perfect out of the box. Reliable, always in tune, Setting at 3/16th on the 12th fret of the low E, as wood settles the Action will lower, but if lower action is required it can be changed by turning the truss rod.
Value
For the quality and the Zager service, It is worth a great deal more.
Zager support
Other companies should follow the example of the superior service support. Zager has been always willing and ready to help, with answers usually the same day or no later than 24 hours.
Highlights
The sound, easy to play, light weight, the feel of this great instrument has been the factors that keeps me playing.
Bonus
To complement the purchase, the guitar came with a hard case that includes a moisture and temperature meter, extra strings, picks, a certificate of authenticity, and a pick guard just in case you want to install it. In addition it also comes with a finger picking guitar video library, including lessons for picking and backing the voice, a chord library, special arrangements of the 60's 70's and 80's and a great deal of helpful downloads, links and tools to learn and to play the guitar.

I am a proud owner of a Zager ZAD80. Try it, you will love it.

My new ZAD80CE was delivered hours before expectation; it came at 12-noon, 19 May 2022, and was delightsome to get it. The elegance, craftmanship, and performance of the guitar is pure enjoyment. I loved the new-wood smell! Pictures never do it justice until one can hold it in their lap and marvel at what Mr. Zagar has created. Yes, the neck is a bit wider than all other guitars I've tried--except for the classical instruments--but adjustment was quick to achieve. The tone produced by the Indian rosewood and Western cedar is most pleasing. The appointments and abalone highlight its initial appearance to view. I extend my appreciation toward Jamie, Henry, A. J., Dennis, and especially, Denny Zagar for the great support throughout the process of waiting for the delivery. You all have made my life complete!

I first began to play the guitar on 16 August 1956 (65 years ago) and rarely missed an opportunity to plunk on the strings except during my Army career. Rapid deployments with the 82nd Airborne and customary assignments overseas may have slowed me down, but never out from the desire and motivation to have a guitar in my lap. Now, with the ZAD80CE at arm's length, my abilities will expand even more because of the excellent craftmanship of Denny Zagar and his long pursuit of excellence with the guitar. I had told my wife to expect me in the office with that guitar for hours on end. I look forward to the upcoming Church socials that will demand my talents and what better to show them off but with the ZAD80CE! I use a Fender AcoustiSonic amp to deliver the amazing tones made possible by the on-board Fishman electronics. The bass and trebles have never been so room-filling!

Warmest regards,

Greg Bruorton
SFC, USA, Retired Airborne

My new Zager Guitar arived on Sunday the 27th. I quickly opened the box and experienced the thrill of my first custom made instrument. The smell of the wood hit me the second the case was opened. I played for a while and realized what most folks were expressing online in the vedeo and reviews. The following weekend I attended my annual retreat, it was here that I proudly wore my shirt received with my guitar purchase. A few of us bring equipment and play music during one of our events. It started with folks commenting on the shirt and how they recieved the advertisments on FaceBook. Then they asked questions of my take on the experience ordering online, not seeing or playing an instrument before purchasing. They all wanted to see my new Zag 80. When we started praticing for the show, everyone wanted their turn at playing the guitar. Eveyone enjoyed the feel and sound of this awesome guitar. The next day we all left for home and it was not until later that night that my friend Brian sent me a message. Could I please put him in touch with the website I used in order to purchase my new guitar. I sent him the site and explained the process and wished him luck not knowing if he would actually take the plunge and buy one. On Monday morning he texted me and said he was going to do it. Brian purchased his new Zager Guitar. Congrats Brian, way to go! I think a few of the other Martin and Taylor owners at the retreat experienced the fact that this small company has instruments that are as good if not better, and that the prices are reasonable and fair. The service and follow up information on the internet far exceeds any of the companies I have pourchased from in the past. I will consider down the road owning a second Guitar and will make the new one I have my go-to instrument fom now on.

Buying a guitar by mail order is always a stressful experience. Even in the same model, individual guitars generally have unique subtle differences (tonal, setup, wood grain and appearance), so I have usually only purchased them after having the guitar in my hands. First reaction on opening the case when it arrived was that it looked as good or better than the pictures - and having the humidity monitor looking at me from its place beside the guitar assured me that the care in packing it to preserve the wood was successful. Second reaction was seeing the instructions first thing for setting the action if you prefer to raise or lower it - while you can do this with any adjustable neck - having Zager invite you to do it, first thing implies being extra helpful to make it right. Third was tuning with the on board Fishman tuner which is intuitive, precise and convenient.

After having the guitar for 5 days and comparing it to others, I am very pleased. Guitars I compared it to are: 1976 Martin D35/12 (Love the D35s Bell Tone resonance), 1977 Ovation Adamas Carbon/Fiberglass (Love it's stability in changing indoor and outdoor conditions and big sound when pushed), 2002 Taylor 814ce (Like the balanced tonal response, particularly from audience perspective - did a blind test of three 814s, with others playing, before buying). 2019 Taylor 717 Grand Pacific (Mail order nervous to get in line early - Big Sound and bell tone highs when pushed, broad tonal response at all volumes). All these but the Ovation are Rosewood and Spruce - All of them are large bodies, so comparisons are among "similar" well made, well known guitars.

As a preface to further comments, I've observed that guitars from a players and audience perspective may be quite different. I'm not a performer (other than informal camps and family gatherings), so I especially enjoy guitars that resonate with and project acoustically to the player (for me most of the time). And as I age, I have high frequency roll off in my hearing, so I may favor a guitar that projects and resonates at high frequencies as well as low.

The Zager gives me a taste of the Martin D35/12 bell tone/wind chime background which immediately brings memories and a smile to my face. It has strong base resonance similar to the Ovation and Grand Pacific, but it doesn't have to be pushed as hard to provide it, and it has the balanced tonal qualities of both Taylors.

The most similar in big, balanced sound and resonance to me are the Zager and Taylor Grand Pacific with the exception that the Zager sprinkles a bell tone "shimmer", like little sparkling lights on dark water, over the big balanced sound. The Grand Pacific may also present that at higher playing volumes (more heavy handed). Played back to back at modest volumes the Zager retains that shimmer, the Grand Pacific is more "sultry" in comparison - warm candle light. Both wonderful tonal qualities, both great guitars.

Following up on Denny's suggestion that one can lighten up pressure on the left hand without losing tonal clarity - and lighten up on the right hand and still get a big resonant sound - it took a little bit of experimentation to trust that - as I've used the pressure needed on my other guitars over the years and that pressure is a habit. It appears that lightening up and moving more quickly will be possible, but it will take playing that way thoughtfully, to break old habits. There's a good chance I'll play more when I get that "built into" my playing.

After my experience, I'd trust that the people at Zager will take care of you, no matter what your concerns, before or after your purchase. And I expect you will be very pleased with your guitar as I have been with mine.