Zager zad80ce Guitar Review

Justin Schulz
Model: zad80ce

How did you hear about this brand?

I was searching online for a new guitar and ran across Zager. I would buy something that I had tried in a local shop if I found the same thing at a better price, but was initially sceptical at trying a guitar I had never played. But after reading all the great reviews, especially the ones from players with much more training and skill than I have, I was persuaded to give Zager a try. Am I ever glad I did.

How does this guitar compare with your old guitar, other guitars, or guitars you've tried in stores?

I played a number of guitars in the the $2000-3000 range. This one easily matches those. The only guitar I tried that was about equal was $2300 without electronics; and I did not find one that I thought was distinctly better until I tried one from a small luthier that cost $5500. I loved this guitar so much that I decisded to sell my Martin D-21 (with Brazilian rosewood back and sides) that I had played for over 35 years. Brand new, my ZAD80CE had much better sound than the D-21 with thousands of hours of playing on it. And it was so much easier to play! I was able to sell the D-21 for more than twice what I paid for the ZAD80CE.

What's your favorite part about this guitar?

I love the playability and the sound. Great, even volume from bass through treble. Lovely tone. The ZAD80 is much easier to play than the Martin D-21 I played for 35 years.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
If I walked into a guitar or music store and tried this guitar without knowing anything about it, I would guess that its retail price was $1900-2300. This guitar is really a great value, bringing wonderful quality to those who might avoid $2000 guitars.

How would you rate customer support?

Superb. Friendly, prompt, and eager to make it a pleasant experience, almost like being in a small, personal luthier's shop.

Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?

I heartily recommend Zager guitars! While it can seem a little odd to try a guitar without playing it first, the no-questions-asked-we'll-pay-the-return-shipping-if-you-don't-like-it policy makes this a true no risk way of getting wonderful instruments at a great price.

Additional comments:

I play for friends, including a retired music professor, Charlie. Charlie never commented on my Martin or my Guild 12-string, but the first time he saw and listened to my ZAD80CE he commented on both the appearance and sound quality.