Zager zad50ce Review

Kenton McGlone < kentonmcglone@comcast.net >
Model: zad50ce

How did you hear about this brand?

I heard about Zager guitars when I accidently stumbled onto your website, and started to read all of the reviews. They looked nice, and well built, and upon reading the Harmony Central reviews which I put a lot of stock in, I became intrigued. Many of the players (buyers of Zager guitars) were older players such as myself (I play for my own enjoyment), and they loved them, so I had to look into it. The more I read, the more interest I had in playing one. The old vets of vintage guitars can't all be wrong about Zagers!

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

My old Guild (G37) is a classic guitar with deep rich tones, and the Zager isn't near as deep with the bass, but it's overall brightness of sound is clean and full. It is easier to play on the lower 9 frets, but is not quite as easy on the barre chords higher up (I don't know if my saddle is a little too high, as friends have taken notice of the high saddle). I should call to ask. It plays well overall, and sounds excellent, so I find myself playing for long periods of time. (And enjoying it!)

What's your favorite part about this guitar?

The overall outstanding craftsmanship in which it was made. The care to detail, and it's beautiful finish and look. I had an issue with the sitka spruce (cosmetic grain of the wood), and at first did not like it. Denny Jr. was very up front with me and gave me every option with the guitar (keep and play it for awhile, send back for refund, wait for exchange, etc...). It was excellent advice as the marks have grown on me, and I look at it totally differently now. I find myself staring at it's beauty and uniqueness, and I have to put a plug in for the beautiful abalone detailing! The sound is also excellent, so that is why I can't see myself letting this one go.

If you didn't know the price of this guitar what would you estimate the price to be?
I'm not much of a price guy, but easily twice the cost, and that is why this guitar was such a fantastic find (and deal). I did play some Taylors that were easy to play and did sound good (twice the cost) , as were some of the lower end Martins, but the ZAD50CE is right there with them in my humble estimation.

How would you rate customer support?

Excellent would be the rating, as I have had nothing but positive transactions with Denny and whoever is emailing back. The before mentioned issue was so well handled by Denny as he totally understood where I was coming from. He gave me every option to handle it, whereas another company wouldn't go there in most cases. I am a proud owner of a guitar that is extremely well built, in which the manufacturer stands 100 percent behind, and will be more than willing to help out if there is a problem. What more do I want?
Would you recommend this guitar to others…if so why?

Very much so. For the very reasons mentioned and answered before this question. Outstanding craftsmanship (hard to find nowadays!), high end quality, excellent customer support, and excellent sound. All good reasons to do business with you!

Additional comments:

Thanks for being so affordable, and great to do business with, and for the great product. My only wish is to put gold Grover's on because I love gold with the light browns of the African Mahoghany, and the saddle issue which may need to be resolved? I measured the height of the strings at the 12th fret and it is 3/16" and almost 4/16" (1/4") at the last fret? It plays well, and sounds great.....so? I also feel as many others did, that the case is great. It is a nice case for the money, and looks great, not to mention the humidity reader! Thanks again for everything.