ZAD-80 OM

With small fingers the fret action is perfect

This is what first attacted me to this guitar. It has a deep warm sound that exceeds $3000 like guitars

I take this guitar everywhere I go. I just lived 2 years in Italy and people just couldn't believe the sound from this guitar

It was great buying experience and a few years later Zager was still there and cared deeply about my guitar

I'm 51 and played since i was 13. All 3 of my boys play...better than Dad They have other name brands, but they argue over my Zager

WOW !!! - Denny Zager sure knows what he is doing!!! My Zager ZAD-80 OM is a steel string acoustic, a little smaller than the full-size guitars. The body is 19" long - lower bout is 15.5" across, upper bout is 11.5". It has a 25.5" scale, 14 frets clear of the body, 20 altogether. Its face is solid cedar, I believe its gorgeous back and sides are a laminate rosewood. The sound-hole and the outer facing edging are gorgeous abalone, with white binding on the sides. The fingerboard is rosewood. Gold Grover Tuners. Martin style rosewood saddle. I purchased the excellent Zager hard-shell Case for $95 extra. Visually it is most attractive. Everyone comments on that. Mine says"6-8" on the inside label, so I guess it was dialed-in by Denny Zager in June of '08.

The guitar came PERFECTLY set-up!! That's what Denny Zager Excels at! Plus his system of "Zager String Science" ensures a much easier instrument to play. This is dramatically noticeable when you press the strings down on the fingerboard, but is is also plainly clear in strumming the strings. It is pure joy to finger-pick the strings when they are easier to pick!! My Zager ZAD-80 OM is pure quality. It is quite gorgeous. Visually as well as audibly. Indeed it is most properly "bookmatched,"  -- not only on the top, but also on the back and sides. A real pleasure to behold, without being at all "gonzo." There is a very small spot of thin finish on the face of the guitar, near the edge of the lower bout. It looks as though the wet finish was bumped and a little came off, leaving it a little thin in one spot. This is the only "imperfection." The company was quite willing to ship it back and replace the guitar with another, free of charge (including shipping), but I decided not to bother. I just plain love the guitar I have far too much. It is barely noticeable anyway.

I have been learning guitar playing for about two-and-a-half years now. I'm learning standard rock'n'roll strumming, as well as utilizing all four fingers and thumb for finger-picking, trying to develop the fullest possible range of styles. I've searched through much written material, especially via the internet, scoping out from many reviews, what seemed best for me. I've tried a few and own some. I own a Schecter Ultracure, a Taylor T-5 (cocobolo), a Taylor 714ce, a Gretsch 6120TM, a Gretsch 6120JR, a Rogue Dreadnought "ce," a Wechter 1735 acoustic/electric, a Baby Taylor, and a Jack Lowe Classic. I've tried (and didn't like) the Cordoba 55RCE, the Wechter 1730, the Wechter 3135, and the Gretsch G5120. Of all of these, the little Zager "ZAD-80 OM" has got the sweetest sound!!! I'd say the Schecter Ultracure is close to it in quality of sound, but it's a whole 'nother animal, being hardcore electric - like comparing medium-rare steak with chocolate souffle. Acoustically, my Taylor 714ce has been my beloved friend. I've not heard a Taylor 814 or a 914, nor other high-end acoustic Taylors, nor Martins. But the 714ce ain't half bad. And I dearly loved it and figured it would carry me well into the future in my playing development, until someday I might be worthy of something even finer. But comparing my Taylor 714ce chord to chord with the diminutive Zager ZAD-80 OM was an education in itself. You should make a similar comparison to see what I'm talking about! The 714ce was hopelessly and decisively outclassed! I even felt a twinge of regret for my beloved Taylor, but that was instantly overcome by my delight at finding something so superior! First, each note and chord will please you massively. To hear these chords so pure, so sweet, and full, like you may have never heard them before. It has been vividly clear from the first time I struck the first chord on my Zager, that the Taylor had been totally surpassed. Not only does each note and chord sound sweeter and richer than I've heard before, but the Zager's sustain just keeps on singing along while the Taylor 714ce fades away. It is obvious why. Denny Zager has developed a more efficient "string science" system that does not use needlessly heavy strings. Apparently no one thought enough on this before. Zager guitars utilize a different set of guitar parameters which include, lighter gauge strings, thinner braces, less tension on the truss-rod, neck, strings, and everything. This results in a sweeter, yet richer sound, that is easier to play and yet produces at least as much volume. This is not theoretical any more. The proof is in the playing of his guitars. I am happy to own one, so I know what I am saying. This quality sound extends throughout the octaves, from the highs to the basses. I cannot think of anything negative about it. I only regret that Denny Zager is retiring this year! I am planning to sell my Taylor 714ce and have already ordered a Zager ZAD-80 as well!!

The physical parameters that make this guitar so astounding is essentially an overall lightness. Because the strings are a lighter gauge, they require less tension on them to keep them in pitch. The lessened tension on the strings requires a corresponding lighter or thinner bracing, so the face resonates more easily. Likewise, not as much tension on the truss-rod is required. All of this makes for a significantly easier guitar to play. This may take some getting used to, but only in a pleasant way. Although a heavy-handed player may be hard on the guitar and wear it faster than he would on a more robust instrument, the robustness of the stronger instrument is only required for the heavier-handedness. I fully believe that the Zager is fully robust enough for one who plays it the way it is designed to play. One out of sync with his instrument would not be an a great guitarist anyway!

Zager instruments come with a lifetime warranty. The Best in the business.

If this guitar was lost or stolen, I definitely would try to replace it. As it is, I have already ordered another Zager, the ZAD-80. I expect that eventually I will be able to afford (and will then get) the Zager ZAD-80ce. And I would like to get the Zager 3/4 size travel model to replace my Wechter 1735. And I could see getting other models, possibly. As you can see, I am very fond of Zager Guitars!!! The best features it has, are: Its incredible beautiful voice. Its incredible ease of playing! Its incredible looks! And its incredible company support! NO KIDDING!!

Zager's top of the line OM body style. Solid cedar top. Abalone inlay around body. Laminated rosewood back and sides. Gold Grover tuners. High Gloss finish. Nice looking guitar. Custom action set up by Zager.This company claims they have a magic set up to make your guitar play easier. It is really just a good set up that anyone should have done once they buy a guitar. Strings are extra light Martins.

The set up and action on this guitar are first rate. Intonation is dead on. Nut slots are evenly spaced and properly cut. No string binding anywhere. Like I said, the only buzz you will here is from the light strings becasue you are picking to hard. Either put on heavier strings or play lighter.

I love the sound of this guitar played with my fingers. I also play it with a pick. The extra light strings make it easier to play but detract from the sound some. The sound is warm and round with only the occassional buzz from the strings if you pick too hard.

So far, so good. Everything looks top class for a guitar made in Indonesia. The quality of this guitar is really spectacular.

Best support in the business. Not sure I believe everything they say. Warranty is for the life of the guitar. Emialed the compnay and each time received a reply within an hour.

I paid $745 for this guitar, which I think is overpriced for a guitar made in Indonesia. It should really be about $400 compared to other guitars of similar quality and build. That said, I really like the quality and sound of this guitar. I even like the extra light string gauge that came standard on it. Bottom line is that it is a good guitar with a goood set up. There is no magic science. I wish Zager would just be honest and let the guitar speak for itself, instead of trying to say it has all this patented custom work done to it. I took the chance - tried it -and liked it - so I am keeping it.