Buck62

Check it: http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musician/Guitar/Setup/MakeNewSaddle/newsaddle01.html

I have an old Yamaha FG-335II that I bought brand new in 1981. I've had a dozen or so other acoustics that I've bought since then (including Martins, Taylors and Breedlove guitars) but sold them all and still kept my old FG. Next on my list is a hand-made Yamaha LL16. I was curious about the Zager's, but I just can't get over how much incredibly great the LL16 sounded and played when I checked it out a few weeks ago. It rivals my partners $2,500 Northwood guitar... seriously.

Out of curiosity I ordered and received a Zager 80 and at the same time I received a used Larrivee D 05. The Zager played easy and sounded clear. I played the Larrivee and it sang. For about the same money, the Larrivee was hands down the better guitar in sound and build. The Zager was sent immediately back. No questions asked I received my full money back from Zager. Zager warranty and service A+ a serviceable guitar but expensive for what is out there and a C to C+ on Value to Sound. (First purchase of a guitar in 20 years, rookie player, first post) Cheers. Thanx for the post, it was most informative!

I see a lot of spam here for these Zager guitars and how great they are. But in every several acoustic guitar forums I visit (very reputable ones) they say that Zagers are kinda junky or of marginal quality, sometimes having poor fretwork, so-so tone, etc, etc. Is it possible that the other opinions are wrong?... or dead on correct? From their website, they look pretty decent to me. But I have no personal experience with them, other than what I've read, which seems to be... well, not very enthusiastic, to say the least. Yet, at this place, I see folks who swear by them. Admittedly, I don't hang in this forum as often as most of you, so maybe I'm missing a big joke here. Anyway, here's your chance to sound off on these guitars. Your opinion will be just as valuable as the overt spammers that have plagued this forum. So, here we go... let's put this to rest! Zager guitars, yay?... or nay? Inquiring minds want to know! (poll to follow) (Edit: I'm going to be buying a new dreadnaught with my tax return money and would consider a Zager if they're really as good as people claim.) .

Originally posted by lunetta77 I want to practice while my wife studies, but this guitar is way too loud even without amp. any ideas? A new wife?

I have one, too... a '77 FG-335. I bought it new in 1978. Contrary to a previous post, the FG-335 is not a solid top, it's laminated. The back and sides are laminated rosewood, but a few were made of mahogany. Also, these were made in Taiwan, not Japan. The value of the guitar isn't very much, maybe $250, tops, if it's near perfect. On the upside, though, the FG-335's from that era sound as smooth and warm as any Martin built around that same time. They have an incredibly sweet, mellow tone and, as one previous post said... they're "built like a tank." Laminated guitars tend to be a bit sturdier and less prone to go out of whack because of temperature changes. The bottom line is, it's not a collector, but it's a sweet guitar that will last forever. It's a keeper!