Zager ZAD-50 OM Acoustic

[valentsgrif]

 

The guitar was very easy to play and easy on the fingers, but if you've been playing an acoustic for a while you'll find that the "String Science" really isn't necessary if your guitar has a decent setup and action. The guitar sounds fairly good to the untrained ear, but if you like to pound out the chords for a BIG sound, forget it. The setup and the guitar just isn't built for that type of play. If you are a very light handed player this guitar may work for you.

 

 

Good review. Comports with my expierence.

Keep in mind the target market for these guitars is newer players or those with sensitive fingers. $450 is for this group often a stretch unto itself and the holy grail of tone is not the priority. Ease of play and comfort out of the box is.

 

The Sigma by Martin headstock was shown on my view. The cutaway version is a solid top. Zager himself doesn't push the Sigma's but offers them for those who insist on a "name brand". He readily suggests the Zad 50 and imo its a hell of good guitar.

 

Final thoughts: the Epi Masterbuilt's I've played are good, but somewhat ugly. The set up was on most suboptimal.

 

No doubt a stripped, no frills $850 Martin should play/sound well.

[Hudman]

 

Good review. Comports with my expierence. Keep in mind the target market for these guitars is newer players or those with sensitive fingers. $450 is for this group often a stretch unto itself and the holy grail of tone is not the priority. Ease of play and comfort out of the box is. The Sigma by Martin headstock was shown on my view. The cutaway version is a solid top. Zager himself doesn't push the Sigma's but offers them for those who insist on a "name brand". He readily suggests the Zad 50 and imo its a hell of good guitar. Final thoughts: the Epi Masterbuilt's I've played are good, but somewhat ugly. The set up was on most suboptimal. No doubt a stripped, no frills $850 Martin should play/sound well.

 

 

True, the Zager ZAD 50 is NOT the Sigma brand. It's his own brand and it features a solid top. He proudly displays the Zager name on the headstock on the pictures of his Zager guitars. It's a lot harder to read the Sigma name on his "Martin DM" guitars. His misleading selling technique kills his creditability

 

Even with that said, the Zager ZAD line no better than Alvarez, Washburn and Yamaha solid top guitars that sell in the $200 - $300 range.

 

You can get a full service set-up to fit your playing style between $40 and $60. You don't get a Zager set up for your actual playing style. You get one set up to Denny Zager's playing style. Every guitar comes from the factory with a factory spec set up. Most guitars will require anything from a minor tweak to a full set up to fit the person that buys it (regardless if it cost $200 or $5000).

 

Zager's string science is nothing but setting a guitar up with low action. His "Sigma - Martin DM" nonsense is less than honest. Ultimately, he preys on novice guitar buyers.

 

My advice to everyone is to research and learn about performing basic guitar maintenance. You will quickly discover that it's very easy to set up a guitar and "string science" is "string BS".

[Guitar Hack]

Zagers are decent guitars. They tend to be a little overpriced. I own a Zad-80 which is a very nice sounding guitar and from what I have seen the Zad-50 is also nice.

 

There is a lot of ignorance about these guitars. People compare them to Estabans without ever having seen or heard one. The are good guitars, well made. You will get the "it has a good set up" crowd who say it isn't worth it but of course they are ignorant. The nut is custom in that the strings are set slightly farther apart to allow for easy playing. The action is low. The supports under the top have been filed down to allow the maximum amount of vibration on the top. The frets are leveled. (In your run of the mill set up they generally only put the strings where you want them and check the intonation which is usually free when you buy the guitar there). What the ignorant don't know is that the cost to have the frets leveled is $55.00. Custom nut about the same and then the cost to file down the supports for better sound is also another $50 or so. The set up they usually think if costs $45 around here. But add in the other work and your over $200 to go out and have it done on any other guitar. The thinning of the under soundboard supports can only be done by a luthier. That mean's no guitar techs.

 

Your also going to find the crowd that says this guitar or that guitar blew it away. What they don't tell you is they are comparing apples and oranges often times. The Zad-50 is a mahogany guitar with a spruce top. Different than an HD-28 which is a spruce top and Rosewood back and sides. The Zad 80 is a cedar top with rosewood back and sides. It isn't a Taylor or Martin with a spruce top because it doesn't have a spruce top. Comparing them is silly. It's all a matter of taste.

 

I would have no qualms about recommending a Zager guitar. These guitars are far better than guitars in the $200-$300 range and do in fact rival much more expensive guitars.

[Hudman]

 

Zagers are decent guitars. They tend to be a little overpriced. I own a Zad-80 which is a very nice sounding guitar and from what I have seen the Zad-50 is also nice. There is a lot of ignorance about these guitars. People compare them to Estabans without ever having seen or heard one. The are good guitars, well made. You will get the "it has a good set up" crowd who say it isn't worth it but of course they are ignorant. The nut is custom in that the strings are set slightly farther apart to allow for easy playing. The action is low. The supports under the top have been filed down to allow the maximum amount of vibration on the top. The frets are leveled. (In your run of the mill set up they generally only put the strings where you want them and check the intonation which is usually free when you buy the guitar there). What the ignorant don't know is that the cost to have the frets leveled is $55.00. Custom nut about the same and then the cost to file down the supports for better sound is also another $50 or so. The set up they usually think if costs $45 around here. But add in the other work and your over $200 to go out and have it done on any other guitar. The thinning of the under soundboard supports can only be done by a luthier. That mean's no guitar techs. Your also going to find the crowd that says this guitar or that guitar blew it away. What they don't tell you is they are comparing apples and oranges often times. The Zad-50 is a mahogany guitar with a spruce top. Different than an HD-28 which is a spruce top and Rosewood back and sides. The Zad 80 is a cedar top with rosewood back and sides. It isn't a Taylor or Martin with a spruce top because it doesn't have a spruce top. Comparing them is silly. It's all a matter of taste. I would have no qualms about recommending a Zager guitar. These guitars are far better than guitars in the $200-$300 range and do in fact rival much more expensive guitars.

 

 

The ignorant people actually believe Denny Zager scallops the braces in the guitars AFTER he has them built in a foreign factory to his own specs. The ignorant people also believe he replaces the nut on the same guitars he has built to his specs.

 

You paid too much for your Zager.

 

No need to insult the people here. Live and learn.

[OldGuitarPlayer]

The top luthier/repairman in my city charges $50 for a custom cut bone nut and $30 for a custom cut compensated bone saddle. He charges $90 for a complete setup and fret "leveling" meaning... if your strings buzzed anywhere on the neck before you brought it in I guarantee it will have perfect action the way YOU like it and be buzz free when you go pick it up.

He asks you how you like your action and sets it up accordingly. If you are not happy he will fix it until you are. I have had two guitars worked on at his shop and never walked out un-happy. The best part is if you bring you guitar into him first thing in the morning it will usually be ready for pickup later that day or first thing the next morning, at no extra charge.

 

I would rather give my money to this person... who I am damned sure is a highly skilled and trained luthier (and has the credentials to back it up) than someone like Denny Zager.

 

As far as scalloped bracing is concerned that is normal for any acoustic guitar. It's part of the process and it doesn't make it worth anymore money.

 

I have a Martin 000-15 that is all solid mahogany light as a feather and was perfectly set-up when I bought it brand new with a hard case and it only cost me $900 plus tax. Why anyone would spend $800-$900 on a Zager is beyond me but to each his own!

[Harmonycat]

Thank You Knock and Hud...God Luv Ya!!!

 

New words!!!!!

 

Zagerfied!!!! I love it....and Zesteban!!!

 

"If you don't finish your scales, and stop that cursing when you screw up....I'm going to wash your mouth out with Zesteban!":poke:

 

The soap company will sue....to ban it...then it would be Zest-to-ban!!

 

Maybe the Mark of Zesteban will be a Zero!!!

 

Ya think that the new Zagerfied guitars will be a Tiger Striped 3/4 sized guitar for little boys?

 

Think of the promo picture...The gen--u--ine Laaasss Vegas issue with a picture of him and a little kid....."Zagerfied and Boy"! Keep those tigers away from me.:poke:

[BreedLover]

Anybody who thinks Zager guitars are anything other than junk doesn't know a decent guitar from a dog's ass.

 

It's that simple.

[babablowfish]

 

Anybody who thinks Zager guitars are anything other than junk doesn't know a decent guitar from a dog's ass. It's that simple.

 

 

I wouldn't say they are junk at all. They are simply not worth the money in my and a lot of other people's opinion compared to what else is available. Also, the very low action (which was noticeably absent in the only Zager I ever played) can create problems for aggressive strummers. The are nice looking, decent sounding guitars which, when all is said and done, just aren't worth the price. Estebans on the other hand are really inferior in terms of materials and construction.

[valentsgrif]

So far, we have people who've played one (probably used) or none and have insight on a whole line of guitars.

 

True story: my son's guitar teacher marvels at the sweet action on my new Zad 50. Says to show it to the music owner as it would be ideal for some of his students. Owner is impressed, asks who did the set up. I told him about the company.

 

Owner later tells our guitar teacher that he wouldn't be caught dead selling these guitars. Whats different? Owner can't sell them as they are mail order, direct only.

 

People, take with a grain of salt who is trashing these guitars on here. Even odds its somebody who can't make any money selling them, or does make money doing sets ups on epiphones (or seagulls).

[Scott Fonseca]

I have played a Zager, and I was unimpressed. I wouldn't buy one just because it didn't speak to me the way I feel a guitar should. All he does is set up the guitar, and then charges too much for it. And no, I do not make money setting up guitars. The guitars he uses are cheap guitars, so why not keep your money, get a masterbilt and a set up for 750?

[JasmineTea]

Have never played a Zager, am willing to write them all off as junk.

 

Hud's a commie.

 

So, when are the Swallows supposed to go back to Capastrano, anyway?

 

I suppose with enough booze any guitar will sound like a symphony, been on the wagon, myself.

[Hudman]

Have never played a Zager, am willing to write them all off as junk. Hud's a commie. So, when are the Swallows supposed to go back to Capastrano, anyway? I suppose with enough booze any guitar will sound like a symphony, been on the wagon, myself.

 

Hey fella!

 

I'm a semi-socialist.......

[JasmineTea]

Hey fella! I'm a semi-socialist.......

Ah, that's a load of bolsheviks.

[Pine Apple Slim]

I posted this a while back:

 

A friend ordered one, so I got to check it out. I

[valentsgrif]

 

I posted this a while back:   My friend just got himself a nice 2006 Taylor 310ce off eBay and he couldn

[kevin2306]

i actually considered a zager after reading all the hype, it is easy to be drawn into it all when a little inexperienced!. took loads of advice and settled on my blueridge br163. had it set up as i wanted with a low action etc and all for

[Pine Apple Slim]

 

The ZAD50 or 80's are better.>>>>

The guitar I reveiwed was a ZAD, 50 I guess, lam mahogany B&S, nice well done inlays and binding , well done poly finish. A nicer Sigma branded Zager, but still a Sigma. It was a well built guitar, fit and finish was nice & clean.

 

 

 

a) guitars sould not be viewed as disposable. They should last several lifetimes with proper care and feeding, whether they cost $100, or $10,000.

b)The 310 cost him $1000. He had already been playing for 3 yrs on a beater laminated Yami. He was joining a band and ready for the Taylor now, not 2-3 yr from now. He's set for life except for the inevitable GAS that afflicts us all.

 

>>>

 

Yea, it plays nice, if you play really softly, and never go over X-light strings.

The thing buzzed like a chain saw when you lay into it, and plugged in, the electronics sounded like Donald Duck. The average off the shelf $250 Alvarez, Yamaha, or Sigma for that matter, hanging in any guitar center is a better value, at least you can work on it.

 

1/2 Truth = 4/4 Lie.

[OldGuitarPlayer]

i actually considered a zager after reading all the hype, it is easy to be drawn into it all when a little inexperienced!. took loads of advice and settled on my blueridge br163. had it set up as i wanted with a low action etc and all for

[AugTPD]

 

Of course you can get a Masterbuilt and a set up that is equivalent for $300 more, but most buyers aren't in the loop as to who best can do this work or what the out come of the mods should be. Further, the second your luthier replaces the nut/modifies the bridge the warranty is gone.

 

 

Replacing a nut does not void the warranty on any guitar I know of. And rarely is the bridge on an acoustic guitar ever touched unless it is lifting and needs reglued. The saddle can be sanded, replaced, reshaped, or any number of other things that can affect action and tone without any affect on the warranty.

[Guitar Hack]

 

I stumbled on Zager's web site, and decided on the ZAD 50 after considering the options, I really hadn't done any comparison shopping at this point. I figured for $450 and a 100% satisfaction guarantee there's nothing to lose. The guitar came quickly and it's appearance was excellent in spite of everyone's complaints about being made in Indonesia which is true. The quality of the finish and appointments were good for the money. Solid top with mahogany laminate back and sides, and white neck binding The guitar had a slightly wider than normal neck, X-light Martin DARCO strings. It came with a guitar stand, extra set of strings, picks, and WOW...a Polaroid picture of Denny Zager working on a guitar, oh yeah a T-shirt too! The guitar was very easy to play and easy on the fingers, but if you've been playing an acoustic for a while you'll find that the "String Science" really isn't necessary if your guitar has a decent setup and action. The guitar sounds fairly good to the untrained ear, but if you like to pound out the chords for a BIG sound, forget it. The setup and the guitar just isn't built for that type of play. If you are a very light handed player this guitar may work for you. After playing the guitar for a couple of days, I went to Guitar Center to try out the Martins. OH MY GOD!!! They blew the Zager away with beautiful sound and sustain, however I still maintain that the Zager looked very good at $450. Martins of course are priced into the thousands of dollars but I found a Martin model made for Guitar Center and Musicians Friend. Its called a Martin "Custom D", very spartan looking, no bells and whistles but INCREDIBLE sound. Spruce Top, SOLID Rosewood back & sides, and rosewood fretboard. All for $899 with Martin case at Musician's Friend Sure the Martin is priced higher but the sound is no comparison and isn't that what really matters?! I emailed Zager for a return, they issued a return UPS label at no cost to me, I returned the guitar and was given full credit no questions asked, a real class act on Zager's part . MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT REMOVE THE PICK GUARD PLASTIC, ZAGER OR WILL NOT HONOR THE GUARANTEE. There is no mention of this in his warranty statement If cost is of utmost importance to you, the Zager is a good buy, but for a modest amount more you can own a REAL Martin at an entry level price. I tried the D18, D-28, and D-45, the Custom D sounds very close to the high end Martins. To me the high end wasn't worth the extra $1-$2 thousand dollars more. Be sure to demo other guitars before jumping blindly as I did initially

 

 

Well you know I have a Custom Martin D-15 with rosewood back and sides and a spruce top which is similar to the one you say you purchased. I prefer the sound of the Zager Zad-80. Put the light strings on the Zager before you compare. You can't drive any guitar with extra light strings very hard. Also to the guy who said I should have bought a masterbilt and paid for a set up as well, I would put may Zager Zad-80 up against your Masterbilt any day of the week.

 

To the Martin Sigma people out there. The Zad 80 is not a Sigma and neither is the Zad 50. You are saying a guitar, that isn't a Zager only modified isn't as good as whatever. That low end guitar is a Modified Martin Sigma. The Zad 50 and 80 are entirely different guitars. They are Zager brand guitar. The sigma isn't. Your comparing apples and oranges once again.

 

Anyone who has any question should go to the Zager guitars web site and look at the owner reviews. You will get a more balanced view than from the Zager bashers here. At least the review will be by someone who has actually played one.

[OldGuitarPlayer]

 

Well you know I have a Custom Martin D-15 with rosewood back and sides and a spruce top which is similar to the one you say you purchased. I prefer the sound of the Zager Zad-80. Put the light strings on the Zager before you compare. You can't drive any guitar with extra light strings very hard. Also to the guy who said I should have bought a masterbilt and paid for a set up as well, I would put may Zager Zad-80 up against your Masterbilt any day of the week. To the Martin Sigma people out there. The Zad 80 is not a Sigma and neither is the Zad 50. You are saying a guitar, that isn't a Zager only modified isn't as good as whatever. That low end guitar is a Modified Martin Sigma. The Zad 50 and 80 are entirely different guitars. They are Zager brand guitar. The sigma isn't. Your comparing apples and oranges once again. Anyone who has any question should go to the Zager guitars web site and look at the owner reviews. You will get a more balanced view than from the Zager bashers here. At least the review will be by someone who has actually played one.

 

 

My problem is not about the ZAD 50 or 80. It's about this:http://www.zagerguitar.com/index.php?event=public.guitars.models&model=dm1&id=19

 

This is a blatent ripoff. He is selling a discontinued $100 retail guitar for $495 and then has the nerve to post a testimony from someone saying it's like a $1000 guitar? I guarantee you it's not. I once again am going to tell you that I own a 1989 normal Sigma DM guitar exactly like the one Zager is selling for $495. These guitars when new retailed for $199. I paid $150 for it with a hardcase used but in mint shape. I set it up myself and it plays like butter and sounds like a $100 guitar. The only similar quality it has to a Martin is that yes...it's a Dreadnaught shape. Other than that...it is completely made of laminated wood. My Sigma DM actually has better tuners than the $5 pieces of junk that come on that Zager Sigma. From the reports made by Zager owners here it sounds to me like Mr Zager has ruined these guitars and not made them better.

 

That advert alone is enough to make me not want to buy anything from him.

 

I am happy you like your ZAD 80 or 50 and that in the longrun is truly all that matters...what YOU like.

 

Peace

 

OGP

[Pine Apple Slim]

>>>

 

Before returning the guitar, my friend inquired of Zager about putting on light ga strings. The response was that the Zager guitar and Zager set-up is "designed" for x-light strings, and they could not guarantee there there would be no resulting problems from stringing with anything other than x lights, and if strung with lights they would not be able to honor their warranty or return policy. In other words, "your on your own".

A major factor in his decsision to send it back.

[kevin2306]

That Blueridge you have is one beautiful guitar. I've played them and they are worth every cent. I watched this guy at a music store one day just finger pick the blues like no tommorow on a Blueridge OM and it was amazing. Even he was amazed at the tone

 

yup it is, thats the beauty of going to chat with some1 who knows. its almost too good to be true that you can find a guit with the spec of the br163 for the money.it plays as well as it looks and is a sight to behold indeed.

[arzy]

 

Of course you can get a Masterbuilt and a set up that is equivalent for $300 more,

 

 

Where does the $300 figure come from? If you want, say, a Masterbilt with wide string spacing, get one with a 1.75-inch nut. As for the bracing, others have noted that scalloped bracing is very common and that it's doubtful that Danny Z. hand-scallops once they're built. So what's left? Lowering the action. That means lowering the saddle, plus doing some fret work (anywhere from touching up a few uneven points to leveling, crowning, and polishing all the frets) if they're too uneven to take low action. That shouldn't cost $300.

[arzy]

 

I posted this a while back: . . . Frets: Here is the problem. Shaved down to nothing. Best I could tell they were crowned, but practically nothing left of them. Wear them out in a few yrs, and nowhere to go. Time to trash the guitar.

 

 

This reminds me of a review (with photos) I read of a Zager guitar by the guy who posts on the Internet as "Lumpy":

 

http://www.digitalcartography.com/ZagerGuitar.htm