"I was all set to buy the ZAD20E. In fact, I did just that on a late August 10 Saturday night. On August 11, I ran into a YouTube video Dennis Jr. posted. Wait … what?? A Zager Easy Play ZAD80CE AURA Johnny Cash Black Lacquer Special Edition. Had to do a double-take and then I watched the video 4x. Couldn’t take my eyes off it.

I sent a reply to my email receipt asking if I could switch my order to the J-Cash ZAD80CE. Dennis Jr. replied himself. “Consider it done”, he says. That’s a Sunday night, folks. Right, so let’s cut to the chase.

Within a few days, FedEx makes me feel like it’s Christmas. I’m examining every inch of this instrument in awe. No question it’s the most beautiful guitar I’ve ever seen. Yes, highly subjective, the way something looks, I know. It’s exactly the same as their other ZAD80CEs but this one appears to have been dipped in liquid black gold. Then Dennis Jr. was right when he mentioned in the video that the abalone inlay absolutely pops against that ebony body. To me, it’s reminiscent of stained glass church windows. Maybe that’s why I hear an angel’s choir from the black lacquer sound box every time I open the hard case? I swear!  The rich shade of the bridge over black body accentuates when viewed in natural light. This guitar is so distinctive, heads will turn your way.

Looks aside, the craftsmanship is evident throughout. Lightly trace your finger over the edges and you can’t find a seam anywhere on it. Likewise on the side edge of the neck. No protruding fret notches; smooth as buttah. The gold Grover tuners hold. I strummed upwards of an hour and had to laugh when I put the tuner on it. Strings hadn’t budged. No, I’m not diving into a heavy metal audience with it but still. The ‘easy play’ features give your fingers a break with the slightly widened string placement and neck. Turn it sideways and you’ll see the strings are barely above the fretboard, requiring less pressure. I’m not very experienced so I can’t appreciate the speed this design technique purportedly affords but I can attest that it sure feels a darn site more comfortable. It’s more forgiving on the rushed stroke buzzing, too.

The most important part is how it sounds to YOU. I played a single chord with purpose. Listened. Heard the warmth of the tone and how it resonates for so long. Then strung a few chords together and really listened. Maybe that’s what Mr. Neil Diamond was referring to when he said, “You make me sing like a guitar hummin’. And I haven’t even had time to try the Fishman Aura Pro electronics. That’s it, I’m taking off tomorrow. Sometimes it’s better to just surrender, submit to an obsession.

I had to dig deep to make this purchase but there’s no buyer’s remorse like when you get that sinking feeling in your gut the next day. I just keep finding more reasons to feel good about giving this one a good forever home. With the money back guarantee, I figured I had nothing to lose so no reason not to try it. Maybe this, too, is one purchase you’ll dread … nought. 

Oh and the hard case should be a must-have. Dennis Jr. was right when he said you’ll feel a puff of air when you close it. It’s so tight inside, there’s indentations of the strings in the upper panel. And the customer service is noteworthy. Already mentioned Dennis Jr. answering emails late at night. Then the help@ returned with answers to my questions on Mr. Denny’s video library straight away. Everyone’s really personable and seems to have a genuine interest in making you happy, treat you like a good neighbor. Don’tcha love the good ol’ US of A?
"

"I first bought a Zad80 2005 used. I read that it was easier to play and I needed that. After discovering that it was that and more I then bought a Zad50ce om 2012 used and same again. Sweetest guitars ever. Next I bought a brand new Zad50. Both my used Zad's have had neck resets from the Zager factory and are like new again. I now have 4 Zager guitars and OMG are they awesome!!

I'm 57 novice and have carpal tunnel and arthritis. I almost gave up just before I got my Zad80. Now I play at least an hour a day sometimes much more. "

"I own at ZAD80CE Black and its beautiful. Cedar top, rosewood sides. I've been playing fo 10+ years now and have tons of experience. They have the best customer support and the best guitars. Anyone who bashes these guys doesn't know what they are talking about. They are legit guitars for 1/2 the price and sound as good as Martins...if not better. I will only buy from them in the future. "

" I own a Zager ZAG 50CE BK and I liked it so much that I recently purchased a Zager ZAD 20/N from a seller from New Jersey. The guitar had a bad tuner when it arrived and I contacted Zager through the Chat option to see if I could buy a tuner to replace the bad one. Zager sent me a free replacement tuner no questions asked. I am so impressed that they would stand behind their product even though I was not the original owner. I am happy with the was the Zagers play and sound. I also own a Taylor and a Martin that are living in their cases because the Zagers are the ones I am playing. Thanks again!"

"A few years ago I was over at a local Guitar Store on a limited budget trying out some out the lower priced Martins (MIM). Nothing was doing it for me but then I tried out a used Zager ZAD-50CE and was amazed, the action, sound and quality were beyond perfect! Yes I bought it and will never sell it, it is the finest acoustic I have played.

Having never heard of a Zager and a bit wary at first my doubts quickly vanished I just purchased it on being an amazing playing guitar."

"As always, Zager guitars are a fine piece of equipment. The customer service is the best I think you could have. Great to work with!"

"Recently I bought a Zager ZAD50 acoustic guitar. I purchased it sight unseen and coming from Australia there was no easy way that I could have tested Zager instruments prior to the purchase. Success. The guitar is beautifully made, the service from Zager Guitars is second to none and my 'name' guitars have some very real competition. Thanks to Denny, Dennis and the Zager family."

"The ZAD80CE is the first 'premium' guitar I have had the pleasure of owning. Even accounting for new strings, the sound is second to nothing I have ever played. The bass end is resonant and rich and the treble end is bright without being twangy. A beautiful mellow sound that packs a punch!"

"Received guitar one week after order. Like others, I was a bit worried about spending so much sight unseen. However, the company policies and good reviews convinced me to give it a try. The setup was perfect right out of the case. A few free surprises in the case too! Can’t wait to get it on stage."

"It's difficult not to sound like I'm exaggerating when I talk about this guitar. All the reviews seem to be so glowing that you'd think they're too good to be true; but these things are LEGIT. I don't know what kind of hidden magic is involved in making them this way, but I can absolutely attest to the end result.

I ordered a discounted ZAD900CE. The guitar arrived and played great, but their was an issue with the tuner. They sent me a brand new guitar, kept the original discounted price, and let me hold onto the first one while I waited for the replacement. I never waited more than an hour for a response to questions, and I often got responses in under 10 minutes.

The guitar itself is incredible. I'm playing for longer stretches of time, because my fret hand isn't getting cramped anymore. The only guitars I've played that have been easier on the hands than this one have been electric. The sound is DEEP and rich. It sounds great all around and everything rings clear, but the low end is particularly impressive - this thing really projects. It sounds great amped up as well. Not to mention, it's just pleasant to look at. It's pretty without being overdone. I really like the abalone inlays and logo.

I couldn't be happier with my guitar or this company. The customer service is top rate, and the guitar lives up to the hype."

"My wife bought me a Zager Parlor in December of 2017 and I have been playing it since. I own a number of other guitars and have been playing on and offfor over 40 year without much progress. After I received the EazyPlay Parlor electric my preactices become more consistant and more productive. I have some join pain in my left hand, my freting hand, and the way they set up their guitars helps me practice for greater periods of time. The sound of the little guy is suprisingly rich.

Later I came across a Tonewood AMP System it is great for taking the guitar camping and still being able to have amplified sounds. The Tonewood AMP causes the body of your guitar to act as speaker for the amplified sounds.

I am so glad we decided to go with a Zager."

"I was a bit apprehensive spending $1200 for a guitar that I couldn't play before buying but the materials they use and their return policy convinced me to try. I spent a lot of time playing Martins, Taylors, and other fine guitars priced up to my $2500 budget. This ZAD50CEOM in my opinion is just as well built, attractive, and sounds every bit as good as the most expensive others I looked at. And the ergonomics and playability are far superior to all the others. Their customer service is prompt and they give 110% to make sure their customers are happy! All this and a lifetime guarantee makes a Zager purchase a no brainer. Many thanks to all at Zager Guitars! "

"My whole experience looking for and buying a Zager Parlor guitar has been excellent. It started when I sent an email to Zager to find out a couple more thing about the spec on the guitar. I could not believe it when 15 minutes later I had a reply in my inbox from Dennis Zager. He gave me all the information I needed and more. What impressed me the most is, at this point I was just looking and did not know what guitar or manufacture I was going to get. And many months later when I decided to go with Zager. I ended up doing many chats with Dennis. He went above and beyond to make sure that the issues I was having where taken care of. I could not ask for anything more from Zager. When my Easy Play 38″ Parlor Size Solid Mahogany Acoustic & Electric arrived. It was in pristine condition. And when I started to try out the Parlor. The Sound, Resonance and Sustain of this Zager Parlor Electric. Just blew me away. I have tried and played a lot of guitars since 1984. But none of them whether they were more expensive or cheaper than the Zager. Came close to the way the Zager sounds. I just cannot figure out why the Zager Parlor is so much better than the other guitars I have played. I don’t know if it is because it is built with top of the line components and wood. Or because of all the skill and knowledge Zager has accumulated. Building and tweaking his design. I have decided it must be a little of both. And the expert woodworking and setup skills of Mr. Zager. I am very happy I choose the Zager over its competitor’s. It sounds Great now and can only imagine what it will sound like when it gets older. So if you are looking for a well-built guitar. Made and setup with great skill. Try a Zager. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

B Johnson
A very Happy Zager Parlor Guitar owner.
"

"Wonderful communication and the guitar is beautiful "

"I was looking for an acoustic guitar that would work for a variety of situations. As a musician for my church, I have situations that require plugging into the sound system as well as playing in small group situations. I looked at Martins and Taylors- and they are fantastic instruments but extraordinarily expensive. I looked at cheaper brands, but they just couldn’t cut it.
I saw an add for Zager on Facebook and checked them out. Something inside me said “take a risk” so I did. I ordered the guitar and had several emails exchanged with Dennis Zager, Denny Zager’s son. He kept me up to date as his father built the guitar. How cool is that!
Two days ago, my guitar arrived, and I was stunned. The sound, the playability, and the feel of the instrument is exquisite. For about half the price of a Taylor or Martin, I have an instrument that rivals and in a lot of ways beats those two brands. I am so very happy with my new guitar and am glad that I went with Zager.
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