Zager Acoustic Guitar Review - Sound Samples Zager, Martin & Ibanez

[@RollingStoneZzzzz]

Zagar guitars are by far the best bang for your buck out there today! Such quality built in by Denny Zagar! Your guitar sounds AMAZING just on my cell phone. I own a 2012 Sigma Martin's lower end guitar. However Martin did a small run that Denny Zagar built in 2012. My Sigma sounds just as good as any really expensive guitar. Priced at about 500 dollars in 2012 built by Denny which makes it a collectors item. I love Zagar! Thanks for being honest.

[@cargueone1971]

You can’t hand build a guitar for $500. Even Yamaha couldn’t in the 1970’s

[@hurleymediatv]

@@cargueone1971 How do you think they're built, if not by hand?

[@mikes3703]

Denny Zager does not make guitars. They are built for him in Indonesia.

[@RollingStoneZzzzz]

His son Dennis Jr. told me Sr. built my guitar in 2012. Maybe he is full of it. 🤔 Das 😎 all.

[@VanHindorff]

@@RollingStoneZzzzz kzbin.infog0vE2sA8mIQ?feature=share

[@janettedewar6617]

Zager is the best guitar I've owned and I've owned quite a few different guitars and tried out loads more. The neck is the best in comparison to Martins, Taylors, Tanglewoods etc

[@s.lander1751]

Having owned all these guitars too, Zagers have a more playable neck. There is a midrange sound that I prefer when in a group as it takes up less sonic space, but not for solo work. The boominess of the Martin hides mistakes and the sustain of an Ibanez makes a longer sound for slow pieces. If I could only own one, it would be the Zager.

[@michaelsmith9544]

I have the lighter colored one. Bought it about seven years ago. I love mine, glad I bought it.

[@chrisclarke3670]

Nice review; I have a Zager 80 (cedar top). Nice guitar, but I agree with you on their strap and strings. I did get very good customer support from them.

[@hurleymediatv]

Thanks, Chris! Yes I will say, their email support was very friendly, and fast. One other thing I forgot to mention in the video. I asked Zager support to email me a photo of the actual guitar I would be receiving. The guitar I received, was not the one in that photo. It didn't even have the same color bridge pins. I do love the guitar though. I'm glad I kept it. I was really hoping my constructive criticism would help them see the things they need to iron out, in order to make their company 100% perfect. Cheers!

[@DaveCaulkins]

I own the ZAD80 and am absolutely in love with it and really like their coated pillow touch strings as well . I’ve had other players of high end guitars play my 80 at jam sessions and all commented on the warm bottom end , mid , shimmering highs and volume my 80 has . They’re also impressed with the consistent low action correct neck angle from nut to end of fret board . Good product and never had any problem with their prompt customer service when I had any concerns / questions . Very pleased !

[@russellroth5718]

NIce review. I just want to point out that you're comparing a rosewood backed Zager to a Mahogany Martin. Mahogany naturally has a deeper, rounder sound than rosewood. Just something for people to be aware of when listening to the sound samples. I was really happy to hear you talk about the feel and playability of the guitar as well as the customer service - a good honest review. Thanks for the info, in that price range, I'd definitely stick with a decent mid-range Martin or Taylor.

[@hurleymediatv]

Thanks for your feedback. I didn't really mean for it to be a comparison, as in which one sounds best etc. It was just to let people hear what they sound like. The specs for the Martin are listed at the end of the video, regarding it being Mahogany. It was my first KZbin review. I promise I'll do better next time. Cheers!

[@e.assatawright2833]

I really like the sound of Zager guitars. Thank you for this honest review.

[@DaveCaulkins]

I love my ZAD80 . Playing guitar for 60 plus years and owned many different brand of acoustics . This 80 of mine gets compliments by other players at our jam sessions . The two things mentioned is the volume and low end punch . It cuts through acoustically without overplaying especially the B&E strings playing lead . I love their coated pillow touch strings and about to order more. They seem to last longer than others , and I can play longer without sore fingers . Their customer service has been very prompt and helpful . All the way around , I’m really happy with their product . I love the craftsmanship , sound and playability . And the price was very doable for me . Score!!! PS. The case is excellent ! The hole package was superb !

[@rogerd9150]

Great job. I’m sure I couldn’t have done even that good. Dang I’m a Martin guy in general but I think it sounded about the same as the others. I assume it was the recording equipment/settings.

[@AdamRobison-x8x]

Im in pa. I spoke with Denis Jr on the phone. I bought a 900 dreagnaught and next to a 66 martin d 28 this is the best guitar ive played . Im 45 years old and played every brand. I absolutely love my zager. Im not trying to make a sales pitch but the 900 is a cannon and its an afordable high end guitar. I wouldnt trade it for a pack of horses . The comoany treated me great.

[@chadandrews98]

I had my Zager for two days and wanted to return it according to the 30 day no questions asked return policy. Zager said no because you ORDERED it over 30 days ago. They did accept the return after I wrote the BBB

[@johnnygreenway3579]

I'm looking at the ZAD50CE Solid African Mahogany Acoustic Electric to buy. I really love the finish on it. I've read so many people complaining about Zager guitars, so I'm not sure. I did check them out on BBB and they have an A rating. I'm 67 and have only been playing for about 7 months. I'm interested in getting a good electric/acoustic guitar. Thanks for a very good video. Your playing was very good.

[@rickwillette]

I bought the Zad80 aura about two years ago , the longer I have it the better it sounds . I did have a problem with the fishman pickup also . but I really enjoy playing this guitar

[@protrudamus]

I, too. have a Zager 900CE guitar. Your's sound better than mine. Your review is very good. The social media content for Zager guitars is very heavy with a strong pro bias. I like a lot of things about Zager guitars, but their follow through from their customer service is spotty (as you pointed out). And, I own and have played other guitars that SOUND more to my liking. Like you, I have elected to keep my Zager and hope that age will treat it well and improve its resonance.

[@TomGarrison-se2lq]

Good presentation John

[@hurleymediatv]

Thanks, Tom!

[@garycraw9781]

Good review. Matches my experience with the same model. A friend with the same model has had problems with the Fishman working properly, the battery going dead way too often and the output jack constantly loosening. To me that sounds all related to the Fishman and installation. My experience: its a good guitar that's nicely made. It's sound is nice, but a bit restrained in tone and projection. I wonder if that's due to the thicker poly finish. It does have great playability and a fine neck profile. I like mine, but I reach for a similar Yamaha more often. It seems to me a bit high priced for a guitar with a poly, rather than a nitro, finish. The overaggressive marketing of the company is way over the top. Thanks for your well done and honest 1st video review. It will be helpful to many folks. Do more please.

[@hurleymediatv]

Thanks, Gary! I really appreciate your feedback. I also agree about the battery not lasting very long. Since I don't plug it in very often, I just leave it dead until I need it.. Cheers!

[@tehillahmusicministries7008]

Thank you for the information about the Zager guitars. I am surprised that for the incredibly expensive amount that they charge you, which to me is ridiculous, that their support is so poor! My Yamaha electric piano which cost me $5,900 has more wood and many more intricate pieces than a Zager guitar. Their guitar prices are way out of line!!!

[@hurleymediatv]

"Their guitar prices are way out of line". Out of line with what? If you know of a equal spec'd acoustic for less than the ZAD900CE post it here for all of us to check out.

[@JustChiminin]

Nice honest review. Well presented and edited. I own the ZAD50CE and my assessment of the sound and build quality is similar. This model comes with the Fishman Presys pick up powered by a 9V battery. It sounded great right out of the box. I've played it live on stage with a band and it cuts through nicely in the mix. Far superior to my older Alvarez and Epiphone guitars in sound and playability. The hard shell molded case with humidity gauge is also first rate. The nice quality leather strap is far too short to be useful, in my experience as well.

[@hurleymediatv]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I do like the Fishman pickup, once I got it sorted out. There's many images to choose from. One thing I noticed, is there are no Zager images in their Mac software. Not a big deal though, there's many others to choose from, and I can load them using my PC if I want to use them. I hope I get a chance to use it in a live situation. I thinks that's where it will shine. Been a long time since I've done any gigs though.

[@johnnygreenway3579]

ZAD50CE Solid African Mahogany Acoustic Electric Hello, is this the guitar you purchased? I love the looks of this guitar and want to buy one. What has your experience been? Thanks.

[@JustChiminin]

@@johnnygreenway3579 I have the spruce top, mahogany version. It's still a fine instrument. No doubt the all mahogany version would fare just as well I would think.

[@tobywilliams4614]

Thanks for your honesty. Great review!

[@MrRickyspencer]

To me it sounds like the Zager wins for sure , sounds alot better than the other two.

[@RichlandCommunity]

I don’t know, I’ve been curious about Zager, but don’t like not trying one first. To me, and just my opinion the Martin sounded the best both plugged and unplugged. To me the Zager was the worst sounding of the group. I know it’s all about preference, but I no longer have a desire to pursue a Zager now.

[@skeeterman7144]

If I were to choose from pickup audio clips I loved Martins low mids. But It’s all subjective.

[@hurleymediatv]

Thanks for the feedback. Regarding the pickup samples, keep in mind the Fishman pickup in the Zager has many images which can be loaded, and an equalizer. Lots of settings to get the kind of sound you like. Cheers!

[@dougdubson5975]

Good review. Thank you.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I would like to say that Zager makes the best acoustic guitar in the world. They are the best thing since sliced bread. They are better than pre-war Martins and make Jame's Olsen guitars sound average. The only instrument you can compare in quality and playability with a Zager, might be a premium Esteban, but as they say, you get what you pay for. I am so glad Zager came into my life. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I would like to say, they make the best guitar on the face of the earth.

[@hurleymediatv]

Not sure what that's about, but okay...

[@ronedee]

I'll agree that the Zager is the best sounding of the 3, acoustically. I would've returned it within a week! I have zero patience w/ poor QC & Cust Ser. If you are ever looking for another acoustic in the Future, check out Eastman & Yamaha. Flawless, in all categories. And very reasonably priced for what you get.

[@hurleymediatv]

Thanks for your feedback. As I mentioned, Zager support was excellent. I don't really blame them for the Fishman issue. Zager makes guitars, not the electronics. I blame Fishman for the pickup issue, and their lack of support. It's an awesome guitar, and I'm glad I kept it.

[@jeffd4056]

I have a Zagar parlor that I bought a few years ago I like it for at the cabin around the campfire I also have Ibanez lonestars from the 80s and absolutely love them Ibanez makes great guitars I will never get rid of them I just got a fender acoustasonic Strat mia in natural and it is great unplugged and through a amp But ya zagar loves your money but there service is so so and yes there strings are total crap Nice to see the comparison between the three Honestly I liked the Ibanez the best Thanks for sharing

[@hurleymediatv]

Thanks for the feedback, Jeff. I appreciate it. I thought the Zager and the Ibanez sounded very close. Only reason I bought the Zager, is because my wife didn't know what to get me for Christmas. I solved that problem for her... LOL

[@jeffd4056]

@@hurleymediatv Now that’s funny That’s how I got mine also 😂🤣😂

[@thomastehan9477]

Great review, thank you. How did you reset the electronics?

[@hurleymediatv]

With my guitar, I just wrote images using my Mac. Once I did this, it worked correctly on my Windows computer. I assume something was wrong with the internal storage. But there is a reset procedure in the the Fishman documentation. I didn't find this until after I used my Mac. By the way, the Fishman Mac software does not have any of the Zager images... Here's the URL. It's page 16 www.fishman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Aura-Pro-User-Guide-1.pdf

[@thomastehan9477]

@@hurleymediatv Thank you, I did find the procedure in the operating instructions for the system.

[@cargueone1971]

From what I understand, Zager just sets up the guitar and have them built in Indonesia by, i believe Samick.

[@hurleymediatv]

That's been mentioned before. I know they make some of the bracing, but not sure if they ship that to Indonesia, or if they assemble it in Nebraska... It's all a mystery I guess...

[@BurningHearts70]

Proof for any of this? Do you own or have you played one?

[@MrRickyspencer]

I won one , they sound and play great! I play it more than any of the other acoustics I have.

[@sc12100]

They’re all built in Indonesia. There’s no factory in Nebraska.

[@loyannmunyan1174]

I just got a sunburst zad 20 love the sound 😊

[@antoniovillarreal2308]

Awesome review. I'm buying my zager later this month. Thanks 🙏👍.

[@hurleymediatv]

I got an email a couple days ago, saying they were having a deal where they throw in a second guitar. A lesser model of some sort. You might want to check that out. Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@MarkWhittier]

Don’t do it

[@karlkrasnowsky3895]

​@@hurleymediatvyeah, I got that deal on a zag80ce earlier this month. The free ez play is a decent instrument, though I think I'll be gifting it to a family member.

[@lebe220]

All guitars seem to lack the warmth of my rosewood Takamine with cedar top

[@hurleymediatv]

Maybe you could record yours with no processing and let us hear?

[@lebe220]

@@hurleymediatv I will record a song with that guitar next month (I hope). I´ll tell you when it is online. But maybe the guitars on youtube sound so bright because of my laptop. We´ll see...By the way, we are on the brink of WW3. I´ve been warning since 40 years and that´s the reason why i took to writing songs. Greetings from Germany

[@hurleymediatv]

@@lebe220 Greetings to you also! I look forward to hearing your song. Post the link here when it's on YT. Check out my channel for a few I've written. The latest one is called Broken. Regarding WW3: You're right, it's not looking so good. 😞

[@vodkaone1053]

What strings are on it?

[@hurleymediatv]

All of the guitars had Zager light 11-50 gauge (11 14 23 31 41 50)

[@robmiller3464]

I’m laughing so hard because the Martin sounds the best for tone, and it has laminated sides and back. All 3 guitars sound inexpensive honestly. I’ve posted twice my opinion on Zager guitars. I’ve owned 2 and both went back. Heavy truss rod and heavy Grover tuning machines made it top heavy for me. Sonically I think Zager guitars don’t sound woody with a nice tone. There too percussive and tinny sounding. None of the 3 were quality acoustics in my opinion. I’ll just leave it there. Thanks for the video but it only confirmed what I’ve known for years. You did a good job on the video though.

[@djb3545]

Zager sounds great.

[@Cheshirecat-v5k]

They lie. I have that exact guitar. The back and sides are lameness. Can plainly see 3 seams inside that doesn't match the outside.

[@hurleymediatv]

I don't see any seams inside mine. But yes, it does look like the back is laminate, although I don't see anything on the Zager website that states it's a solid back.

[@tomzifertomzifer6944]

Interesting. I am shocked.

[@btlfilmmedia9514]

The Martin sounded the most balanced thenthe zager

[@tbeau6663]

I'd buy a used Pro series Takamine rather than these three

[@dhollongstreet4725]

The Martin just,...at least to me,....does not show up. It is weak in all 3 review recording. Zager and Ibanez are darn close, slight edge to the Zager. In a group song no one would notice. You brought up the strings issue, might be that on all 3 and it would be another review altogether with different strings.

[@hurleymediatv]

Thanks for your feedback. I agree with you on all accounts. Maybe down the road, different strings and maybe try a large diaphragm mic (or two). 🙂

[@MarkWhittier]

I went through the process. I spent the money and received the holy grail guitar. I felt very mislead from the false advertising and the corny videos of Mr. Zager and his “son”…where Mr Zager apparently can’t speak for himself. I’ve been playing since I was 13. I have owned Epiphone, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch guitars. All wonderful instruments with clean heritage. I have arthritis as I just turned 62 and needed to find another solution because it’s not getting better. I borrowed my neighbor’s Taylor 814 to play at an anniversary for a friend and realized I may have found the answer. That…is a quality guitar. I purchased a Taylor 314 and love it. There are no phony e-mails, lies about who made the guitar, full, verifiable disclosure on all aspects of manufacture, history and architecture. The best part is, I don’t have to say…”you know, the guy who had one hit…in the year…” I did get my refund after having to deal with “Denny” (bot) telling me all sorts of crazy things. You all can keep your wonderful ZAGER guitars.

[@hurleymediatv]

I agree, the whole where is it made secrecy thing is pretty lame. I checked out your Taylor 314, but didn't quickly find where it is made. Is your Taylor made in the US, or Mexico?

[@MarkWhittier]

1XX and 2XX Series are made in Mexico. The rest in CA. I just get so upset when companies are deceiful. I just can’t deal with it.

[@MarkWhittier]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOmaJ5sgNp7iaMsi=OrGQbHgpNsIvsHWS This is quality guitar craft. This is not Denny Zager. This is a man who builds guitars and has people like James Taylor and Phil Keaggy playing his guitars. Someone who can show his shop and look in the eye of someone and talk to them without malice and deceit. I know Olson guitars are on a higher level, but that’s what integrity will result in.

[@hurleymediatv]

@@MarkWhittier You're talking $20k... Only guys like James Taylor can do that. Not sure why you're posting that to a video review of a $2k guitar. There's a fine guitar luthier right near, in my home town, who makes awesome guitars, but not a lot of people have that kind of money to spend on a hobby guitar. Check him out here: goodallguitars.com/

[@MarkWhittier]

Sorry about that…I was just dreaming of Olson guitars and saw this video. I was just referring to his level of integrity and thought of the exact opposite of my opinion of the Zager scam story. But you are right…these fine guitars are a dream to this working man!

[@AcousticGuitarsForMe]

Sounds ok but so does a $1000 Yamaha. Way way over priced.

[@BkB5870]

Bought a 900 50th anniversary model. It was a buzzing piece of crap. I sent it back and they say their sending out another. If it isn't awesome it will be sent back for a refund. So far I'm not happy. Be very careful with these guys if they prove me wrong I'll edit my comment.

[@hurleymediatv]

I had the same issue with my b string. When I replaced the bent strings that it came with, the problem went away. The Zager is still my favorite acoustic of the 4 I own, although it should be for the price difference. Good luck with yours. Cheers!

[@BkB5870]

@@hurleymediatv Thanks, I appreciate that. I'm definitely worried about their quality control. It was their most expensive cutaway. The saddle was vibrating so bad. No way anyone could of played this guitar the low E played open made a horrendous buzz. I have a Gibson Hummingbird being re -fretted and needed it When ordered so I'm already losing our waiting for a replacement. I've had to use my resonator and 12 string to get by. So we will see, I'm glad you got a good one. Even at 3,500 some guitars still are crap. So maybe I'll get lucky

[@Jesus_Advocate41]

just found out Zager is NOT hand made. assembled in indonesia. they ship out of Nevada. The wood is laminated. Please don't shoot the messenger

[@hurleymediatv]

The top is solid. The back and sides are laminate. It's not made by robots... Every major guitar maker uses CNC machines to make their guitar parts. I'm not sure how much of the guitar is made in Indonesia, but yes, I assume most of it is made there. I didn't know they ship out of Nevada... Interesting!

[@christopheryack580]

@@hurleymediatv no sales tax in that state....so you pay less for the same guitar

[@davejoe2592]

That while experience sounds disappointing. And for that kind of money you could have gotten a Japanese built Yamaha that would crush that Zager in every single aspect. Many other brands for that matter too. I looked into Zager several years ago and found out that they do NOT actually make the guitars at all, rather they set them up for that "easy play" thing. It's definitely a nice guitar but I personally think you could have done a lot better for the money.

[@hurleymediatv]

Thanks for your feedback, Dave. I'm curious, what guitar did you end up purchasing?