Zager ZAD 50 Review By Fred Ross

Features : 10

Solid Spruce top, Mahagany back & sides.Rosewood fingerboard and bridge.Grover seales tuners.BEAUTIFUL two-color sunburst on top (even though the website shows three color).

Sound : 10

Rich, full and bright sound. Not quite as loud as other dreadnoughts, due to extra light strings. The average player will probobly not even notice this. Beleive ir not, this guitar really does compare with guitars in the $1500-$2000 price range. You have to hear it yourself...

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10

I admit to being a guitar snob. I generally only buy USA made instruments made prior to 1970 (with the exception of Fender Custom Shop guitars- Well done Fender!)The set-up is better than ANY acoustic guitar I have owned or played. No, the action is not as low as my original '57 Strat, or my Custom Shop '62 reissue Strat, but the transition is very easy. I have examined this guitar with a magnifying glass and can find no flaws. Binding, rosette, bracing, frets, all perfect. I only wish it has a front strap ped, & will add one.


Reliability/Durability : 10
I've only owned this guitar for a week, but I'm confident that this guitar will be as durable and dependable as any fine acoustic. These are not solidbody guitars, folks, and require a little extra care and protection.After 35+ years of playing, I avoid Mr. Murphy by always having a back-up. (Now you understand why a guitar snob would buy a $600 guitar). But my ZAD-50 will NOT only be used as a back-up!


Customer Support : 10
Dennis Jr. answered all questions promptly. Try that with other companies and be prepared to grow a long, white beard.


Overall Rating : 10
I do not know the Zager's personally. I have no financial interest in their business. I primarily bought this guitar because transporting, insuring, and mothering more than one vintage Gibson or Martin kinda takes the fun out of a gig. Get a SM57, a good sound guy, and you're in the money. My next guitar purchase WILL be a ZAD80-CE.