[mkelley71]

From my understand his guitars are just set up for extra light strings. I would be curious if the Zager’s braced the top a little lighter. I think there are better values out there.

[mkelley71]

Scale length of a typical dreadnought is 25.36 or 25.5 inches in most Martin style copies. This measurement is from nut to saddle.

Shorter scale on a typically found on a 000 is 24.9″ (not to be confused with a Martin OM which is 25.36″) or 24.75″ for a J-45.

Shorter scale equals

1. Less string tension to tune to pitch

2. Less space in between frets ( I notice this on that pinky stretch)

3. Slightly darker sound

4. Easier bends

But

1. Highs may not be as “chimey”

2. Some may not be as loud

3. Lower scale length may seem floppy in drop D.

Try one out at your local music shop to see if it is for you.

Happy New Year !

[mkelley71]

If you can up your budget slightly, I picked up an Eastman E10-OMSB that rivals any Martin 000-18 GE for 750.00. I have Martin, Gibsons, Recording Kings, which BTW the RD 327 is a great guitar, my brother bought one, my Eastman E10-OM gets more playing time. The 12 inch radius fretboard adds a little more curvature for ease of fretting, the shorter scale length is easier to play, I play this guitar for most of my Tac lessons. Eastman is not your typical factory, it is a shop of Chinese luthiers who really take pride. I am a made in the USA guy when possible, but good quality is good quality. Check out the E1OM. I am sure street price is around your budget.