I am writing my review in a format familiar to any YouTuber. I have owned the guitar for 10 days.
I recently purchased Zaar Guitars Z690E during a sale, which included a hard case for under $1000, paired with a reassuring 60-day no-questions-asked return policy. Initially skeptical due to its overseas manufacturing, the policy provided the confidence I needed to proceed. This guitar has thoroughly impressed me, earning a well-deserved 5-star rating for its ease of play, exceptional note clarity, and crazy long sustain (unplugged).
**Unboxing and First Impressions:**
The Z690E arrived well-packaged, with the guitar itself housed in a sturdy hard case. Visually, the guitar is flawless. It features an innovative fretting hand cutaway and a comfortable bevel for the strumming arm—both of which enhance playability and aesthetic appeal.
**Setup and Playability:**
Despite its price tag, the Z690E required some unexpected initial setup. Once adjusted, however, it offered superb playability and acoustic performance that could easily rival higher-priced models. The guitar functions beautifully both unplugged and amplified, allowing for versatile tone adjustments on any rig setup.
**Challenges and Adjustments:**
The main challenges I encountered involved the high E-string breaking during standard tuning and noticeable string tautness. Rotating the tuning post (180 degrees) and moderately tightening the locking knob resolved the string-breaking issue. Additionally, I plan to lower the saddle to address the string tension further. A minor truss rod adjustment and a brief environment acclimation period resolved some fret buzz on the lower strings. While these setups were not anticipated for a guitar at this price point, the quality and performance of the Z690E justified the effort.
**Conclusion:**
In retrospect, had the guitar arrived perfectly set up, I would have felt like I snagged a $2000 guitar for half the price. Considering the adjustments, if I had access to a trusted luthier, even a $200 setup fee would have left me satisfied at a total of $1200. The Z690E remains in tune, plays wonderfully, and looks spectacular. It’s a testament to Zaar’s commitment to design features, quality control with their vendors and all at a price that allows anyone to enjoy the experience of a high end acoustic guitar.
