Can a CHEAP Guitar Be GOOD? | Donner DST-100R Beginner Bundle

We all need to start somewhere, but can cheap beginner guitars be good?
Donner's DST-100R is under scrutiny in this video, watch and discover if it lives up to expectations.
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How to change strings - • How to Change Guitar S...
How to set intonation - • What is Intonation? | ...
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#Donner #Beginner #Guitar
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[@ScienceofLoud]

We all need to start somewhere, but can cheap beginner guitars be good? Donner's DST-100R is under scrutiny in this video, watch and discover if it lives up to expectations. Buy yours here: UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PLY8MNF DE: www.amazon.de/dp/B07PMRXJJ9 www.donnerdeal.com/collections/guitar/products/donner-dst-100r-full-size-39-inch-electric-guitar-red-with-amplifier-bag-capo-strap-string-tuner-cable-and-pick How to change strings - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH-rY3WVg7trr5I How to set intonation - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJaufWyPipuZb5Y Thanks to Donner for funding this video. #Donner #Beginner #Guitar *Description contains affiliate links. Purchasing using one of these links will generate a small commission for CSGuitars at no additional cost to you.* More from CSGuitars: Gain access to exclusive content at: www.patreon.com/csguitars Join CSGuitars Discord - discord.gg/d7b6MY8 Buy CSGuitars Merchandise - www.csguitars.co.uk/store Website - www.csguitars.co.uk Contact - [e-mail] Affiliate Links: Thomann - www.thomann.de/gb/index.html?offid=1&affid=367 Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/2mGGg CSGuitars uses: LEWITT Microphones - www.lewitt-audio.com/ Hoffnine Cabinets - www.hoffnine.co.uk/ Hosa Cables - hosatech.com/ Dragon's Heart Guitar Picks - www.dragonsheartguitarpicks.com/ Title graphics and logo by: www.studiosmithdesign.co.uk/ Join the discussion at: Facebook - facebook.com/csguitars Instagram - instagram.com/csguitars/ Twitter -twitter.com/CSG_Scotland Music available at: Amazon: amzn.to/2HUdXgV iTunes: apple.co/2JvpCjp Google Play: bit.ly/2KgSzkl Or stream on Spotify: spoti.fi/2HuYPTP

[@IvoTrausch]

Side note: Donner =/= Döner

[@ScienceofLoud]

Do not wrap your guitar in a pita bread. It's a bad idea.

[@jameswatson4429]

@@ScienceofLoud can we get a CSGuitars branded pita bread gig bag?

[@ScienceofLoud]

That's a great idea. I'll look into that.

[@pyrael668]

The look of the headstock and overall sound remind of the Yamaha V112 that I have sitting beside me. I had the exact same issues with that guitar when purchased. Now I feel like I should ask where my practice amp is!

[@FriendlyNeighborhoodBallsack]

Adam Neeley would have a heart attack from the music chosen for the unboxing and setup sequences

[@Cthulhu_Awaken]

The final note is missing though.

[@FriendlyNeighborhoodBallsack]

@@Cthulhu_Awaken sadly

[@mauricemusician7636]

@@Cthulhu_Awaken Colin plays the LEC

[@beenis08]

It was bugging me the whole time 😩

[@launder0]

@@Cthulhu_Awaken I know right. It's killing me. Every repetition (legitimizes it) makes me more mad that the ending doesn't come

[@LukeABarnes]

Please use the phrase “small potatoes” more often. This is crucial.

[@kirkbolas4985]

Good point ...although aren’t potatoes more of a thing in Ireland? 🤔

[@phnxsu]

@@kirkbolas4985 I think so

[@SeanLaMontagne]

A lesson in humility. Getting a great tone is not 100% reliant on having extremely high-end gear. It's about having the ears to be able to really dial in a good tone. Seriously the guitar tones that come out of this channel blow my mind every single time.

[@nooralamgir3703]

Getting a good tone is easy if you know how to use torrents lol

[@notoriusdrifter40]

@@nooralamgir3703 It's free real estate bruv. Don't forget the VPN

[@louaguado995]

I gigged for years with Epiphones and Squires and always recieved compliments on my tone. Although I usually added treble bleed circuits and coil splitting, I kept the same electronics

[@moufuzz2759]

Comes with free spring reverb!!! I don't see the problem here

[@azbababooey]

Proving once again that if a guitar has a straight neck, functioning pups, tuners that can hold it in tune and strings that have a relatively playable height...it’s all in the players hands! If you are a good guitarist, you can make anything sound good.

[@certifiedpossum8655]

It's really good to see new manufacturers produce good quality instruments at a such a low price. It opens doors to so much new and younger generations to learn an instrument.

[@Pinnecks]

This entire beginner pack is 1000% better out of the box compared to my first guitar

[@shaggy1202]

Mine too...the neck was cracked and never would stay in tune long...lol

[@GothicXlightning]

There's always that difference between a cheap Guitar and a Bad Guitar

[@springbloom5940]

There are few truly bad guitars, anymore. The problem is cheap instruments are most in need of setup and minor modification, that beginners don't have any clue how to do. This gives the impression that they're 'bad', when the fact is that the same beginner, screwing around with the action, can make a $2k instrument play just as poorly.

[@mcsnickerman7262]

@@springbloom5940 yeah I agree for sure

[@maffooo2040]

6:52 Wasn't expecting franz Ferdinand!!

[@LHoriginal]

Me neither, when I heard it I was thinking "that sounds a lot like take me out" then he played the riff

[@youreallygotmenow4855]

Well, you know, he's Scottish, so the fact that he decided to play a Franz Ferdinand song seems like a pretty fitting choice.

[@riddhimannmukherjee5956]

I almost got a heart attack when he casually threw the amp down

[@Somuntioalt]

I literally went into the comments to see if anyone else was commenting about this! Hahaha I hope it was only the box, not the amp!

[@Krullmatic]

It was only the box!

[@akrmfk]

I'll give it 2 weeks before colin turns it into a pterodactyl frankenstrat

[@noxtrom]

Lol! :D

[@leviismyhusband5411]

What does that mean

[@OliverAmberg]

First unbox everything. Then start modifying the guitar until it's playable. Pure beginner fun.

[@ScienceofLoud]

The important thing to recognise is that nothing I did to make it better is specific to this guitar. I use this procedure for EVERY guitar, regardless of price. You could have the most expensive guitar in the world, if it isn't set up right it'll play like shit. Always do a set up when you take a guitar out the box.

[@MojoStrummer]

Adjusting is not modifying.

[@OliverAmberg]

@@ScienceofLoud If you are a beginner I would recommend to go to your local store. They will set up your new (or used) guitar to your needs. Buy nice - or buy twice and support your local business. Just my humble opinion.

[@wadecarefully]

Honestly, this gave me a great idea. I've been playing for years but never got into setting up the guitar or making any adjustments from my lack of desire and knowledge on the subject. Now that I have kids, I'm thinking about getting them their own guitar set up to learn on, but since it's such a cheap guitar I would be dumb to bring it somewhere to get this set up. Now I have the perfect opportunity to teach my kids the trade of playing guitar AND self teach myself (with Colin's help, of course) how to maintain an instrument without practicing on my MUCH more expensive guitars. Thanks Colin!

[@mk_rexx]

I wish this video does teach beginners to learn how to basic setup early tho

[@harringtonsheritage2380]

Hay mate, love the channel. Back in the 80’s, to pick up a guitar at that price point was non existent. To get one to play like that one did, was non existent. People can’t really complain about quality of starter guitars today. Fab little kit. I would of been impressed as a learner. 😀 choice of colour as-well, gone the days of just black. 🤘 Now I’m older and have nice guitars, I do find starter kits fantastic project guitars. it’s good fun. Keep up the good work and best wishes. 😀

[@Axess-sv8nq]

Jack Pearson plays Squier Strats off the rack. He spent many years in The Allman Brothers playing them. 2 of the founding members were so impressed with his skill and sound that one called up the other and said: "If we don't hire this guy, I'll hire him, myself, for guitar lessons!" Many famous recordings were done without expensive Gibson/Fender/PRS/Ibanez/etc. guitars. So, YES, if one knows how to FULLY set up (and, if needed, upgrade) a guitar, a budget/cheap guitar can be excellent and easily match much more expensive guitars.

[@raulperez2308]

to be fair jack pearson has been playing for decades. also i'm assuming he goes for the classic vibe or vintage modified, which aren't as cheap and miles better than the affinity or bullets

[@jayw7257]

​@@raulperez2308 Actually he has been known to play on bullets, without upgrades.

[@ahoneyman]

Playability yes, durability ehhhh.... I've had a lot of broken jacks, broken switches, and stripped saddle screws on Affinities with my old punk band. My MIM Fender and Yamaha mid level stuff brushed it off like nothing.

[@jayw7257]

@@ahoneyman to be fair durability upgrades like that are very cheap and easy

[@ahoneyman]

@@jayw7257 It's not as cheap as you think. Once you have it apart you mine as well swap out the pots since you're doing the switch anyway. Then you get new saddles and then you look at the trem itself and say "The Gotoh on my partscaster is really nice and that steel block helps sustain. While I'm here I should just do it" Next thing you know you're into $100 in parts on a $200 Squier guitar with meh pickups. Projects are fun when they take something really good and make it great. My Epiphone Les Paul with Duncan 59s and a better bridge is a straight up savage. It was good to begin with and upgrades made it great.

[@AWMJoeyjoejoe]

I don't think I could own a guitar with Donner on the headstock. It would make me hungry every time I looked at it.

[@zoomosis]

I'd be constantly wanting to play "Oh Donna" by Richie Valens on it. Or something by Madonna.

[@warpath6666]

As in The Donner Party? LOL!!! 😄🤣😄🤣 ... get it? Hungry ... The Donner Party 😄

[@stevesoldwedel]

Kebab Strat.

[@yucatansuckaman5726]

@@warpath6666 I don't get it

[@mbgomez89]

Too soon

[@MrPolleyr]

Thanks. I’ve been thinking about getting one of these. You’re the second review I’ve watch for this guitar and both were very positive.

[@jiggy_j6741]

Same

[@dantevious3231]

Did u ever get the guitar

[@MrPolleyr]

@@dantevious3231 ……yes I did and I am really pleased with it. I ordered mine directly from Donner. Didn’t take very long, I’m in Canada. The only colour they had at the time was the antique white, which s almost a pale yellow shade. I would rather have had black, or even red, but with the way things are with supply chains and material availability, I figured I had better grab it. The neck is very nice. With just a few minor adjustments the guitar plays like a dream. I had purchased a Positive Grid “Spark” amp and needed an electric to play through it. I have a Taylor, but felt I needed a full electric to really get the full effect of the Spark amp (which I also highly recommend). Remember…..the Donner is a really good guitar for the price, but it’s not a Stratocaster. If you want the real thing expect to pay 10x the price. Good luck, hope this helps.

[@dantevious3231]

@@MrPolleyr thanks for the advice, I also did order it straight from Donner. I do have one more question to ask if you dont mind. How long did it take for your guitar to reach your house?

[@MrPolleyr]

@@dantevious3231 I believe it was only like 7-10 days, something like that. With all this. Ovid stuff and closed borders I wasn’t really sure how long it would take, but I was surprised to see it so soon. Hope you enjoy it.

[@moki2093]

THE LICK

[@mauricemusician7636]

THE LECK

[@flyingrobotpig]

THE LICC

[@sunrise2982]

Leak?

[@mogmason6920]

D E F G E C D

[@a_random_user_1510]

Tje licc

[@bobbyadamson2333]

No sharp edges on the frets? Wish i could say the same for my Gibson

[@fatabelly]

The neck is less likely to break off too? Lol

[@notoriusdrifter40]

Why the fuck do people buy Gibsons anymore? If they are that bad. Or are the six fucking letters on the headstock more importnant?

[@fatabelly]

@@notoriusdrifter40 yeah they are to the brand snobs. More bothered about the brand than a quality instrument or good value for money.

[@EnterJustice]

Gibsons usually have nibs on the fret ends, unless you're going for a Studio or some model without binding.

[@senza4591]

F

[@johnfrewin7717]

Top tip I always recommend to everyone who wishes to upgrade their budget S-type guitar- many guitarists upgrade their pickups by asking a professional tech to replace the whole pick guard and electronics-which the tech then sells on.... I was able to find such a leftover original Fender Mexico loaded pick guard online for £79 ( less than $100), which was super easy to fit ( just ground & jack socket to solder & maybe one or two pilot holes to drill, which would be covered by the original pick guard which I kept and refitted when I finally had the cash to upgrade the whole guitar) -so much cheaper and easier than buying new better quality pickups and hardware....perhaps CS could do a video showing just how straightforward this is? Love your work 👍🎸🇬🇧

[@saschaschneider6355]

True with one caveat: especially with cheap-o guitars the pickguard shape often is not exactly the same a Squier/Fender would use. Which means that it sometimes looks off because the pickguard does not follow the guitar's shape exactly anymore. Or holes might be showing. Or the cavities do not match exactly. It's a bit of a gamble but it can pay off big time.

[@andytesting123]

79 less than 100 is.... yeah xx

[@saschaschneider6355]

@@andytesting123 translation, just for you: "£79, which is less than $100"

[@ErebosGR]

For those living in the US, Guitar Fetish Store has fantastically sounding, affordable pickups and pre-soldered pickguards.

[@gringogreen4719]

Great idea! I doubt screw holes will match up but that is not such a big issue with that level of upgrade. Even then you will have one basket case of a guitar!😄👍✨

[@oncameramastery]

Ha, love the scene of tossing each accessory over your shoulder Colin, great fun! 😊

[@ScienceofLoud]

So many takes to get that right.

[@oncameramastery]

@@ScienceofLoud we've all been there! My fluffs can fill a memory card whist trying to make a 5min vid!

[@HellcatCustoms]

The added ring and sustain are the reasons why I love tremolo equipped guitars. I usually deck the trem and don't use it. The magic is in the springs, imo, so I'd never dampen them. Great review and playing, Colin 👍

[@lone-wolf-1]

Just a random information : auf deutsch: “Donner“ = english „Thunder“.

[@aprilschauer4864]

Und geile pedals machen sie:)

[@lone-wolf-1]

@@aprilschauer4864 Ja!! Hab das „giant metal“. Voll geil! 28€👍🏼🤟🏻

[@kjharish]

Immer wichtig zu wissen ;)

[@lone-wolf-1]

@@Ndlanding It‘s spelled „Döner“ not Doner. And yeah- you have white sauce around your mouth and collar😂 And: very few germans have Lederhosen 😉(they are actually quite expensive. Around 500-900 USD)

[@yobaby14]

Since You Been Gone? Man, I'd totally forgotten about that golden oldie! LOL

[@ghhufgtyhj204]

Jesus christ you're good brother I got this guitar and a taylor gs mini been playing less than 2 weeks . would love to be like you and other youtubers someday . hopefully I'm not too late at 27 getting started

[@TheAbsolyte]

Dude I love the color of that guitar!! Thanks for making these videos for people who are interested in this stuff but don't know where to start!! Your videos are a life saver for someone who likes to do their own maintenance and upgrades!!

[@lorianne5330]

Thanks for this video. I've played bass for a few years and bought a Donner 4 string bass and I couldn't be happier with it. I bought an Ibanez 6 string and I love it, too, but it's much fussier than the Donner. I decided to also learn standard guitar and just bought this exact model you are reviewing here, in lake blue and it's beautiful. The metallic finish is flawless and the action was, amazingly, set comfortably low right out of the box. The Ibanez was a mile high and I had to fiddle with it a week to get it right. 🤣🎸 Anyhow, with the new Donner guitar, it plays great and holds it's tuning well, but I did notice the annoying little buzz you referenced and I put a square piece of foam rubber in the back compartment over the springs, like you suggested, and it straightened it right up. Thank you, very much. This is a complete, quality kit to get anyone started on their guitar journey and I highly recommend it.

[@reduxgd]

Love that you played this 6:52. Take me out Franz Ferdinand is one of my all time faves 🥰

[@NathianOfTheNerds]

My first guitar was from a pawn shop they had a micro spider and a jackson kelly. I remember the day i walked home with it and was looking maiden tabs. That is a really cool beginner guitar.

[@DoublePups]

2:21 *spring reverb*

[@alaysiakayebutler6299]

This isnt where I was heading to learn something on YT tonite, but Im glad Im here. Your vids are very interesting and understandable. You're great! thank you

[@Cthulhu_Awaken]

Props to you for picking a Franz Ferdinand song during the test, they are awesome and also your countrymen, which is not a bad thing isn't it.

[@Visiorary]

I'm joining the Donner Party! It'll be here in a week or so!

[@LynxxSavior]

dude I bought a cheap 10$ Univox strat copy (the recent one, not the 70's one) at a yard sale, other than a little action issues the tone I get out of that guitar is unreal. Best buy at a yard sale I've ever had.

[@AndyRehfeldt]

Great review. My friend just sent me a used lefty version of one of these. I set it up and it feels and sounds great!

[@valueofnothing2487]

Philip McKnight found fret sprout and/or sharp fret ends on both of his Donner reviews (LP and a Tele), with some fret buzz on the tele. He took a rocker to all the frets on the tele.

[@ScienceofLoud]

Good for him I guess? I didn't find any of that with mine. One critical difference between Phil and me is location - he lives in an extremely hot and dry part of the world, I live in a cold and wet one. He is more likely to encounter issues relating from low humidity like fret sprout

[@adamwarlock3530]

Incredible how theyve advanced on entry level guitars and amps. That guitar is twice as nice at 1/2 the price of my 1st guitar I bought back in the late 70s.

[@tbeard5458]

The setup and pickups certainly make a huge difference. My first guitar from over 15 years ago (Ibanez GRX70 from the jumpstart pack) is still one of my favourites to play, and I have no problem playing live with an Encore strat I got for £20 and that GRX70. I do have a few more expensive guitars but seem to find myself coming back to the ones I've put more effort into making my own.

[@joeyvanostrand3655]

I love Donner stuff! I just got an Acoustic guitar that is absolutely awesome for the $120 I paid. It's an amazing age we live in. I started playing 30 years ago in the quality of my first electric compared to this, and the price point is... just... There is no comparison. $200 guitars today were $6-$800 back then. I have so much decent to high quality gear that I really didn't pay a whole lot for. And seriously check out some of the Donner stuff. The value and quality will shock you.

[@jorgecamino5384]

The word "peckup" is my new favourite word

[@originmusicofficial]

I’ve got a few donner effects pedals myself, and for them going through my fender amp, they seriously sound amazing for the price they are, if you’re looking for good distortion, good reverb, and good echo/delay pedal, for quite cheap, I recommend them

[@alanreid250]

Thanks to your review this arrived on my doorstep today...Bagpipes are my main instrument but a bit impractical to practice on in front of the telly ...got an acoustic guitar which I love but some of the tutorials on KZbin for guitar have some rocking tunes that only work on electric. Now I can get more practice all night with earphones in and not upset the other half. Just turned 65 and loving it..Thanks again.

[@georgemcmillan9172]

I am genuinely surprized by the quality of an inexspensive guitar bundle! By the way, kudos for your choice of music, especialy the Blackfoot! I would feel comfortable recommending this to my beginner students!

[@TheHumanEwok]

Aw man, what I wouldn't have done to have this when I was starting out

[@joshuabeckwith7906]

I've been gigging squiers for the past two years, a Bullet Mustang and an Affinity Tele, I keep my Fender Tele and 1996 Czech Epiphone Les Paul at home unless it's a more professional venue so if something bad happens like something breaks structurally for whatever reason or is stolen, they can be easily replaced with not much cost, they do their job just nicely.

[@escapereality8124]

I got the sunburst one and its nice. I've never played a string instrument so lowering the string height and intonation was a pain but I got it and it plays even better.

[@shinjial]

This looks exactly like mine (a Yamaha Pacifica). It was my first guitar, only for the moment, but it holds up to this day. I did upgrade the pickups and, afterwards, the amp. Considering the built quality you pointed out, and the quality of the sound the guitar and speaker provide, it seems like a killer option for someone starting from scratch (as I was). It's great that this is an option for people, since the super low price point is not a considerable barrier to entry. You did great showcasing it.

[@zoomosis]

I have a red Yamaha EG112 (basically a Pacifica) and thought the same. Though the Yamaha's body shape is slightly different and from memory only has a volume and tone control. I bought it for AU$200 which also included a small Yamaha practice amp that I later modified to add an external speaker jack to power a much larger cabinet.

[@shinjial]

@@zoomosis it does only have two pots, a volume and tone, and I do wish it had an extra tone for the bridge alone, a tone for the singles, and a volume. Today I would’ve liked the control, but back when I started I sure as hell didn’t even know what they were for haha, so it’s probably not a big deal for starters. I guess the body shapes are slightly different like you said. But the color is so much like mine that it instantly reminded me of it. I still think it’s great having something like this, so as you evolve you can look for something more with a better sense of what you’re doing. Also, it’s cool having them side by side with other better guitars and see how far you’ve come. My Yamaha Pacifica still feels like home despite its minor shortcomings 😌

[@Qban220]

It's hard to believe that frets need no work, either levelling or simple polish. This is the area every cheap guitar cuts labour cost and corners. Amazing.

[@louaguado995]

They're getting better than the Squire bullet series. But I prefer the LTD brand for budget guitars that play and sound great in the $200 range.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Nice to see you demo'ing gear for beginners. Great rendition of Bark at the Moon and Since You've Been Gone. Nice one dude.

[@damianhannon1581]

I cannot stress how great it is that you didn't do the typical review channel thing of playing a £100 guitar through a super expensive amp ... well you did, but for good reason, for an actual comparison and stress test as it were; 3 different tests give an actual idea of what this sounds like.

[@ScienceofLoud]

It's important to establish a control through the usual set up otherwise there is no way to compare the quality. This is how it should always be done. Even the valve amp I used isn't all that expensive, it's an Orange Rocker Terror. Having nice equipment is nice, but most people don't have that luxury. I want to make sure my content is representative for everyone regardless of what level they are at.

[@damianhannon1581]

@@ScienceofLoud absolutely - it makes the quality of the video, the standard it can be held to so much better! Also worth mentioning that doing that on a sponsored video actually shows a lot of integrity, I feel like that gets passed over a lot. But as always, great video and great to see you interact. Many thanks!

[@alexcrouse]

I had an amp a lot like that as a kid. I plugged the headphone jack into my dad's stereo when he was at work. Sounds amazing! Even a set of computer speakers can use that decent preamp, and dodge the crap speakers.

[@henchmusic5878]

My first guitar was a $13 Stella, just like on the flip-side of Mason Williams' "Classical Gas." Naturally, it was entirely unplayable. Thankfully, I evolved; to Gretsch, Yamaha, Martin, Fender, Gibson, and Guild. Though, listening to your sundry demonstrations, they sometimes seem unplayable , too. ;-) But, I'll stick with trying to play them--rather than adding another. Great work, Colin. Always a treat.

[@Yeoldepube]

My first guitar was 25$ and it was horrible

[@1961jscofield]

I stuck a Donner tuner pedal on my board 5 years ago to stand in until I got a "real" one. Five years later it's still on my board working as intended. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[@sidequestplays4768]

I must say your guitar playing has improved quite a bit over the years. I am following right behind you on my guitar journey. I've been learning soo much from you throughout the years. Keep doing what you do.

[@toddshepard3592]

Just bought this kit. $161 which included a $22 coupon at checkout, delivered to my door with the amp and everything. I looked at every guitar everywhere. After weeks of looking I found this. What a gem of a deal AND the company makes all kinds of pedals amps and other stuff, which is finally what sold me. 5 day delivery btw.

[@gavinmoore8132]

Bought my daughter this beginning of April, she loves it, I've had a little go myself and more than happy with the guitar and the mini amp. She's keeping the playing up well also, any suggestions for a Christmas upgrade?

[@mypal1990]

My first guitar is a squier telecaster. Since playing it I modified it to make it my own. It might as well be a blackguard tele on a budget. It's becoming my franken-tele and I'm happy with what I got with customizations.

[@Donnermusic_Official]

Hey bro, thx! See you next time!

[@dominicisnthere9687]

That bark at the moon has to be my favorite of all time, so thanks for that

[@1972LittleC]

Man, your concentrated playing face is fierce. I get why you keep it out of frame most of the time, otherwise you'd be flagged as NSFW :D

[@PooNinja]

The days of selling unplayable disposal toy instruments is gone thanks CNC 🤖. I wasn’t sure about the brand but on a whim I got a revecho pedal. A decent simple reverb and a dly with tap tempo for under $60 and built like a tank🤘🏽. I’m sure this guitar is way better than my first sears explorer with built in amp with efx. oh that thing was a joke! Wish book more like pssht book.

[@jaredtbo2075]

My best friend and I love metal and he really wants to play guitar, he's been with me since I met him in grade 10. Buying this for him, Cant wait to see the look on his face :)

[@JakefromFH]

When you find cheap brands made this well that cheap, then see the crap that jackson or gibson are charging thousands for it pisses you off.

[@3badthebad]

have to disagree with Jackson, they got some really quality instruments for a cheap price, and if you choose to mod it later, you can probably make it play as good, if not better, than a USA Jackson, for like half the price

[@Flux799]

@@3badthebad I bought a “cheap” Jackson off of eBay a few years ago, standard hard tail Jackson dinky and even with a proper setup it still sounded like shit and not to mention the clear coat finish on the headstock started to crack, my headstock now looks like a cracked mirror. Either I got a fake or some lowest of the low defective model.

[@PipeCat1965]

I liked that compressed distortion at 11:34. I'd say this is a nice little axe.

[@JustAnotherNerdGirl7]

I think I'm gonna save up for this! It seems to be worth it to me! Especially as a beginner with no experience. Although, their color range isn't great for the left handed kits, I can settle for just plain black.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

What a great demo and beginners guitar! Thanks Colin! Be Well All!

[@enricodemeo]

Honestly - high quality strings and set of midrange pickups for 60 bucks and this thing would shred. A colleague of mine is a professional musician, plays a hundred gigs a year and he has played a Squier Bullet Strat with modifications as his work-horse for years!

[@alimete92]

I wasn't expecting Döner to appear in any of your videos. That was quite a surprise for me 😁

[@BloodyShedProductions]

This is the beginning of my guitarist era

[@LDXReal]

9:17 That bark at the moon riff was 100/10 🔥🤘🏾 thats probably one of my favorite part of guitar reviews when they play classic riffs 💯 I think i might get this pack for myself; thanks so much for the review 🙏🏾

[@jadequilatan]

Greetings from PHILIPPINES

[@ScienceofLoud]

Thanks for being here

[@iancurrie8844]

Better fret finish than any Fender from Mexico. Stunning.

[@beefyburt]

I've just bought a second hand but as new one, for £60. Amazing quality, especially the super smooth neck. Well done Donner, whoever the heck you are!

[@MosriteCharlie]

Surprisingly good for a low-end product. Amazing finish.

[@bengarner8467]

Usually when I buy a guitar, no matter how expensive, I'll only fix things that are seriously an issue, like action. Other than that, I find that if u play them enough, guitars tend to set themselves up

[@Visionism]

I've been playing guitar for 35 years and I can't remember the last time I played a beginner electric guitar that I'd describe as "bad." A CNC machine doesn't know what country it's in. Sure some of the body woods are a bit soft (Tip: replace your strap button screws with longer, coarser threaded screws and fill the holes with glued toothpicks before reinstalling.) but the guitars pretty much all play great with a little setup work and maybe taking a file to any fret sprout. Pickups aren't great? Who cares? You don't need Eric Johnson's tone to learn to play while you save up for something fancier.

[@cabbuccino5558]

Ach, a wee bottle of Laphroaig on the side there Col, excellent choice. loving these videos, the humour really makes them more watchable than a lot of this type of thing. Plus your skills and workmanship and, of course, playing are top quality. Keep them coming. Thank you.

[@kevinmartin4787]

Thanks, watching from Central Texas!👍👍👍

[@jonatanjakobsson5821]

It looks exactly the same as my Harley Benton ST20 HSS, even to the headstock. I guess they both get the parts from the same factory.

[@JoeR203]

That red looks awesome.

[@kennethochoa7550]

i got a blue lake one and i'm very happy !!!

[@BcBaxley]

that was the most classy complaints about machine heads ever 🧐

[@MrMadtv123]

Cracking Video, these and Harley Benton St's are ridiculous for the money

[@nfa06_]

I own this one as my first electric guitar(+other stuff). Absolutely value for money package!

[@K0r0n1s]

God damnit, now I crave me some Döner. Thanks, Collin :-P

[@ScienceofLoud]

We all having a Döner for dinner tonight then? I know I am.

[@gregoryediger5108]

love how you drop most everything on the floor

[@hardline2a]

This is exactly the video I've been looking for. I have the LT25 and love it for home practice, and I've been looking at picking up that exact donner package for the heck of it.

[@Greginald]

Just picked this up as my first guitar. Thank you for making this vid, as other reviews I've seen haven't mentioned some of the details you provided. Sub'd 👍

[@waynepurcell6058]

I only have two mid/expensive guitars in my very small collection, and I've owned a few expensive guitars in my life. These are my guitars, and ALL of the budget guitars were well above "good" even box stock. 1. Fender Mexi Strat 2. LTD EC-256 3. Mitchell MS400 4. SE Santana Standard 5. Hamer Sunburst Flattop (mid 90's Korean) 6. Zemaitis C22MF, Korean built, not Greco Japan. It was always on my bucket list to have a metal front Zemaitis and even the Korean built is a TOP SHELF guitar. HIGHLY impressed with it. 7. Jackson RR24 with factory passive pickups and cream finish. I actually went to sell this at GC and was highly advised to keep it. When Fender bought Jackson most older records were lost and passive pickups weren't standard for it, nor is the factory sprayed cream finish. They even called Jackson guitars and their own GC corporate vintage department while I was there. They both speculated that it is more than likely a stock guitar pulled off the line and ran quickly through the custom shop (either US or Japan) with the passive pickups installed and custom paint applied. It has the battery box for actives but it was never wired. Not even holes in the wood for the wires, just the battery box route with the box installed to fill the hole lol. They told me it was a one off "quickly requested" custom so back on my wall it went. Value? Who knows? Anywhere from $400 to OMG it's possibly a one off USA I'll give you $5K. It's not for sale. Every one of those guitars are more than good enough unless ego is a huge part of your identity. The only real thing to complain about with budget guitars are tuning machines, the nut, three way switches (which REALLY suck), and set up. Take care of those things and you generally wind up with a good or even much better than good guitar. You can get good tuning machines for a fair price, nuts aren't expensive, three way switches aren't expensive, and you SHOULD be able to do your OWN set up unless something is truly screwed up/broken. If you're not capable of set ups then you SHOULD learn. Here's some of the guitars I have owned in the past just to let you know I've owned and played more than just budget stuff. 1. First guitar I ever bought after getting a job. 1978 BC Rich Eagle Deluxe (from the totally handmade in USA days) 2. '82 Hamer Special, ALSO from the totally handmade in the USA days. (KILLER guitar wish I had it back) 3. '72 Fender Strat 4. Two Gibson Les Paul Standards 5. Two other guitars I wish I had back. A Les Paul Studio Standard (dot neck studio but with FULL BINDING), and a Kalamazoo Les Paul (both 80's guitars). They were relative "junk" guitars back then. Collectors items now lol. 6. O'Hagan model 22 flying V 7. Gibson flying V 8. Gibson ES335. Why I bought it I have no idea, but I bought it. It didn't hang around long, just wasn't my style/taste.

[@RolandDeschain1]

Impressive. My first guitar was a super-cheap job and it was a complete mess. I may have been a much better guitarist by now if I had taken the time to get it set up properly. Having an instrument that sounds decent can definitely inspire you to play more and get better. Where a shitty instrument can demoralize you pretty quickly if it sounds dead and keeps going out of tune.

[@rick43pen]

bought a cheap string winder that slots on to my small electric screwdriver. saves a lot o effort. thanks for the video. lots of good info.

[@Tocinos]

I find it hilarious how I've been classically training guitar for 7 years on a 10 year old strat that's only had strings replaced 2-3 times. It's like putting glasses on for the first time when I pick up an acoustic.

[@bubbie3533]

@7:14 reminds me of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. 🤘🤘🤘

[@Krullmatic]

Hell yeah! Some Bloodbath in Paradise! Nice selection on that tune! The humbucker sounds choice!

[@leonardonavarretex1967]

Red is my favorite color for my electric guitar!

[@Snarkyone1965]

I caught that Blackmore riff from his Rainbow days in that video with the small amp that came with the guitar. It’s the riff from “Since You’ve Been Gone” one of the first I ever learned…

[@davidelliott4089]

Donner is good stuff! I have a Tele. Great guitars. Great Video 👊😎

[@guyperson9952]

I have a squire that looks exactly the same, but the pick up and pick guard have yellowed because the guitar is 10 yrs old.

[@ErickC]

I have great respect for the fact that you used the term "vibrato" instead of "tremolo" to describe the vibrato unit.

[@ScienceofLoud]

We need to be more proactive in correcting the mistakes of our past.