One of the BEST Budget 335 Alternatives!

[@JRoss-zxzx]

Although I am liking this Donner 335 clone, I am starting to think that Damian could pull a great rockabilly vibe out of 2x4 strung with fishing line. 😄

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching and for the kind words. Keep on rockin' & Happy New Year to you. :)

[@DieselWeazel]

I was thinking the same thing

[@the195111]

HAPPY CHRISTMAS DAMIAN and all the Subs,Santa brought me a 1960's fender telecaster..wife was so impressed with Santa..hope she doesn't check the bank account..take care people

[@Damianblf]

Merry Christmas Steve. Congrats on your new guitar. :)

[@arottie4097]

Sweeet!

[@louiswilkins9624]

Score 👍

[@dananthony6258]

Excellent guitar solo in the intro. I love it. ❤😊❤

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@DietrichPfister]

I bought this guitar based on your review alone. While I can't get it sound *quite* this good, it is a great-sounding guitar. After a bit of setup (stretching the strings, adjusting the pickup height, action, and intonation tweaks), it plays really great--especially in this price range. I always wanted a 335-style guitar but could never justify the cost, so this was a great way to do it.

[@Damianblf]

Awesome and thank you for leaving your thoughts for others to see. :)

[@stevepiper9034]

Tank You Damian for sharing this content, and anyone looking for a 335 would not be disappointed. But honestly, I think anything in your hands is going to sound great.😊 Have a most Merry Christmas!!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Steve. Keep on rockin' & Happy Holidays to you.

[@timothydaniels504]

I can just see all the guitar aficionados in Tampa stepping out with Damian’s signature shirt.

[@Prousto]

I’d like to focus on the fine guitar review, but your chops are simply jaw dropping…

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for the kind words. Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@HavingAFlashBack]

Wow that's amazing that your favorite 335 style was Vantage. Being your from Tampa Bay you might even remember greenshift music on Nebraska I bought one from Don in black with gold hardware and the action on that thing was insanely good no buzzing no fret outs it was so low that you couldn't fit a credit card underneath and that was Vantage. Nice playing on that Donner my friend I have three Donner and love all of them. I hope they bring those back in stock soon I'd love to get one. I sure would like to know how to play rockabilly like you do

[@Damianblf]

I've been to Greenshift a couple of times but it's been ages. Thanks for watching the review. Cheers & keep on rockin' my friend :)

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

The best review I've seen with the basics addressed clearly. Thanks

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@brotherDougE1956]

I really enjoy your reviews, but I especially like your style of playing. I get some good ideas from your playing. I've gone through some of your tutorials and have added some nice licks and rhythm to my playing. Thanks man!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you. Glad you're enjoying the videos :)

[@PeteAxeShields]

First of all ; a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a joyous 2023 Damian. Your video presentation of this great budget friendly 335 style guitar is wonderful. I totally concur with your comment on what makes a great guitar, ie ; good playability, stable tuning, great tone and above all enjoyment and inspiration to pick up and play the instrument. It really does not matter what it says on the headstock. Yes, there can be a vast difference in all round quality when we are investing more money on the " tried and tested " brands ( usually in the quality of the hardware etc. ) but I have found the bar has been raised considerably by companies who are producing great budget friendly instruments, these days. Gone are the days when we have to spend a fortune to get a decent guitar ... so kudos to Donner ( who make great effects pedals too ) and other companies such as Harley Benton ( Thomann ) for their efforts in this regard. I own some higher end guitars and yet some of the budget instruments I have acquired over the last few years bring me just as much joy. Take care Damian and thank you again brother. 🙏

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Peter for leaving a insightful comment that will resonate with others & Happy New Year to you as well my friend. Cheers :)

[@clivethomas2039]

A very Merry Christmas to you and your family 🙂🎄🎄 Tbf you couldn't make any guitar sound bad. Your timing and feel are a joy to listen to.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Clive for the kind words. Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@amandaglasscock9328]

Thanks for the review! I really enjoy your lessons too! Sending peace, love, and happiness your way and awaiting the next video!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much Amanda :)

[@marcst-pierre9443]

I bought one and love it. It's now my go-to for jazz and blues. Now if only I could play as well as you!

[@drgmmd2]

Cool. A few years ago I got my hands on a Grote 335 when it was selling for about $200. I absolutely love this guitar compared to my old Epiphone that cost a lot more.

[@Damianblf]

Like you my experience with Grote guitars have been pretty good. Thank you for watching the review. :)

[@stephenmaestas6426]

Thanks for the review. I am more and more impressed by the inexpensive (not cheap) products sold on Amazon. Thanks!

[@Damianblf]

Like you I'm definitely impressed also with the build quality from some of these companies. Lot's of good stuff out there these days for every budget. Thanks for watching. :)

[@dlmullins9054]

Great review as usual! I love my Donner DJP 1000. In fact it is my favorite among the budget 335's. If i could play anywhere close to you i would never put it down. Good job!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@NoWayOut55]

Takes me back to my 8th grade english teacher. And when I came to school with my beater...he wanted to hear me play. He acknowledged I had some know how regarding my playing ability. He gave me a quick lecture on Rockabilly. I had no idea he was Ray Campi. Leader of the Rockabilly Rebels...and I got to see HIM play at the Palomino Club, in North Hollywood!! He was a helluva Bassist!

[@AntonioCavicchioni]

Nice playing ! And the guitar sounds great in your hands! Merry Christmas!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Antonio. Keep on rockin' & Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@delpanos]

this guitar sounds pretty decent, however Damian could play rockabilly on my slippers and also make them sound great, its totally in the player ! happy rock n roll holidays !

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching the review. Keep on rockin' my friend. :)

[@johnrudy9404]

Your skill and touch really bring out the best tone.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for the kind words :)

[@denniswirths6144]

I'm sitting here listening to this and asking myself "How could a 4 thousand dollar Gibson possibly sound any better than that!!!" Excellent skills by the way!

[@arottie4097]

MERRY CHRISTMAS my friend! I hope I get too see you play live one day!! I live in The ATL GA.. Do you every play up thiis way? Also thank you the great review/demo.

[@Damianblf]

I used to play in Atlanta a lot 20 to 25 years ago. I can remember playing in the Little Five Points area often. But nowadays I prefer to play locally. Thanks for watching the review. Hope you have a Happy New Year. :)

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Good golly miss Molly, that sounded fabulous! You made me want one of them thar geetars, not that it would allow me to play like you, but the sounds it makes are shazam man! The idea of a neck-through body for a semi-hollow is intriguing, and everybody is saying they are super resonant, if a little heavy from all that maple. Usually these models, Epiphone anyways - they use mahogany necks, but maple gives it more snap and sparkle perhaps? No blacks listed, so either sunburst or that pretty dark red - I just can't decide...........? Cheers for your awesome guitar playing and positive attitude!!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@Frank-in-NY]

Good Review Damian...And you and yours have a happy holiday season whatever you celebrate.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Frank. Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@stevet1578]

Beautiful playing Damian!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@markjackson2642]

Haven’t been on line for a while so nice to see your vids again . But none the wiser about the quality of this guitar as Your one of those players who can make something crap sound good .

[@mickeymantool8188]

I bought a grote 335 and same issue with volume control but for about 245 bucks an awesome build and great sound

[@precisionshooters]

I love that guitar! I would give my right arm to play like you do Damian!!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching & Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@DrowningTimeOfficially]

Feel the goodness! Merry Christmas!

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching & Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@sweetnsourchick1761]

I need to get my hearing checked because when you said "Gandhi", I honestly thought you said "Gotti". The parting words were definitely too gentle to be spoken by John! Merry Christmas, Damian and daughter.

[@Damianblf]

LOL I'm sure I'll never feature any words of John Gotti's on this channel. Thanks for watching and Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@fatabeeno]

Thanks Damian. I really enjoyed the video. Although I have a Gibson 335 dot, the Donner really sounded great. I also enjoyed your playing, so thanks again and keep em' coming!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Steven :)

[@createlovehappy]

channeling a little Hollywood Fats and then Junior Watson around the 4 minute mark. Nice! and then wow some T-bone? on fire ! great playing.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much :)

[@Instantpower332]

That’s some beautiful playing and for a$359.00 Ax it’s remarkable. I have been playing acoustic all my life and I’m actually been looking for an electric I’m thinking of a hollow body single pickup Guild Harmony Thin just not sure as I have a Larivee, Martin D 12 Gibson LG 0 but I really like this A x.

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching. Glad you found the review helpful. :)

[@Spendo]

YO DAMN WHAT WAS THE INTRO SONG!? Also you got a full version of you executing it like that!?

[@Damianblf]

Thank you. It was something quick that I created just for the video :)

[@prtauvers]

Great review and I could listen to your playing all day. I am in mind to get a budget 335, so this review was just what I wanted to see- so, a) should I get this guitar to sound like you, or b) take your lessons for years then buy this guitar…afraid a is gonna win!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Peter. Glad you found the review informative. :)

[@stevewilson7915]

Great review Damian. Looks like a beauty. Happy New Year to you my friend.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Steve & Happy New Year to you as well. :)

[@RobVespa]

Love your playing... and commentary. I like the look and sound of this guitar. Wonder if it'd be fine as a first.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching the review. If you're looking for a first guitar? I'd suggest taking yourself to a guitar store where you can touch and hold the instrument in your hands and talk to a employee and let them know what you're looking for and what your price point is. They sould be able to steer you in the right direction. :)

[@paulhadfield7909]

another great review damian

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Paul :)

[@MatthewJacobDaniel]

Damian, I love your videos. Such an inspiration brother! Always something to learn from you. I especially enjoyed your 2 part video of how you started out. My question is - Have you played the Eart E335? If so how does this Donner DJP 1000 compare? If not please do a review if possible. I may just order both from Amazon and return the one I least prefer. From what I can tell the Eart sounds darker. The Donner reminds me of that 50s tone I love ❤ - God bless you and your family and thanks for being you. 🎸👍🏻

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for the kind words. I really do appreciate it. I have heard some good things about the Eart E335 but I haven't played one.

[@MatthewJacobDaniel]

Is there is anything you would change about the Donner or upgrade? I have their Telecaster. I want to install a brass bridge and new pickups/pots/wiring. Plays nice unplugged 😂 From what I can tell on this 335 copy it needs new pots as you mentioned. I joke around at home “If Damian lived next door, you’d know where I’d be hanging out 🎸” 😆 You are doing a great job Damian, really appreciate it and dig the channel 😎👍🏻

[@Guildestern22]

I bought yesterday the red one on the Donner website in special offer at 276 € (300 USD), free shipping included in 8 working days. It is not available on the Amazon Italy website.

[@patrickcostello2429]

Merry Christmas Damian to you and your family...💪🎅⚡🎉

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Patrick. Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@johnhodges8264]

Love the cat appearing at 10.40

[@Damianblf]

She's the best. Thanks for watching :)

[@handybunny]

Thanks for the review. What a bargain! It rockabillies… do you think it would jazz? It says “jazz” on the headstock, so…

[@davidsmoler9144]

Great riffage! Q. Does it have a centre block? Oh, where is it made?

[@johnsee7269]

Taaty licks; rockin! 🤘 Amazing how good the Asian stuff is. Looks better than the resl ES 335 and sounds good.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much. It's definitely a step down form Epiphone's 335 but for $240 less you get a really good guitar for the money that you could even gig with. :)

[@NoWayOut55]

That Domino has some cojones!! A really nice sound with the grit.

[@rickpapineau2704]

Nice looking 335 clone, unfortunately Donner doesn't make it in Left Handed. I have a Harley Benton 335 clone that lacks the binding around the head stock, but the price was only $239 plus shipping. I'll be buying your Ultimate Rockabilly DVD to practice with the HB335. (maybe Donner will me Lefty's in the future.

[@eddyj3862]

My friend, use some 'Semichrome polish' on the pick up covers and they will shine like the sun!!!!

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching the review. :)

[@d.v.o1208]

Would you recommend it for punk rock?

[@opus1952]

Fun playing, that's all that matters at the end of the day. After all said and done ,we're playing with wood, strings and a few bits of electronics.

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching Graham :)

[@toddflowers8052]

Love this Damian 😎🎸👍🏻

[@Damianblf]

It's a pretty cool guitar. I think you'd dig it. Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@toddflowers8052]

@@Damianblf Cool !!! Happy Holidays brother !!! 🎄

[@hikefishmakemusic]

At 3:28, you are in the neck position, not the bridge as stated. Nice clean fatty tone.

[@Damianblf]

Yup, you are correct. I think I had to much holiday eggnog while filming lol.

[@hikefishmakemusic]

@@Damianblf no worries, my friend. We all make mistakes - that's why I buy pencils with erasers! Your content is stellar which vastly outshines any little typographical miscue on the screen. Love your DVD instructional courses (bought them all) and I miss Tampa Bay - worked there for many years. Keep up the great work.

[@restlessascension3260]

Great rockabilly intro

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@AmritP]

can't find this darn thing in stock anywhere for order from NZ :(

[@1969RestlessNative]

Hi, I have been going over some of your old videos. I’m a beginner, from Scotland, who has come to guitar because of rockabilly, swing & jump blues, 60s British Invasion (as chaps in the US sometimes call it), punk, ska, Americana, and (gasp) Jazz. Do you have, or can you recommend, any beginner level courses that cover these styles (especially those covered by you) please?

[@Damianblf]

Hi Sandy. Thank you fro watching. If you search my name and easy rockabilly lessons on KZbin, you may find some lessons of mine that will be helpful and not to difficult to learn from. Enjoy your guitar journey. It's a fun ride. Cheers :)

[@charlesvachon5838]

Wow ..choc full of licks ...you swing Brother!What about doing a lesson on intonation! ...Thanks for sharing.

[@Damianblf]

That's not a bad idea for a video. Thank you for watching :)

[@deHelli]

Hi, would the Donner DJP 1000 be for jazz music? The Colour is awesome!

[@Damianblf]

Yes, definitely :)

[@deHelli]

@@DamianblfI now have a Donner DJP-1000!

[@deHelli]

What string gauge do you use? 0.11 -?

[@natrelacoustix]

Is the three way switch backwards on this? I only ask as you said you were starting the sound demo on the bridge pu, but the switch was in the up position. Normally that would be the neck on virtually all twin humbucker guitar's.

[@Damianblf]

My brain was in backwards mode or something lol. The selector is correct, I just had a mental lapse when introducing the clip. Thanks for watching the review. Keep on rockin' :)

[@StickMan...77]

Hope you get the chance to checkout Combs jj-150 pedal.Nice Guitar great playing as always,Thank you &have a beautiful Christmas.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you & Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@richardgrassia5225]

You are the best!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Richard & Happy New Year to you. :)

[@keithcallcut1540]

I think you have settled my mind on which 355 copy to get and its got to be the Doner. Great video and keep them coming.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching. Enjoy your new guitar :)

[@rogerboswell5483]

That's so cool 😎.. My foot was just a tapping away..

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much :)

[@ManfredElsingBielefeld]

So nice one!But i will keep my old! Sheraton!Sounds a way ofcource in the same dirction!In moment u can get this Donner for 264 Euros°

[@DieselWeazel]

Nice playing

[@Damianblf]

Thank you :)

[@DieselWeazel]

@@Damianblf Thank you for sharing your passion

[@kevinposselt5428]

God Bless you brother.

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching. Keep on rockin' my friend. :)

[@greenfly1264]

My Shine Chet Atkins is beautiful.

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching the review :)

[@lotharroberts5978]

The clarity on the "jazz" is unusually good. Pretty impressive. Do you remember the Epiphone Blues Deluxe Zephyr? (The affordable Es-5) That would suit you to a T. I'm looking for one myself. Man, your playing just knocks me out. Just fluid brilliance. Geez. I wanted to ask if you read notation, or prefer tab? I REALLY have to invest in your lessons. I promise to get around to it asap. See ya next time.

[@Damianblf]

The Epiphone Blues Deluxe Zephyr are pretty cool. I've seen them on Reverb from time to time. In college I took Music Theory courses and there was a lot of reading and composing musical scores. So I can read notation, but in my personal journey on the guitar. I've always just learned everything by ear. Thanks for watching the channel. :)

[@lotharroberts5978]

@@Damianblf I'm trying to restart learning notation, and perhaps I should enroll at the junior college here in Gainesville. FYI, there's a 1952 Epiphone archtop bidding on at Ebay, but at one of the local Salvation Army stores in Tampa. The starting bid is 700.00 It's in the ARC 1 store. It looks to be in very good condition. The neck on your Guild x-175 looks insanely chunky. Is that the case? It's not too far off from the Epi Blues Deluxe though, so That's probably all ya need. As soon as I upgrade my laptop I'll invest in your jump blues lesson. My Lenovo is getting pretty slow.

[@disturbedme101]

This guitar instead of a Gretsch?

[@ThunderDukes-Toronto]

COOL!

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching the review :)

[@CarlitosRuiz-x6g]

Excellent nice

[@michaeldavila2325]

Thanks for getting me to purchase another guitar! My wife is leaving me!😂....just kidding.

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching & enjoy your new guitar. :)

[@timtaylorguitarnut]

D you make anything sound good

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Tim for the kind words. Keep on rockin' my friend. :)

[@richbuege6491]

I got one maybe a week ago. Comments are, I'm waiting for the tools to come in so I can safely deburr the ends of the frets. The strings that come with it are worthy of being changed on receipt, not good. Finish is good, construction seems to be good, supplied cord is good. Strap, eh. Tuners seem to be okay, not great. Other than that, it's a low price guitar, you got what you paid for. Don't complain. You didn't pay for a Country Gentleman and you didn't get one.

[@richbuege6491]

Afterthought: I also have the BCP and Firefly similar guitars, as well as an Epiphone Dot. None of them are immune to the ends of the frets having burrs that have to be removed, except the Dot. I just wish the necks were more like Gretsch, a little wider, easier to play. Getting old, and things aren't working anymore, my fingers being the main one. Lost feeling in the ring and pinky on both hands, sometimes they do what they want to, not what I want them to. The result of working metal for forty four years.

[@Damianblf]

Thanks Rich for leaving a comment about your experience with the guitar. :)

[@SSRT_JubyDuby8742]

Great review boss 👏, quality lines 😁 Happy Holidays, have a great time ❤️ Like deployed 👍 😎🎙🎸✅️

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much. Keep on rockin' & Happy Holidays to you. :)

[@lorenzodegani2669]

Fantastikkkkk ok Damian ok grazie mille tabs e lessons grazie... ciaaaoo

[@Damianblf]

Thank you Lorenzo. Keep on rockin' my friend. :)

[@williamsherman1089]

Does anyone know the nut width on this beautiful guitar?

[@Damianblf]

Hi William. It's 42mm :)

[@williamsherman1089]

@@Damianblf Oh wow that's right in the ballpark for me. Hey thanks for the reply on this day, love your vids you and your family have a Merry Christmas

[@steveparkins6854]

Great stuff Damian, lookscamazing value esp with a good setup and a few tweaks 👍 Very nice tasty licks👍 Ps please Santa can you send me Damians fingers for xmas 😂😉👍🎸 best from oz

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching and Merry Christmas to you Steve. :)

[@Gunslinger1875]

Great review. Sounds awesome!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you very much. :)

[@EddieG1888]

I'd sticky my Artist Black58DLX up against this any day, even more so since I modded it with a Varitone switch.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching the review :)

[@EddieG1888]

@@Damianblf Should add as well since my reply up there was very vague, the Donner looks like extremely good value for the money, and I did consider one before I bought the Artist. I'd love to see you do a comparison video of both. ;)

[@ringoramjet]

OMG. Junior Brown

[@guitary]

150 less for the firefly. Best guitar of the 5

[@chucklee347]

I absolutely 100 perpositiveley agree.😉

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for watching the review. :)

[@lennolopez8540]

Show!!!

[@Damianblf]

Thank you my friend & Happy New Year to you. :)

[@NiekkieNick]

Great review!!! And as always some awesome playing!!! I am always enjoying watching your video because of your positive vibe in your lessons!! Have you checked the Ibanez AF75? Great guitar for the money! You should check out that guitar! 7:10

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for the kind words. My father owns a AF75. It's a good guitar :)

[@garyp5522]

$359.00 Getting in to Epiphone territory. Sounds nice but I bet it would not sound that good if I was playing it.

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching Gary. :)

[@trinacria1956]

Oh yeah I let go my Vantage like a dummy also

[@Damianblf]

Vantage made some great guitars. Keep on rockin' & Happy New Year to you.

[@phdeab.7747]

Uauuuuuuuuuuuuuu"""""""""''''''''''''' note 1000

[@gasaddict]

Good video but i would still say the Fireflys for 150 less are a better value and QC. The Donner 335 I tried had so many QC issues I sent it back

[@Damianblf]

Thanks for leaving a comment about your experience and thanks for watching. :)

[@gasaddict]

@@Damianblf no thank you. Appreciate honest reviewers

[@SabiaCDO]

What I think of the guitar? Well... The Fender + Damian cheat code is not for sale

[@Damianblf]

Merry Christmas to you brother! :)

[@SabiaCDO]

@@Damianblf happy holidays for Abigail and you, brother!

[@XLBiker13]

Your playing is always great but let's be honest, none of what we're hearing is just the guitar. What we are hearing is all cleaned up, mixed and produced in Pro Tools (or some other DAW). You can make any guitar sound good with the right editing tools.

[@Damianblf]

I'm sure people can do such things, but I didn't. This is how I recorded the guitar for the review. I put a SM57 to my amp and plugged into my audio interface. The program I used to record is a free one called Ableton Live. I did no EQing, no compression. I did nothing to the guitar except record what was coming directly out of my amp. Nothing else was added or enhanced. I wanted everyone to hear exactly what it sounded like out of my amp. I'm a purist and I try and keep everything as simple and honest as possible. Thanks for watching.

[@johnwelch557]

That's a perfectly correct statement for expensive brands too. Believe me, I have 'em. 66 years of playing. Brand loyalty is a personal thing. I just happened to remove the malady a few years ago. Just my experience.

[@michaelk7194]

harley benton is cheap but good also

[@Damianblf]

Thank you for watching. :)