Donner
DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar Review
Reviewed by Eric Davis · Published
Discover the DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar Kit, ideal for beginners. Learn about its features and why it's a top choice for aspiring musicians.
The verdict
The DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar Kit is an excellent choice for beginners.
Why we recommend it
[COMPLETE BEGINNER’S PACKAGE] Open the box, and you’re ready to play. This beginner kits includes the DST-80 electric gu
[CUSTOM AMP FOR ANY GROOVE] The custom 5W amp offers Classic and Overdrive settings, plus a 1/8" auxiliary input to conn
[CLASSIC TONES, ENDLESS ZONES] With its classic SSS pickup configuration and 5-way switch, this electric guitar delivers
[BUILT FOR COMFORT] This beginner electric guitar features an ultra-slim, comfortable C-shaped neck and satin matte fini
[PERFECT FOR ALL, UNIQUE FOR YOU] Whether for kids or adult, beginner or seasoned, this all-inclusive set is the ideal w
Pros
- Complete beginner's package with all essentials
- Custom amplifier with versatile settings
- Comfortable neck design for easy playability
- Unique and beautiful craftsmanship
- Access to free online lessons
Cons
- Sound quality feedback is mixed
- Some users may find it less suitable for advanced techniques
Gallery
Full review
Overview
The DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar Kit has quickly become a popular choice for beginners looking to start their musical journey. This 39-inch guitar package includes everything you need to get started, from the electric guitar itself to a custom amplifier, accessories, and even online lessons. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 300 reviews, it's clear that this kit is well-received by those venturing into the world of electric guitar playing.
Key Features
One of the standout features of the DONNER DST-80 is that it is a complete beginner’s package. You won’t need to purchase any additional items to start playing as soon as you open the box. The kit includes the DST-80 electric guitar, a custom 5W amplifier, a durable gig bag for transport, a capo, strap, extra strings, a digital tuner, amp cable, picks, and access to free online lessons. This comprehensive offering makes it an excellent value for money.
The custom 5W amplifier is designed with versatility in mind, featuring both Classic and Overdrive settings. It also has a 1/8" auxiliary input, allowing you to connect media players or CDs for jamming along with your favorite tracks. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re practicing alone or performing for friends, the amp can accommodate various musical styles.
The guitar itself is equipped with a classic SSS pickup configuration and a 5-way switch, which allows you to explore a variety of sounds. This setup produces bright, dynamic tones that are perfect for genres like country, blues, and funk. Additionally, the tone and volume controls provide further versatility, enabling you to customize your sound to suit your preference.
Comfort is key for any musician, and the DST-80 excels in this area. It features an ultra-slim, comfortable C-shaped neck that makes it easy for beginners to navigate the fretboard. The satin matte finish adds a sleek touch, and the vintage tremolo bridge allows for expressive playing. The overall design ensures that you can play for extended periods without discomfort.
Who Is It For
The DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar Kit is designed for everyone, making it a fantastic choice for kids, adults, beginners, and even seasoned players looking for a reliable second guitar. Its all-inclusive nature means that anyone can pick it up and start playing right away, making it an excellent gift for occasions such as birthdays or Christmas. The unique beauty of each guitar, crafted from premium Manchurian Ash, means that no two are alike, adding a personal touch to your musical journey.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the DONNER DST-80 Electric Guitar Kit is a solid investment for anyone looking to dive into the world of electric guitar playing. With its comprehensive package, quality construction, and user-friendly features, it caters perfectly to beginners while also appealing to more experienced musicians.
The sound quality has received mixed feedback, with some users praising the guitar’s tone while others feel it could be better. However, for the price point and the included accessories, it is hard to argue against the value this kit offers. Whether you’re buying it for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, the DONNER DST-80 provides everything needed to start a musical adventure.
Specifications
| Brand Name | Donner |
|---|---|
| Hand Orientation | Right |
| Manufacturer | DONNER |
| Model Number | DST-80 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 6961 |
| Warranty Description | 2 year warranty. |
| Best Sellers Rank | #508 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)#1 in Electric Guitar Beginner Kits |
| ASIN | B0DGX3931N |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (338) 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Color | Matte Black |
| Top Material Type | Ash Wood |
| Body Material Type | Ash Wood |
| Back Material Type | Manchurian Ash |
| Neck Material Type | Maple |
| Fretboard Material Type | HPL |
| String Material Type | Nickel Plated Steel |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | S-S-S |
| Guitar Bridge System | Tremolo |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
What buyers say
4.8 · 5 reviews“Good for what it is! Cheap starter guitar with all the things you need to get going. The amp is pretty nice and offers good sound quality! Strings are nice, strap is nice and sturdy. Came with a decent tuner and picks! Recommend to anyone who's just starting out!”
“Great for beginners!”
“I have the Donner acoustic guitar, the dark gray one. When I was 13 I started learning to play on a red Strat, the Beatles I wanna Hold Your Hand, but my fingers hurt, I tried again a year later, than about 4 years later, and on and on. I', 59 now and finally decided to push through the finger pain. The Donner acoustic did the job, only after I pushed through the finger pain did I opt to but the Donner electric.I really like it, but it is difficult to hear if it has a good sound. The amp provided is like a tin can box, it sound terrible, YUCK! I really dislike the sound of the amp. But I bought the guitar and the amp was just a toss in. I do intend to purchase a real amp soon.Overall the quality of the guitar is nice. It had 2 layers of protective film on the pick guard. I pulled the first layer off and thought it was scratched up, but it was not, it was a 2nd layer, pulled that off and it was find.Setup was easy, out of the box, took a couple of minutes to tune and I was strumming away. I can play Stand By me, but not good, trying to learn "perfect" by Ed, my wife loves that song, want to learn it before I die.I had a few minor imperfections on the neck, I took photos, nothing too bad, I think it is from the stain, so I'm not going to fuss over it.I like Donner products, I had a Donner piano, but gave it to someone who could play way better than me.I recommend this guitar, I don't intend to upgrade, I'm learning for me and my wife.”
“Disclaimer: I'm still learning how to play.That being said I live in an apartment complex, which means I have to find ways to be courteous to my neighbors. I didn't mind the beginner amp it comes with; however, I didn't realize the headphone jack is an auxiliary IN, not OUT. This should be stated plainly in the main description up top or better yet in a photo of the amp. Conveniently the photos supplied for the amp are very obscure and don't display any of its details with each feature of the amp outlined, for whatever reason. And, of course, it doesn't come with a 9V DC adapter, which is just silly.Needless to say, I'm grateful I purchased a DAW for my PC. So I'll be about to practice quietly through my computer.The positives of this relatively inexpensive bundle is that it's a great entry into learning guitar. It comes with necessary tools to restring if necessary, a capo, and even an assortment of picks. I'm an inch shy of 6 feet, and the guitar feels great in my hands. I'm very much looking forward to my DAW arriving so I can finally get started on this musical journey.”
“This guitar is awesome. Our daughter absolutely loves it. It's heavy like an expensive guitar and very durable. Clean look and sound quality is awesome. The amp is also nice and small making it easy for transport.”
Frequently asked questions
Is this guitar suitable for children?+
Yes, the DONNER DST-80 is a great choice for children due to its comfortable design and lightweight construction.
Can I use this guitar for playing different music genres?+
Absolutely! The guitar's SSS pickup configuration allows for a variety of tones suitable for multiple genres, including rock, blues, and country.
What is included in the kit?+
The kit includes the DST-80 electric guitar, a custom 5W amplifier, gig bag, capo, strap, extra strings, digital tuner, amp cable, and picks.
Are the online lessons really helpful?+
Yes, the online lessons provided by Donner are designed to help beginners learn the basics and improve their skills effectively.
What materials is the guitar made of?+
The guitar is crafted from premium Manchurian Ash, ensuring durability and a unique appearance.
About the reviewer
Eric Davis
Music Editor
Eric is a musician with 15 years experience reviewing instruments for players of all levels.
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