Donner DST-100BL Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit Review

Description

Detailed Product Review: Donner 39 Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit Solid Body Black Lefty Beginner Set Full-Size with Amplifier Online Lesson Bag Digital Tuner Capo Strap String Cable Picks DST-100BL Black 39in Left Handed

A few months ago, I decided to try my hand at learning the guitar. As a leftie, finding a good beginner-friendly left-handed electric guitar was a feat in itself. After much research, I landed on the Donner DST-100BL Black 39-Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit. This solid body electric guitar promised everything a beginner like me could hope for: affordability, a full starter kit, and decent quality. Here’s how it measured up in my experience.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Opening the package was like Christmas morning. The kit was packed with goodies: a 39-inch black left-handed guitar, a mini amplifier, a digital tuner, a gig bag, and a handful of other accessories like a capo, strap, string set, picks, and a cable. The guitar itself looked stunning in its sleek black finish, and the poplar solid body gave it a professional feel. Holding it for the first time, I could sense it was well-built, though a tad heavier than expected.

The Canadian maple neck with its “C” shaped profile was smooth and comfortable. Paired with the purpleheart fingerboard, this guitar certainly doesn’t feel like a cheap beginner option. My first reaction? “For the price, this thing looks and feels way better than I expected.”

Features and Performance

This guitar is equipped with H-S-S pickups, combining two single-coil pickups with one humbucker. The combination allows for a range of tones, from clean bluesy riffs to harder rock. The five-way pickup switch and the tone/volume controls offer decent customization for sound. As a beginner, I found myself experimenting endlessly with these options.

Now, let’s talk about the mini amplifier that comes with the kit. It’s rechargeable, compact, and easy to transport – ideal for jamming on the go. While it’s not going to blow anyone away with its sound quality, it does the job for beginners who want to practice without investing in a heftier amp. The clean and distortion channels let you explore different sounds, and I found the distortion channel surprisingly fun for messing around with rock tones.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

In terms of playability, the action was a bit high out of the box, which might deter some beginners. However, the guitar setup can easily be adjusted with online tutorials or a quick trip to the local music shop. I also swapped out the factory strings for a better set, as the included strings felt a bit cheap. But hey, that’s common with beginner kits and not a dealbreaker.

One of my favorite things about this kit is the incredible value for money. The included accessories, though not premium, are functional and allow you to start playing right away. The bag is decently padded, the capo works fine, and the strap is sturdy. The digital tuner is easy to clip on and use, even for a novice like me.

Comparing to Competitors

Before buying this, I considered other beginner options like the LyxPro Left-Handed Electric Guitar Kit and the Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster. The Donner DST-100BL shines in value and versatility. While the Squier offers better quality and brand recognition, it lacks the complete kit that Donner provides. The LyxPro kit is comparable in price but falls short in terms of build quality; many reviews noted issues with tuning stability and fretwork.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetically, this guitar hits the mark with its glossy black finish. The 22 copper-nickel frets are well-placed, and the fretboard’s position markers make it beginner-friendly. However, the edges of the frets felt slightly sharp, which might require some filing down. The hardware, while not premium-grade, is reliable, and the H-S-S pickup configuration adds versatility for various music genres.

Pros

• Complete Kit: Comes with everything you need to get started, from a tuner to a mini amp.
• H-S-S Pickup Configuration: Offers a wide range of tones, suitable for many music styles.
• Rechargeable Mini Amplifier: Compact and portable, with clean and distortion channels.
• Affordable Price: Exceptional value for beginners without breaking the bank.
• Durable Build: Solid poplar body and Canadian maple neck add longevity.

Cons

• High Action: May require adjustments out of the box for optimal playability.
• Factory Strings: The included strings are subpar and should be replaced for better sound.
• Frets Could Use Polishing: Slightly sharp edges on the frets may bother some players.
• Mini Amp Limitations: While portable, it’s not powerful enough for loud practice or performance.
• Included Accessories: Functional but not high-quality; a better strap or capo is recommended.

What Comes with the Product

• Donner DST-100BL 39-Inch Left-Handed Electric Guitar (Black)
• Rechargeable Mini Amplifier
• Padded Gig Bag
• Digital Tuner
• Capo
• Guitar Strap
• Extra String Set
• Picks
• Guitar Cable

Warranty & Support Information

Donner offers a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on this guitar. This covers defects in materials and workmanship, so you can feel secure about the investment. Additionally, Donner provides 24/7 customer support via their website and email. If any issues arise, they are known to have a responsive and helpful team. The kit also includes access to online lessons for beginners, which is an added bonus if you’re just starting out.

Additional information