SQUIER AFFINITY vs DONNER - Cheap Stratocaster Comparison!

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  • čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
  • Which guitar is the BEST Deal? Today I do an in-depth comparison between the Squier Affinity Stratocaster and the Donner Standard Series Guitar!
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Komentáře • 598

  • @DarrellBraunGuitar
    @DarrellBraunGuitar  Před 2 lety +71

    Let me know which guitar you think sounded the best, and which one you'd spend your money on! Enjoy :)

    • @goforbrokefilmstudios
      @goforbrokefilmstudios Před 2 lety +2

      I got a Donner.

    • @joshuajohnson2216
      @joshuajohnson2216 Před 2 lety +2

      I guess I be spending on both. This is interesting. When it comes to choose one guitar, give me time to think.

    • @replicated
      @replicated Před 2 lety +10

      Squier had way better bottom end in regards to tone. I found the Donner far too shrill and abrasive to the ears. Did like the thickness of the Donner, but overall, I'd still choose the Squier. Also if I am going strat style gonna have to go with one with the Fender style radius.

    • @joshuajohnson2216
      @joshuajohnson2216 Před 2 lety +4

      @@replicated I have 3 Squier Stratocasters at home.

    • @JohnnyGuitar
      @JohnnyGuitar Před 2 lety +6

      Well... The Squier for me, is closer to the “strat sound”... and when you go for a strat copy, that’s what you’re looking for 😎

  • @jerm6539
    @jerm6539 Před 2 lety +135

    Finally! A Good review for “affordable” guitars, for an ACTUAL beginner/or doesn’t have the money for a “good” guitar, rather than most who do an “affordable” review, and reveal a $500+ price range. . Still, I’ll take my 2018 Jackson dinky js34 I paid $251 US for last year.

    • @billbeckley1474
      @billbeckley1474 Před 2 lety +1

      I LOVE my Dinky!!!

    • @trashbagandrew
      @trashbagandrew Před 2 lety +2

      Dinky is great but the schecter c6 elite went from $400 to $250ish and I noticed had higher quality parts (this is just my experience from owning both)

    • @neil2706
      @neil2706 Před 2 lety

      @@trashbagandrew I got a schecter avenger daimen elite for 275 cad got a emg 81 in the bridge and a emg 85 in the neck and grover tuners best deal I ever paid on a guitar I got to say schecter kills it

    • @neil2706
      @neil2706 Před 2 lety

      @@trashbagandrew which is 213 usd

  • @jvig7353
    @jvig7353 Před 2 lety +88

    I bought the Donner from Amazon earlier this year as a base for modding and 2 things:
    1. It was $132.29 which included tax+shipping (but no amp) making it nearly $100 cheaper.
    2. The black fingerboard is ebony (as advertised) not rosewood which is rare for a budget guitar.

    • @joshuajohnson2216
      @joshuajohnson2216 Před 2 lety +2

      Gotta get me one of those again 😂.
      Gotta have it and gotta love it 😉☺️

    • @johnmaynes7142
      @johnmaynes7142 Před 2 lety +3

      For that price, AND it has 22 frets, I’m tempted to buy one and a few mods, first thing would be the trem, swap out for a decent 2 point trem, then the electronics with alpha pots and a decent switch, and reconfigure the pickups to have a tele neck, regular mid, and a crispy vintage output bridge humbucker, and lastly, a TUSQ nut and Fender locking tuners or Graphtech ratio tuners.

    • @poggyyellow
      @poggyyellow Před rokem +5

      @@johnmaynes7142 just buy a new guitar

    • @freezingjazzy
      @freezingjazzy Před rokem

      @@poggyyellow yeah. but it's way funnier if he does it that way.

    • @poggyyellow
      @poggyyellow Před rokem

      @@freezingjazzy true true

  • @BunkMasterFlex77
    @BunkMasterFlex77 Před 2 lety +32

    Also should consider resale value. You can sell an affinity strat with very little effort and for a good price. The Donner won't fetch anywhere what you paid for it and will be tougher to find a buyer. A lot of beginner guitars are sold b/c people give up on learning or upgrade to something better.

    • @1bhitte
      @1bhitte Před 2 lety +13

      Personally I would bot go into any cheap guitar looking to resale neither hold value enough. I would keep it and test mods out on it after you bought another.

    • @archgirl
      @archgirl Před 2 lety +6

      Sorry, I know your comment is 6 months old, I apologize for necrobumping, but I just have to say; if you’re going into picking up your first guitar with resale value in the back of your mind in case you lose interest, you’re already doomed to fail. At that point, you’re already giving up. Nothing should ever be bought with resale in mind, unless that’s your whole business. Buy it because you want it, not because it might be worth more down the road. That makes zero actual sense.
      Nobody who buys something specifically because it will appreciate ever actually has any fun owning that thing. Especially since they’re usually too scared they’ll damage it and drop the value, so they never even use it. It just shouldn’t be a consideration at any point whatsoever when buying a first guitar, especially if your budget is already limited enough to be shopping in this price range.

    • @andrefcnc
      @andrefcnc Před 2 lety +1

      Also, it really depends on what Squier we are talking about. I'm thinking about upgrading from my supermarket strat copy to something a bit better but still affordable. After some research I realized that Squier Bullet guitars, wich are Squiers entry level (not Affinity) cost around the same as a Donner (but without all the bells and whistles). But for what I've been earing, these Bullet ones are not very smooth, especially fret and fretboard wise, and they don't retain any value either. You can find them used for as low as 60$.
      To be honest, the money you're getting from selling an entry level guitar in my opinion is not even worth selling it, just save for an extra month or two and keep both guitars. Use the cheap one as a "bang around" guitar, that you can just move around everywhere without worring about it
      I'm probably gonna wait until I can get something even better than the Affinity, but if I was to buy my first guitar today I would definitely go with the Donner. They are better than the Squier Bullets, cheaper than the Affinitys and come with everthing you need to get started. Not to mention they are way better than a supermarket guitar xD

    • @marlenestockton2269
      @marlenestockton2269 Před rokem

      resale value...why would you buy and then think about 'resale' at this price point...good grief, some folks are always on the cheap.

  • @caseylee12
    @caseylee12 Před 2 lety +22

    I bought the Donner thinline ''jazz'' semi hollowbody telecaster. Can't believe how good this guitar is. $117 delivered on Amazon prime day sale. Love it!

    • @godsinbox
      @godsinbox Před 2 lety

      got a link? sold out?
      oh i see, amazon is location blocking on these guitars

    • @xskailer7131
      @xskailer7131 Před 2 lety +1

      @@godsinbox I remember they also offer these products on their own online store. You can check if it is in stock. I think it is donnerdeal or something. I can't recall it clearly.

    • @brianwatt2348
      @brianwatt2348 Před měsícem

      i just got one and oh my gosh its so good for the money

  • @rayschoch5882
    @rayschoch5882 Před 2 lety +8

    This is where I live - I have multiple low-end guitars, including a Squier Strat, a Squier Affinity Tele, a Glarry Tele, etc., etc. I've modded the electronics on some, put in better tuning machines, polished frets, but haven't had to do anything to the back of the neck on any of them. Overall, the Donner sounded just a bit brighter, but otherwise, both sounded fine for ceramic pickups, and as you've pointed out yourself, Darrell, in other reviews, body mass has nothing to do with tone, so I'm not at all bothered by the Squier's thinner body - prefer it, actually. I don't use a trem, so I don't care if either one has one that's rock-solid or not. Overall, a good comparison demo, and I'm with John See: I've been playing for decades, and the quality of these bottom-end guitars is really pretty spectacular compared to 10 or 15 years ago.

  • @mxpxguy79
    @mxpxguy79 Před 2 lety +53

    Just bought the Donner for my daughter for a birthday present, got the whole shebang (bag, tuner, pics, extra strings, capo, cable and mini amp) for $85.00 shipped.
    Couldn't pass up that deal !!!

    • @im_a_stain7874
      @im_a_stain7874 Před 2 lety +8

      That is the best deal ever

    • @glenclarkchidley3637
      @glenclarkchidley3637 Před 2 lety +1

      Who did you buy that through?

    • @mxpxguy79
      @mxpxguy79 Před 2 lety +1

      @@im_a_stain7874 I actually like the Donner guitar more than my fender affinity series.

    • @grantkoeller8911
      @grantkoeller8911 Před 2 lety

      incredible deal!!!!!

    • @zhadoxx__dl6265
      @zhadoxx__dl6265 Před 2 lety

      That’s amazing!! Quick question, did it come with a rechargeable amp with a headphone plug? Do you have a link ? :)

  • @terryweingart6142
    @terryweingart6142 Před 2 lety +5

    Hi Darrell- my wife bought me your "The Only tone that Matters" Stratocaster T-shirt for a gift. Really love the shirt! I got 3 compliments on it today! Thanks

  • @bldallas
    @bldallas Před 2 lety

    More great stuff, Darrel, I really like your budget guitar reviews. There are so many great options available now; we’re in a golden era for beginning guitarists.

  • @denisbonesso9943
    @denisbonesso9943 Před 2 lety +39

    They both sound great to be entry level guitars!! I like Squier sound, cause tones are a little bit on middle frequency, Donner is too sharp, but is my opinion, I look for darker sounds in all guitars😅
    But Donner is a great guitar, I think that with not so much money you can upgrade it and get wonderful tones!
    Darrell, as usual your explanations are perfect!

    • @dmoore0079
      @dmoore0079 Před rokem

      A lot of that brightness can be cut with a slight clockwise turn of the tone knob. A larger value capacitor on the tone pot can help darken the sound as well.

  • @paradiswest4395
    @paradiswest4395 Před 2 lety +4

    Darrell, I love that you truly get excited about testing, comparing equipment and doing guitar builds. I love the genuine enthusiasm.

    • @paradiswest4395
      @paradiswest4395 Před 2 lety

      @@mennofennema9829 for those that don't like the content the engineers at CZcams came up with a device called the Offensive Frequency Franastat, abreviated- OFF button. Simply put, don't like it - don't watch it.

    • @paradiswest4395
      @paradiswest4395 Před 2 lety

      @@mennofennema9829 Feminist,? Me no very far from it. You are obviously a very immature person !

  • @grantkoeller8911
    @grantkoeller8911 Před 2 lety +26

    In terms of resale, the Donner would be impossible to resell.
    The Squier could be sold in 10 minutes!!!!!

    • @44scoots
      @44scoots Před 2 lety

      Come on for how much? Resale value is not there.

    • @grantkoeller8911
      @grantkoeller8911 Před 2 lety +1

      @@44scoots Squiers are desired as mid tier guitar's, so the value will not lessen. My 2004 Squier bass is now worth $390, so the value has shot up!

  • @johnsee7269
    @johnsee7269 Před 2 lety +24

    The quality of "cheap" guitars is incredible these days... I like the thinner bodies. Sound's about the same so I'd choose the Squier.

  • @thebaldshredder
    @thebaldshredder Před 2 lety +18

    Darrell you should also talk about the neck profile and shape. The couple of Squiers I've had both had really thin necks. Also you should tell us the measurement of the nut.

    • @sydguitar99
      @sydguitar99 Před 2 lety +1

      Tbh I think since it's a beginner guitar, he's not gonna go that in depth like a Fender player series

    • @peterklein5861
      @peterklein5861 Před 2 lety +1

      Yeah my Classic Vibes Tele has a thin neck. But it also has these lightly rolled edges which are way nicer that the straight edges I've played on Encores and 00's Squiers.

    • @thebaldshredder
      @thebaldshredder Před 2 lety +1

      @@sydguitar99 I'd agree if he was just reviewing one of these guitars, but since he's comparing them, it would be nice to know if one has a thinner or thicker neck than the other one. Same with the nut.

  • @dragan4658
    @dragan4658 Před 2 lety +12

    Listening to both guitars and seeing the similarity in the build quality, the Donner is the one I would choose and with price difference change the tuners and for the price of the Squier you get a quite better guitar.

  • @dannywilliams3516
    @dannywilliams3516 Před 2 lety

    Thank you Darryl. I've been waiting for a review like this for quiet some time love your reviews on the lower-budget guitars man they're totally awesome. I'm also a fan of Donner products.

  • @imamystery2421
    @imamystery2421 Před 2 lety +18

    How about a Donner vs a Monoprice vs Glarry guitar that would be cool vid for ultra cheap guitars comparison. Strat style is cheapest of all 3 manufactures.

    • @treaceeames4697
      @treaceeames4697 Před rokem

      It doesn't matter

    • @thomash4447
      @thomash4447 Před 10 měsíci

      I have all 3, it does matter. Glarry is not the same quality as Donner, its just not. Monoprice Indio is a close second to Donner, and still superior to the Glarry.@@treaceeames4697

    • @johngorgis
      @johngorgis Před 4 měsíci

      Donner monoprice glarry in that order

  • @russwood127
    @russwood127 Před 2 lety +3

    I’ve owned a Bullet HT Strat, great little guitar. I have a Donner Tele now and love it. I’ve been eyeballing the Donner Strat , if it’s bones are anything like the Tele it’ll be an awesome platform to mod if you want. Thanks, for the comparison, appreciate what you do!

  • @jasonb2916
    @jasonb2916 Před 2 lety +19

    I just got a squier classic vibe 70 in sonic blue... its totally worth the extra 175- 200$. The upgrades, feeling, playability, fit and finish are well worth it. Bone nut as well. I highly suggest anyone wanting to buy a squier to just save up a little bit longer to buy a classic vibe!

    • @1bhitte
      @1bhitte Před 2 lety

      Thats a game you can keep playing tho. Like for 175-200 you could get a Sterling cutlass qnd get a roasted maple neck qnd locking tuners.

  • @gpaul856
    @gpaul856 Před 2 lety +3

    I think a beginner can't go wrong with the Indio Cali Classic you reviewed previously. After seeing your review, I had to try one. The neck on it is awesome! It only cost me $80 brand new!

  • @averagegamer1618
    @averagegamer1618 Před 2 lety +1

    i always love the videos Darell keep up the great work

  • @kylehooson6247
    @kylehooson6247 Před 2 lety +26

    Bought the donner telecaster earlier this month and it’s been playing like a dream.

    • @kingcopycat9945
      @kingcopycat9945 Před 2 lety +1

      I have the strat

    • @jjwaters
      @jjwaters Před 2 lety +4

      I also just got the Donner T-style and within a few days of getting it, used it for a gig. I didn't even change the strings. Once the strings stretched, I have had no tuning issues whatsoever and it has quickly become my favorite practice guitar. Now, after watching this review, I think it's time to add the Donner S-style to my "arsenal."

  • @iNoelles
    @iNoelles Před 2 lety

    Hey Darrell, I've subscribed to you for a long time, and I just want to say you made good videos :D

  • @Z-My
    @Z-My Před rokem

    Looking for my first guitar and this video helped a lot. Going with the Squier bundle. Thanks!

  • @nbmike65
    @nbmike65 Před 2 lety +59

    I’d like to get a donner and do some upgrades, like switching the pups to alnicos, maybe popping in a preloaded pick guard altogether, and locking tuners. Looks like a cool guitar for modding.

    • @nikomahal
      @nikomahal Před 2 lety +3

      I love that yellow

    • @greenfly1264
      @greenfly1264 Před 2 lety +3

      Why bother just buy a squire.

    • @timjacobs1168
      @timjacobs1168 Před 2 lety

      I have a custom 24 se PRS and I still got my old bullet. It gets played 2to 1 over the PRS because its a good guitar. Louder when played acoustic. I play the PRS after 5:00.

    • @Sasquatch10
      @Sasquatch10 Před 2 lety +1

      Good idea, there's actually a guy im subbed to who did some upgrades on one of the low end Donners. If you're interested the channel was "Kelly Dean Allen" and the video series was called something like upgrading a guitar on a budget.

    • @nikomahal
      @nikomahal Před 2 lety +6

      @@Sasquatch10 I feel like the Donner's might be a better Mod project. The starting point is way cheaper and the full thickness body opens more opportunities for different trems.

  • @peterdenyer3002
    @peterdenyer3002 Před 11 měsíci

    Great video. I love Donner guitars. I own three at present, and it won't be long before there are more coming my way.

  • @txkflier
    @txkflier Před 2 lety +16

    I liked the tone of the Squier better and I'd rather have it than the Donner, but I don't like 6 screw trems or sticky necks..

    • @quantum_net219
      @quantum_net219 Před 2 lety +2

      To me the tone of the donner has more character, the squire sounds a bit muddy.

    • @passenger1jaro
      @passenger1jaro Před 2 lety

      sticky neck can polished in literally 5 minutes with new kitchen sponge. I do that to every guitar I own and its quick and effective fix

    • @grantkoeller8911
      @grantkoeller8911 Před 2 lety

      Remember Squier ends with the R.

    • @txkflier
      @txkflier Před 2 lety +1

      @@grantkoeller8911 Fixed..

  • @petestaint8312
    @petestaint8312 Před rokem

    Superb demo! Thanks for posting. 👍

  • @dustinmiller1485
    @dustinmiller1485 Před 2 lety +15

    I bought the Donner after watching your initial video for the guitar, and it played great out of the box. I eventually upgraded the bridge and tuners to Fender brand, and it was definitely an improvement. Pickups are surprisingly good as is.

    • @dappawap
      @dappawap Před rokem +1

      what was wrong with the original bridge?

    • @dustinmiller1485
      @dustinmiller1485 Před rokem

      @@dappawap I just wanted upgraded hardware for tuning and sustain purposes.

    • @xfighter1117
      @xfighter1117 Před 11 měsíci

      Which one did you go with? Just a miM bridge?

    • @rrich2709
      @rrich2709 Před 8 měsíci

      how hard it is to upgrade?

    • @xfighter1117
      @xfighter1117 Před 8 měsíci

      @@rrich2709 screw driver and screws

  • @jeffreygroesser1009
    @jeffreygroesser1009 Před 2 lety +15

    The tuning machines are cheap but one thing you should mention is that the buttons are almost always in need of snugging up with a screwdriver. It makes a world of difference and eliminates most of the backlash and slop. I've done this many times even on expensive guitars. It's definitely worth mentioning.

  • @jaimer744
    @jaimer744 Před 2 lety +1

    Got a Donner before the pandemic. Replaced the electronics with a pre-loaded pickguard; replaced tuners, and graphtec nut. I had a tech do the soldering but I did my own fretwork and the rest of the small stuff. My 2nd best electric guitar (IMO).

  • @keithfredrickson
    @keithfredrickson Před 2 lety

    Great review! Actually supremely helpful.

  • @juliushicks4028
    @juliushicks4028 Před 2 lety +11

    Would be interested to see how the EART tele/strat goes up against the squire tele/strat

  • @johnwelch557
    @johnwelch557 Před 2 lety

    Good review. I have several Affinities, one Donner. Both work very well. No problems with vibrato systems. 6 screw system is just fine. Unscrew all six three turns. The just need to pivot, not hold the plate down. Thick, thin body? No matter at all. Oh, I'd like to hear the Donner amp! Man, price creep for these and all are concerning... Thanks Darrell!

  • @gerardolopez-castilla1531

    I bought the Donner from Amazon in October 2020 and paid $127.49 US$, including shipping and taxes. I still think that it was a good deal! cheap and nice! I use the small amp when watching youtube videos to learn a song and not drive the whole family crazy! I oiled the fretboard, adjusted the tuning pegs, replaced the strings and adjusted their height a little and the guitar plays and feels very nice! The bag is a plus and the quality is not bad! I have to say that nut was not glued as clean as yours... but it's OK, not a deal breaker... that's the only thing I want to replace in the future. I would go with the Squier if I had more time to play but for my circumstances the Donner was a great deal! I just wanted to say that I love your videos!! THANK YOU!

  • @theverseshed
    @theverseshed Před 2 lety

    Fully agree about Squier updating the quality of their instruments - I recently bought a Squier Thinline Tele and it's amazing. No tweaks or setups needed whatsoever apart (of course) from tuning after arrival).

  • @gigmandrew8975
    @gigmandrew8975 Před 2 lety +2

    I would go with the Affinity Strat and I also like the sound of the six screw tremolo versus the two-point tremolo.

  • @jimmyz2098
    @jimmyz2098 Před 2 lety +14

    I've recently (within the last year) picked up a Squier Bullet Strat - Lake Placid (ish) Blue. It is gorgeous. And I love it. The neck is not bad. Not great. But it plays pretty well. Cheapo pickups. But I still ove the axe, for $149 on sale. Then.... I have the Donner Strat I bought a few months back. Also in a Lake Blue metallic type thing. Just slightly lighter blue than the Squiier. I LOVE that guitar too. Honestly, it's a better guitar. Heavier. Much better pick-ups IMO, although not great. Much better neck. But I hated the Donner head-stock. No big deal. I sanded it and re-shaped it on my sanding machine. And now it looks way better. Anyway - I dig both guitars a lot. But the Donner is better. Now... a Squier Affinity is going to be a little nicer than the Bullet..... so......

    • @marlenestockton2269
      @marlenestockton2269 Před rokem

      Squier base price is $60 more. Not really comparable in value at all. Plus it'll cost another $90 bucks to get all the extra's things you need like the gig bag (will cost $35 alone) with the Donner. The Squier you get nothing.

  • @calbrockocat8728
    @calbrockocat8728 Před 2 lety

    I went the used route and picked up a Yamaha Pacifica 112 for $150 CAD. As a lefty my only choice for colour is the natural grain, but I'm getting it done in a matte sedona red finish and blacking outt he pickguard and knobs. Chrome cover for the humbuckers, black for the middle single coil and my addition of a filtertron clone for the neck to give it all the versatilitiy I will need. It's thanks to excellent CZcams channels like this that I've been able to take the plunge into electric guitar. Being a lefty limits choice, but it does give you more GAS! Given the choice between the Donner and the Squier, gotta say I like the tone of a bridge humbucker more.

  • @chaussmk
    @chaussmk Před 2 lety +15

    One more thing to consider. Which guitar will hold its value when it's time to upgrade and you want to trade or sell the entry level axe. I am going to give the Squire the point in that category. So when you consider price you also gotta consider trade in value in a year or two when you move onto that intermediate instrument.

    • @ransi_07
      @ransi_07 Před 2 lety +10

      For the ones who can afford to not sell ur first guitar - Please dont...You will not regret not selling it!

    • @ransi_07
      @ransi_07 Před 2 lety

      @Trent Walkergood for u lol!

    • @grantkoeller8911
      @grantkoeller8911 Před 2 lety +3

      @@ransi_07 Meaning....you will regret selling it. (double negative)

    • @44scoots
      @44scoots Před 2 lety +1

      There is no resale value to your first guitar so that’s not an issue. You’re spending $180 bucks you’ll be lucky to get half that.

    • @asherplatts6253
      @asherplatts6253 Před 2 lety

      True! If anything the Squier will increase in value. I have a Squier Telecaster Affinity that I bought for $170 that is going for over $200 used now (I think because of the color or something dumb like that). The retail price also increased.

  • @ireuel357
    @ireuel357 Před 2 lety

    Got a donner package for my 13yo last Christmas for $130. Very satisfied! Good finish, great for beginner but enough quality that I like playing it too. Oh, and the little battery powered amp is perfect for a kid to play. Loud enough to fill a bedroom but not rattle the whole house. Even has distortion.

  • @audiophileman7047
    @audiophileman7047 Před 2 lety +7

    Your guitar reviews are second to none, Darrell. I really love them. 😍 You provide such detailed information about he build; show the insides of each guitar; and provide really good sound/tone comparisons. Your summaries really cap it off and help someone choose between guitars. In this review, I'd go for the Donner, because it has a humbucker in the bridge position, and it just seems to have better value. Regardless, I might go for some of the better Affinity models with a more desirable finish and pay a little more. Thank you for another great review! 👍👍👍👍👍

  • @SeaDrive300
    @SeaDrive300 Před 2 lety

    Great review, Darrell. Thanks! :-)

  • @flooptydoo1178
    @flooptydoo1178 Před 2 lety +19

    I was looking at both brands and ended up going with Tagima. I am amazed at the playabliity of these price points.

    • @clintwilson6380
      @clintwilson6380 Před 2 lety

      Those are nice ☆

    • @mauriciorachid5834
      @mauriciorachid5834 Před 2 lety +1

      Tagima made in Brazil, not those made in China.

    • @flooptydoo1178
      @flooptydoo1178 Před 2 lety +2

      @@mauriciorachid5834 Mine was made in China and plays great. I would love to have one made in Brazil, but this is about "affordable" guitars.

    • @mauriciorachid5834
      @mauriciorachid5834 Před 2 lety

      Ok. You' re right. I am a big fan of brazilian Tagimas and they dont have the same price as the above.

    • @Slomowo
      @Slomowo Před 2 lety +1

      Brazilian brands are doing decently for budget guitars as of late. I have a Tele-style Strinberg and it's really good, + the figuring on the maple fretboard is actually very pretty. Only issue is the radius is flatter than an Ibanez. I might start modding it soon. Another new brand I've noticed in nearby stores is EWA Guitars.

  • @leeevan6908
    @leeevan6908 Před 2 lety

    Awesome review Darrell! Salamat!

  • @ronjohnston1822
    @ronjohnston1822 Před 2 lety

    Have owned a Korean made Sapphire Blue Squier Stratocaster Pro Tone since Dec ‘96. To this day, one of my favorite guitars. Realize the guitar was only manufactured for roughly 3 years, which makes availability somewhat scarce, but curious Darrell if you have ever played, reviewed or compared this guitar to other “S” type guitars in that similar price point? As a recreational player, always look forward to your new videos ( well, my wallet doesn’t always, bought a Schecter Custom II Solo solely based on your reco and I totally agree with your assessment, BTW ).

  • @bbyllma
    @bbyllma Před 2 lety +12

    Another thing to consider is re-sale price. A Squire will hold more of it's value on the secondary market than a Donner will.

  • @danielswierczynski2001
    @danielswierczynski2001 Před rokem +1

    I have the Donner DST-400. Alder body and two point trem. Frets are smooth and flawless. Finish is stellar. Really feels and plays like a MIM Fender Strat for $500 less money.

  • @estenray6685
    @estenray6685 Před 2 lety +1

    Definitely think the Donner was the better deal. Also looked and sounded better. I think it’s a better starting point to modify which is what I would do with either guitar! New alnico pickups, pots, switches basically replace all the electronics and lastly maybe the tuners. Either block off the tremlo and make it a hard tail or switch it over to a two point tremlo with low friction set up.

  • @24FretsGuitar
    @24FretsGuitar Před 2 lety +3

    They both seem fine for a starter guitar. The frets look well done.

  • @zombiemachinery4868
    @zombiemachinery4868 Před 2 lety +1

    Just buy the Squier and put some money inside that thing:
    1. Locking tuners.
    2. Graphtech for the nut.
    3. Stainless steel frets.
    4. Get a nice branded bridge.
    5. New electronics.
    6. Get at least 1 great pick up for the bridge position, you know DiMarzio and stuff like that.
    Congrats you've made yourself one monster of a custom guitar for way less money than going to the store to buy a Fender branded Strat.

  • @ciclismoparatodos9692
    @ciclismoparatodos9692 Před 2 lety

    Hi there, I'm from Colombia, I've been watching your videos and they are quite educative, Thank you. I just bought a budget guitar, my first electric guitar, an Ibanez GRX 40 MLB and also I purchased an amp, a begginers amp, the Marshall CODE 25. I just learning to use it but so far, I could say that it has a bunch of tool and options to explore. It would be great if you could review this amp. Sorry about my English.

  • @remtremb
    @remtremb Před 2 lety

    My affinity tele did come with an allen wrench. It does perfectly what I bought it for: the rare occasions where I use standard tuning

  • @briannelms158
    @briannelms158 Před 2 lety

    Agree Darrell! Very nice comparison!

  • @benpowersguitar
    @benpowersguitar Před 2 lety

    Awesome comparison man.

  • @myeyesarewaiting
    @myeyesarewaiting Před 2 lety

    would have been good to have seen the trem blocks, and also one screw removed from the trem - just to confirm if the screws had shoulders or not. great video though - thumbs up from me!
    Might be worth pointing out that there is nothing materially wrong with small pots. How well they are built is what matters. Alpha, Bourne, CTS all make excellent small sized pots.

  • @mburtondavis
    @mburtondavis Před 2 lety +33

    The squier contemporary series has some really cool guitars in it.

    • @RichardDeBerryOfficial
      @RichardDeBerryOfficial Před 2 lety

      I saw an all black contemporary jazz bass (with a maple neck/fretboard with black block inlays, and humbuckers), and it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

  • @perihelion7798
    @perihelion7798 Před 2 lety +2

    Note that with the Donner you get more for less [ $169.00 ]. The Affinity is $229.00.
    Plus, it's a full size guitar, with a 1 3/4" thick body, which is the Fender standard.
    I have bought a lot of Affinitys over many years, and they are a good, solid guitar.
    They make a fine modding platform, but the Donner is equally well suited for mods. Also, cheaper.

  • @arjgro
    @arjgro Před 2 lety +1

    For what it's worth; I think string trees provide a much better break angle on the strings than staggered tuners here.
    Though I would replace those metal string trees for graph-tech ones for less friction.

  • @kingamerx7_kerrs
    @kingamerx7_kerrs Před 2 lety

    Good video, and useful. Can you do another like this but between the Donner dlp-124 and the Epiphone Les Paul Special II? That would be cool

  • @50Something
    @50Something Před 2 lety

    The Donner pickups sound really nice for the money! Great review!

  • @TheTwangKings
    @TheTwangKings Před 8 dny

    Nice work! My 5 cents on trem systems: there isn't one that can't be set up to near perfection, either cheap or expensive. That's the genius of Fender 😊

  • @mrscary3105
    @mrscary3105 Před 2 lety +6

    Donner seems to cut better. Looks like blocking the trem, changing the tuning machines would make the donner a great deal.

  • @mearkitek3773
    @mearkitek3773 Před 2 lety +29

    Definitely liked the Squire fuller sound. I was surprised about the qualify build of the Donner.

    • @ramspencer5492
      @ramspencer5492 Před 2 lety

      Really? Both sounded like such bad pickups.... But the Donner did seem to have a tiny bit more depth.... Didn't quite sound as squashed.

    • @usuallyclueless4477
      @usuallyclueless4477 Před 2 lety +2

      @@ramspencer5492 remember it costs around £120

  • @AffiBlues
    @AffiBlues Před 2 lety

    I tried them both, and when it comes to playability, I prefere the Squier - perhaps because of the simular feeling of a Fender Stratocaster. I like the tone of the Squier a lot more than the Donner, but if I had to buy and play one for serious, I would replace all of the electronics anyway. I don't care, the Squier is thinner. It's made from better wood imo! Actually it feels comfortable to "just pick up" and have fun. Last but not least : The Donner has a humbucker at bridge, and so should the Squier be equipped as well. A coil split would take care of business - after the pickup replacement. As Darrell mentioned, Squier is upgrading the quality, and I look forward to follow that brand in future.
    Exiting comparison, Darrell. Thanks for putting such an effort into demonstrating budget guitars as serious instruments :)

  • @adammichaelchannel
    @adammichaelchannel Před 2 lety +6

    The Squier pickups produce more harmonics and sound fuller. Otherwise, the Donner package is the better value.
    I'd go with the Donner, and upgrade the pickups and vibrato system.

    • @fongy200
      @fongy200 Před 2 lety

      Not a fair comparison, the Donner is classed as a super strat.

    • @adammichaelchannel
      @adammichaelchannel Před 2 lety

      @@fongy200 SSS vs. HSS isn't an exact matchup, but it's likely the results of the Squier vs. Donner packages will be the same.

  • @garymcaleer6112
    @garymcaleer6112 Před 2 lety

    Interesting A/B shootout. The Donner sounds identical to my Kramer VT-211S: narrow freq.res. w/brittle overtones. Squire takes the honors, as it should. Far more caressing. Thanks, Darrell.

  • @lavenderjrblues2017
    @lavenderjrblues2017 Před 2 lety

    The Donner seems like a nice mod platform. Love you channel. God bless you, and yours.

  • @fiery.mercaba
    @fiery.mercaba Před rokem

    Thanks for the comparison review of the Squire Affinity & the Donner, DarrellBraunGuitar. You have helped me a great deal in what to look into as options for what I hope is my very near purchase of a couple or so guitars. Thanks.
    Oh, I would say, though, it would have been fair & good if you had at least mentioned a starter package of Squire's, even if the price point is elevated by several more dollars.
    Be blessed.
    P. S. -- Have you ever done a review of the "EASTROCK 39 inch Full-Size Electric Guitar Kit for Beginner[s]" (per Amazon's wording)?

  • @robertpennington1019
    @robertpennington1019 Před rokem

    The one thing about those bigger, and nicer looking (imo) bridges.. if you get a bur in one of those saddles it was a little more challenging to solve on an old MiM Tele from 2004(it had those ‘block style’ saddles). It has brass saddles now, but back in the day it would snap low ‘E’ like crazy. I even had to give up my nickel wounds as the steel would at least last half a practice session.

  • @averageguitarist3631
    @averageguitarist3631 Před 2 lety +2

    Considering half of all beginners give up within the first year, don't underestimate the value of having all the accessories included. Even the cheapest amp will set you back at least 50 bucks and you still need to buy the bag and all the various other things.

  • @valueofnothing2487
    @valueofnothing2487 Před 2 lety +1

    The nice thing about the squire is you can get a Warmoth neck for it, and GFS has upgrade parts for the bridge, etc.... You can reliably upgrade them. Although 1 observation is kind of meaningless, I got a $299 one and the fretwork was just as good as my Warmoth neck and far better than my CV.

  • @remalistochastis
    @remalistochastis Před 2 lety

    Hi, thanks! Waiting for a comparison of Squier/Pacifica and the new Ibanez AZES (of the same price tag of course).

  • @9alt0
    @9alt0 Před 2 lety

    The tonal differences between positions 1 and 5 seem broader on the Squier vs the Donner, but the Donner seems like an excellent value prop.

  • @MusicTutorJay
    @MusicTutorJay Před 2 lety

    great video comparison

  • @bouzoukiman5000
    @bouzoukiman5000 Před 2 lety +2

    The feel of a Squire fretboard is very nice

  • @ffemto4
    @ffemto4 Před 2 lety

    DBG, have you (or would you) do a comparison video like this one between the donner vs. Squier Teles? Really thinking that I need a tele in my life and would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

  • @mattwaters6987
    @mattwaters6987 Před 8 měsíci

    Thanks Darrell for the comparison. I don't like the medium strings i put my Squir. Light gauge next time and setup too. Cheers! 😊

  • @sgt.grinch3299
    @sgt.grinch3299 Před 2 lety +1

    Excellent video. Can we get some SG love?

  • @lous8199
    @lous8199 Před 2 lety

    If you want to do some serious upgrades that are very inexpensive you need the following:
    Wilkinson 6 screw vibrato bridge. Has a huge intonated block-the only intonated block that I have ever seen. Cost $32 on ebay and is one of the best out there.
    Wilkinson E-Z LOCK tuners. On a quick look they might fit.
    The E-Z LOCK tuners have 2 holes in the posts.
    You put the string through whichever hole is right for you, then lock the string through the other hole. Cost $20 on ebay.
    You might be able to eliminate a string tree if you do it right.
    I use Graph Tech string trees- white or black. $10-12 for set of 2 on eBay.
    For a little over $50 you can totally transform the guitar

  • @RebeccaHindle
    @RebeccaHindle Před 2 lety +2

    The Donner amp is really good for something so small I bought it on it's own

  • @r4microds
    @r4microds Před 2 lety +2

    Donner seemed solid, I own a bass from them and love it. gotta say though, the Donner sounded like it had some intonation issues on open chrod frets. not sure if that's nut related or a flat fret not perfectly crowned but overall very, verrry impressive otherwise.
    I'm thinking if getting one but a shame if the trem on both are shotty because I fell like that's half the fun of a strat!
    I'll think it over..!

  • @russseuffert803
    @russseuffert803 Před 10 měsíci

    I bought the Donner 4 yrs ago for under $100. I did have to do a setup. The fret ends were bad news. But since that time the guitar has settled down and plays as it should. I have the yellow which looks just great.

  • @lous8199
    @lous8199 Před 2 lety

    In addition to my comment about the Wilkinson and Graph Tech mods, get a ToneRider or GFS assembled pickguard (If they fit).
    They have many options on those and they are inexpensive.
    Between that and the other mods that I suggested you will have a very decent guitar that sounds good and plays great.

  • @kiernanslife2209
    @kiernanslife2209 Před 2 lety

    I just got a used Tagima TG 530 and the tremolo is actually pretty nice. I'm a beginner but it holds tune well within my use. but I payed $250 for it.

  • @nucorguy
    @nucorguy Před 2 lety +5

    One other comparison I wish had been included is resale or trade in value. I think the Squier would sweep that category...

    • @rvaguitars
      @rvaguitars Před 2 lety

      I used to be a used instrument buyer a guitar center and let me tell you if you attempted to trade a squire in on something we would try not to laugh at you but it would be hard. The most you would get is 10 bucks. If you were concerned about trade in value on $100 guitar I have bad news for you you’re in the wrong hobby

    • @nucorguy
      @nucorguy Před 2 lety

      That's why I don't sell used gear to a retailer. I have sold Squier guitars on craigslist for $75 and up.

  • @kartavyadodia475
    @kartavyadodia475 Před 2 lety +2

    If you see a guitar in a dream, it means that you will receive a gift. That item will probably be useful to you for work, and it will make you fall in love with your profession. I don't know when I'll get my dream electric guitar...🥺️. Waiting since 7 months...

  • @adriyanmusic
    @adriyanmusic Před 2 lety

    My friend I can watch your videos 24 hours :) thanks for sharing it helps a lot

  • @dannywilliams3516
    @dannywilliams3516 Před 2 lety

    Hey Darrell how are you buddy. I was wondering if you've ever done a video on the Donner 124s their Les Paul Standard Style guitar I was thinking about purchasing one of those I would really like to see you review one of those. The daughter strats are good guitars I know because I know a couple of guys that have them. Take care of man!

  • @jonahseago
    @jonahseago Před 2 lety +7

    Love this man

  • @morehumanity
    @morehumanity Před 2 lety

    The pickups on the Donner seem way more microphonic, and I generally prefer the sound on the Squier in your demo. But, that Humbucker on the Donner actually sounds really nice and I preferred it to the Squier's single coil at the bridge.

  • @oldguydave7355
    @oldguydave7355 Před 2 lety

    Never heard of a Donner until I saw your videos. Cheers.

  • @dannyhamby6334
    @dannyhamby6334 Před rokem

    I just bought a donner tele and it’s pretty nice considering I gave $108 shipped for it! I tuned it played a few minutes and took it to my local shop to have good strings put on and a setup done to it as this above all other things will make it the most playable. I will still have less than $200 into it in the end and at that price I can play it for a year or so and if it breaks or something happens honestly I’ve lost literally nothing! But what’s to break? A pickup a trim pot or a switch? Which could easily be replaced for less than 20 or 30 bucks at best

  • @vibeoinktunes8396
    @vibeoinktunes8396 Před 4 měsíci

    Thanks man!

  • @groovedan6889
    @groovedan6889 Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks for thr comparison and giving a VERDICT. A verdict is what i need to hear.

  • @franklucas9313
    @franklucas9313 Před 2 lety

    Darrell! if we got the donner, what would be the recommended single coil pickup brands to replace with? will they just fit no problem? just a bit better set of pickups, not even the humbucker just the two singles, thanks!!

  • @TexanUSMC8089
    @TexanUSMC8089 Před 2 lety

    2021 Squier Affinity series got an upgrade. Gloss headstock with gold logo. Full size pots and a better switch. The Fender rep said they were supposed to bridge the gap better. Mexican Fender, then Squier Classic Vibe, then Squier Affinity, then the Squier Bullet. The Affinity moved up in quality a little. The Donner might be closer to a Squier Bullet series now.

  • @robertobrien2903
    @robertobrien2903 Před 2 lety

    I'd like to hear the Donner with the same strings as the Squier. The Squier sounded better in most positions, more solid a lot of times too but I think it is less the electronics and more the strings. If that is the case, use the difference in money saved to buy some locking tuners for the Donner...Did the radius of the Squier help some of the licks seem a little cleaner or was it the better tuners of the Squier or despite the looks were the frets better on the Squier? Sometimes better materials in regard to the frets that can be improved are better than lesser materials that are more perfect maybe? I'm glad I just have Gibsons and American Fenders to play on. I'm not a good enough player to play on equipment with so many questions in regard to what need's improved...I like to have stuff where I know the biggest issue is me.

  • @chrismckay3868
    @chrismckay3868 Před 2 lety

    I recently bought a '08 Squier almost exactly identical to your test unit but in candy apple red for $99 off ebay used. t probably came from a strat pack in the past and ende up in a closet because there was little to no use on it. It took me a while to find it as I was wanting red with the 60's shape headstock. I was somewhat leary about the thinner body but as it is literally my first guitar the thickness is irellevant to me in actuality. One major thing that tossed me for a loop when I got it was the narrow nut on the squier, but I am adapting my short sausage fingers... :)

  • @55maltesers
    @55maltesers Před rokem

    The one extra fret on the donner sold it for me. I got a donner as a practice guitar when I'm travelling. I also think the donner has a much nicer stratty twang to it that the squire.