DONNER DST-152 Electric Guitar User Manual

DONNER DST-152 Electric Guitar

Product Information

Welcome to Donner! Thank you for choosing Donner electric guitar. Please read this instruction manual carefully before using this product. Be sure to save these instructions for future reference.

Main Parts of the Guitar

strings and convert them into electrical signals.
Front strap button| A button for attaching a strap to the front of the guitar.
Neck| The long, narrow part of the guitar that extends from the body
and holds the fretboard.
Headstock| The top part of the neck that holds the tuning keys.
Pickguard| A protective plate is located below the strings and above the
body.
Control knobs and switches| Knobs and switches for controlling volume, tone, and other
settings.
Cord and jack plate| The cord connects the guitar to an amplifier or other audio
equipment. The jackplate is where the cord is plugged into the
guitar.
Frets| Metal strips embedded along the fretboard divide it into
different notes.
Binding| A decorative strip that runs along the edges of the guitar body
and neck.
Fret markers| Markers on the fretboard that indicate specific positions or
notes.
Neck joint| The point where the neck is attached to the body of the
guitar.
Nut| A small piece at the top end of the neck that supports the
strings.
Tuning keys| Mechanical devices used to adjust the tension of the strings
and control their pitch.
Tuning posts| The part of the tuning keys that the strings are wound
around.
String retainers| Small devices used to hold the strings in place near the
nut.
Truss rod adjustment| An adjustable rod inside the neck that helps control the
curvature of the neck.
Saddle height adjustment screws| Screws used to adjust the height of the strings above the
fretboard at the bridge.
Intonation adjustment screws| Screws used to adjust the length of the strings at the bridge,
ensuring accurate pitch across the fretboard.
Bridge saddles| The part of the bridge that the strings rest on.
Tension springs| Springs used to balance the tension of the strings at the
bridge.
Bridge mounting screws| Screws used to attach the bridge to the body of the
guitar.

Safety Warnings and Guidelines

1. Guitars are subject to temperature changes. Avoid exposing your guitar to extreme temperature conditions.
2. Avoid exposing your guitar to rain or using it near water.
3. Avoid extremely hot, cold, damp, or dry conditions for your guitar.
4. Note : Neglecting the instructions above or subjecting your instrument to extreme temperatures may void the Donner warranty.

Setup Your Donner Guitar – Strings Replacement / Winding

To replace or wind your guitar strings:

1. Remove the old strings.
2. Thread the new strings through the bridge and the tuning keys.
3. Leave around 4-5cm of excess string at the tuning key end.
4. Wind the strings around the tuning posts, making sure they are properly secured.
5. Follow the tuning and stretching cycle until each string’s pitch stabilizes.

Neck Relief / Truss Rod Adjustment / Fret Buzz

1. Neck Relief: The curvature of the neck. It can be adjusted using the truss rod.
2. Truss Rod Adjustment: Use an alien wrench to adjust the truss rod. Clockwise tightens the truss rod for a higher string position, and counter-clockwise loosens it for a lower string position.
3. Fret Buzz: If you experience fret buzz, consult an experienced professional for assistance.

String Action/Height Adjustment

The string action/height can be adjusted based on the type of bridge:

TOM-Style Fix Bridge:

Adjust the saddle height screws to raise or lower the strings.

Non-Locking Tremolo Bridge:

Adjust the saddle height screws to raise or lower the strings.

Locking Tremolos:

Refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for adjusting the string action/height on locking tremolos.

Tune Your Donner Guitar

1. Clip the tuner on the headstock and adjust it to guitar mode.
2. Tune each string to the standard pitches: E-A-D-G-B-E.
3. Note : Rotate the tuning pegs slowly and gradually to avoid breaking the strings.

Tuner Display:

• Much lower than the standard pitch.
• Low but close to the standard pitch.
• Standard pitch (screen shows green).
• High but close to the standard pitch.
• Much higher than the standard pitch.

Welcome to Donner

• Thank you for choosing Donner electric guitar!
• Please read this instruction manual carefully before using this product.
• Be sure to save these instructions for future reference

MAIN PARTS OF THE GUITAR

1. Body
2. Pickups
3. Front strap button
4. Neck
5. Headstock
6. Pickguard
7. Control knobs and switches
8. Cord and jack plate

1. Frets

2. Binding

3. Fret markers

4. Neck joint

5. Nut

6. Tuning keys

7. Tuning posts

8. String retainers

9. Truss rod adjustment

10. Strings

11. Saddle height adjustment screws

12. Intonation adjustment screws

13. Bridge saddles

14. Tension springs

15. Bridge mounting screws

SAFETY WARNINGS AND GUIDELINES

STRINGS

• Use only good quality strings, we recommend purchasing the Donner Electric Guitar Strings. It will help you avoid a lot of problems. The strings of acoustic guitars or classical guitars are not suitable for electric guitars.
• There is no set rule for how often you should change your strings. We recommend that you replace your strings regularly. If you play daily, we recommend that you replace your strings every 2 or 3 weeks. If you have strings that are worn, flattened, kinked, corroded, rusted, or mucked up with sweat grease, and grime, then it is time to change your strings. Otherwise, strings should be changed when they are no longer giving you the tone, brightness, and response that you desire.
• Keep your head at a proper distance from the guitar when replacing or adjusting strings. A sudden break of the strings can harm your eyes.
• After the string replacement, please cut off the excess to avoid damage to the human body or a guitar gig bag/case.
• In the case of not playing for a long time, we recommend that you loosen the strings appropriately to avoid bending the neck.
• The way you wind the strings around the tuning keys is very important. It determines if your strings stay in tune. Please refer carefully to the instructions for string winding.
• To play more comfortably, the bridge (especially a tremolo bridge) needs special tuning, which directly affects the comfort of the play.
• To achieve better playing comfort, please do not neglect the setting of neck relief. When you change the strings of different specifications, do not forget to re-adjust this content.
• Please make sure that your octave is adjusted correctly. This ensures that you play every note accurately. Please refer carefully to the instructions for adjusting intonation.
• When you use a strap on the guitar, please make sure to use a high-quality strap and check whether the strap is safe and intact. Don’t make sudden movements that cause the guitar to fall.

CLEANING

• To keep your new Donner guitar in good condition, we suggest that you should get into the habit of cleaning the guitar every time you finish playing. All guitar parts should be cleaned regularly.
• The metal parts are easily oxidized, please make sure to wipe the strings, bridge, pickups, and tuners with a dry, delicate cotton cloth every time you finish playing. (But remember, the cloth used for wiping metal parts cannot be the same as the cloth used for wiping the guitar body)
• We also recommend that you wipe the fingerboard with a dry, delicate cotton cloth every time you finish playing, so you can prevent dirt buildup. If the fingerboard becomes very dirty, please remove the strings and clean the fingerboard thoroughly.
• Avoid the use of furniture polish or any glass cleaner on a guitar as this will not react well with the finish.
• Maple fingerboard cleaning: Finished maple or glossy fingerboard can be cleaned and polished with any standard guitar cleaner intended for finished woods. Unfinished/raw maple fingerboards are essentially raw wood and require an oil-based fingerboard cleaner for cleaning and conditioning.
• For gloss-finished surface cleaning, such as the body, back of the neck, and headstock, we recommend using specialized cleaning products only. Use lightly with a soft polishing cloth or cotton cloth

STORAGE

• When not playing your guitar, keep it in its gig bag/case. If you don’t own a gig bag/case, we strongly recommend purchasing a Donner gig bag/case. Using a gig bag/case will offer the best possible protection against damage and will keep your instrument from gathering dust.
• Keeping your guitar safe and in excellent playing condition is all about what you do with it when you’re not playing it. Keeping it in a safe location like its gig bag/case and maintaining the proper humidity level where it’s stored are all key for proper guitar care.
• Guitars are also subject to temperature changes, especially when traveling. Dramatic leaps in temperature over a short period can damage or warp parts of the guitar.
• Avoid exposing your guitar to rain, use it near water or any extremely hot, cold, damp, or dry conditions.

NOTE:
Damage to your instrument caused by neglecting the instructions above or subjecting your instrument to extreme temperatures will not be covered under Donner warranty.

SETUP YOUR DONNER GUITAR

STRINGS REPLACEMENT / WINDING

1. Line up all the tuning post holes, so the holes are open toward the nut. This way the string can go straight through the tuning post (Figure 1).
2. Identify and insert each string into the hole in the tuning post.
3. Make sure you keep holding the string straight and the string should pass through the nut (Figure 2.1) and bridge saddle (Figure 2.2).
4. Then leave enough length for a few wraps around the post, you can measure an additional length of about 4-5cm of string from the tuning post (Figure 2.3).
5. Keep holding the string straight and make sure you have left additional length, then,
6. Hold the end of the additional length and push it back to the string post about 4-5cm (Figure 3.1), then bend (a.k.a. crimp) the remaining string at a 90-degree angle (Figure 3.2).
7. Tighten the string by turning the tuning key, making sure the string wraps downward along the post, and press the string on the nut (Figure 4). Tune to pitch and then trim off leftover string ends.

NOTE:

Most strings need to adapt to the new tension. After replacing the strings, you’ll notice that the strings will keep going out of tune until they have acclimated and stabilized the pitch. And this is a normal phenomenon, only needs to repeat the tuning and stretching cycle until each string’s pitch stabilizes

NECK RELIEF/ TRUSS ROD ADJUSTMENT/ FRET BUZZ

NECK RELIEF

• Neck relief refers to a small amount of concave bow intentionally created in the neck of a guitar or bass by adjusting the truss rod. Increasing the space between the strings and the frets, allowing them to vibrate freely without buzzing.
• Inconsistent action and obvious string buzz may be indications that a neck is out of adjustment. Neck adjustments must be done accurately for proper action, intonation, and fretting. When you finish adjusting the neck, the neck should be slightly concave, we call it neck relief.
• Neck relief checking: We check the neck relief by pressing the string on the first and last fret with the relief set up correctly, the height of the string above the 8th fret should be measured at about 0.5mm is usually plenty of bow

TRUSS ROD ADJUSTMENT

To adjust the truss rod, first locate the truss rod access at the headstock, remove the truss rod cover (if it has), and insert the correct size alien wrench to adjust.

• If the string is higher (concave neck), one should tighten the truss rod, which means turning the adjustment screw clockwise. (Figure A)
• If the string is lower (convex neck), one should loosen the truss rod, which means turning the adjustment screw counter-clockwise. (Figure B)

FRET BUZZ

SITUATION & SOLUTION:

• If your guitar that buzzes at the first five frets will likely need more neck relief. After adjusting the neck relief, then you should also adjust the string height/action at the bridge.
• If your guitar buzzes in the middle of the neck, you’ve likely added too much neck relief. After adjusting the neck relief, then you should also adjust the string height/action at the bridge.
• If the neck relief is properly set, the guitar that buzzes above the 12th fret or across the entire fingerboard will likely need the string height/action raised.

NOTE:

Avoid momentary over-adjustment, which may cause damage to the neck. It is recommended that the angle of rotation of the wrench is 15 degrees each time. Excessive tuning can also easily cause damage to the neck. Therefore, if you have no experience, it is best to consult an experienced professional.

STRING ACTION/HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

ATTENTION:

• Make sure you have properly adjusted the truss rod correctly before adjusting the string action/height)
• String action/height refers to the distance between the strings and the fret. This distance is measured at the 12th fret and is measured from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string on both the high and low outside strings. The height of the string over the 12th fret is very personal, but when you set it too high, it will be difficult to play, and when it is too low, it will cause fret buzzing. The Standard string action: 2.0 mm for the E1 string and 2.5 mm for the E6 string.
• If your guitar needs string action adjustment, you need to identify the bridge style of the guitar and locate the height adjustment screws forappropriate adjustments. There are various models of Donner guitars that use various bridge styles.

TOM-Style:
The string height is adjusted via the two mounting posts on each side, while intonation is adjusted via the individual screws at each bridge saddle.

Fix Bridge:
The string height can be adjusted for each individual string via Allen screws on each side of the saddle. Intonation is adjusted via the single screw that attaches the saddle to the bridge plate.

Non-Locking Tremolo Bridge:
The string height can be adjusted for each individual string via Allen screws on each side of the saddle.

Locking Tremolos:
The string height is adjusted via the two posts on the front edge of the bridge. Intonation is adjusted by loosening the saddle lock screw and sliding the saddle forward or backward to achieve the desired intonation point.

TUNE YOUR DONNER GUITAR

• Step 1 : Clip the tuner on the head and adjust to guitar mode.
• Step 2 : Tune the six strings to standard pitches in turn. Standard tuning defines the string pitches as notes E-A-D-G-B-E.
• Note : It is important to rotate the pegs slowly and gradually, to avoid potentially breaking the string.
  • Much lower than the standard pitch.
  • Low but close to the standard pitch.
  • Standard pitch (screen shows green).
  • High but close to the standard pitch.
  • Much higher than the standard pitch

INTONATION ADJUSTMENT

• Adjusting the intonation is very important for the pitch accuracy of each note on the fingerboard. Correct intonation is achieved by adjusting the length of each string at the string saddle (located on the bridge) to compensate for different string gauges, tunings, heights, and string material.
• Using a tuner, then play the fretted note at the 12th fret (depress the string to the fingerboard), and compare the reading on your tuner to the reading you got when playing the 12th open harmonic.
• If the note you play at the 12th is lower than the 12th harmonic, this means that the intonation is flat for that string. Conversely, if the note is higher than the harmonic, the intonation is sharp. If the note is the same, then no further action is necessary as the intonation is correct.
• If the fretted note is flat, adjust the saddle (towards the neck). If the fretted note is sharp, adjust the saddleback (towards the bridge).
• After you have adjusted the saddle, retune the string and repeat this process until you can match the fretted note with the harmonic.

CONNECT & PLAY

The electric guitar does not need to be powered on. First make sure that the 6.35mm output jack is not loose, then use the 6.35mm instrument cable we shipped to connect the guitar and the guitar amp (buy your own if the product does not contain instrument cables), and then turn on the guitar amp to enjoy the wonderful rock sound. If you hear any noise, check if the guitar amp you are using is grounded and the socket you are using at home is grounded, and open the internal jack to check if the ground wire of the guitar is disconnected.

Email : service@donnermusic.com
Website : www.donnermusic.com
Copyright © 2023 Donner LLC. All rights reserved. Made in China

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