Donner DST-200 Designer Series Electric Guitar Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Donner DST-200 Designer Series Electric Guitar. Please read these instructions carefully to ensure proper use and longevity of your instrument.

Features Overview

• Innovative Color Design: Resonant poplar body with a stylish coloring scheme.
• H-S-S Pickups with Coil Split System: Special Donner HSS Pickups made in Korea for increased power output and distortion. Features 5-way switching for 7 tone modes. The push-pull tone knob on the second tone control enables coil splitting for single-coil effects without volume loss.
• Vintage Style Tuning Machine & Tremolo Bridge: Vintage-style tuning machines and a sleek black headstock for enhanced tuning stability. A classic 6-saddle synchronized tremolo bridge with locking capability combines traditional design with modern playability.
• C-Shaped Neck Profile: Classic C-shaped neck with a built-in stiffener and satin-finished Canadian maple for a smooth, durable feel. Features 22 fret markers along the 9.5" radius maple fingerboard, a D-stamped neck plate, and medium jumbo frets for comfortable and accurate playability.
• Essential Accessories Included: Comes with a waterproof nylon Oxford gig bag and a 10ft AWG24 cable with an oxygen-depleted copper core.

Figure 1: Donner DST-200 Electric Guitar with included gig bag, cable, and strap.

Setup

1. Unpacking and Initial Inspection

Carefully remove the guitar and all accessories from the packaging. Inspect the instrument for any signs of damage during transit. Ensure all included accessories (gig bag, cable, strap) are present.

2. Connecting to an Amplifier

1. Ensure your amplifier is turned off and its volume is set to minimum.
2. Connect one end of the included 10ft AWG24 cable to the guitar's 6.35mm output jack, located on the lower bout of the guitar body.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the input jack of your amplifier.
4. Turn on your amplifier and slowly increase the volume to your desired level.

Operating Instructions

1. Controls Overview

The Donner DST-200 features a versatile control layout to shape your tone:

• Volume Knob: Controls the overall output volume of the guitar.
• Tone Knobs: Two tone knobs are provided. The first tone knob typically controls the neck pickup, and the second tone knob controls the middle and bridge pickups.
• 5-Way Pickup Selector Switch: Allows you to select different pickup configurations:
  1. Bridge Humbucker
  2. Bridge Humbucker + Middle Single Coil
  3. Middle Single Coil
  4. Middle Single Coil + Neck Single Coil
  5. Neck Single Coil
• Push-Pull Coil Split (on second Tone Knob): Pulling up the second tone knob splits the bridge humbucker into a single-coil pickup, offering brighter, more articulate tones. Pushing it down returns it to humbucker mode for a fuller, higher-output sound.

Figure 2: HSS Pickup Modes and Coil Split System. The diagram illustrates the 7 available tone modes and the function of the push-pull tone knob for coil splitting.

Figure 3: Close-up view of the guitar's volume and tone controls, highlighting the push-pull function on the second tone knob.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning

Regularly wipe down your guitar with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use to remove sweat and grime. Use a guitar-specific polish for the body and a fretboard conditioner for the purpleheart fretboard to prevent drying and cracking.

2. String Replacement

Strings should be replaced regularly, depending on usage, to maintain optimal tone and playability. Replace strings one at a time to maintain neck tension. The guitar uses nickel-plated strings.

3. Neck Adjustment (Truss Rod)

The C-shaped maple neck features a built-in stiffener and a truss rod for adjusting neck relief. If you experience excessive fret buzz or high action, the truss rod may need adjustment. This is a delicate procedure and should ideally be performed by an experienced technician if you are unfamiliar with it.

Figure 4: Illustration of the guitar's C-shaped neck profile, 22-fret purpleheart fingerboard, and neck stiffener.

4. Bridge Adjustment (Action and Intonation)

The 6-saddle synchronized tremolo bridge allows for individual string height (action) and intonation adjustments. Use the provided wrenches to adjust saddle height and bridge screws for intonation. Proper setup ensures comfortable playability and accurate tuning across the fretboard.

Figure 5: Detail of the vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, showing the saddles and adjustment points.

5. Tuning Machine Maintenance

The vintage-style tuning machines provide stable tuning. If they become stiff or difficult to turn, a small amount of lubricant (e.g., 3-in-1 oil) can be applied to the gears through the small holes on the back of the tuners. Work the tuners back and forth to distribute the lubricant.

Figure 6: Rear view of the headstock, illustrating the vintage-style tuning machines.

Troubleshooting

• Fret Buzz: If you experience fret buzz, check the neck relief (truss rod adjustment) and string action (bridge saddle height). Minor adjustments can often resolve this.
• Tuning Instability: Ensure strings are properly stretched after installation. Lubricate the nut slots and bridge saddles with graphite to reduce friction. Check tuning machine tightness and lubricate if stiff.
• Whammy Bar Issues: If the tremolo arm is stiff or difficult to insert, apply a small amount of graphite lubricant to the threads. Ensure the tremolo bridge is properly set up and not resting against the guitar body, allowing for proper movement.
• No Sound/Weak Signal: Check all cable connections. Ensure the amplifier is on and volume is up. Verify pickup selector switch position and volume/tone knob settings on the guitar.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

The Donner DST-200 Electric Guitar comes with a 12-month warranty. For any product-related inquiries, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please contact Donner customer support. Additionally, a 30-day free return policy is available for eligible purchases.

For further assistance, please visit the official Donner website or refer to your purchase documentation for contact details.