Who Makes the BEST Budget Guitar? - Affordable Strat Comparison!!

Picking out a good guitar the first time can be a little daunting...Here are a couple options that are versatile, strong, and sound great!
If you enjoyed this video, be sure to like and subscribe :)

GEAR IN THIS VIDEO:

DARRELL'S GUITARS & GEAR LIST!

DARRELL'S RECORDING SETUP:

DARRELL'S AMPLIFIERS:

*Links to gear in the video description may contain affiliate links

T-SHIRT STORE:

TAB STORE:
Songs, Lesson Worksheets, and Guitar Techniques!

PATREON:
Become a Patron!

ALBUM:
iTunes:

OTHER FAVOURITE GEAR:

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

[DarrellBraunGuitar]

More proof you don't need a ton of cash to get a good guitar! Which one did you guys like the best?
Enjoy :)

[gordonmillar]

I’m a complete beginner and ordered the Donner a week ago based on some solid YouTube reviews. Wish me luck!!!!

[ulysse]

I got a white DST152 for 90 bucks, it is wonderful, so smooth and comfortable.. DST400 should be even better. I just can't believe how good cheap guitars have become, you just have to choose the right model.

[Bloosee]

The Xavierre was easily the better sounding guitar, both sounded good though.

[thetattedpharmacist]

Xaviere sounded more "vintage" to me on positions 2-5, and the humbucker kicked a tad harder for me too. So Xaviere wins for me tonally.

[PAINFOOL]

Guitar Fetish has some decent economy axes

[noberini]

Really like the Donner look, hardware and it sounded great! Have Donner acoustic guitar and it is very well made. Donner is making quality guitars.

[haroldwaynejackson]

Darrell, you're the best! I have found one criteria that has become very important to me. If a budget guitar cannot do at least 10s if not 11s, I will say the neck just isn't strong enough for real world playability. Now, when I say 11s that means the largest string is 54 gauge. That means the neck needs a large amount of truss rod support. I have an amazing pink GTRS Strat I purchased for my granddaughter when she grows up. I gradually increased the string gauge up to Slinky Beefy. The 11-54 gauge was too much for the neck for a good action setting. It plays fine with that gauge, but I can tell it's maxed out. I went back to 10-52 Slinky Heavy Bottom as I play it, and will probably put the recommended 9s on it when I finally give it to her.

[elevenAD]

i knew when i clicked the video that the Xavier was going to sound more like a pricey Strat lol, that company is very good at recreating Vintage type tones for cheap. I think i preferred the more modern sounding single coils in the Donner and i like the 2point trem and rounded fretboard bottom. If i had to choose i would go with Donner.

[michelemoneywell]

I got the Donner; it's a great guitar. It comes with a case, picks, extra set of strings, capo, strap, cord, digital tuner, and mini amp, all for under $200. Use affiliate link in description or check Amazon and eBay.

[chrisgeo]

I think the Xavier sounded better, definitely had a better frequency response the notes all came through clear and the chords had more depth.
I do love the vintage tuning pegs and of course a drop in bar is that thing you might never know you want until you have one and then you just don’t want to ever screw in a trem arm ever again. For a beginner I would also probably recommend the donner just because the number one reason people give up learning guitar is poor hardware making for difficult playability. If a guitar is always out of tune or the hardware is always needing tweaking people stop playing. However for someone who doesn’t mind doing a little work replacing hardware the Xavier just sounds better. A wilkenson 6 screw trem will drop in and has a drop in arm for 40 or 50 bucks and a set of locking tuners (guessing it’s 10mm) can be had for about the same would make it a “gigable” guitar. I think back to my first guitar an off brand Strat that was just horrible and I am jealous of new players getting these pretty decent guitars at entry level.

[timothyplonk]

When I started playing as a teenager, wood selection and good hardware were important -- my cousin played and he emphasized the importance of quality 🎸🎸🎸👍🎸🎸🎸

[TheNewzbreak]

The Donner and upgrade the pickups is the way to go.

[mystice]

I think the "Xavier" sound is clearer and good, but the "Donner" is neat in finish and quality, these two guitars are really worth owning..👍🏻👍🏻🎸

[therealchupa]

I think the Xavier sounds better but the donner looks better. Personally.

[themusicexpresswithrobertl]

I have to go with the Donner! I am a Donner Dude and everything I have bought from them has been very good quality and fast delivery

[paterdavid]

Great content!
I'm watching your videos for a long time now and you always make the best informative and entertaining content .

[jcows]

I recommend an Ibanez GIO for 200 to 250 their 5 way switching makes them pretty versatile and their selection is huge.

[funnymanlc]

When I heard the Xaviere on this video I knew it was my sound. I ordered one and love it. I’ve played an American Strat all my life and this one is close.

[jamesadams]

I just purchased a G&L Tribute Legacy. And it’s incredible for the price