Donner Hush-X: Powerful & Portable
Upping the ante on the 2023 HUSH-I silent acoustic guitar, Donner has released the Hush-X, a fully electric, 25.5 scale length instrument with a headless tuning system and a full-block six saddle fixed bridge and earphone adapter – and it rocks (for about $350 U.S). With as much focus on portability as playability, the guitar is sleek and slim, reminiscent of a Steinberger, but with a slightly asymmetrical body. It’s extremely lightweight, even with the optional attachable metal frames, which give it a more modern look and allow the HUSH-X to rest comfortably against your leg when seated.
The HUSH-X easily fits into the zippered bag (included) and can slide into the overhead compartment of any plane, train, or bus. Despite its diminutive size, the guitar packs quite a punch and has 22 medium-sized frets, which make it easy to play regardless of finger size. The action might be a little high for some shredders but is easily lowered with an Allen wrench (also included). The bridge tuners are about one-half inch long, making them easy to turn. Though, for the most part, the guitar stays in tune well, whether bashing out power chords like a metal hero or bending the strings like a blues master. Powering the HUSH-X are a humbucking bridge pickup and an Alnico-V-style single-coil neck pickup. The guitar also comes with a 3.5-mm headphone jack and a standard one-quarter-inch guitar jack, allowing easy playability, whether through earphones or an amplifier.
Despite the affordable price, the HUSH-X is not necessarily for beginners and is comfortable and versatile enough to be stage-ready. And while many mail-order guitars come with inferior strings that need to be changed immediately, the out-of-the-box strings on the HUSH-X are durable and sound fine. More importantly, while many comparably priced guitars feedback at low volumes, the HUSH-X is built to crank and can endure stacked overdrive pedals without screaming in protest. Also, the intonation on the model we tested was spot-on, requiring no extra modifications, and the frets were nicely rounded; no need to file down sharp, dangerous edges.
True to its name, the HUSH-X is great for playing in private when you don’t want to disturb anyone, or late at night when the rest of the family is sleeping. All you need are a nine-volt battery and earphones (included), and you can lose yourself in a world of clean acoustic sound. The notes ring out with such clarity that you’ll easily notice accidentally muted strings or botched notes. As frustrating as this can be, recognizing such mistakes will make you a better player.
What if you want to make some noise in a small space? Just connect the Hush-X to a portable practice amp like the Positive Grid GO or a headphone amp such as the Flamma FX20 (reviewed below), and, with just a short patch cord, you have a highly functional portable rehearsal rig. While the HUSH-X features an active mode switch, there is no difference in sound or sensitivity between the active and passive settings; in the passive setting, the pickups will work through an amp without having a battery in the guitar.
Whether used to practice quietly (or loudly) at home, or play in a basement jam or club gig, the Donner HUSH-X guitar delivers plenty of punch for the price. The tone is consistently great, the lightweight cuts down on back strain without being flimsy, and the look – with or without design frames attached — is modern and classy (especially if you like Steinbergers). Combining the tone and volume switches into one multi-functional knob keeps the design spartan, and the pickup selector is small enough to prevent accidental toggling but sturdy enough for easy operation.
It would have been cool if Donner had provided more pickup sensitivity in active mode, but that might have required additional hardware and added cost. Right now, at the moment, the HUSH-X is only available with a mahogany body; additional color options would be nice. Minor quibbles aside, we can’t think of another portable guitar this well-made and versatile for under $350. – Jon Wiederhorn
