Welcome to the DONNER HUSH series, where innovation meets portability. If you're looking for a compact, feature-rich acoustic guitar that you can take anywhere, you've found the right lineup. Both the HUSH-I and HUSH-C are exceptional silent travel guitars, but they cater to slightly different players and preferences.
This guide will help you understand the key differences so you can choose the perfect HUSH guitar to begin your musical journey.
At a Glance: Two Paths, One Destination
While both guitars share a revolutionary headless design for ultimate portability and include features like headphone outputs for silent practice, their core identity lies in their string type:
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The HUSH-I is equipped with Phosphor Bronze steel strings, delivering a classic, bright acoustic sound.
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The HUSH-C is equipped with soft Nylon strings, offering a smooth, classical feel and warm tone.
This fundamental difference shapes everything from sound to playability.
1. Feel & Playability: Your Comfort Comes First
For a beginner, how a guitar feels in your hands is paramount. This is where the choice becomes personal.
HUSH-I (Steel String)
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Nut Width: 1.65" (42mm) – a slimmer neck profile familiar to steel-string acoustic and electric guitar players.
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String Feel: Phosphor bronze strings (011-.052 gauges) provide a bright, crisp response and are under higher tension.
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Ideal For: Players who prefer the standard feel and vibrant response of a traditional acoustic guitar.
HUSH-C (Nylon String)
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Nut Width: 46mm – a slightly wider neck that gives your fingers more space, making complex chords easier to form.
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String Feel: Nylon strings (028-.043 gauges) are significantly softer and gentler on the fingertips, with lower tension.
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Ideal For: Absolute beginners seeking the most comfortable and least painful learning experience. The wider nut and softer strings reduce finger fatigue, letting you practice longer.
Beginner Tip: If you're worried about sore fingers or have smaller hands, the HUSH-C's nylon strings and optimized neck shape will make your initial practice sessions much more enjoyable.
2. Sound & Tone: Finding Your Voice
The materials and strings work together to create two distinct sonic personalities.
HUSH-I: Warm & Bright
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Tonewood: Solid Mahogany body and neck. This wood is renowned for its warm, rich, and focused mid-range tones.
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Sound Character: Paired with steel strings, the HUSH-I produces a familiar acoustic sound that is bright, articulate, and well-suited for strumming and singing. It cuts through a mix, making it great for pop and folk styles.
HUSH-C: Soft & Dynamic
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Tonewood: Okoume body and neck. This wood offers a balanced tone with a clear, articulate voice.
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Sound Character: Combined with nylon strings, the HUSH-C generates a mellow, warm, and nuanced sound. It's exceptionally suited for fingerstyle playing, melodic lines, and genres like classical and bossa nova. Its upgraded custom piezo pickup offers excellent dynamic response.
Sound Check: Love strumming campfire songs? The HUSH-I is your match. Drawn to intricate fingerpicking? The HUSH-C will inspire you.
3. Features & Functionality
Both guitars are packed with features for modern practice, but the HUSH-C includes some extra conveniences.
Shared Premium Features (Both Models):
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Silent Practice: 1/8" headphone output and AUX-in jack for playing along with your music.
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Stage-Ready Electronics: 1/4" output jack with built-in preamp and 2-band EQ for shaping your tone when plugged in.
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Ultimate Portability: Headless design, compact body, and included lightweight gig bag.
HUSH-C Exclusive Conveniences:
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Built-In Tuner: An onboard tuner means one less gadget to carry or forget.
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Quick-Assembly Body Stands: Detaches and sets up in seconds for effortless play anywhere.
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Hidden Hex Wrench: A magnetically stored tool for truss rod adjustments, making neck maintenance incredibly simple.
The Verdict: Which HUSH Guitar is Right for You?
Choose the HUSH-I if:
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You love the classic, bright, and sparkling sound of a steel-string acoustic guitar.
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Your primary goals are strumming, singing, and playing popular music.
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You prefer a slimmer neck profile similar to an electric guitar.
Choose the HUSH-C if:
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You are a complete beginner seeking the most comfortable and forgiving playing experience.
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You prefer the warm, mellow, and nuanced tone of nylon strings.
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Your focus is on fingerstyle, classical music, or melodic playing.
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You value added conveniences like a built-in tuner and quick-assembly stands.
Final Advice: Your first guitar should inspire you to pick it up every day. If your top priority is comfort and a gentle learning curve, the HUSH-C is an unparalleled choice. If you already know you're drawn to the sound of a standard acoustic, the HUSH-I will not disappoint.
Both are incredible instruments designed to unlock your potential. Welcome to the HUSH family.