In an exclusive interview, Yuan Yihong, Senior Vice President of DONNER, offered deep insights into how the brand is placing users at the core and leveraging technology as its driving engine to transform musical instruments—from mere tools into collaborative creative partners.
Product iteration at DONNER always centers on the core pain points of musicians. Yuan Yihong began by unveiling this year’s flagship launch—the HUSH-X Pro electric guitar.
“It addresses the full journey of a musician—from creation to expression,” he explained. Featuring a detachable, portable amp body, a complete onboard effects chain, and an upgraded hybrid pickup system (combining single-coil and humbucker tones), the HUSH-X Pro is engineered to empower musicians in any scenario: rehearsals, on-the-go songwriting, or solo performances.
“With just one guitar and one player,” Yuan added, “you have an entire band.”
Yet, ultimate convenience is not the end goal. When asked about the convergence of technology and musical instruments, Yuan Yihong offered DONNER’s thoughtful perspective:“We firmly believe AI is the future—but it must serve the emotional essence of the instrument.”
DONNER’s vision is clear: leverage AI to dramatically expand playability and creative possibilities, while steadfastly preserving the authentic tone and tactile feel that define a true musical instrument.
“We want users to experience the intelligence of technology without losing the irreplaceable emotional connection—that profound sense of resonance between player and instrument,” Yuan explained.
In DONNER’s blueprint for the future, instruments are no longer just efficient tools. They become intuitive, empathetic partners—ones that understand you, respond to you, and amplify your voice with both precision and soul.
DONNER’s product innovation follows a clear thread: co-creation—one end anchored by world-class musicians, the other rooted in its vibrant global user community.
Yuan Yihong shared the story behind the Triple Threat pedal, co-developed with American rock icon Jack White. More than just an affordable powerhouse, the pedal embodies Jack’s vision: “to deliver moments of surprise for players at every skill level.” That philosophy resonated deeply—so much so that the pedal sold out across North America shortly after launch.
Similarly, the DOUBLE SWORDS pedal, created in collaboration with Japanese guitar virtuoso MIYAVI, channels his signature avant-garde rock energy into every knob and circuit—turning his stage-tested creativity into a tool for fans worldwide.
“Co-creation isn’t just about celebrities—it happens every day in our community,” Yuan Yihong emphasized.
On DONNER’s official forum, the team actively engages with users—listening, responding, and often building directly from their feedback. This open, symbiotic ecosystem ensures that DONNER’s products don’t just meet market demand, but anticipate it, staying relevant, responsive, and continually energized by real user voices.
A great instrument is more than just a tool for creation—it’s also a piece of home décor, and for beginners, a trusted guide on their first steps into music.
To that end, DONNER infuses modern aesthetics and sustainable principles into traditional craftsmanship.
Taking one of its most popular digital pianos as an example, Yuan Yihong explained:“We embraced minimalist design and solid wood construction so it seamlessly blends into the Nordic-inspired interiors favored by today’s younger generation. This means an instrument can be more than functional—it can be an expression of your lifestyle.”
For beginners, DONNER’s commitment goes far beyond the product itself.
The brand has partnered with Berklee College of Music to develop accessible, beginner-friendly masterclasses—designed to lower the barrier to entry and spark confidence from day one.
Through its DONNER LIVE artist label, DONNER also collaborates with renowned musicians like guitarist Gu Zhongshan (Lawrence Ku) to host live performances, hands-on workshops, and interactive learning events—bridging inspiration with practical skill-building.
“When users choose us, we take on a responsibility: to help them use our products better and truly enjoy music,” said Yuan Yihong.
“We want to be their most trusted companion—at every step of their musical journey.”
Through this conversation, a clear brand portrait of DONNER emerges: a bold tech innovator pushing the boundaries of what instruments can do—and a deeply empathetic partner who listens, supports, and grows alongside musicians.Together, these dual identities are driving DONNER forward on its mission to redefine the experience of music creation, one thoughtful innovation at a time.
