Grote GR Standard S Guitar Model Review Topics: Unboxing, Gig Bag, Guitars Fit and Finish, Factory Setup and Overall Playability This is Grote's Super Strat !
Here is a link to the Grote GR Standard S www.amazon.com/Grote-Electric-GR-Standard-Splitting/dp/B0C9Z1JMGP/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2EGO57NL31R3S&keywords=grote%252Belectric%252Bguitar&qid=1703684136&sprefix=grote%252Caps%252C79&sr=8-6&ufe=app_do%253Aamzn1.fos.18630bbb-fcbb-42f8-9767-857e17e03685&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=dominionfretw-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=cb5c72de7c52392eb80c8a4b6acac1f3&camp=1789&creative=9325">Grote If you buy this guitar from the link above it helps the channel.
Ya ..... its a good deal no matter what....I did the review with the guitar in its stock setup....Now that its done I have done a little setup work on it.... Truss Rod adjustment and lowered the action a little... WOW for this price point it is just great !!!! I have been looking at some mods . . . . :) maybe a cap change to .22 Orange Drops and some Guitar Heads Pickups .. dunno yet ...I think I can do a pickup change and do CTS pot with orange drops caps for 100.00 bucks.@@daveydoodle1916
@@DominionFretWorks Don’t know why but it shows a few Grote guitars but not the one you have. I search for Grote GR Standard S and it won’t show up on Amazon. 🤷🏽♂️
Ya this is a good deal if you're looking for a Strat HSS with a gig bag .... I think they have 6 colors !!! the green/black is cool looking, and I like the Surf Green one....
ahhhh I see the light at the end of the tunnel..... 4 more waiting on reviews 2 repairs videos waiting.. a) building the Best FR bridge b) Repairing the neck pocket on a Leo Headless HB guitar repair still ongoing... maybe 2 more video's on the HB Headless guitar review group still going. 2 more in boxes waiting their turn ! ohhh sorry ... So that 6 guitars waiting on reviews. I'm starting to lose track of what I'm doing and what need to be finished .. nothing else is coming in . . . . OHHH As I type this, I remember there is a guitar coming next week ... 7 guitars.. WOW ya need to stop the inflow until I get things here back under control.
4 місяці тому+2
I've watched a few of your guitar reviews and really appreciated your thorough review. Thank you very much! I am very interested in nut width. I noticed you started adding that to your more current reviews. Do you happen to know the nut width on this guitar? My preference is a wider than 42mm nut width. Do you have any recommendations for one of these impressive brand guitars you've been reviewing (strat or tele style) with a wider nut width? Thank you very much Randy
Most guitars are going to come in a 41.3mm witch is an R2 nut it can run up to 41.5 but your string spacing is still based on 41.3 The Firefly LP Guitars should come in around 43.3mm I just measured the one on my wall and its 43.6mm So a Firefly FFSP ( was the FFLP ) will have a wider nut . This guitar is on sale right now... guitarsgarden.com/collections/fflp-electric-guitars/products/new-ffsp-electric-guitars-yellow-colorot 169.00 plus shipping most of your Strat type guitar are going to be around 41.5MM to 42MM
4 місяці тому+1
Thank you SO much for the thorough reply. You're so SO good! Thank you!
Seems like the only problem, was the pickguard was a little off center, that's probably why it was lifting a little by the controls,grote guitars are noted for having chunky necks, I'm presently working on one of their SGs, fine craftsmanship, and like you I'm getting used to the thicker neck, thanks for the video.
Sir this was a very good and thorough video. Nice guitar and like the color but that thick neck scares me a little. I was taught some cool things in this one. Thanks and take care sir.
You know thick or chunky necks always scared me as well . . . I was looking at the Epiphone LP's and just picking them up and checking them out. The 50''s neck seemed so thick and chunky and the 60's neck seemed more my speed. still chunkier than my personal guitars but .... In my head I was thinking it's not too much bigger. This would be ok for me I could get used to it. I have come to believe that your guitar is more of an extension of you. If you're always playing the same guitar, you fall into this ... Playing the same thing rut or tureen. I'm not saying this always happens but playing guitars that are the exact opposite of your go to guitar. I have found pushes me to learn new stuff. I don't play bluesy Lead Guitar . . . . But in this video the guitar and the sound coming from the amp pushed me to do it. This is at the very end of the video. Off course, I play Hair Metal / Rock and you can still hear this in my playing... But I started playing and just went for it... Was it ruff, Ya it's missed notes.. Missed timing.. but the sound and the feel of the guitar toke me there. At this price point... This is a good guitar to try and just find out if you like it or not. The plus side is. This is also a good guitar.
I find myself playing my red FFMN more than I would have thought. Surprising. This new model sounds pretty good, but I'm not happy to hear about the nut and string trees.
In most case the nut needs a lot of work. This guitar the nut is good except for the Low E string. String trees are easy to replace. I would change these anyway to keep the strings free behind the nut to the tuners. If this was going to be a guitar for me to mod on a budget, I would do these items. 1) String Trees 12.00 dollars 2) Orange caps 12.00 dollars 3) Spring under the Tremolo Bar get a fender spring 5.00 dollars 4) Switch Craft 5 way 15.00 dollars 5) CTS pot Stacked tone 2 tones in one-unit 500k/250k 13.00 dollars 6) CTS volume pot 8.00 dollars 7) Brass block / Springs 35.00 dollars and if ya wanted to maybe an Gotoh 2 point bridge another 30 dollars. This would be a SUPER STRAT.. With these upgrades it would be nicer than any Fender at any price point !
I did a review of the GR Standard T Grote as well... Here is a link to that review. ua-cam.com/video/YBtaiVkmkJg/v-deo.html Thanks for commenting and joining in.... When you get your guitar plase go over the video and COMMENT on your thoughts on the GR-Standard T ... This keeps everyone up to date on the model... and helps others thinking about getting the guitar !
When you took the front cover off the guitar what was the cutout on the body? Was is a HSS cutout or a HSH? Was it solid Popular wood as well? How does it compare to the Firefly FFMN? BTW I love the design of the headstock!! I'm not a fan of that trem and nut. Maybe add a brass nut if you keep the trem. Thanks for showing us this guitar.
The route in the Body is . . . . HSH Thanks for the great Question ! That info will help others .. Sorry for missing that in the video. and thanks for joining in the comments again Frankeposito !
Yeah . . . I think it's good... But you need more paper inside the larger box so the smaller one doesn't smack around in the big box. It came in good shape. Even with the lack of paper in the bigger box. The outer box was so big it would take so much packing paper to fill it. In my case the Grote box was 100% fine... So it worked ! Just want to say... Thank You for supporting the channel.. I see ya commenting and joining in the chat ! ! !
Some people don't like the mini pots.... Dunno if they work they work... There not cts pots ... But they work fine. If you have a really tight area the mini pot works.... Other than that it just comes down to their cheaper ...
hmmm... I like the Firefly FFST in the SSS pickup. They only have the relic model in stock right now.. Thats one is on sale right now for 149.00 + shipping. Most of the time they go for around 180.00 to 219.00 + shipping. I have heard good things about the JET Guitars. Here is a Jet JS300 with SSS pickup setup amzn.to/3UaDQOa The Grote is nice but the Humbucker really is not Stratty. You can do a Wilkinson loaded SSS pickguard for around 80.00 dollars amzn.to/3u40wVJ Fender TexMex loaded for 150.00. Sound is something I can't really point ya too.
@@DominionFretWorks im a little sketched out by the fact i cant get Firefly on Amazon. I like that convenience. What would you say overall is the best value guitar you have gotten across your table? I also noticed the EART Gw2 headless is on sale for $311 and thats tempting because it looks like a comfortable couch guitar.
The best BANG for my BUCK has been the Volgoa TN2 from amazon... on sale they were selling from 149.00 and 179.00 std price. Just a great guitar for that price point. The Firefly FFDC was also a good deal. I paid 159.00 plus shipping.. So total was around 190.00 to my door. Another great playing guitar. The Volgoa GTWT-05 is better than the Eart on price ... The Eart had just a little better fret work... but not at 160.00 dollars more than the Volgoa Headless. At the time they went on sale for 199.99 on Amazon. The neck pickup wasn't to great... but the bridge made up for it. HPL finger board. I really liked this guitar... The feel and the sound. Fit and finish was good. They have not restocked those.... Shame as it was a good deal. I think the best made guitar I have reviewed under 200.00 Was the Firefly Black and Purple Strat the FFST. VERY NICE ... I just didn't like the bridge pickup... But the guitar is the best made for the 200.00 dollar mark. I did not say anything about the Firefly FFTL Mad Cat... again just a great guitar for 200 bucks. Best Tele I have reviewed. If you can get the Eart for 311.00 that is a good deal. Volgoa does have the Non-HPL headless model for 200.00 so check that one out. amzn.to/3S9e5LC @@ArizonaMMJ
thanks man. I do worry a bit about that jack placement on some of these headless guitars. Firefly seems to be a consistently mentioned guitar when it comes to bang for the buck. I wish they sold them on Amazon to be honest. I might have to keep an eye out on these Volgoas. I don't see the TN2 for sale right now.@@DominionFretWorks
I bought one of these guitars. I am having a terrible time keeping the guitar in tune. Did you experience tuning problems? If so, were you able to remedy it?
I didn't have tuning problems.... I have found with guitar without locking upper nuts is to make sure the string tension behind the nut is the same as the tension in the playing area. I would say the nut needs to be cleaned a little.. I did not use any nut-lube on the guitar in the video but it does help allow the string to move freely over the nut under hard string bends and lite tremolo work. NEXT ... this guitar is just like most sub 200 dollar guitars . . . the strings are not so good.. Well there very bad.... I would install a new set of strings and clean your upper nut .. make sure the nut is not catching the strings and allows the string to move freely. Then put a little nut-lube under the string where the string rides on the nut. you can check the nut by checking your first fretted notes on the guitar. most of the time the low E string is the worst and get a little better as you go sown to the high E. you can cut the nut down ( cut the slot deeper ) to help with this. Strings catching in the nut is most of the time the side of the nut going to the tuning heads.. make sure the slot is facing the tuner head.. as the string goes over the nut and exits the nut... this exit needs to align with the tuner. if you go to a tech . . . tell them you need a Nut Dressing... Next : the tremolo ... Mine had enough spring pressor to keep the bridge flat on the body... Check yours and make sure the back of the bridge is not floating over the body... if it is, tighten the springs in the back of the guitar until it rests on the body.
The guitar looks small in comparison to you? Are you a giant? IS it comfortable for you to play sitting down? How would you compare it to the Grote tele in terms of playability?
They both use they same neck... so the neck feel is the same. I bonded with the tele more than the strat. They have a Modern T now Grote GR Modern T which is a mix of both.... That one looks to fill the gap between the two models. its has the HSS pickup setup... with the tele body ! here is that model... amzn.to/3TbtP2h
@@DominionFretWorks Thanks for the reply. I have the Grote jazz guitar and its amazing to me. I think Ill get either the tele or strat-- I like the hand/arm relief or whatever on the strat. I did see the tele has the belly cut!
Does it have a plastic nut? Someone mentioned in an Amazon review that the nut was bone, but there was no mention of a bone nut in the product description. I would be a little (happily) surprised if it was bone.
I do not believe that's bone it's some kind of synthetic material. Like a plastic nylon.... I think the issues on this guitar could easily be solved with $70... I would do CTS pots ... New Orange Caps ... Pure Tone jack.. replace the nut and put a nice of strings on it... You probably wouldn't have to replace the pots... Just replace the caps.
This was the best playing sub 150.00 on the channel to date. there is a coupon for 20.00 off.... so, it would be 149.00 shipped here is the link ... amzn.to/4cJp341 If ya use the link I get a small kick back... I think amazon is 3%... You pay nothing more.. and the coupon still works. It just helps the channel a little. I like the Pewter Color and the Green Black.. I did a review on the GR-t in the green black My next is the Standard Firefly FFST with the 6 point bridge.... but after shipping your going to be around 210.00 to 220.00
There were a couple of questions I mentioned that you didn't answer. I'm sorry, but I know your busy! Was it solid Popular wood as well? How does it compare to the Firefly FFMN? One other question is do you thing I can fit a Floyd Rose on this to replace the stock Trem? Thanks again!!!
Installing a FR tremolo would be a lot of work on the Grote due to the routing needed to fit the FR bridge plate and mounting posts. I was going to do this on this guitar. . . I already have all the parts to build a custom FR bridge. I changed my mind as of right now . . . I have another Grote coming that maybe the better fit for the FR bridge. After I do the review on that one, I will pick from what I have here to do a full FR bridge install with routing. 2 Grote's and 2 Volgoa's or a Firefly .. all 5 of these will need routing for the base plate. I think a Vega Tremolo would be a good fit for this guitar without needing to route the body. You can always install a locking nut on the top by routing out the top of the neck. Sometimes you do need to add a small block and tool it into the body for a full locking nut shelf. but still much easier than doing all the routing at the bridge location. As far as the FFMN and this Grote . . . hmmm I say if you really want a FR bridge system the FFMN is the better of the two. The routing is all done for the FR tremolo upgrades and the neck is already done up for the locker. You can make the FFMN a SUPER GUITAR for around 250.00 dollars in parts... But it's a lot of work to get it there. The Grote has a HSS pickup setup, so you get more Strat-sounds from it. It is routed for HSH so you could do that as well... The FFMN is a HH pickup setup ... You could add a coil split to the HH setup and open up new single coil type sounds from it. I would say ... If you want more strat sounds and lite tremolo effects The Grote would be a good fit. Install a Vega Trem. and upgraded pots and caps and pure tone jack to start with. If ya want more hard tremolo use ( after you fix the stock bridge ) The Firefly FFMN would be better. Like I said you can add a coil split switch for a single coil sounds. The FFMN does ... well I think it has better pickups installed... I would not change them. I would first just install some .22 or .47 orange caps and a push / pull tone... ( pull up on the tone for cap bypass ) down would be your .22 or .47 caps. This way you can still have that clean Stright through volume control ... but still be able to have a tone if ya want it. I'm doing the NO LIMINTS Firefly FFMN with these mods soon. The last one was done with a limit on the budget not to go over the cost of the guitar. and adding the push/pull tone and caps would have taken it over... So the next one will have this mod and ! ! ! ! a German made FR bridge plate. So, we will not be using any of the factory bridge parts. I don't think the CHANNEL is big enough yet to do a LIVE ... Q and A .. So, I hope this wasn't too long winded . . . but there are so many angles to cover between the two model guitars. A live chat Qand A open forum one night for everyone maybe cool . . . I just don't want to be talking to myself for an hour or so . . . . LOL So, let me know guys if ya want one and we can try it one night . . .
@@DominionFretWorks Thank you so much for your input. As you know, I have that Firefly FFMN and It's a great guitar. Waiting on pulling the trigger to buy and install the Gotoh FR in it. I was looking at this Grote and I loved the headstock design. It's selling right now on Ebay with the discount for $122. So since it's cheap, I wanted to turn it into something like an EVH Frankenstrat but with my own twist. Your channel is awesome and already turned me into a legit luthier, lol!!
@@frankesposito2229 @ 122 bucks ..the body and neck is twice value. You can do a Vega Trem . . and custom electronics. Have a completely different Axe . . . Thank you so much for your ending comment ! I think I should do a coffee cup with that saying on it . . . . OMG that would be soooo funny . . . My Squirrel brain is in Squirrel mode . . . LOL Thanks again!!!
I have owned some Ibanez Guitars.... Ibanez is mostly a thinner neck profile than any other guitars. The older Ibanez like the Road Star 2's had a thicker profile more standard for it time. This guitar has a chuckie neck profile and is not Ibanez like. It is thicker in very way. If you're looking for an " Ibanez like profile " this is not the guitar you're looking for.
Your right ..... I will cover more stuff next time :) This channel is here for those that want more than just a quick overview of a product. Very video I do after watching it I think of Info I missed or didn't cover on a product. Thank You for your comment and joining in on the discussion !
So, what you're saying is 25 to 30 year old Rack Effects are better than a new Modeling Amp.....and New Modeling Pedals... Ya I think so too . . . . . Hard to believe that they knew back 30 years ago that hybrid amps and effects just sound better. Anyway I do demo some guitars with Combo Amps .... and some with pedals. The problem I have is... open room mics with modelers... They just don't record the tone as you hear it. going direct into plug-ins is just as miss leading. The Guitar is 20% of your tone.... 80% comes from your amp. If you want a better sound get a better Pre-Amp / Power Amp and Cab... This is just how it is ... Even your cables change the way the guitar sounds... Thanks for commenting and joining in !
Here is a link to the Grote GR Standard S
www.amazon.com/Grote-Electric-GR-Standard-Splitting/dp/B0C9Z1JMGP/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2EGO57NL31R3S&keywords=grote%252Belectric%252Bguitar&qid=1703684136&sprefix=grote%252Caps%252C79&sr=8-6&ufe=app_do%253Aamzn1.fos.18630bbb-fcbb-42f8-9767-857e17e03685&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=dominionfretw-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=cb5c72de7c52392eb80c8a4b6acac1f3&camp=1789&creative=9325">Grote
If you buy this guitar from the link above it helps the channel.
Thanks for doing this it sounds great.I just ordered one with a discount. $134.00 includes tax and delivery🤣
Ya ..... its a good deal no matter what....I did the review with the guitar in its stock setup....Now that its done I have done a little setup work on it.... Truss Rod adjustment and lowered the action a little... WOW for this price point it is just great !!!!
I have been looking at some mods . . . . :) maybe a cap change to .22 Orange Drops and some Guitar Heads Pickups .. dunno yet ...I think I can do a pickup change and do CTS pot with orange drops caps for 100.00 bucks.@@daveydoodle1916
Where to buy this guitar? I check Amazon and EBay and can’t find this model?
@@swrecording14 on Amazon just type in
GROTE guitar ..
It should come up one of the very first ones..
@@DominionFretWorks Don’t know why but it shows a few Grote guitars but not the one you have. I search for Grote GR Standard S and it won’t show up on Amazon. 🤷🏽♂️
Really nice and thorough review. Seems like you can't go wrong with this guitar
Hard to beat the price....
Just keep in mind the Grote neck is a little on the chunky...
I have reshaped many guitar and bass necks. So that part does not scare me.@@DominionFretWorks
Beautiful super strat! Love everything about that Grote Strat and that padded deluxe gig bag hits it right out of the park!!!❤
Ya this is a good deal if you're looking for a Strat HSS with a gig bag .... I think they have 6 colors !!! the green/black is cool looking, and I like the Surf Green one....
The review train does not stop !!!!
ahhhh I see the light at the end of the tunnel..... 4 more waiting on reviews
2 repairs videos waiting..
a) building the Best FR bridge
b) Repairing the neck pocket on a Leo Headless
HB guitar repair still ongoing...
maybe 2 more video's on the HB
Headless guitar review group still going. 2 more in boxes waiting their turn !
ohhh sorry ... So that 6 guitars waiting on reviews.
I'm starting to lose track of what I'm doing and what need to be finished ..
nothing else is coming in . . . . OHHH As I type this, I remember there is a guitar coming next week ... 7 guitars.. WOW
ya need to stop the inflow until I get things here back under control.
I've watched a few of your guitar reviews and really appreciated your thorough review.
Thank you very much!
I am very interested in nut width. I noticed you started adding that to your more current reviews. Do you happen to know the nut width on this guitar? My preference is a wider than 42mm nut width. Do you have any recommendations for one of these impressive brand guitars you've been reviewing (strat or tele style) with a wider nut width?
Thank you very much
Randy
Most guitars are going to come in a 41.3mm witch is an R2 nut it can run up to 41.5 but your string spacing is still based on 41.3
The Firefly LP Guitars should come in around 43.3mm
I just measured the one on my wall and its 43.6mm
So a Firefly FFSP ( was the FFLP ) will have a wider nut .
This guitar is on sale right now...
guitarsgarden.com/collections/fflp-electric-guitars/products/new-ffsp-electric-guitars-yellow-colorot
169.00 plus shipping
most of your Strat type guitar are going to be around 41.5MM to 42MM
Thank you SO much for the thorough reply. You're so SO good! Thank you!
Seems like the only problem, was the pickguard was a little off center, that's probably why it was lifting a little by the controls,grote guitars are noted for having chunky necks, I'm presently working on one of their SGs, fine craftsmanship, and like you I'm getting used to the thicker neck, thanks for the video.
ya . . . I like the neck.
the shape is good.. it doesn't feel thick. This has made me want to try more guitars that I would not have played otherwise.
Sir this was a very good and thorough video. Nice guitar and like the color but that thick neck scares me a little. I was taught some cool things in this one. Thanks and take care sir.
You know thick or chunky necks always scared me as well . . . I was looking at the Epiphone LP's and just picking them up and checking them out. The 50''s neck seemed so thick and chunky and the 60's neck seemed more my speed. still chunkier than my personal guitars but .... In my head I was thinking it's not too much bigger. This would be ok for me I could get used to it.
I have come to believe that your guitar is more of an extension of you. If you're always playing the same guitar, you fall into this ... Playing the same thing rut or tureen. I'm not saying this always happens but playing guitars that are the exact opposite of your go to guitar. I have found pushes me to learn new stuff. I don't play bluesy Lead Guitar . . . . But in this video the guitar and the sound coming from the amp pushed me to do it. This is at the very end of the video. Off course, I play Hair Metal / Rock and you can still hear this in my playing... But I started playing and just went for it... Was it ruff, Ya it's missed notes.. Missed timing.. but the sound and the feel of the guitar toke me there.
At this price point... This is a good guitar to try and just find out if you like it or not. The plus side is. This is also a good guitar.
Thanks sir for the reply.@@DominionFretWorks
I find myself playing my red FFMN more than I would have thought. Surprising. This new model sounds pretty good, but I'm not happy to hear about the nut and string trees.
In most case the nut needs a lot of work. This guitar the nut is good except for the Low E string.
String trees are easy to replace. I would change these anyway to keep the strings free behind the nut to the tuners.
If this was going to be a guitar for me to mod on a budget, I would do these items.
1) String Trees 12.00 dollars
2) Orange caps 12.00 dollars
3) Spring under the Tremolo Bar
get a fender spring 5.00 dollars
4) Switch Craft 5 way 15.00 dollars
5) CTS pot Stacked tone
2 tones in one-unit 500k/250k 13.00 dollars
6) CTS volume pot 8.00 dollars
7) Brass block / Springs 35.00 dollars
and if ya wanted to maybe an Gotoh 2 point bridge
another 30 dollars.
This would be a SUPER STRAT..
With these upgrades it would be nicer than any Fender at any price point !
Waiting for my grote tele to come in $120 0n temp
Hope it sounds that good
I did a review of the GR Standard T Grote as well...
Here is a link to that review.
ua-cam.com/video/YBtaiVkmkJg/v-deo.html
Thanks for commenting and joining in....
When you get your guitar plase go over the video and COMMENT on your thoughts on the GR-Standard T ... This keeps everyone up to date on the model... and helps others thinking about getting the guitar !
When you took the front cover off the guitar what was the cutout on the body? Was is a HSS cutout or a HSH? Was it solid Popular wood as well? How does it compare to the Firefly FFMN? BTW I love the design of the headstock!! I'm not a fan of that trem and nut. Maybe add a brass nut if you keep the trem. Thanks for showing us this guitar.
The route in the Body is . . . .
HSH
Thanks for the great Question ! That info will help others .. Sorry for missing that in the video.
and thanks for joining in the comments again Frankeposito !
I never knew that thanks
Amazon must be gettig a lot of guitars retured because of shipping damage. I had one delivered in a giant box last month.
Yeah . . . I think it's good...
But you need more paper inside the larger box so the smaller one doesn't smack around in the big box.
It came in good shape. Even with the lack of paper in the bigger box. The outer box was so big it would take so much packing paper to fill it.
In my case the Grote box was 100% fine... So it worked !
Just want to say... Thank You for supporting the channel.. I see ya commenting and joining in the chat ! ! !
@@DominionFretWorks I sent you an email.
@@Aloysius1966just sent ya a e-mail back
That’s a top notch build right there. Is it ever preferable to have small pots in a guitar?
Some people don't like the mini pots.... Dunno if they work they work...
There not cts pots ... But they work fine.
If you have a really tight area the mini pot works.... Other than that it just comes down to their cheaper ...
Good vid! So who would you say is making the best sub $300 strat style guitar that actually sounds stratty?
hmmm... I like the Firefly FFST in the SSS pickup.
They only have the relic model in stock right now.. Thats one is on sale right now for 149.00 + shipping. Most of the time they go for around 180.00 to 219.00 + shipping.
I have heard good things about the JET Guitars.
Here is a Jet JS300 with SSS pickup setup
amzn.to/3UaDQOa
The Grote is nice but the Humbucker really is not Stratty.
You can do a Wilkinson loaded SSS pickguard for around 80.00 dollars
amzn.to/3u40wVJ
Fender TexMex loaded for 150.00.
Sound is something I can't really point ya too.
@@DominionFretWorks im a little sketched out by the fact i cant get Firefly on Amazon. I like that convenience. What would you say overall is the best value guitar you have gotten across your table? I also noticed the EART Gw2 headless is on sale for $311 and thats tempting because it looks like a comfortable couch guitar.
The best BANG for my BUCK has been the Volgoa TN2 from amazon... on sale they were selling from 149.00 and 179.00 std price. Just a great guitar for that price point. The Firefly FFDC was also a good deal. I paid 159.00 plus shipping..
So total was around 190.00 to my door.
Another great playing guitar.
The Volgoa GTWT-05 is better than the Eart on price ... The Eart had just a little better fret work... but not at 160.00 dollars more than the Volgoa Headless. At the time they went on sale for 199.99 on Amazon.
The neck pickup wasn't to great... but the bridge made up for it. HPL finger board. I really liked this guitar... The feel and the sound. Fit and finish was good. They have not restocked those.... Shame as it was a good deal.
I think the best made guitar I have reviewed under 200.00 Was the Firefly Black and Purple Strat the FFST. VERY NICE ... I just didn't like the bridge pickup... But the guitar is the best made for the 200.00 dollar mark.
I did not say anything about the Firefly FFTL Mad Cat... again just a great guitar for 200 bucks. Best Tele I have reviewed.
If you can get the Eart for 311.00 that is a good deal. Volgoa does have the Non-HPL headless model for 200.00 so check that one out.
amzn.to/3S9e5LC
@@ArizonaMMJ
thanks man. I do worry a bit about that jack placement on some of these headless guitars. Firefly seems to be a consistently mentioned guitar when it comes to bang for the buck. I wish they sold them on Amazon to be honest. I might have to keep an eye out on these Volgoas. I don't see the TN2 for sale right now.@@DominionFretWorks
I bought one of these guitars. I am having a terrible time keeping the guitar in tune. Did you experience tuning problems? If so, were you able to remedy it?
I didn't have tuning problems.... I have found with guitar without locking upper nuts is to make sure the string tension behind the nut is the same as the tension in the playing area.
I would say the nut needs to be cleaned a little.. I did not use any nut-lube on the guitar in the video but it does help allow the string to move freely over the nut under hard string bends and lite tremolo work.
NEXT ... this guitar is just like most sub 200 dollar guitars . . . the strings are not so good.. Well there very bad....
I would install a new set of strings and clean your upper nut .. make sure the nut is not catching the strings and allows the string to move freely. Then put a little nut-lube under the string where the string rides on the nut.
you can check the nut by checking your first fretted notes on the guitar. most of the time the low E string is the worst and get a little better as you go sown to the high E. you can cut the nut down ( cut the slot deeper ) to help with this. Strings catching in the nut is most of the time the side of the nut going to the tuning heads.. make sure the slot is facing the tuner head.. as the string goes over the nut and exits the nut... this exit needs to align with the tuner.
if you go to a tech . . . tell them you need a Nut Dressing...
Next : the tremolo ... Mine had enough spring pressor to keep the bridge flat on the body... Check yours and make sure the back of the bridge is not floating over the body... if it is, tighten the springs in the back of the guitar until it rests on the body.
The guitar looks small in comparison to you? Are you a giant? IS it comfortable for you to play sitting down? How would you compare it to the Grote tele in terms of playability?
They both use they same neck... so the neck feel is the same.
I bonded with the tele more than the strat.
They have a Modern T now Grote GR Modern T which is a mix of both.... That one looks to fill the gap between the two models. its has the HSS pickup setup... with the tele body !
here is that model...
amzn.to/3TbtP2h
@@DominionFretWorks Thanks for the reply. I have the Grote jazz guitar and its amazing to me. I think Ill get either the tele or strat-- I like the hand/arm relief or whatever on the strat. I did see the tele has the belly cut!
Does it have a plastic nut? Someone mentioned in an Amazon review that the nut was bone, but there was no mention of a bone nut in the product description. I would be a little (happily) surprised if it was bone.
I do not believe that's bone it's some kind of synthetic material.
Like a plastic nylon....
I think the issues on this guitar could easily be solved with $70...
I would do CTS pots ... New Orange Caps ... Pure Tone jack.. replace the nut and put a nice of strings on it...
You probably wouldn't have to replace the pots... Just replace the caps.
161.00 shipped ? Should i buy one
This was the best playing sub 150.00 on the channel to date.
there is a coupon for 20.00 off.... so, it would be 149.00 shipped
here is the link ...
amzn.to/4cJp341
If ya use the link I get a small kick back... I think amazon is 3%... You pay nothing more.. and the coupon still works. It just helps the channel a little.
I like the Pewter Color and the Green Black..
I did a review on the GR-t in the green black
My next is the Standard Firefly FFST with the 6 point bridge.... but after shipping your going to be around 210.00 to 220.00
I think it will be my b day present to myself lol. I'm between the white and green black. It's not gloss maybe the white with the maple would be nice.
@@JoeHasGas I almost order the white one.... I just wanted something different.
I have the green GR-t model... the green is nice !
There were a couple of questions I mentioned that you didn't answer. I'm sorry, but I know your busy! Was it solid Popular wood as well? How does it compare to the Firefly FFMN? One other question is do you thing I can fit a Floyd Rose on this to replace the stock Trem? Thanks again!!!
Installing a FR tremolo would be a lot of work on the Grote due to the routing needed to fit the FR bridge plate and mounting posts. I was going to do this on this guitar. . . I already have all the parts to build a custom FR bridge. I changed my mind as of right now . . . I have another Grote coming that maybe the better fit for the FR bridge. After I do the review on that one, I will pick from what I have here to do a full FR bridge install with routing. 2 Grote's and 2 Volgoa's or a Firefly .. all 5 of these will need routing for the base plate.
I think a Vega Tremolo would be a good fit for this guitar without needing to route the body. You can always install a locking nut on the top by routing out the top of the neck. Sometimes you do need to add a small block and tool it into the body for a full locking nut shelf. but still much easier than doing all the routing at the bridge location.
As far as the FFMN and this Grote . . . hmmm I say if you really want a FR bridge system the FFMN is the better of the two. The routing is all done for the FR tremolo upgrades and the neck is already done up for the locker.
You can make the FFMN a SUPER GUITAR for around 250.00 dollars in parts... But it's a lot of work to get it there.
The Grote has a HSS pickup setup, so you get more Strat-sounds from it.
It is routed for HSH so you could do that as well...
The FFMN is a HH pickup setup ... You could add a coil split to the HH setup and open up new single coil type sounds from it.
I would say ... If you want more strat sounds and lite tremolo effects The Grote would be a good fit. Install a Vega Trem. and upgraded pots and caps and pure tone jack to start with.
If ya want more hard tremolo use ( after you fix the stock bridge ) The Firefly FFMN would be better. Like I said you can add a coil split switch for a single coil sounds.
The FFMN does ... well I think it has better pickups installed... I would not change them. I would first just install some .22 or .47 orange caps and a push / pull tone... ( pull up on the tone for cap bypass ) down would be your .22 or .47 caps. This way you can still have that clean Stright through volume control ... but still be able to have a tone if ya want it.
I'm doing the NO LIMINTS Firefly FFMN with these mods soon. The last one was done with a limit on the budget not to go over the cost of the guitar. and adding the push/pull tone and caps would have taken it over... So the next one will have this mod and ! ! ! ! a German made FR bridge plate. So, we will not be using any of the factory bridge parts.
I don't think the CHANNEL is big enough yet to do a LIVE ... Q and A .. So, I hope this wasn't too long winded . . . but there are so many angles to cover between the two model guitars. A live chat Qand A open forum one night for everyone maybe cool . . .
I just don't want to be talking to myself for an hour or so . . . . LOL
So, let me know guys if ya want one and we can try it one night . . .
@@DominionFretWorks Thank you so much for your input. As you know, I have that Firefly FFMN and It's a great guitar. Waiting on pulling the trigger to buy and install the Gotoh FR in it. I was looking at this Grote and I loved the headstock design. It's selling right now on Ebay with the discount for $122. So since it's cheap, I wanted to turn it into something like an EVH Frankenstrat but with my own twist. Your channel is awesome and already turned me into a legit luthier, lol!!
@@frankesposito2229 @ 122 bucks ..the body and neck is twice value. You can do a Vega Trem . . and custom electronics. Have a completely different Axe . . .
Thank you so much for your ending comment !
I think I should do a coffee cup with that saying on it . . . .
OMG that would be soooo funny . . . My Squirrel brain is in Squirrel mode . . .
LOL Thanks again!!!
Sir, was the neck is like an Ibanez strat?
I have owned some Ibanez Guitars.... Ibanez is mostly a thinner neck profile than any other guitars. The older Ibanez like the Road Star 2's had a thicker profile more standard for it time. This guitar has a chuckie neck profile and is not Ibanez like. It is thicker in very way.
If you're looking for an " Ibanez like profile " this is not the guitar you're looking for.
A 1 hour video guitar review? C'mom man! How about 10 minutes!
Your right ..... I will cover more stuff next time :)
This channel is here for those that want more than just a quick overview of a product. Very video I do after watching it I think of Info I missed or didn't cover on a product.
Thank You for your comment and joining in on the discussion !
@@DominionFretWorks Great! Less is more, that's all I'm saying.
Are you lost? 😂😂😂
It looks like a music man cutless
I had a Music Man back before they were ... well before the became $$$$$ Sold it to get my Peavey Vandenburg G2 back in 90. . .
To really show the should of the guitar itself,....dry into the amp would be alot more helpful,...not through an entire rack of effects
So, what you're saying is 25 to 30 year old Rack Effects are better than a new Modeling Amp.....and New Modeling Pedals...
Ya I think so too . . . . .
Hard to believe that they knew back 30 years ago that hybrid amps and effects just sound better.
Anyway I do demo some guitars with Combo Amps .... and some with pedals. The problem I have is... open room mics with modelers... They just don't record the tone as you hear it.
going direct into plug-ins is just as miss leading.
The Guitar is 20% of your tone.... 80% comes from your amp. If you want a better sound get a better Pre-Amp / Power Amp and Cab... This is just how it is ... Even your cables change the way the guitar sounds...
Thanks for commenting and joining in !
Temu