I Can't Believe This Guitar Only Costs $200

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  • Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
  • This is an INSANE amount of guitar for $200 bucks!
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    VIDEO SECTIONS:
    1: Unboxing!
    2. First Impressions - 2:08
    3. What are the specs? - 3:07
    4. What does a $200 LP sound like? - 5:35
    5. What about the construction? - 9:04
    6. Final Thoughts - 12:51
    SOLI DEO GLORIA!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2 тис.

  • @DarrellBraunGuitar
    @DarrellBraunGuitar  3 роки тому +234

    VIDEO SECTIONS:
    1: Unboxing!
    2. First Impressions - 2:08
    3. What are the specs? - 3:07
    4. What does a $200 LP sound like? - 5:35
    5. What about the construction? - 9:04
    6. Final Thoughts - 12:51
    HUGE thank you to the subscriber who sent this to me to demo!

    • @cadenelkin5356
      @cadenelkin5356 3 роки тому +5

      Thanks for the time stamps, and I appreciate each of your uploads.
      SOLI DEO GLORIA!

    • @Shineysideup1
      @Shineysideup1 3 роки тому +1

      Awesome review

    • @mykilpee
      @mykilpee 3 роки тому +2

      OMG I can't find it!

    • @DavidHBurkart
      @DavidHBurkart 3 роки тому +1

      Thanks Darrell! What a value.

    • @drivenmad7676
      @drivenmad7676 3 роки тому +2

      They don't make a lefty. Like so many brands and models

  • @brendenkucken9117
    @brendenkucken9117 3 роки тому +1488

    Man, the fact that companies can put out guitars like this for less than $300 makes me question how Gibson is still in business

    • @aayushkhare656
      @aayushkhare656 3 роки тому +187

      It's in the brand name and the fact that they are made in the USA. Also, these guitars are nowhere as close to a Gibson

    • @brendenkucken9117
      @brendenkucken9117 3 роки тому +227

      @@aayushkhare656 absolutely, but you could spend about $200 on upgrades and get something pretty close

    • @aspicio
      @aspicio 3 роки тому +194

      @@aayushkhare656 gibson have arent rlly good for what ur spending tho, u can get like a 700$ guitar that is better or the same at this point

    • @aayushkhare656
      @aayushkhare656 3 роки тому +75

      @@aspicio thats true. But the rest of the money's going into the brand name, isn't it?

    • @aayushkhare656
      @aayushkhare656 3 роки тому +10

      @@brendenkucken9117 probably

  • @frankcarter6427
    @frankcarter6427 3 роки тому +576

    after a lifetime of lusting after expensive guitars, I'm now genuinely more interested in how good cheapos can be

    • @gringogreen4719
      @gringogreen4719 3 роки тому +24

      I'd say go more for quality vs price. You will be far happier.

    • @alexandero9936
      @alexandero9936 3 роки тому +5

      I think this is what growing as a person looks like, either that or you just got bored of the same old stuff.

    • @austinpowers8089
      @austinpowers8089 3 роки тому +25

      I've got 4 Harley Bentons, and they are all really good.

    • @gringogreen4719
      @gringogreen4719 3 роки тому +5

      @@austinpowers8089
      Shagadelic baby...yeah!!!
      So long as you are happy with your guitars thats all that matters. I keep getting Squires and honestly I am quite happy with them overall. They make great mod platforms. I'm not saying that my Squires are better than a American made Fender but once I have them dialed in I usually will prefer that over most stock Fender models.

    • @austinpowers8089
      @austinpowers8089 3 роки тому +2

      @@gringogreen4719 haha, I didn't fill a name in when I made the account, so Google just called me this :)
      I love my HB's.
      A lot of guitar for the money.
      They're cheap because the makers sell them direct to the public, and cut out a huge part of the supply chain, and yes, they also make a good modding platform :)

  • @maverickdallas1004
    @maverickdallas1004 3 роки тому +264

    As long as the guitar sounds good, looks good, feels good and plays good, that's all that really matters! I've played some very expensive, name brand guitars that didn't even come close to meeting all these criteria! This is one hell of a bargain!

    • @kidritalin1
      @kidritalin1 3 роки тому +3

      I thought it was a LTD Eclipse EC-256

    • @invictapatriot7511
      @invictapatriot7511 3 роки тому +18

      There's to much snobbery amongst some guitar players.....e.g. Unless it costs a lot of money and has a well known (preferably American) brand name, it's not worth buying.

    • @Arcturian1111
      @Arcturian1111 2 роки тому +1

      I agree.

    • @stevesmith1493
      @stevesmith1493 Рік тому +3

      Because Gibson is the standard. Eventually, when someone has the $$, they buy the real deal.
      I just ordered this firefly for my son. It’s a ridiculous value! $29 shipping $0 tax

    • @nejcgorkic3808
      @nejcgorkic3808 9 місяців тому +1

      ​@@stevesmith1493and what u think about guitar? !

  • @Arcturian1111
    @Arcturian1111 2 роки тому +40

    It's amazing how the affordable guitars today are made now. If I was a kid starting out today I'd be in Awe. Especially with all the great UA-cam videos to help you learn. I'd probably be a much better player if I started all over again.

  • @arthurprzebinda9057
    @arthurprzebinda9057 3 роки тому +40

    Full specs:
    FFLP
    • Solid mahogany body with carved cap and single-ply binding on Classics, 7-ply on some Elites. Variable weight relief.
    • Quality enclosed die-cast tuning machines - the FFLP should have Jin-Ho tuners.
    • Set mahogany neck, scarf joint and rosewood fretboard (some "rosewood" fretboards were substituted with richlite during the CITES embargo)
    • Most have a 43 mm bone nut
    • Most Classics have a 14-degree headstock angle. Some Elites have a 17-degree headstock angle
    • Some Classics have a single ply bound neck and headstock, some Elites have multi-ply binding on the headstock
    • 24.75" scale
    • 12" fretboard radius
    • Most have a 60s style neck profile. Some Blue Metallic top guitars have more of a 50s style neck.
    • Tune-o-Matic style bridge with retainer spring and fixed stop tail
    • 2 humbucking pickups (some Elites have 3 pickups), ceramic magnets
    • 2 Volume knobs, 2 Tone knobs, (3 pickup Elites may be 3V 1T), 3-way switch . Full size pots, Orange Drop - type caps.
    • 17 ½” body length, 2” body thickness at edge, 9 ½” upper bout, 7 ½” waist, 13“ lower bout, 39 ½” overall length.
    • Belly carve and access cut at the heel on blue metallic top only.

  • @GetShwiftyInHere
    @GetShwiftyInHere Рік тому +11

    Your honesty about the guitar’s condition is very appreciated. You let us know what defects it truly has without trying to sell us a POS or less than quality. My dream guitar is a Misha Mansoor Jackson pro blue/white burst for $1000 but I’ve been settling on these $200-$300 guitars. Maybe one day I’ll take that step up.

  • @Trouttdawg
    @Trouttdawg 2 роки тому +9

    Great channel, great reviews. Appreciate all the work you put into these videos!

  • @kevincourville1164
    @kevincourville1164 3 роки тому +24

    Darrell Braun I'm actually excited to say thanks to some of your lessons (and lessons from other youtubers), I started doing set ups and work on guitars for friends and other musicians. Still learning so much.

  • @michaelolz
    @michaelolz 3 роки тому +16

    Those tones from the neck pickup were an absolute dream. Wow!

  • @MrGary10k
    @MrGary10k 2 роки тому +8

    I just got the MG3 version with 3 pickups in Grey burst and absolutely love it. Great out of the box. I still tweeked a little for my preferences, but very impressed, and I will buy another style from Firefly soon.

  • @samueloyeyele9448
    @samueloyeyele9448 2 роки тому +19

    I love how this guy jumps right to the case, not wasting time with unimportant stuff.

  • @jambrenn7843
    @jambrenn7843 3 роки тому +55

    I'm really impressed over all a nice guitar for $200.

  • @Halsafe
    @Halsafe 3 роки тому +132

    You know it's a good day when Darrell posts a video

  • @JuanMacias-sj8fp
    @JuanMacias-sj8fp Рік тому +3

    Hello, I purchased an Indio strat model. did all the mods as you indicated. it took me a while lol but I just finished today . Plays amazing and it stays in tune. Thanks for your videos. Very professionally presented.

  • @redhorse702
    @redhorse702 3 роки тому +8

    Darrell, thanks again for another great review! My first Firefly was purchased eye's wide open, a 335 look alike. It had some needs, like a nut, action lowering and 3 frets lowered ànd th tuners replaced. It is now virtually nearly as nice to play as my GRETCH COUNTRY GENTLEMAN. After 44 years of hard work the Country Gentleman needed a fret job and a complete rewiring job. I needed the Firefly to fill in for it for 6 months... just a perfect fit. I practice on the Firefly almost daily. The bone nut I had installed was the one thing I see this guitar comes with.. I might have to buy this Les Paul. I sweat tho.. will they ALL come out of the box like this one?

  • @Madchris8828
    @Madchris8828 3 роки тому +31

    So a super affordable LP type guitar with that kind of finish? looks awesome! Not a bad sound for the money either.

  • @AlbertoFumagalli23
    @AlbertoFumagalli23 3 роки тому +11

    It's an hell of budget guitar! Beautiful, sounds good, with some little upgrades could be a must have, of course it's in fingers that flow the music, and your playing is flawless as always. Greetz from Italy! 🇮🇹

  • @SMarcey
    @SMarcey 3 роки тому +6

    That binding is so damn pretty. And the gold hardware is a perfect accent for a black bound guitar

  • @victorformosa2825
    @victorformosa2825 3 роки тому +18

    Just amazing how such a beautiful looking guitar can also sound so good at that price.

  • @waymac7465
    @waymac7465 3 роки тому +72

    Firefly guitars always seem to get great ratings. Would love to see a back to back blind sound test with a Gibson Les Paul. Would also love to see you demo a Wolf guitar.

    • @bluwng
      @bluwng 2 роки тому +1

      IYV, EART , AIO are great, Donner is OK.

    • @Arcturian1111
      @Arcturian1111 2 роки тому +1

      I have a wolf, there awesome. I put Duncan's in mine. An even more amazing guitar now.

    • @schrodingerscat1863
      @schrodingerscat1863 Рік тому +1

      The sound isn't quite as rich as the cheapest Gibson but if this guitar was twice it's price it would still be pretty good value sound wise.

    • @flintdavis2
      @flintdavis2 Рік тому

      @@schrodingerscat1863 you can tell that by listening through your phone?😂

    • @schrodingerscat1863
      @schrodingerscat1863 Рік тому +2

      @@flintdavis2 Listening through a pair of Sony WH-1000XM4s so not quite as bad as a phone but I know what you mean. Talking about a comparative sound. Listening in person is always going to be a tad more mellow with slightly richer tone.

  • @Charlie6969
    @Charlie6969 3 роки тому +253

    It sure is a great time to be a cheap guitar player. So many good choices these days, not like the '70s

    • @NitronicZombie
      @NitronicZombie 3 роки тому +16

      Yup. No more busted up Teisco guitars that are vaguely in a strat shape with 10 inch bridge action.

    • @hkguitar1984
      @hkguitar1984 3 роки тому +8

      @@NitronicZombie my first Teisco Tulip guitar back in 1974 had a bridge made out of a metal spoon handle! Modern manufacturing has brought us into a great age of affordable guitars that are actually playable.

    • @rf396
      @rf396 3 роки тому +7

      Ahahaha so true. When we all started so many decades ago my buddy started on a Domino 3 man model. 3 man because you needed 1 guy to make the chord, another to strum and one to force the action down from its resting 6inch height!

    • @hkguitar1984
      @hkguitar1984 3 роки тому +4

      @@rf396 funny and true!

    • @rf396
      @rf396 3 роки тому +5

      @@hkguitar1984 New players today have no idea of the unplayable junk we started with. My first full size kit was made by Ralston which later morphed into Tama. They didnt get much better with the name change, but instead of Poplar, maple or birch wood, mine was constructed, I believe from BALSA wood. The shells wouldn't resonate to the next room and if you attempted to tension the Bass Drum skin, the lugs would start to RIP through the shell. Cymbals that sounded like trash can lids rounded out the entire pile of garbage quite aptly

  • @eddcarlile8973
    @eddcarlile8973 2 роки тому +2

    I just found this channel and love how we are seeing how well put together and playable "no name" guitars are today. This is a tremendous help in getting people to make much better choices and to give the BIG guitar names a run for their money. When you have a knowledgeable guy like Darrell showing you the reality here (of super sound and playability with good aesthetics) its really really hard to go for that expensive big name on the headstock rather than these excellent budget guitars.
    Cheers Darrell.

    • @gypsylee8908
      @gypsylee8908 2 роки тому

      Edd. I own an original double cut P90 they made when they first came out. They are amazing plays great sounds great. Ive watched many many demos of firefly and every one is comparing them to a 4 to 6 hundred dollar epiphone to me thats incredible for 200.

  • @ericppagel
    @ericppagel 5 місяців тому

    Great stuff! I've been watching quite a few of your vids, smartly done, much appreciated for us on a budget. This guitar is gorgeous! Thanks very much

  • @SimonRobinson137
    @SimonRobinson137 Рік тому +9

    Thing is, compared to cheap guitars from the 80s, this seems pretty amazing in terms of sound. I know the finish isn't all that, but as a teen all you'd really want is to sound amazing and this seems such good value for money. You also wouldn't worry playing gigs with this either!

  • @McBuggs.
    @McBuggs. Рік тому +3

    For a beginner that'd be great for basic and advanced learning. Sharing one at a live jam for some to play would be awesome as well. I'm sure they'd be joyed to play this guitar!

  • @crumbalewski5808
    @crumbalewski5808 9 місяців тому +1

    Just had my Cobra Burst delivered today. It’s in near flawless condition only one place on the pickup cover had a small ding. Reviewing all of the items that were looked at on this review they are quality. No sharp edges on frets they are smooth and polished well. This really is an amazing value at this price point.

  • @MarkSchuster-ym3iy
    @MarkSchuster-ym3iy 2 роки тому +17

    I’ve never seen you show us what amp you’re testing these guitars through. Makes a big difference to me. To me the amp is atleast 50 percent or more of the guitar sound. The amp is part of the instrument not just something to make it louder.

    • @meestuinier4486
      @meestuinier4486 Рік тому +1

      In the description he mentions which amps he uses

  • @billy1858
    @billy1858 3 роки тому +18

    for the price the minor faults could easily be rectified! i can imagine a young kid would love this as a first guitar ,and if they love it they will more tempted to pick it up and learn to play on it.these entry level guitars are getting better and better.

    • @mattyburrows9059
      @mattyburrows9059 2 роки тому

      wet wood is not minor..yes he made a vid to make it look good..but pick it up again tomorrow..it wont be intune..it will probably buzz its head off..martin are right..a piece of wood still thinks and behaves like a tree for 15 years

  • @windsweptguitars
    @windsweptguitars 3 роки тому +85

    I have two fireflies, and I’m amazed in the quality for the price

    • @dennisapplegate7553
      @dennisapplegate7553 3 роки тому +5

      It's easy when you use slave labor.

    • @ozoneswiftak
      @ozoneswiftak 3 роки тому +18

      @@dennisapplegate7553 were all slaves, thier just cheaper.

    • @cassianandor4103
      @cassianandor4103 3 роки тому +2

      @@dennisapplegate7553 why and or how are you so sure Firefly uses slave labor?

    • @hawedehre
      @hawedehre 3 роки тому +4

      I think the US made guitars are made by the president himself 🤠

    • @MSaucedo760
      @MSaucedo760 3 роки тому

      They are amazing looking guitars, but why are they soo cheap?( in price not quality)...

  • @rickshannep4033
    @rickshannep4033 3 роки тому

    Thank you for another thorough, well done guitar review!

  • @mrkkitson
    @mrkkitson 2 роки тому +2

    I bought a black one, partly on your review. It is amazing for the price. Only one real issue, missing the bridge selector knob. I have a strat and a Taylor acoustic. For the money this thing rocks!

  • @d.j.linhart935
    @d.j.linhart935 3 роки тому +10

    Hey Darrell 👋
    Always love when I see you post a video! You are always a blessing to watch.
    Soli Deo Gloria brother!

  • @Geetarpicker1
    @Geetarpicker1 3 роки тому +7

    Best guitar around for the price ! Great video ! Enjoyed it !

  • @mightyV444
    @mightyV444 3 роки тому

    The intro alone with all the arm- and hand-gesturing made me smile already 😀

  • @jamescrouch3217
    @jamescrouch3217 2 роки тому

    Honest review! I watched Philip’s review and both were very helpful. I have one on the way and am looking forward to learning on the FF.

  • @akasgsvirgil9503
    @akasgsvirgil9503 2 роки тому +4

    After watching this great video, I bought the FFLP this past week in a burst color that I can only describe as a "caramel burst". The maple top was book matched and had a very good flame to it. The binding was excellent. The inlays were set neatly and there were no rough fret edges down the side of the neck binding. The pickups are much better than I expected, especially since my Gibson LP's have either vintage PAF's, P90's or Seymour Duncan pickups of various varieties. It was setup very nicely from the factory in terms of the action. No fret buzz, especially above the 12th fret when bending up the G, B or E strings. The neck is straight and free of bows. The frets are nicely set and properly finished. But, like any new guitar, it needs a proper intonation, which isn't to say that the intonation was out or terrible. But, it does need a tweak or two.
    The only criticisms I can come up with is when the selector switch is in the center position and one of the pickup volumes is turned all the way off, the remaining pickup still produces a signal unlike the LP that shuts off all signal from both pickups in the center position when either volume knob is turned all the way down. At first, I thought it may be some version of a coil split, which would've been very cool. But, it wasn't. The other criticism is you really need to have a light touch or else your fingers can easily pull the strings out of tune. So, there was a bit of getting used to going on there. I like to play 10's (10 to 48 gauge) and I think the strings on this guitar are light 10's (10 to 42) which probably represents the bulk of that problem. I'll know more when I change out the strings.
    Other than that, the craftsmanship, tone, playability, appearance and features are exceptional. I've owned and played guitars that easily cost 5 to 10 times as much that don't play, look or were built as well as this guitar. I think I'm going to buy another, maybe the Explorer version or semi hollow body? Who knows? For around $200 s'moleons, you can't go wrong.
    If you're looking for a knock-around guitar or if you're just learning or looking to buy a good quality and affordable guitar for your kid who's just starting, this is the brand to look at.

  • @richardkeller8658
    @richardkeller8658 3 роки тому +11

    I bought my Firefly FFLP about 3 months ago. I got the gold top version and it looks fantastic. However, there were some quality issues. On mine, the tuners were terrible and I had a tough time getting the guitar to stay in tune. So I replaced them with some basic grovers and that problem was solved. Next was the bridge saddle. The strings guides on the saddle were cut very deep and the strings actually got stuck in them. Again, a simple replacement with a gotoh saddle and that solved that issue. The last issue was the bridge pick up. For some reason, the bridge pickup had a significant volume decrease from the neck pick up (yes, I did check the volume setting). After checking it out, I could not figure out why this was occurring. So I replaced them with some golden age vintage zebras and it works great. Other than that, I am very pleased with the guitar. I did not have the excess nut glue issue that you had, the neck is in great shape and I think the fret work was done very well. The binding looks great and I have zero finish flaws on mine. So with $200 (including shipping) for the guitar and about $160 in upgrades, I now have an LP style guitar that looks great, feels great, and I enjoy playing! Thanks for your videos.

    • @glizzygoat
      @glizzygoat 2 роки тому

      I really appreciate comments like this. A honest review with what went wrong for u and how you fixed it 10/10🤧

  • @edwardbartus9018
    @edwardbartus9018 3 роки тому +2

    as a person on a very limited income , I have enjoyed all the different inexpensive guitars that have shown here .After i purchase the Glarry Telecaster guitar I now have added this Firefly Les paul copy. it looks and plays better than my Epiphone Les Paul Studio so it now in my wish list. I also checked out the glarry 50 watt tube amp. it is now in my wish list too. thanks for turning me on to your inexpensive guitar and amp tests. you saved me a lot of time contacting the manufacters,to get info on their products.

  • @dontderockmeriz4546
    @dontderockmeriz4546 3 роки тому

    Great sounding guitar Darrell. I bought a second house in Florida & needed an axe there but wasn’t shipping any of my others from Chicago. Ordered a Kramer Focus VII. Paid $130. Yes $130. Can’t believe how good this guitar is. Sounds as good as my Fender super strat. Came set up, no paint issues, gorgeous maple fingerboard, comfy neck & trem works well. And a HSS setup, so many sounds. Should get one for the channel if you can get one. They sell quickly.

  • @RickFoxx777
    @RickFoxx777 Рік тому +14

    I bought four Firefly's (two LP's one 335 and one SG less than $800.00) and am very happy with them and amazed at the quality, look and playability. WOW. Peace.

  • @mr.madventures
    @mr.madventures 2 роки тому +4

    You do an amazing job. And amazing how some of the cheap guitars look and sound great. I'm interested in the flame shaped electric guitar from wish for the visual aspect of it. Just wondering of this guitar has crossed your path? 🙂

  • @acecomet
    @acecomet 2 місяці тому

    Your videos are just awesome man! Love your work!🤙

  • @trevorward85043
    @trevorward85043 3 роки тому

    Got my copy of the latest batch of the FFLPS. Nice finish, slight shelf where the body comes down to the binding and the binding is now a single layer (3/32" width). OUt of the box it was delievered almost exactly one step down from being in tune which is great. I found the low E string to have fret buzz down the entire neck but a slight adjustment to the bridge will take care of it. Intonation was good on all but the low E and D (flat by maybe -3). I got the lighter of the 2 shades of Mahogany. After adjustments, I got similar tones as you when playing.
    Thanks for a great review of this guitar and the suggestion for the purchase. I'm definitely not disappointed. It actually sounds better to me than my Epiphone LP Special I

  • @RC32Smiths01
    @RC32Smiths01 3 роки тому +13

    You always showcase the best cheap guitars! Kudos as always!

  • @itzed
    @itzed 3 роки тому +10

    I could never deal with a guitar that heavy but this certainly makes me wish I could.

    • @lowkeyben
      @lowkeyben 7 місяців тому

      man 9lbs isn't that heavy hahaha

  • @octaviusceasar1315
    @octaviusceasar1315 Рік тому

    excellent review!!! i like how non-biased you are on pointing out the ugly parts. good demo too.

  • @IGotAHaloRoundMyHead
    @IGotAHaloRoundMyHead 3 роки тому +1

    I own a 1978 Les Paul Standard in cherry sunburst and a 2019 Firefly FFLP Elite in lizard burst. The Firefly feels and plays as good as the Gibson. The Gibson humbuckers have better overall tone, but the Firefly comes close. The build quality on the Gibson is flawless, while there are minor imperfections in the Firefly, noticeable only on close inspection. I do not have the excess glue problem at the nut that Darrell has. The finish on the Gibson is high quality nitrocellulose that, aside from minor dings, looks as good as when I bought it 40+ years ago. The firefly finish is amazing and it is the first guitar that I have purchased for appearance over tone, having never seen anything like this lizard burst.
    I bought the Firefly as a project guitar with the intent of upgrading it with Whole Lotta Humbuckers, CTS push-pull pots, Sprague orange drops and Switchcraft toggle and jack in a Jimmy Page wiring scheme. I wanted to keep my Gibson stock. I will eventually do the work, but it has been nearly a year since I bought the Firefly and upgrade parts. The JP wiring will be time consuming as I will be hand wiring it myself with splits, series/parallel and phase in/out. Still, I enjoy playing the Firefly as is.
    The Firefly FFLP Elites are hard to find. I do not own a regular FFLP, so I cannot compare the two. I purchased mine NWT on eBay and paid about $50 over retail. This gave me the ability to choose a great finish and the opportunity to look at close up pics of the guitar before I purchased it. Well worth every cent as there were no surprises upon unboxing.

  • @dweb
    @dweb 3 роки тому +5

    I noticed that it has a set neck.
    That's a bonus too.

  • @Malum09
    @Malum09 3 роки тому +14

    Darrell has become a guy i lookout for when i want to see a demo on certain brand that no one else seems to do.

  • @frankb518
    @frankb518 3 роки тому

    Where were these Guitars when I was growing up in the 60's and 70's ? Nice cover Darrell !

  • @matdube3577
    @matdube3577 3 роки тому

    Wow! That seems like a steal! I would never notice the cosmetic flaws in my dark studio 🤓 would definitely give it a shot!

  • @maewinter2823
    @maewinter2823 3 роки тому +5

    I just bought one last month and I love it!.

  • @GMec78
    @GMec78 3 роки тому +80

    Out jumps Mark with the war cry, “play authentic” and smashes that LP inspired guitar on the ground

  • @davef1217
    @davef1217 2 роки тому +1

    I just opened a Firefly FFLPS from my son and wife for Christmas. Other than my fingers turning back from playing it (I'm guessing fret polishing compound) this is an amazing instrument based on my limited knowledge. I'm never going to own a true Les Paul, so this is one of the most amazing gifts I've ever received. Frets are amazing to me, action was just about dead-on, and maybe a couple blemishes on the body that anybody would really have to look hard to spot. After opening this up, the Positive Grid Spark has been ordered (I'm playing for me, no aspirations of gigging anywhere) and I can't wait to have fun with this.

  • @brandonkoch3852
    @brandonkoch3852 3 роки тому +2

    I have an IYV lps in green.i really dont know how they do it.color,grain,finish is way beyond the price point.came setup and plays magnificently.pickups arent crappy either..great time to be buying cheap,solidly crafted instruments.mods are always a bonus to perform as well.

  • @gerrymcfarlane9676
    @gerrymcfarlane9676 2 роки тому +4

    I’ve owned some very expensive guitars over the years, most extremely good but not value for money. More recently I’ve been checking out sub £300 guitars and I’m stunned. The build quality is fantastic. A pro set up (£50) and they compare to guitars costing 3x as much.

  • @melodieh3138
    @melodieh3138 3 роки тому +40

    I’ve always said that as long as a guitar looks good, plays well and sounds good, I couldn’t care less what the headstock says. Sometimes it’s nice to have certain brands in your arsenal, but little known brands can do a lot of the same things, and sometimes even better than well-known ones.

  • @markewing6780
    @markewing6780 3 роки тому

    Thanks for the honest video Darrell. You very well may have just talked me into buying another Firefly guitar after buying 4 and getting 4 bad ones. But that was about 2 years ago or so, and I've kept my eyes on them to see if they would get any better. You've kind of convinced me that they have. I can do nut work from scratch (it's my specialty). I can do frets (also a specialty of mine). I'm convinced they have gotten better with quality control lately, although still not perfect, at least acceptable for $220. Much better than the ones I got 2 years ago. If I get one at least as nice as yours, I would be happy. Although the off center book match would drive me nuts, I could deal with that if the guitar feels and plays as good as it looks from 10 feet away. Yes, I just might buy an orange one or one like yours. Ya never know. Good day, my friend.

  • @redfox1900
    @redfox1900 2 роки тому

    Love it. Great review.

  • @Aceofgamesify
    @Aceofgamesify 3 роки тому +4

    Honestly, firefly is great. I've owned one of their lp's for about a year and it still sounds great with no complaints. However they are almost never in stock so good luck trying to buy one. They've been out of stock of all guitars for about 3 months so far.

    • @jeffbosch1697
      @jeffbosch1697 2 роки тому

      Today they have three pages of LP models listed as in stock.

  • @yosemitesam4549
    @yosemitesam4549 3 роки тому +34

    Yeah, these might be in stock sometime this year for a few days.

    • @jamesthe-doctor8981
      @jamesthe-doctor8981 3 роки тому +8

      They were in stock this last time for almost 6 weeks up to around 5 days ago. It was about the same with the time before that. If you want one you have to check during the daytime because they remove all the links at night. I’m not joking. People think they almost never have any because of this. They usually restock in 3-6 weeks, but if you really want one (trust me, you do - my last 4 out of over 40+ guitars have been Firefly) you need to check once or twice a day, during the day.

    • @landonmontgomery2693
      @landonmontgomery2693 3 роки тому +3

      @@jamesthe-doctor8981 That's good to know....I always check later on the evening and never see anything for sale.....this would explain why

    • @BrandonOutside
      @BrandonOutside 3 роки тому +2

      @@jamesthe-doctor8981 That's bizarre, why do they do that?

    • @jamesthe-doctor8981
      @jamesthe-doctor8981 3 роки тому +2

      @@BrandonOutside short answer: they want to keep prices low and only have so much time to devote to that.
      TL:DR Answer: I can only make an informed guess, which would be: I’ve been told Guitars Garden is only two guys in Los Angeles who want to keep their prices as low as possible for as long as they can, so they aren’t ready to scale it up yet. To do that they’d most likely have to hire an accountant first to keep accurate sales numbers, sales tax and employee’s income taxes, somebody to keep inventory, order, track, and receive stock, shipping, and so on and on. Guessing again that they do it all themselves now, sacrificing profit margin in exchange for the number of guitars sold. In short, they’ll sell more guitars at the current very low price point, and a lot fewer if the prices make the huge jump if they scaled up. However, they must know that the market will bear a price jump because eBay scalpers re-sell them for up to twice their price and more. Guitars Garden must know it’s going on because they also sell them on eBay, but at their regular price. So, yeah, just some guesses but I think I’m right.

    • @559Pablito
      @559Pablito 3 роки тому +2

      @@jamesthe-doctor8981 Yes, exactly this. Mine came in last week and I'm loving it.

  • @jtbjr58
    @jtbjr58 Рік тому

    For what it's worth -- on this guitar (identical) which came to me Dec. 2022, I found no visible construction or cosmetic issues at all except for a little bit of a glueline on the tuner side of the nut. Plays great, sounds great, looks great. Recommended!

  • @robertjenkins9440
    @robertjenkins9440 3 роки тому

    Great informative review yet again. Any plans to review the Sire L7

  • @billyvitale8994
    @billyvitale8994 3 роки тому +43

    if slight cosmetics is the biggest issue.. for 200$.. think relic.. for free!!! 😄

  • @Gary-hj2lc
    @Gary-hj2lc 3 роки тому +4

    Note the brand name, money-no-odds snobs on here. I got rid of my Epi Les Paul (uncomfortable neck) and MiM Strat (I only play at home so wasted on me).
    Replaced with HB SG type DC400 and HB ST-62SB Strat, both a pleasure to play at much less cost & I've been playing over 50 year. I also have a Squier Affinity Tele which I'm happy with.

  • @DC-ei9vl
    @DC-ei9vl 2 роки тому

    I'm new at modding, but my first attempt was MIM Fender guts (pups/selector/wiring) in an Austin strat copy. Amazing difference.

  • @prjctnvsble7777
    @prjctnvsble7777 2 роки тому

    Nice info, thanks!!

  • @guygourley2411
    @guygourley2411 3 роки тому +3

    I have a hollow body Firefly and I enjoy playing it as much as my PRS 30th Anniversary model. For the price amazing guitars. If I had the $200 I'd be buying this one too!

  • @schrodingerscat1863
    @schrodingerscat1863 Рік тому +11

    Have to say the tone from that guitar is very nice and for $200 absolutely outstanding. Anyone just starting out playing this is all the guitar they are going to need for years. While the cosmetic imperfections are noticeable you kind of have to look for them. I think after sorting out the glue around the nut it would be liveable with. Still can't believe it's only $200 for an instrument that plays that well out of the box.

  • @tyrbaldur5317
    @tyrbaldur5317 3 роки тому

    Ive never liked the LP bodies but I like this a lot. I might buy a new guitar every week if you keep sharing these gems.

  • @irishcanuck1271
    @irishcanuck1271 2 роки тому

    Love your reviews. Cheers.

  • @Gk2003m
    @Gk2003m 3 роки тому +4

    I got a similar guitar some years ago. It was beautiful to look at, fit and finish were good, great fretboard.... but it just never sounded great. Eventually ditched in favor of an Ibanez Artist double-cut solidbody that sounds exactly like Billy Gibbons’ LP.

    • @dopeasyola8992
      @dopeasyola8992 2 роки тому

      I put some emgs in mine and now I play it over my fender most days. Not much gain with the stock pickups. But spend $150 on some new pickups and now it plays like a $1000 guitar

  • @ronnie5129
    @ronnie5129 3 роки тому +5

    Damn, What a Great sounding, Playable, and looking Guitar for $ 200 Bucks, you can;t go wrong here,, I don;t know how they can build a Guitar for this price, Rock On, Cousin Figel

  • @johnpeck6237
    @johnpeck6237 2 роки тому

    So I am a 50ish beginner to guitar, I saw your video today and decided to give one a shot. Excited for it to arrive. Thanks for the budget reviews.

  • @mariov4701
    @mariov4701 3 роки тому

    Can't wait for the modding/upgrade video!

  • @ganzerovon3045
    @ganzerovon3045 3 роки тому +5

    Could you do a review on the WLP 750T? Maybe?

  • @tyrssen1
    @tyrssen1 3 роки тому +6

    Glad to see genuinely good guitars at a realistically affordable price -- unlike the big-name guys. Sure, in many cases the neck and frets can use a little simple TLC; but the same might be true of a Fender or Gibson as well. I just wish such things could be made in America.

    • @Official_Darrellbraunguitar
      @Official_Darrellbraunguitar Рік тому

      Thanks for watching and commenting ,❤️ you have been randomly selected from comments as winner for today giveaway
      Send a direct message to claim your price 👇👇👇
      @Official_Darrellbraunguitar

  • @d.adonis4547
    @d.adonis4547 3 роки тому

    I just ordered the Tele semi hollow humbucker model for Father's Day, can't wait!

  • @TheEricalmonte
    @TheEricalmonte 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the great review, sir

  • @SuperJiggawhat
    @SuperJiggawhat 3 роки тому +4

    That is a nice guitar. I'm really surprised it has a bone nut. Great review man.

  • @RickElphinstone
    @RickElphinstone 3 роки тому +5

    I love when Darrell Braun proudly announces how he's Canadian, making all of us Canadians stand and cheer. The bad news? No guitar this amazing of a deal is ever easy to get into Canada. Or with some guitars I've seen here, it's not even possible. Why do you tease us Canadians so, Darrell? ;)

    • @JPMarques
      @JPMarques 3 роки тому +1

      Great point, dude

    • @RickElphinstone
      @RickElphinstone 3 роки тому +2

      @@JPMarques Maybe we've stumbled on to an idea for a future DBG video. "How to purchase a hard-to-get guitar model in Canada."

    • @davidg1612
      @davidg1612 3 роки тому +1

      What? He's Canadian? That simply won't do. Unsubbed........I'm kidding. It's a joke. No need to destroy the inside of your pants with bodily fluids now.

    • @Metro_Gnome
      @Metro_Gnome 3 роки тому +1

      Try an Eart, Donner or Indio. I have all guitars from all three brands, have worked tirelessly setting them all up, and 'skeleton-wise' these guitars are actually quality at the core. Pickups and tuners are actually much better than anything similarly priced from Epiphone or Ibanez GIO, and I love those brands too, but they are getting destroyed by Chinese made, CNC'd guitars.

    • @Metro_Gnome
      @Metro_Gnome 3 роки тому +1

      I'm in Canada too, so I know theyre super cheap and easy to get into Canada. Prices are going up these days, though. Act fast if you're looking at anything! Eart explorers have gone up $50 on Amazon in the last 6 months, for example.

  • @OntarioAndrews415
    @OntarioAndrews415 2 роки тому +1

    Yes, for some odd reason it can be rather difficult and frustrating getting certain guitars into Canada. I remember I had a hard time finding a company that would ship an Ibanez AS73L to Canada. I think the website of Sam Ash was able to. I then purchased my Fender acoustic locally. After that I brought a Gibson SG, but had it shipped to a US address and I drove down to pick it up. Oh well. It is what it is. Also, I should add that I am left-handed so my first challenge was finding left handed models. :/

  • @Dubski
    @Dubski Рік тому +2

    I've watched so many reviews of Firefly guitars on UA-cam, pretty much all of them have given them a thumbs up too. The one thing all of the reviewers will agree on is the difficulty you're going to have laying your hands on one of the blighters. I get the impression you pretty much have to be checking their website every day until an order arrives, and even then they can all be gone in a matter of hours.

  • @thegolfingmusician6345
    @thegolfingmusician6345 3 роки тому +20

    As a guitar designer and builder that has been to many of the factories in China, I feel for those poor workers that are turning these out.
    Guarantee you if this guitar retails for $200 USD the work conditions are awful.

    • @arlizan6473
      @arlizan6473 3 роки тому +2

      I'd like to hear more details. Can you tell me about the Yako/Zhangzhou Fender Squier factory or Qingdao Epiphone factory conditions? I'll listen to any part of it, as it is and also as compared to other of the many factories you have visited. Also, even on models marketed as AMERICAN one finds Canadian Maple and Indian/Brazilan Rosewood, Ebony, Mahogany etc NOT from the US.... and even things like Canadian Maple shipped TO China, to then return as finished product for many branded guitars. How does all that shipping overhead to a China factory and back then translate to price, and employee conditions and compromises to make it so? Any info on factory/employee conditions when comparing where the China EC256 is made, vs where the S.K/Indonesia EC1000 is made? How to reconcile the fact that it's still the parent company's employees regardless of what landmass their factory is on?
      How might you yourself design and craft with a workaround regarding any single guitar component's point of origin and related worker conditions? Any insight from your experience is appreciated, thank you!

    • @thegolfingmusician6345
      @thegolfingmusician6345 3 роки тому +3

      @@arlizan6473 I used to work for ESP Guitars in North Hollywood but while I was there I was in a different capacity and never visited those factories.
      Regarding Yako, I’ve been to that factory multiple times.
      They have excellent working conditions and very little employee turnover.
      Some of the floor managers have even been there for 25 years plus.
      This makes for a more consistent product as well as happier employees.
      The equipment is state of the art and it’s a clean well run facility.
      Regarding the transfer of wood stock from country to country, I can’t tell you much details about that.
      Suppliers often change to these factories based on quality and availability.
      Even hardware, bridges, pickups, pots, switches etc can vary year in/out based on how well the suppliers are doing.
      Hope this helps.

    • @robertleath9913
      @robertleath9913 2 роки тому +2

      If you dont buy those Guitars it wont make any difference except those poor people wouldnt have any job. ALL factories over there are sweatshops. I would rather see them have a job than starve.

    • @thegolfingmusician6345
      @thegolfingmusician6345 2 роки тому +1

      @@robertleath9913 no, all the factories over there are not “sweatshops”.
      Have you been?
      Some are good and some are not.

    • @sagiriizumi8079
      @sagiriizumi8079 2 роки тому

      boo whocares

  • @wilson36532
    @wilson36532 3 роки тому +45

    These would be a great deal if they were ever in stock

    • @psongman9536
      @psongman9536 3 роки тому

      They are never in stock. I watch for them over three times a day in the past year. Somebody must message people when they do become available, not fair,but thems the deal!

    • @R_Amen
      @R_Amen 3 роки тому

      @@psongman9536 you gotta check for them on amazon as well

    • @theworldhadteeth
      @theworldhadteeth 3 роки тому +3

      You need to join the "Firefly Guitar Fans" group on FB if you want to get one. The owners keep that group in the loop on when releases will occur. They usually sell out in less than a week once they drop. Also, for some reason they take the guitars down off the website in the evenings and then put them back online in the mornings. They only keep them posted during business hours. It's weird, I know.

    • @psongman9536
      @psongman9536 3 роки тому +1

      @@theworldhadteeth Thanks for the headsup, mucho appreciated!

    • @R_Amen
      @R_Amen 3 роки тому +1

      they are in stock right now

  • @Epiphone1978
    @Epiphone1978 3 роки тому +1

    8:14 Loved that drop D Zakky style tone.....

  • @genegarneau3822
    @genegarneau3822 3 роки тому

    I love the way you play. Good job. 👍🎸

  • @blackfeather35
    @blackfeather35 3 роки тому +6

    If I closed my eyes and heard this guitar without seeing it, I would have sworn that it was pricey.

  • @ConwayBob
    @ConwayBob 3 роки тому +7

    Ouch. When I think of all the money I've wasted on a Gibson... Nah, it's great. But this is an AMAZING guitar for the price! Thanks for sharing.

  • @SelahEspiritual
    @SelahEspiritual 4 місяці тому

    Beautiful! I'd defintely buy one like that.

  • @SammLloy481
    @SammLloy481 3 роки тому

    I'm going to get one. I think I can bring out the best in it as well .great job on playing this Darrell.

  • @Qaaqqutsiannguaq
    @Qaaqqutsiannguaq 3 роки тому +8

    You make $200 guitar sounds so good

  • @bldallas
    @bldallas 3 роки тому +4

    Wow! That guitar is both great looking and great sounding. Just amazes me that you can buy that much quality for $200, regardless of where it is made.

  • @free-birdrocker8809
    @free-birdrocker8809 2 роки тому +1

    Darren, now that's one really good looking guitar. The price is under a Epiphone and the head stock is more Les Paul looking than the Epi, meaning less teeth grinding when you admire it on your guitar stand...

  • @ntown8378
    @ntown8378 3 роки тому

    great review. thanks !

  • @connorcampbell144
    @connorcampbell144 3 роки тому +3

    Do a demo on a Harley Benton guitar with emgs

  • @Sticknub
    @Sticknub 3 роки тому +10

    1:14 The return of the king

  • @ReachingWisdom
    @ReachingWisdom 2 роки тому

    Thanks for sharing I always wondered if these Firefly guitars were any good.

  • @robynchilson9849
    @robynchilson9849 3 роки тому

    Great recommendation! I’m looking to buy my first electric, and this sounds like a contender!