I picked one up used to check out. I’ve had many custom shop guitars and of course Gibson 335 and also Eastman. I don’t have any of those any more but just still have the firefly and when I play it, I love it. Can’t see selling it as it was so cheap. I really enjoy playing it. Everything about it is great zero complaints.
Nice follow up. I’ve been waiting to see this video for some time now. Because of the original two videos, I purchased a 338 firefly in cobra burst and it was ok, for the price it has solid bones. Wasn’t too happy about it and ordered a second 338, in green, and this one is so much better. The second guitar still has flaws but it has so much more character and clarity over the first one, definitely worth the money. You really do play the lottery when buying these firefly guitars.
I got my 338 in an Ebay bid for 80 bucks! Nobody bid against me - crazy, right? The damned thing is flawless.....exhibiting none of the oft-mentioned flaws by numerous UA-camrs. Tuners work just fine. Fit & finish is impeccable. The pickups blast out tone like crazy! What's not to love for a super low price??
@@SteveSterlacci Dude, you got a shout out from Tim Pierce, you are worthy. Also would love to know if you still have the Monoprice Tube 5, I love mine and refer to it as Sterlacci Signature model as your video sold me on it. I love the thing in 1 watt mode, amazing tone. (mod - JJ tubes) If you still have do a follow up please.
@@SeanAllocca thanks so much man! That means a lot 😃. I kept the 15 watt version since it also has the 1w switch and reverb. I may miss the 5w more though!
Ordered one the day after Xmas, had a coupon Aron gave me from a previous complaint so it was down to 2018 price, $137 shipped. Might put some good Korean Velvet Hammer copies in it, havent quite decided... Can't wait til it gets here!
+++ just bought the placater Power Preset to support you and of course Audry+++ looking forward to test it with my prs CE24 /1990 over HK Accoustik Amp +++
Money well spent to me. If the tuneomatic and Gotoh tuner copies are working fine and the guitar is setup right and playing good than it's a solid guitar. With the pickup change it sounds great. Now of course going into a Fractal processor set right makes a world of difference, but the end tone is all that matters to me. If it's good, it's good to go. I spent a lot more working to get my Mexican Telecaster where I want it. But I like it now. It would have been nice to spend less, but in the end you can't take it with you. And life is short. Nice guitar bro.
Thanks Yanos! Really surprised the hardware has held up so well. I will give the FM9 credit where its due, but this sounds just as good through anything. This tone was dialed in for my vintage ES 345 and it sounded just as good, maybe even more clear? I was frustrated it sounded so good 🤣😅. I agree! Can't take'm with you, so do it right!
@@SteveSterlacci It's funny how good some of the less expensive guitars can play and sound. But those more expensive guitars are like crack to guitarists. They make us drool. I'm still trying to justify a USA custom shop ESP I've been eyeballing at a price of over $3000. So far, it hasn't been justified, but I'm so weak to its seductive ways. I don't need it. I just want it. And you can't take it with you.
@@yanossnicklefritz7064 they are crack! I started doing math if I sold all my vintage gear and I got really upset. Then remembered its way cooler to keep
It sounds good and looks great! It really does. Good playing too. STEVE! I know this probably ain’t the place or time…but…say money is no object, and I’d be using it for studio work only. Which one man? I know they’re all different but, Helix, Quad, or Fractal. I’m looking for the most convincing sounds possible, ease of use second. Don’t want to put you on the spot, but I sort of am….
I love playing mine but my electronics crapped out three years in. I’m here bc I’m looking to upgrade and looking at mojo tone and guitar fetish for wiring harness. Hoping some of y’all or you could give me input on if the extra expense is worth it for mojotone?
Cool stuff. It seems like it's a pretty amazing buy. Couple of questions: sounds like the frets were level, just needing polished? Also, would you use it for a gig?
I got one of these but in a natural color. I started playing it and the paint was rubbing off onto my fingers from the frets. I get buzzing on the first few frets and very low sustain. I'm sure it needs adjusting but i don't know how to do that. I'll have to spend money at the guitar store here to get it fixed. That's probably gonna cost me another $200
Dont panic about the dirt. These come VERY dirty from the factory. Put some new strings on right away and clean the Fretboard with sone lemon oil and a cloth. If you have fret buzz on the first few frets, you probably need to loosen the truss rod (many videos out there on this and your guitar came with the wrench to do it). These are guitar maintenance 101, so it worth learning to do so you dont have to waist money!
Keep your better pickups BS, And Special wires that conduct minimal current magically better than normal wire? Sorry Bud you just lost me as a viewer. With that nonsense... You do that your amp and mostly the speakers make and determine the sound as ell as the tone and not the pickups .. right? Good Luck.
What a silly comment. Players upgrade their pickups and components all the time. I suppose any guitarist with a signature set of pickups also loses you as a listener? If you're not interested in people's opinions, maybe youtube gear videos aren't for you
@@SteveSterlacciOkay Steve, First thanks for replying most don't , And sorry for the long diatribe. Agreed You are right Players do. But Why? .. "Upgrade" of Humbucking pickups for other humbucking pickups? "Because others do? (Yeah the others; the same players that think $7000.00 guitars are cool and "Dumble" priced amps. are worth it because some shredder got paid to say so?) if you were switching out to active or Sustaiaic pickup's, P90's or single coil's or even Splitting the coils, okay.. But what's silly here id Changing humbucker for humbucker.. If a Guitarist prices his signature pickups at Seymore Duncan, Or Di Marzio prices? I'll bail.. Yup I am done with over pieced gear because of a name and little or more likely no actual benefit, Except supposed Cool factor And some perceived or envisioned bragging right. I believe (and many players do) That promoting expensive ; unnecessary gear, Is a huge disservice to especially new players. I'm just tired of being fed information with no data or other real proof Someone saying it's better don't make it so .. or even straight up misinformation And wasting time and money because of it , There is plenty of data out there showing that the difference between the same types of pickups is minimal at best regardless of the name on it.. Look it up. We'll probably still agree to disagree? Preconceived notions and hard to leave behind.. Peace Out & and truly wishing You Good Luck with your channel
@@randallhaney7909 hey man! No worries. I am all for having a good conversation about this stuff and don't really believe in discrediting peoples opinions on either side of things. I wanted the mojo tones because they were lower output and theyre not wax potted. The originals sounded very different whether you choose to believe it or not. Really doesn't matter to me, but it is a shame to hear you would stop watching my channel over a set of pickups that I liked better than the stock import ones... Either way, I am always down to talk gear if you change your mind!
Check them out below!
www.mojotone.com/Mojotone-59-Clone-Humbucker-Pickup
www.mojotone.com/Pre-Wired-ES-335-Style-Wiring-Kit
I picked one up used to check out. I’ve had many custom shop guitars and of course Gibson 335 and also Eastman. I don’t have any of those any more but just still have the firefly and when I play it, I love it. Can’t see selling it as it was so cheap. I really enjoy playing it. Everything about it is great zero complaints.
Isnt it annoying having all that extra money now?!
I still can’t get over how good that top looks.
Thats what jess tells me........
@@SteveSterlacci I would start making chest hair jokes, but I know this is a family friendly channel.
@@JackFossett grrr baby, very grrrrr!
Newest FF338 has Alnico 5 humbuckers... stainless steel rounded frets... upgraded hardware... as of September 2023...
Thanks Steve! I just ordered my own Firefly 338!! Thanks, as always, for your help with these reviews!!
Nice follow up. I’ve been waiting to see this video for some time now. Because of the original two videos, I purchased a 338 firefly in cobra burst and it was ok, for the price it has solid bones. Wasn’t too happy about it and ordered a second 338, in green, and this one is so much better. The second guitar still has flaws but it has so much more character and clarity over the first one, definitely worth the money. You really do play the lottery when buying these firefly guitars.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, this one is a 10/10 (relative to price) for me. Even having a vintage es345 and a heritage 535. The LPs I got are just okay
I got my 338 in an Ebay bid for 80 bucks! Nobody bid against me - crazy, right? The damned thing is flawless.....exhibiting none of the oft-mentioned flaws by numerous UA-camrs. Tuners work just fine. Fit & finish is impeccable. The pickups blast out tone like crazy! What's not to love for a super low price??
So you’ve got a Gibson 335 killer for under $600 bucks...thats insane...what a time to be a guitar player!!!!!
Absolutely! Its a beast even compared to my heritage and vintage ones
Man wish available when I was kid 45 years ago. Cheap was EKO Baracuda crap
Nice follow up. Great tones, I think Uncle Larry would approve.
I am not worthy!!! Thanks Sean 🤘
@@SteveSterlacci Dude, you got a shout out from Tim Pierce, you are worthy. Also would love to know if you still have the Monoprice Tube 5, I love mine and refer to it as Sterlacci Signature model as your video sold me on it. I love the thing in 1 watt mode, amazing tone. (mod - JJ tubes) If you still have do a follow up please.
@@SeanAllocca thanks so much man! That means a lot 😃. I kept the 15 watt version since it also has the 1w switch and reverb. I may miss the 5w more though!
Good stuff. Thanks!
Glad to help!
Ordered one the day after Xmas, had a coupon Aron gave me from a previous complaint so it was down to 2018 price, $137 shipped. Might put some good Korean Velvet Hammer copies in it, havent quite decided... Can't wait til it gets here!
I hope you get a perfect one!
That sounds fantastic. Great demo.
Thanks Robert!
Great video Steve.
Thanks Greg!
Thanks Steve. I'm looking at Mojo - weird, it was my dog's name when I was a kid - to upgrade an Epiphone Les Paul Special.
Nice!! There's a long wait for them. But worth it!
+++ just bought the placater Power Preset to support you and of course Audry+++ looking forward to test it with my prs CE24 /1990 over HK Accoustik Amp +++
Thanks Axel!!! Let me know what you think! Audrey says thanks 😊
I put Dragonfire Screamers in my purple Firefly 338 one of my fave guitars!
Nice! Itching to try one of these :)
You'd love it!
@ 7:10 got the Joe Bonamassa India/Mountain Time vibe 👍
Thanks Eric!
Money well spent to me. If the tuneomatic and Gotoh tuner copies are working fine and the guitar is setup right and playing good than it's a solid guitar. With the pickup change it sounds great. Now of course going into a Fractal processor set right makes a world of difference, but the end tone is all that matters to me. If it's good, it's good to go.
I spent a lot more working to get my Mexican Telecaster where I want it. But I like it now. It would have been nice to spend less, but in the end you can't take it with you. And life is short. Nice guitar bro.
Thanks Yanos! Really surprised the hardware has held up so well. I will give the FM9 credit where its due, but this sounds just as good through anything. This tone was dialed in for my vintage ES 345 and it sounded just as good, maybe even more clear? I was frustrated it sounded so good 🤣😅. I agree! Can't take'm with you, so do it right!
@@SteveSterlacci It's funny how good some of the less expensive guitars can play and sound. But those more expensive guitars are like crack to guitarists. They make us drool. I'm still trying to justify a USA custom shop ESP I've been eyeballing at a price of over $3000. So far, it hasn't been justified, but I'm so weak to its seductive ways. I don't need it. I just want it. And you can't take it with you.
@@yanossnicklefritz7064 they are crack! I started doing math if I sold all my vintage gear and I got really upset. Then remembered its way cooler to keep
Nice 🤘
NICE
It sounds good and looks great! It really does. Good playing too.
STEVE! I know this probably ain’t the place or time…but…say money is no object, and I’d be using it for studio work only. Which one man? I know they’re all different but, Helix, Quad, or Fractal. I’m looking for the most convincing sounds possible, ease of use second.
Don’t want to put you on the spot, but I sort of am….
That videos coming! But the true answer is based on your needs. All of them are as convincing sounding as can be. Tone wise, I can't choose a "winner"
I love playing mine but my electronics crapped out three years in. I’m here bc I’m looking to upgrade and looking at mojo tone and guitar fetish for wiring harness. Hoping some of y’all or you could give me input on if the extra expense is worth it for mojotone?
Cool stuff. It seems like it's a pretty amazing buy. Couple of questions: sounds like the frets were level, just needing polished? Also, would you use it for a gig?
Just needed polishing. I will absolutely use this on a gig!
@@SteveSterlacci Good to know, thanks, Steve.
So any further updates on this guitar? As far as the live presence. Did you resolve the issues
I love it still. The issue live wasnt the guitar at all. It was a crap wireless cable!!
I’m highly attracted to the front of that guitar 😉
Wait til you see its F hole...
@@SteveSterlacci I’m touching myself
I hear ya Ben! Audrey likes to have my money spent on her instead of more guitars anyway
Hey, I have heard you play miles better? Was there something hindering you in this video? It did not sound like your usual self. Is it the neck shape?
Sorry to let you down man. The neck feels great. I always leave mistakes in there to try to keep it somewhat real 😅😂😵
@@SteveSterlacci you didn’t let me down, still really good all in all.
@@MrRafaztar thanks man! I appreciate you watching either way!
What is guitarsgarden?
Its a random website that seems to be the only place to buy these outside of 2nd hand and ebay. They sell out within minutes if you catch any in stock
They are getting better several models in stock right now, 189-199
Needed some beefier pickups, so not quite the economical bargain some reviewers make it out to be.
It sounded great stock. Just needed a bit of an upgrade. People buy 3k guitars and do the same
Didnt do much to it? Changing the pickups is a pretty good bit. The pickups cost more than the guitar. lol
Okay
I got one of these but in a natural color. I started playing it and the paint was rubbing off onto my fingers from the frets. I get buzzing on the first few frets and very low sustain. I'm sure it needs adjusting but i don't know how to do that. I'll have to spend money at the guitar store here to get it fixed. That's probably gonna cost me another $200
Dont panic about the dirt. These come VERY dirty from the factory. Put some new strings on right away and clean the Fretboard with sone lemon oil and a cloth. If you have fret buzz on the first few frets, you probably need to loosen the truss rod (many videos out there on this and your guitar came with the wrench to do it). These are guitar maintenance 101, so it worth learning to do so you dont have to waist money!
@@SteveSterlacci thanks. i'll give that a try.
@@SteveSterlacci what strings would you recomend?
@JustJoeKing420 todays days you can't go wrong. I use D'adarrio 10's.
@@SteveSterlacci Adjusting the truss rod really helped. Now it sounds soo good. Thanks!
Keep your better pickups BS,
And Special wires that conduct minimal current magically better than normal wire?
Sorry Bud you just lost me as a viewer. With that nonsense...
You do that your amp and mostly the speakers make and determine the sound as ell as the tone and not the pickups .. right?
Good Luck.
What a silly comment. Players upgrade their pickups and components all the time. I suppose any guitarist with a signature set of pickups also loses you as a listener? If you're not interested in people's opinions, maybe youtube gear videos aren't for you
@@SteveSterlacciOkay Steve, First thanks for replying most don't , And sorry for the long diatribe.
Agreed You are right Players do.
But Why? .. "Upgrade" of Humbucking pickups for other humbucking pickups?
"Because others do?
(Yeah the others; the same players that think $7000.00 guitars are cool and "Dumble" priced amps. are worth it because some shredder got paid to say so?)
if you were switching out to active or Sustaiaic pickup's, P90's or single coil's or even Splitting the coils, okay..
But what's silly here id Changing humbucker for humbucker..
If a Guitarist prices his signature pickups at Seymore Duncan, Or Di Marzio prices? I'll bail..
Yup I am done with over pieced gear because of a name and little or more likely no actual benefit, Except supposed Cool factor And some perceived or envisioned bragging right.
I believe (and many players do) That promoting expensive ; unnecessary gear, Is a huge disservice to especially new players.
I'm just tired of being fed information with no data or other real proof
Someone saying it's better don't make it so .. or even straight up misinformation And wasting time and money because of it ,
There is plenty of data out there showing that the difference between the same types of pickups is minimal at best regardless of the name on it..
Look it up. We'll probably still agree to disagree? Preconceived notions and hard to leave behind.. Peace Out & and truly wishing You Good Luck with your channel
@@randallhaney7909 hey man! No worries. I am all for having a good conversation about this stuff and don't really believe in discrediting peoples opinions on either side of things. I wanted the mojo tones because they were lower output and theyre not wax potted. The originals sounded very different whether you choose to believe it or not. Really doesn't matter to me, but it is a shame to hear you would stop watching my channel over a set of pickups that I liked better than the stock import ones... Either way, I am always down to talk gear if you change your mind!