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Are These Guitars Better Than Gibson? | The Firefly FFLPS Review

Checking out and demoing these incredible and afforable Les Paul style guitars from FireFly. Do they stack up against Gibson?
FireFly Guitars Link: guitarsgarden.com/collections...
Gear List
Camera: Canon M50mkii
Video Editing Software: Wondershare Filmora 11
Vocal Audio: Shure SM7B
Guitar Signal Path:
Firefly FFLPS Guitar
Focusrite 2i2
Reaper
Tim Henson Neural DSP Plugin
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Пікірлер: 82

  • @markhiatt8185
    @markhiatt81852 жыл бұрын

    With the nut on these, Firefly guitars used to come with a strap, a braided ten foot cord, and some picks. In late 2017, the picks, cord, and strap were dropped in favor of a bone nut. This change was made with the FF338 model (similar to the Gibson ES335). Most models since have had bone nuts. The tuners on these guitars are not Grover tuners. These are made by a Chinese company called Jin Ho. Jin Ho is the company that makes tuners for Kaish, Wilkinson, and Musiclily. The tuners on this guitar are 19:1 ratio tuners. I am unsure what company makes the rest of the hardware or the electronics. This is just a touch of Firefly guitar history. In 2017, Firefly first hit the market with several models including copies of the Strat, ES335, Precision bass, and a Les Paul. All of these except the ES335 copy, which later became the FF338 with some body style changes, had bolt on necks. All but the FF338 were shelved. The FF338 was retooled, with a smaller body and longer cutout horns. Toward the end of 2017 came the FFTH, a Telecaster style with a semihollow body. In 2019, Firefly introduced the FFDCD, the FFDCS, and the FFJR in July. In September of 2019, the FFLP was reintroduced with the bolt on neck being traded for a set neck.

  • @markyapp
    @markyapp Жыл бұрын

    I got the gray burst FFLPS with 3 Humbuckers for my birthday in May. Sunland Guitars in Daytona did a set up on it for me .They said the set up was minimal and couldn't believe how much value it was for $233 delivered. I will put a 5 position switch on it and probably put in new pots, but that's probably all. I love it and it screams. Like you said, I honestly believe it plays at least as good as an Epiphone or a Gibson... maybe better than some I've played. AMAZING VALUE!! Can't wait to get their version of the SG. MarkA

  • @GothicXlightning
    @GothicXlightning Жыл бұрын

    Adore FIREFLY Guitars and any good honest brand who craft greatness at the lowest prices possible specially the SG are my favorites but the Lps are very beautiful looking as well specially the Black Beauty man that is a beautiful Vampiric Blood Red right there 5:40 reminds me a little of my old Red studio Les paul i used to own before i got my Black Double cutaway and my Black SG Is a beautiful Les paul inspired Guitar

  • @joebloggs8636

    @joebloggs8636

    Жыл бұрын

    I can't believe I tried to zero in on that 5:40 Mark.

  • @johnnyringo8174
    @johnnyringo81742 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video! I have a Green Bat Firefly. Changed out the gold hardware for black and replaced the pickups with Seymour Duncan satin black SH4 JB and SH2N. It was a decent guitar before but now it absolutely rocks! I still have to replace the nut with a black one and get a truss rod cover made with green lettering to say "The Bat". I cant believe there are not more videos out there about these bat guitars and people modding them.

  • @bigmike9527

    @bigmike9527

    2 жыл бұрын

    I am hunting a green bat as we speak,I can pick one up from a private seller for just under $400 shipped but waiting for firefly to restock so that I can get it for a lot cheaper and then spend the extra on the mods.the green bat is a bad ass looking guitar and I think I might just have to have me a red bat that sits next to it 🤘

  • @tiernanfoss
    @tiernanfoss2 жыл бұрын

    I have two of their LP's. One which is from their "classic" series, the other "elite". Both required a bit of setup but nothing someone slightly handy couldn't do. You tube videos are invaluable! Both guitars are fine instruments. Any upgrades you may want to do would still save you loads compared to a Gibson. As well as the Firefly plays and sounds I personally don't see a reason to pay more. Thanks for posting your video. I look forward to more of your content!

  • @TheZink88
    @TheZink882 жыл бұрын

    Love the Red Burst finish!! My favorite by far

  • @KevinSmith-vk4qd
    @KevinSmith-vk4qd2 жыл бұрын

    Great video I wax potted the pickups on my firefly lp to help with the feedback used bees wax and paraffin wax mix

  • @Eventheodd1
    @Eventheodd12 ай бұрын

    I was worried about it being a scam when buying my Firefly blueberry burst as my first guitar but I was ecstatic when it got here. The guitar was flawless, the finish was stunning and it sounded fantastic. I would highly recommend the FFSP. I would change out the strings though. I agree with you about the squealing, mine also has this issue. I find if I'm careful with my fingering placement and pressure it rarely happens. I'll occasionally get lazy when playing fast and it happens. lol

  • @Mike_Spor
    @Mike_Spor2 жыл бұрын

    I do exactly as you had suggested, I buy the guitar hoping it’s in pretty good shape, mostly for the colors in the style and then I swap out the pick ups and take it to my luthier

  • @kareeme7
    @kareeme72 жыл бұрын

    What a great review and collection but most of all I enjoyed your insane shredding. I subscribed and rang the bell and am looking forward to me. Thanks for sharing. I haven't played one yet but I would have to agree with you on a big Yes to the question in your title. Being able to enjoy a quality guitar at a reasonable price has got to be the goal and they look and sound amazing. You mentioned they were not all great out of the box but you were able to remedy that. That may also be true for some expensive guitars but I guess consistency is something to consider. Never heard of these guitars so thanks for introducing me to them. Most of all it is your playing that will keep me coming back. Thanks again.

  • @michaelthomas9991
    @michaelthomas999111 ай бұрын

    Great honest review! Thank you for putting these reviews on KZread.

  • @bobholst874
    @bobholst87411 ай бұрын

    I bought an FFLP Classic Gold Top for $159 second hand. I am a DIY guy and decided to get tools to do complete setup as the previous owner had the tail stop over wrapped and I didn't care for that. I did a complete fret check, level check. After an accurate truss rod adjust and action setup it was playing like a champ! I did end up adjusting poke pieces to get the levels even across the strings. It feels like my buddy's Les Paul tgat he paid over $1500.00 for. I don't mind pickups because I am not in a high volume situation. This thing is a joy to play.

  • @PaulVarricchione
    @PaulVarricchione7 ай бұрын

    I like that you've purchased more than one and let us know that it is possible to get one that isn't as dreamy as a lot of videos make them out to be. Thanks for your honesty and all of your work.

  • @ericv215
    @ericv215 Жыл бұрын

    Love your amp tone bro.

  • @msantos7948
    @msantos79482 жыл бұрын

    Great review. Thank you 🤘🏽

  • @TonyTheBassPlayer1
    @TonyTheBassPlayer1 Жыл бұрын

    I bought a Firefly LP Jr and replaced the p90's with mini humbuckers (GFS) and I get cats that don't know the firefly name that think it is a guitar worth over a grand. The playability of these guitars is awesome but the electronics is where they lack and that is the easiest thing to upgrade. I'm bidding on a Gold Tot FPPS Classic on Ebay. When I get it I am putting a set of GFS 57 Humbuckers in it and it will scream. I'm also replacing the wiring harnesses in both with upgraded wire and pots. I did all of this to stop taking my Gretsch and my Gibson Deluxe Anniversary model (1999) into bars. I broke the three position switch on the Jr about 6 weeks into gigging. Laughed it off because it is a Firefly. Wouldn't have been laughing if it was the Gibson. Best money I've ever spent.

  • @richbuege6491
    @richbuege6491 Жыл бұрын

    Maybe someday someone will give a demonstration of what the guitar sounds like and not the collection of "shit it up" circuitry, but I have my doubts. I have a Grote LP on the way, but for a wallhangar to compliment my Epi Les Paul Ultra, (New in 2008 and still unplayed more than to decide it's just a wallhanger. DUde, I could care less what your amp can turn to crap, I'd rather know what the guitar sounds like. Clean means clean, not with reverb so it isn't dead.

  • @AngelMartinez-qs3cf
    @AngelMartinez-qs3cf Жыл бұрын

    Hey, the guitar is pretty sick! Sounds cool! Did you mod it in any way? Change the pickups, or change the electronics?

  • @tonyalcantar8378
    @tonyalcantar83782 жыл бұрын

    How does the neck feel on the "bats" like a 60's or 50's neck? Great review!

  • @BurningHearts70
    @BurningHearts70 Жыл бұрын

    Back in the day I had a Gibson SG. It was an OK guitar but was not overly impressed with the quality. I recent ordered an AIO les Paul, it’s in the mail so I will see how it compares to the SG I used to have.

  • @ananymouboy7914
    @ananymouboy7914 Жыл бұрын

    Man what are your settings for your clean tone. It was amazing. 👍👌

  • @delbert9357
    @delbert9357 Жыл бұрын

    I have 5 Fireflys 3 Les Pauls style and 2 Explorer style ones those have stainless steel frets. All 5 the finish was great, the frets were great and all 5 needed a complete setup and new pickups. With the Les Paul style I installed EMG active pickups and a new EMG switch. The Les Pauls have enough room in the volume/ tone cavity to accommodate a battery the Explorer styles do not and I installed EMG passive pickups in those. I have your guitar your playing in the video I'm starting on it now. It's getting EMG Glenn Tipton Active pickups, Graphtech bridge and Graphtech ratio tuning machines. I have a Gibson Explorer and a Ibanez Destroyer to compare them to. After I am done with them they are as good or better than a expensive Gibson for a fraction of the price. And I have a old 70's Explorer and the Destroyer was made in 1981 and I have owned it since 1983. I think a Explorer right now is around 2300.00. I love them. Great video man thank you.

  • @kierajavino
    @kierajavino2 жыл бұрын

    i am so proud of you 👏

  • @rustyshackleford9557
    @rustyshackleford95579 ай бұрын

    Great video demo. No one ever asks this question: Is it good enough to make a living with? The guitar world is like guys who buy hammers and saws but very few actually use them to pay rent and buy groceries.

  • @rustyshackleford9557

    @rustyshackleford9557

    9 ай бұрын

    I've been using some Grotes at gigs for the last 3 years and I love em. My cousin plays too and he ribs me saying, why don't you play your good stuff at gigs?" For me I just enjoy using a practical instrument at a 100$ per man gig.

  • @AngelMartinez-qs3cf
    @AngelMartinez-qs3cf Жыл бұрын

    What pickups do you recommend I get? I play alot of classic rock, AC/DC, Zepp, Beatles, Greenday, that kind of stuff.

  • @lasersauceretroarchives6544
    @lasersauceretroarchives6544 Жыл бұрын

    those humbuckers are my only problem especially when you plug in in a highend seldano head with 4x12 marshall cab.. they feedback a lot.. like a freaking lot..

  • @jetfish777
    @jetfish77711 ай бұрын

    I noticed the pick ups are not the best metal too. What resistance should I be looking for if I want to upgrade?

  • @BurningHearts70
    @BurningHearts70 Жыл бұрын

    Hey how to the Fireflies compare to the AIO Wolf guitars?

  • @DS-id6lk
    @DS-id6lk Жыл бұрын

    I bought this exact guitar and it just arrived today but it isn’t as shiny as the one in your video or even the ones in the photo of guitars garden website. Is it a trick of your camera and there stock photos or is it just me?

  • @NamikazeNC
    @NamikazeNC7 ай бұрын

    i cant find the firefly anywhere for sale? how do i acquire one?

  • @michaelharris9694
    @michaelharris96942 жыл бұрын

    Where are they made my friend?

  • @monkymonk6
    @monkymonk62 жыл бұрын

    Are they better than Gibson? No way. However, with upgrades (pickups, nut, setup, etc), they can compare with an Epiphone or similar. I have two that I upgraded, and they are both keepers.

  • @presmasterflash7555

    @presmasterflash7555

    2 жыл бұрын

    Makes me laugh at how biased people are, especially with the Gibson brand name. They love to sh!t on them and say the import brands are equal or better.

  • @LP5369GT

    @LP5369GT

    8 ай бұрын

    I dunno man. I am a Gibson fan and have had many of them, currently have 4 of them. I've had some pretty bad Gibson's in the $1000-$2000 price range, sharp fret ends, tuning issues, fret problems, chips in fingerboards brand new OOTB. I'll nver buy another tribute or studio unless I play it first, and traditionals can be hit and miss too. All of my high end reissues have been stellar guitars, but at the time they were $3000-$6000 and now they are twice that. And vintage is a whole different animal. On Epi's, I've had a couple of good ones, but I've also sat in CG going through six different ones to find a good one, two of them didn't even work, ie no sound. Gibson's are great if you want to spend $3K or more, but they cannot compete in these low price points, even for what is now 5-10x the price. @@presmasterflash7555

  • @bridgetpollock6760
    @bridgetpollock67602 жыл бұрын

    I just ordered a blue one. Then I saw this video and was glad I pulled the trigger.

  • @inee107

    @inee107

    Жыл бұрын

    how was it?

  • @bridgetpollock6760

    @bridgetpollock6760

    Жыл бұрын

    @@inee107 It was playable out of the box, sounds really nice and is beautiful. My only complaint is like with all Les Pauls and copies it is heavy. It doesn't sit well in my lap and is hard on my shoulder....but I am A 5'5" woman.....so.....it may be a lot different for you.

  • @inee107

    @inee107

    Жыл бұрын

    i ordered one. im a 5”5 man so will have the same issue

  • @bridgetpollock6760

    @bridgetpollock6760

    Жыл бұрын

    @@inee107 Check back when you get it and tell me what you think.

  • @terryshrives8322
    @terryshrives8322 Жыл бұрын

    I don’t care about pikups, they are replaceable. Its the quality of these firefly’s. Every bit as good as a gibson as far as playability

  • @CampingGearReport
    @CampingGearReport2 жыл бұрын

    I’ve gotten a couple of nice ones, a train wreck or two, and a few in between. FF is for gamblers.

  • @jamiecoogan7034
    @jamiecoogan7034 Жыл бұрын

    cant get them in canada,,,, can you help Anthony?

  • @leblancmarcel

    @leblancmarcel

    10 ай бұрын

    Amazon just got stock of the Yellow Bat, hope you get a notification before they are out of stock. I ordered one🤩

  • @Wejohnsn
    @Wejohnsn6 ай бұрын

    my epi les paul has unbranded grover

  • @LightWingStudios
    @LightWingStudios2 жыл бұрын

    "NO!" in answer to your question. The top is a Quilted VENEER. I have a Red and a Blue Bat myself. Unbeatable at the price point BUT they need upgrades; PUPS, Bridge, Tuners (?), Input Jack and Toggle Switch. Add another $200-300 and you get a very good quality instrument so you're into the $500-600 range. Not too shabby I'd say however they are not even close to a Gibson...BUT they ARE better than an Epiphone once upgraded. :)

  • @bigmike9527

    @bigmike9527

    2 жыл бұрын

    I hear that some of them 9 pounds just like a good old Gibson should but not to many videos talk about how much they weigh.i personally love a good heavy guitar 🤘

  • @llednop
    @llednop2 жыл бұрын

    Great review. Too bad they don't ship to US territories.

  • @Eventheodd1

    @Eventheodd1

    2 ай бұрын

    Yes they do.

  • @alexcarrero2045
    @alexcarrero20452 жыл бұрын

    Hey man it’s alex from Lowe’s. Just figured I’d let you know even though this video was mostly gibberish for me it’s a quality video man. Keep this up because you definitely have what it takes to be a successful youtuber. My only personal critique would be to shorten the intro a tad bit and look into a crispier mic. Other than that the footage is on par with people who have millions of subscribers. Rock on man 🤘🏻

  • @joeking433
    @joeking433 Жыл бұрын

    They're not better but they're 80% as good if you swap pickups.

  • @breevwhyman2985
    @breevwhyman29852 жыл бұрын

    Yes Sir, i think some Luthiers will call it a "fret stoning" and they don't charge much.......$25 i know that FF saddles CAN sometimes be dodgy..........buzzing for sure....... anyway, FFLP's are about 5 times cheaper than a LES PAUL STUDIO but are the exact same quality if not better. They are excellent value and FF now have about 13 different models of guitar. They are all very very nice instruments indeed. i joined the FF Facebook group (don't know if you are in it) but they were unfriendly (to say the least) when i started asking about who makes FF guitars and where. i can understand maybe "stone walled" silence........but not just being unfriendly when my only interest is in guitars. They thought i was a GUITAR LEGALS COP... ......they were embarrassing and didn't actually KNOW the answers to my questions anyway........... i just reported the group left it. All they ever do is post photo's of drooling Firefly's and don't actually seem to know much about guitars. upon researching i can tell you that to build something like a FFLP and get it to your door from a MOUSE CLICK..... is over 250 processes at the factory and ship....it's quite incredible There are 26 processes ALONE just for the WOOD entering the factory...... before anything like A guitar body or neck is even seen. To think they are made and shipped global for $229 is incredible really........when you know the cost of factory machines, laser engravers, CNC, software....the man hours involved..... best wishes. V Ps they are made in a couple of factory's in china........Shandong province which is filled with guitar factory's.......i DID find the actual name of the Chinese company that make them. FIREFLY is a brand name owned by FIREBIRD MUSIC CORP and JSN........there are then another couple of company's BEFORE you get to the final company name that makes the guitars. They do this for legal reasons. (it's a Chinese trading company) FireFly's will be supplied under several brand names to many global outlets. FIREFLY is just the current brand known about.......

  • @MichaelVician
    @MichaelVician2 жыл бұрын

    Tuners are made by Jin-Ho

  • @hanniballecter4454

    @hanniballecter4454

    2 жыл бұрын

    Doesn't Schecter use Jin Ho locking tuners, 19:1 ratio I think I saw vs Grover 18:1.

  • @cdavidlake2
    @cdavidlake22 жыл бұрын

    Of course not. Are they good for what they are? Of course they are. No hyperbole required.

  • @rlledesma8474
    @rlledesma84742 жыл бұрын

    Human bone nut

  • @Pnanasnoic

    @Pnanasnoic

    Жыл бұрын

    Awesome! I knew I smelled Hot Pockets

  • @kevinlynch5925
    @kevinlynch5925 Жыл бұрын

    I don't know if they are better, but they are prettier than most Gibson's.

  • @klauswigsmith
    @klauswigsmith Жыл бұрын

    I've heard enough stories that I would never gamble on a Firefly. Spend a few extra hundred dollars for a known quantity like Epiphone, Squier, SGR, LTD, etc and get a guitar that will be guaranteed better than a Firefly backed by superior warranties and customer service. Great playing in your intro, BTW.

  • @daviddenson3324
    @daviddenson3324 Жыл бұрын

    Would have bought one but since they only take PayPal no thanks

  • @presmasterflash7555
    @presmasterflash75552 жыл бұрын

    The Grover tuners that don’t have the Grover name on them are NOT Grover’s lmao

  • @EJH-jn6mo
    @EJH-jn6mo2 жыл бұрын

    okay, the term "incredible" for firefly guitars is pretty ridiculous.

  • @phillipholt6005
    @phillipholt60052 жыл бұрын

    NO

  • @timesurfingalien
    @timesurfingalienАй бұрын

    I don't know if they are any better but Gibson can suck it

  • @EHou01
    @EHou012 жыл бұрын

    Very good playing, but no, the FF is NOT anywhere near a Gibson, not even close to an Epiphone. FF's are great values, and are fantastic for $230. But they are NOT in the same boat as Gibson, Epiphone.

  • @overcome8628
    @overcome86282 жыл бұрын

    Quality guitars? Firefly? Don't believe the hype, I bought two Firefly's one was the elite, the elite was the worst, dents, scratches. And the pick-ups are average at best.

  • @joebloggs8636

    @joebloggs8636

    Жыл бұрын

    Uhhh,that's why he says to swap out the pickups Einstein

  • @overcome8628

    @overcome8628

    Жыл бұрын

    @@joebloggs8636 I got your Einstein, Between your MO$ legs! smart @@@

  • @overcome8628

    @overcome8628

    Жыл бұрын

    Your mo@ told me your insecure cause u have a small we we,lol!

  • @overcome8628

    @overcome8628

    Жыл бұрын

    I really like your Mu$, shes so good in Be!

  • @overcome8628

    @overcome8628

    Жыл бұрын

    How's your MO& this morning? O wait she's lying next to me.

  • @adomehus
    @adomehus Жыл бұрын

    I don't need to watch this video to know that no they do not stack up to a gibson at all. Gibsons are definitely overpriced for what they are you can probably find something close in quality for about 70% of the price of an average gibson but make no mistake there is a reason people will pay gibson prices for a gibson because there is nothing else like them anywhere. If you want a Gibson les paul sound the only way to get it is to buy a gibson les paul. Now if your looking for a starter guitar these are probably great if you get a setup done on them but comparing them to a gibson is stupid they can't compete at all. I am also pretty sure they are photo tops on these as there is no movement in the flame and the spalted version looks off.

  • @joebloggs8636

    @joebloggs8636

    Жыл бұрын

    And yet you did watch ...

  • @blakjack3053
    @blakjack3053 Жыл бұрын

    Yeah they're only better than a genuine Gibson LP at price point but everything else like resale value, fit, finish, electronics, woods, frets etc they lose...but I will say that broke ass guitar players have the ability to buy something they can actually use to gig without much problem.

  • @ScottDreyfus
    @ScottDreyfus Жыл бұрын

    Jin ho makes the tuners . They are decent for costing next to nothing.