I was doing research on a couple different Firefly models when I just recently bought an SG by them. I ran across your channel. You are Trogly's equivalent of budget guitars. You do a full breakdown which I really appreciate. I'm sure a lot of other subscribers are appreciative of this too keep doing what you do this is very useful information
Very thoughtful and thorough review. I really enjoyed your post! Good explanation on many issues or potential problems. Greetings from Hollywood California. Thank you for an honest post!!
Good review. Too bad all costs for anything are outrageous. Still a wonderful buy at 200. I have a 338 from about one year ago. I've played it constantly. It only needed a normal set up. The bridge has not developed any buzz. Pickups were heavily wax at the factory and are not microphonic. Just a great guitar. Thanks!
Happy New Year. Good video. I appreciate your insights on this and other Firefly guitars. I purchased the Aerosonic model and was very happy with it. Minor truss rod adjustment and then played well, sounds good stock. Definitely a different sound to the FFLPS (black finish) that I purchased in September. Looking forward to your next video. All the best to you!
Liking your vids, and your channel. and LOVING this newest Firefly. I've got two FF338 guitars, and love em both. Spalted maple... oragnish color and then a Gold-Top. Both excellent right out of the box. Not perfect... just like you said. But excellent. Tremendous value. This one is so cool looking - and very different. I dig it. I'm subbing you.
Good review. I have one of the first FF338’s and I really have never bonded with it. But a lot of that is because I really haven’t taken the time to set it up for my preferences. So I will start on that on the next bad weather day this winter. Back in the day I gigged with an Epiphone Dot and unfortunately sold it before I moved south. I am hoping to replicate the tone I had out of it, at the time (I have multiple recordings from then), so the quest continues. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Happy new year.
On the 1st gen… a good set up, a new bridge, and new pickups. That’s what I did to mine and it really made it sing. The part 2 link in the description of this video is for that video.
Is it just the set up that has caused the playability issues? Is that the main reason you haven’t bonded with it? I’ve been looking at buying one for several weeks now but can’t find any used ones, but I’ve been dreaming of owning a semi-hallow body for years now.
@@randomgraham4302 a good set up can make pretty much any guitar a joy to play. It’s money well spent. I use to have a tech that I would bring all my guitars to. He retired to Florida, so I figured I would just teach myself how to do the basic stuff. But now that I found Jack and he’s so close, and his prices are very reasonable, I’ll just budget the setup into the cost of any guitar I buy in the future. It’s worth every penny.
Does Guitar Garden ship's fast or does it takes a while cause I ordered a Firefly lp style guitar a month ago and I haven't had a response from them or they just stole my money.
Perfect is in the eye of the beholder. Very few guitars are perfect. Can you tell me if the tail piece on that guitar is the same spacing as a Gibson? I want one of these but I want to put a tremelo on it but not a Bigsby. I want to put a les trem II on it by Dusenberg. Waxed pick ups. so for 230 to the door, I upgrade to a gibson quality waxed pick ups and 200 for a les trem and mastery roller bridge? I'm sort of not sure that guitar is worth those upgrades.
I think it’s more in line with an Epiphone. For what I understand those are slightly different. I’ve seen folks put Dusenbergs on them. They look fantastic.
@@TheTapeFarm I would have to agree because I bought a KAISH Chrome Guitar Roller Saddle Bridge Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Roller Saddles For Epiphone Les Paul,SG,Dot,Bigsby Guitar with M8 Threaded Posts and I installed it on my firefly Les Paul and it worked. Its OK. Kinda cheap becasue it the rollers move side to side a tiny bit. But you cannot get it to move side to side with the string puting pressure on it.
@@TheTapeFarm- Thanks! I was hoping that they. would return to 12", but they had been anywhere from 14" (really 13.78") to 20" recently. That makes a huge difference. I appreciate it.
I have a First-Gen 338. It was $138.91 with free shipping. Compare that to what they cost now plus shipping and that is quite a difference. However I see the new bridge doesn't have that retaining clip which I think caused a lot of buzzing, so that's good as many people replaced the bridge. Did you mention the tuners on this new edition? The First-Gen's tuners had some problems but mine were OK.
Good call.. I did not mention the tuners. I will be replacing them in the next video. I forgot to touch on those. One of the stock tuners has a pretty noticeable dead spot. I turn the key and nothing happens for a about 1/8 of a turn. Sorry I missed that. But like I said I will be touching on it in the next vid. Thanks for catching it.
@@TheTapeFarm You're welcome. I just see the same microphonic pickups, the same so-so tuners as in the First Gen models. Sorry, but I just don't see enough upgrades (bridge, maybe fingerboard) to warrant that price hike. But I defer to your second video. Besides, you can't buy what is not being offered, can you? Thanks for your video and quick friendly response.
OK, I really like your vids! I am learning all about my FF338 spalted. It has become one of my favorites. I want to do those zebra pickups in mine. I have seen variations of the order of the pattern and color ( white/black, black white). Does it matter? Part of me thinks it does. Would love your input on this topic! Rock on man!
No difference. The history of “zebra” pickups is interesting and one of those guitar myths that never seems to die. There are those who say the color of the bobbins means something but in reality it means absolutely nothing.
Agreed. This why I said being microphonic is not necessarily a bad thing. But a lot of those 59 Les Paul pickups got wax potted as soon as guys started playing them though Marshalls… so….. yes and no.
eye-line, eye-line, eye-line! Why is it you're looking slightly to your right, instead of looking at us (the camera)? Eye-line should at the viewer, not someone more interesting off camera. Trust me. It matters. Otherwise, I hope part 2 shows up soon. Meanwhile, as Humphrey Bogart so wisely said, "here's looking at you, kid."
Still long winded. Talking about what you're going to be talking about is redundant. I, personally, would rather hear the guitar by itself instead of with a track. It's hard to hear the guitar clearly. I do like the meter readings on pups.
Nice to see you this new year!
I was doing research on a couple different Firefly models when I just recently bought an SG by them. I ran across your channel. You are Trogly's equivalent of budget guitars. You do a full breakdown which I really appreciate. I'm sure a lot of other subscribers are appreciative of this too keep doing what you do this is very useful information
Thanks Man! I’ve evolved over my time on RUclips. After a few years I think I’m finally hitting my stride 😜.
Great video. Looking forward to the follow up.
Very thoughtful and thorough review. I really enjoyed your post! Good explanation on many issues or potential problems. Greetings from Hollywood California. Thank you for an honest post!!
Good review. Too bad all costs for anything are outrageous. Still a wonderful buy at 200. I have a 338 from about one year ago. I've played it constantly. It only needed a normal set up. The bridge has not developed any buzz. Pickups were heavily wax at the factory and are not microphonic. Just a great guitar. Thanks!
Happy New Year. Good video. I appreciate your insights on this and other Firefly guitars. I purchased the Aerosonic model and was very happy with it. Minor truss rod adjustment and then played well, sounds good stock. Definitely a different sound to the FFLPS (black finish) that I purchased in September. Looking forward to your next video. All the best to you!
Liking your vids, and your channel. and LOVING this newest Firefly. I've got two FF338 guitars, and love em both. Spalted maple... oragnish color and then a Gold-Top. Both excellent right out of the box. Not perfect... just like you said. But excellent. Tremendous value. This one is so cool looking - and very different. I dig it. I'm subbing you.
That intro was total beast mode! Loved it!! Reminded me of Rush…. Thanks for this review. I have one of those early FF338s. Love it too!!
Thanks. That was absolutely Alex inspired. You caught me 🤣
I have the Red Stripe model. I put in a set of Planet Tone 57s in it using CTS Mini Pots to make it easier. Sounds phenomenal. $400 total invested.
great review! Nice Guitar sir... and that asmr plastic rip.... ohh yeah!
Thoughts on that neck joint? I don't really like the big gaps you can see in the neck pickup socket,
Good review. I have one of the first FF338’s and I really have never bonded with it. But a lot of that is because I really haven’t taken the time to set it up for my preferences. So I will start on that on the next bad weather day this winter. Back in the day I gigged with an Epiphone Dot and unfortunately sold it before I moved south. I am hoping to replicate the tone I had out of it, at the time (I have multiple recordings from then), so the quest continues. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Happy new year.
On the 1st gen… a good set up, a new bridge, and new pickups. That’s what I did to mine and it really made it sing. The part 2 link in the description of this video is for that video.
ruclips.net/video/B1-RrDQXdqY/видео.html
Is it just the set up that has caused the playability issues? Is that the main reason you haven’t bonded with it? I’ve been looking at buying one for several weeks now but can’t find any used ones, but I’ve been dreaming of owning a semi-hallow body for years now.
@@randomgraham4302 a good set up can make pretty much any guitar a joy to play. It’s money well spent. I use to have a tech that I would bring all my guitars to. He retired to Florida, so I figured I would just teach myself how to do the basic stuff. But now that I found Jack and he’s so close, and his prices are very reasonable, I’ll just budget the setup into the cost of any guitar I buy in the future. It’s worth every penny.
Does Guitar Garden ship's fast or does it takes a while cause I ordered a Firefly lp style guitar a month ago and I haven't had a response from them or they just stole my money.
The longest I’ve ever waited was 3 weeks. Usually it takes 10 to 14 days.
Thank you The Tape Farm
I see you have your 5 Watt World shirt on. Love that shirt. a bit pricey but damn well made.
was looking at these,would you say the Sire H7 which 700 is that much better,thanks
Never played a Sire so I couldn’t say. I’ve heard a lot of good reports on them.
Is there any way to get these in europe?
Not that I am aware of, other than in the used market, Reverb, eBay, etc.
Perfect is in the eye of the beholder. Very few guitars are perfect. Can you tell me if the tail piece on that guitar is the same spacing as a Gibson? I want one of these but I want to put a tremelo on it but not a Bigsby. I want to put a les trem II on it by Dusenberg. Waxed pick ups. so for 230 to the door, I upgrade to a gibson quality waxed pick ups and 200 for a les trem and mastery roller bridge? I'm sort of not sure that guitar is worth those upgrades.
I think it’s more in line with an Epiphone. For what I understand those are slightly different. I’ve seen folks put Dusenbergs on them. They look fantastic.
@@TheTapeFarm I would have to agree because I bought a KAISH Chrome Guitar Roller Saddle Bridge Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Roller Saddles For Epiphone Les Paul,SG,Dot,Bigsby Guitar with M8 Threaded Posts and I installed it on my firefly Les Paul and it worked. Its OK. Kinda cheap becasue it the rollers move side to side a tiny bit. But you cannot get it to move side to side with the string puting pressure on it.
Fretboard radius measurement would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks. Good review of the latest model, just that radius. Appreciate the video.
12
@@TheTapeFarm- Thanks!
I was hoping that they. would return to 12", but they had been anywhere from 14" (really 13.78") to 20" recently.
That makes a huge difference. I appreciate it.
Sounds really great
I have a First-Gen 338. It was $138.91 with free shipping. Compare that to what they cost now plus shipping and that is quite a difference. However I see the new bridge doesn't have that retaining clip which I think caused a lot of buzzing, so that's good as many people replaced the bridge. Did you mention the tuners on this new edition? The First-Gen's tuners had some problems but mine were OK.
Good call.. I did not mention the tuners. I will be replacing them in the next video. I forgot to touch on those. One of the stock tuners has a pretty noticeable dead spot. I turn the key and nothing happens for a about 1/8 of a turn. Sorry I missed that. But like I said I will be touching on it in the next vid. Thanks for catching it.
@@TheTapeFarm You're welcome. I just see the same microphonic pickups, the same so-so tuners as in the First Gen models. Sorry, but I just don't see enough upgrades (bridge, maybe fingerboard) to warrant that price hike. But I defer to your second video. Besides, you can't buy what is not being offered, can you? Thanks for your video and quick friendly response.
@@louisfryzel4618 thanks man. Be well.
OK, I really like your vids! I am learning all about my FF338 spalted. It has become one of my favorites. I want to do those zebra pickups in mine. I have seen variations of the order of the pattern and color ( white/black, black white). Does it matter? Part of me thinks it does. Would love your input on this topic! Rock on man!
No difference. The history of “zebra” pickups is interesting and one of those guitar myths that never seems to die.
There are those who say the color of the bobbins means something but in reality it means absolutely nothing.
Might make an interesting topic to cover. I’m sure others might not know.
Perfect for me because I am only recording with headphones and then re amping.
I'm going to try Seymour Duncan '59 classics in my Gold Top.
Hard to go wrong with SD’59s.
Unpotted pickups are microphonic. If you liked the sound of original 59 Les Pauls, you like unpotted, lower power pickups
Agreed. This why I said being microphonic is not necessarily a bad thing. But a lot of those 59 Les Paul pickups got wax potted as soon as guys started playing them though Marshalls… so….. yes and no.
even the 2000+$ guitars need a little something something
Not ever owning a $2000 guitar, I would have no way knowing that 😂
But yeah you are totally correct.
I was sold til I heard the squealers
Yeah. Pickups are fairly easy to swap out. But I get it.
eye-line, eye-line, eye-line! Why is it you're looking slightly to your right, instead of looking at us (the camera)? Eye-line should at the viewer, not someone more interesting off camera. Trust me. It matters. Otherwise, I hope part 2 shows up soon. Meanwhile, as Humphrey Bogart so wisely said, "here's looking at you, kid."
Good call. It’s me. That’s something I’ve been working on but it’s a hard habit to break. Thanks.
@@TheTapeFarm Da nada. More eye contact = more likes = more subscribers. Are ya motivated now? ;)
@@RBEmerson yeah. I understand the concept.
Still long winded. Talking about what you're going to be talking about is redundant. I, personally, would rather hear the guitar by itself instead of with a track. It's hard to hear the guitar clearly. I do like the meter readings on pups.