This was a really good demo, Darrell. It's interesting... in the mid-price or high end guitars, $100 is not much, but at the really low end, it's a huge difference. That said, were I in the market for a 335-style guitar, I'd take the Boardwalk. And paint over the headstock. I'd much rather have no logo on any of these low-end guitars (I guess I'm a brand snob after all), but that Indio logo is particularly ugly.
@@usagiDK u do that with an infant number of products, nike, fender, even buying a Toyota Camry is also kinda like free advertising for them, because many people will see the logo and think, gee that Camry looks damn good.....
As much as I like the Boardwalk that font on the headstock is painful. Seriously though, another interesting video and if I were in the market I would have to go with the Boardwalk. Love the new intro. Keep up the fantastic work!
I saw a comment on the indio in one of your previous reviews that you can take off that tacky lettering using acetone. and it wont affect the underlying finish. Any truth to that?
Can’t wait until you get the Harley Benton version to compare. They do two types, the ‘plus’ version is finished better, which one have you ordered? Please do more videos like this, they say cheap guitars have come a long way over time? That for most of us is a great way of building up a guitar collection. Thanks Darrell for this great comparison.
I bought a guitar labeled "Grote" off of Amazon that looks exactly like the Indio, because the Firefly was sold out. I can't speak to the quality of the Firefly, but the $240 Grote is terrific. I've owned more than 100 guitars since I began playing 40 years, and still have a number of high-end acoustics (Martin D-41, Bourgeois D-1, Gallagher Doc Watson, Gibson Dove, etc) and electrics (Callaham S model, various upper-end Gibsons and Fenders). That said, the Grote is right up there in build quality. I've never had an actual 335, but the Grote blows away any of the Epi Dot versions I've had.
@@jacobbrown1690 That can only be because you haven't played one. While I've never owned a 335 - I've owned two Sheratons - I've played plenty of both: the Grote's build quality easily matches, if not exceeds, the Epi's (and the pickups are far superior).
I got my Firefly in February 2019,and in September I found a set of pickups out of tone emporium in Ottawa that were really good to put into it to get rid of the microphonics. They're great. All the updates are on my channel
Yes, I did buy it. I have had no issues with it at all. Shipping was really quick. Good quality and workmanship. The pickups have lots of power and a wide tonal range. The fretting and binding are excellent. The finish is really good. It's just an all around good simi-hollow guitar. I unpacked the guitar, tuned it up and went to town - no other adjustments needed. Steve, Palm Coast, FL. 👍
Why am I watching this? I don't play the guitar (I never managed the uke, I won't even try the guitar), I'm not a big rock fan... But this guy seems so nice and has such a smooth voice that it relaxes me instantly. What do you know?
Great vid Darrel, as usual! I do a lot of work on these lower end guitars. Love the Monoprice products, but do a lot of the other low end names as well. Am sad to say most of them need about $180 worth of bench work and parts to get them upgraded enough to be players. Fret leveling is the biggy, most often the fret ends need serious work as well. The good news is, they usually clean up real nice, unless you get a twisted neck. Which is a lot of work to fix. Usually better to just switch out the neck. The other biggy is; POTs!! Those little dime size ones corrode up and get fuzzy right away, and not fuzzy in a good way! It's just better to switch em out right away. I use CTS, and Orange drop 0.22 ; they are reasonably priced, reliable, and reliably available. Pre soldiered kits are around, but seem to be a little spendy, so I do my own soldering. No that hard a craft to pick up. The tuners can be finicky, but they are livable, and can be up graded later if need be. With a little work these can be great fun and good. "players", if you're on a budget!
i love how one day Darrell's kids will be able to see their pap at work and doing what he loved. quality stuff man. and thats with out even hearing you play gutiar lmao. when u play it just makes it worth while. hope ur fam is safe! keep it goin!
After watching the video review a few months ago I ordered the Indio Boardwalk. I received it today & it's beautiful. I own several American made Fender solid bodies & a beautiful Carvin, each of which was about $2000. I wanted a thinline hollowbody like Gibson's ES335. but didn't want to spend as much as they cost. This Indio Boardwalk is gorgeous. Hard to believe they can make & sell this guitar for $250. Thanks Darrell.
@@dudemandudebro938 I can understand why your would assume that, but in HB's case, not quite. The HBs have differently shaped f-holes. And that's just what you can see that's immediately obvious. Most Chinese made knockoffs are made by Chinese companies with - at best - a European or US website. Harley Benton is a brand owned by Thomann, a German company with a significant retail presence of their own. They are in charge of the design and evolution of HB products, and also QC and handling returns. You won't be dealing with any Chinese companies.
I laughed my head off, someone else has the same problems as me. Their only guitars our children are priceless. You have to take the fish sticks on the chin pal it's probably not the last time you will be picking things up after your kids, i expect you already know. Take care bro.
Definitely am partial to the Firefly. I can’t wait for you to get the Harley Benton and compare. I just recently discovered them and ordered the black paisley te 70 deluxe. I’d love to see you do this type of comparison with low end telecasters. Love your playing Darrell!
Firefly. You won't feel as guilty modding the input Jack to the side, leaving a hole where the old jack once was. That and a fret dress, your good to go. $100.00 worth of difference? Not really.
Boardwalk looks and sounds better to me, except the headstock is terrible. I would also love to see you review the Harley Benton guitars. Hopefully you will get your HB soon. I also think it would be interesting to throw the Epi Dot and Ibanez into the mix, just to see of you actually get what your pay for. Thanks for your hard work, this is a great channel.
Love the video Darrell. Years ago I was Jonesen for a 335 style. The sound is so distinct from a solid body. So, of course I need to have one! I never did get one. However, I did research the Ibanez Artcore/ dot series. Great reviews but those guys are / were starting at something like $500 and that was more than 10 years ago. I'm so glad I came across your Fire Fly & Indio reviews. You've reminded how much I want a 335 style. Good Lord knows the last thing I need is another guitar- just ask my wife. But at these price points maybe I can smuggle one into the house without the wife knowing. Thanks Buddy! Love the channel.
Howdy Darrell, I got my firefly at the end of 2018. I had no body flaws. the pick-ups were microphones like the one you have. and I cleaned up the fret ends like I do on all my guitars that need it. I only paid $139.00 back then. after a few tweaks ( better electronics ) I found it plays and feels like a mid range priced guitar. still costing less than the Indio. But looking for bargan priced pickups has always been what I've done ... that heel joint looks like many epiphones I own. I grew up poor also. and I fixed up my old 1960 and 1970s Japanese brand guitars to make them better. I've got to say it's nice getting cheap guitars now-a-days that are already much better than they were back then. also back then while playing on stage I enjoyed the looks on other guitar players faces trying to figure out how I was getting a great sound out of my cheap guitar. the look of amazement ... you've already shown how to upgrade you guitars and I see the smile on your face when it turns out great. keep up the good work.
I just got the Boardwalk while watching this. I had that one up in a listing, and it seemed like it would work, It was listed for $250 but on sale for $199
One critical difference that this comparison made no mention of, is the neck profile. The Firefly has a thin, c-shaped neck, much like a Gibson 60s neck. The Boardwalk has a big fat, 59 or 58 neck. You can change the hardware, and you can polish frets, set up the guitar, etc, but you can't change the neck. Ultimately, that's what I would use as the deciding factor when choosing between these two models.
I got the Firefly version a few months ago and like it a lot, but for me, that was the first thing I noticed. The neck is a bit thin feeling for me, especially on a guitar of this style. It is what it is for a $200.00 guitar. The pickups are microphonic, which I expected (I hadn't watched this video yet). I'm tempted to get a Boardwalk too, to see if it's closer to what I was looking for.
Can't wait for the HB! In the meantime, how about comparing the boardwalk to a more expensive version like the Epiphone and/or D'Angelico? What makes the extra expense worth it? What, if anything, is just as good, or still good enough? etc.?
Great job comparing these guitars. One small thing I noticed is that you said both guitars have dime sized pots. In the original video for the Indio Boardwalk I believe you mentioned it has full sized alpha pots. Very small thing to bring up, but I thought I would since the specs aren't readily available online.
From Leo: Your channel has the widest variety, From Multiple thousand dollar customs to cheapies. You make them all sound good, thanks for the show. I think the boardwalk is a little more refined sound, but I would have to put black tape over the logo.
Would love to know the actual wood stuff used for these guitars. Are they centerblock? Are they maple/mahogany? Is the flame on the Indio real or a veneer? I know for that price range the construction specs are not that important but sometimes, from these chinese manufacturers, you can find little gems. The Indio logo looks plain stupid, the firefly looks actually decent. The firefly pickups sounded better, more highs, more open. I don't know if they are unpotted, if that's the case a couple of rtv silicone drops between the bobbin head and the cover could reduce the squealing. The Indio finish looks better, the block inlays look nicer and the heel construction should be stronger and is closer to actual 335s.
I bought a Boardwalk from a good buddy for a solid price. Its a good guitar. I was REALLY surprised by the craftsmanship. My biggest complaint is the tuners are kinda meh, other than that - the guitfiddle is a beast! Highly recommended.
Wow, just found you. Watched one video on five things to look at when buying a guitar, but because you keep putting the camera on an angle to see both hands it turned into an instructional on riffs. Great stuff. Subbed. Saved a playlist. Gonna enjoy watching them again after I get an amp for this new electric. I am great at rhythm but have never really learned a lot of riffs. Glad I found this channel. Top 25 badass guitar riffs is next on my list.
@@fattboyzz1355 I'm watching another right now. I am great at rhythm but never really cared for lead. Because this guy keeps the camera on his hand and just makes up stuff, I think I found a way to actually become a decent lead guitar player.
I had a good, pro setup done on my FF338 right after it arrived and it played great. But after bout 3 months, i started feeling some fret issues, so I had them reseated and polished - about $40 to the luthier. Result: the Firefly plays fantastically now. Stays in tune and intonate perfectly. Pickups aren't great, but they will be swapped for P-90 drop-ins at some point. All in, I have just over $200 invested in the guitar - and it feels and sounds great.
Just being over critique, but when you compare two hollow guitars would be cool to listen them acoustically, its obvious the expensier one is going to win, but just saying. I like your reviews ! Cheers.
My J&D 335 copy is a Chinese epiphone factory copy is a great sounding guitar but most of these have neck to body gaps in the glue join. After a neck break i reglued the join - major improvement in tone
I agree with you. I have a firefly F338 and I can tell you yours is much better than mine. I can see from your close ups the nut was cut way better than mine. I also had to put $150 in parts on mine. The tuners were junk and well as the bridge and pickups. I could have saved the pickups by wax potting them but since I had the thing apart anyways I just swapped them with generic filtertrons. Good old Guitar Fetish. Anyways it took me a while and more money to get the guitar to where it is today and I might have been better off with an Indio or Harley Benton or even an Epiphone right off the bat. It did give me the opportunity to learn how to service and setup guitars so I guess it was worth it.
I just scored a used like new Firefly gold top for my 14 y.o. It was upgraded with new pickups, wiring, pots (with push pull on all 4 knobs), new switch, new input and locking tuners - what a killer axe for $230!!! I don't like the input on the front, I don't like the switch below the bridge (much rather prefer the LP location although as a die hard Strat guy, I have no problem with the Strat location), and I don't like the logo on the headstock and I don't like the neck strap peg because the guitar hangs forward (top tipping over) - I will need to move it. But great jazz tones, killer bluesy tones, and real nice thick lead tones (no microphonic noise here). When you pull the pots, you get a "thinner" "strat" sound - not really, but it's a nice option for that price. My kid (14) still prefers his Epiphone LP custom gold top, though.
I ordered a Boardwalk marked down to $125, probably one of the best guitar purchases I've made. Was planning multiple upgrades for it but once I had it I loved it.
so I'm sitting around and I pick up my guitar and start to play, from watching you show I instinctively start playing that tune you play when your checking out guitars it just popped into my head, I like it
My opinion? Get one or the other & play the hell out of them! I'd lean towards the microphonic Firefly! I love a guitar that tests me, hehehe. Thanks for the great vid, Darrell, please keep them coming!
Some time ago, I was looking at the Firefly but it was sold out. I ended up getting the Harley Benton (with split coil). I'm so glad I did. It's my favorite "couch" guitar. So fun to play. I'm looking forward to the comparison. I'm hoping you compare the best of the three to an actual 335.
Watching another video and holy hockey sticks...are all your videos like this? It's the 'I just bought a 100 dollar guitar and it's fantastic' video. I learned that I might need to go out and buy that thing, the blue Indio and I learned some good stuff on how to care for an electric...PLUS...I have something to watch and learn from when I finally pick up my new guitar and play it for the first time.
I just bought the same blue on black Firefly, after hearing sooo much good about it ! I Love the name, love the quality, and the look !! It's rad ! Mine, came brand new . For $ 250.00 in the mail. I simply love it . 🤨👍🏻
You can get a flame top, quilted, solids, bursts in the Firefly FF338 models. They are mahogany and hand picked veneers not photo prints. I believe they are center blocks as well. The FB Firefly Fan page is the official Firebird endorsed page with the latest news about shipping and sales on their website etc.
There really wasn't too much difference that I could pick up in the sounds of these guitars. The Firefly sounded a little brighter on the initial comparison but it was very slight. I would say that neither was bad, they were just a little different from each other. To me the deciding difference between the two is the microphonic pickups. Since a pair of pickups will easily cost more than $100 for a good quality set, I would say that the more premium cost is probably worth while paying.
Got a firefly and returned it. Pickups were muddy and microphonic, fed back too much, and despite the bone nut it just didn’t stay in tune, never was able to bond with it so back it went. May try the indio but waiting for you to get the HB. Would love to hear all these against an epiphone 335 pro as well!
Hey Darrell, I was wondering when you would get around to getting a Harley Benton! They are my favorite budget guitars! So far I haven't been disappointed with the two I have purchased!
You clearly didn't watch all the way to the end of the video. He said that he ordered one about a month ago, but they are back stocked right now, so he doesn't know when it'll arrive.
Same here. Ordered two guitars a couple weeks ago but they came in yesterday. IMO, they’re the best budget guitars, but can also hold up to intermediate or price ranges if modded
Great honest and insightful review again, thanks. I think if you are going into these guitars with just a little bit of knowledge and experience you are already thinking about a quality pickup upgrade like the PRS 57/08s and CTS (like) pots / switching. Arguably with a bit of extra home care and finishing after this you would have a strong contender on tone and playability against the more expensive Epiphone ES339/5 which in England (at least) starts at the equivalent of $450. The Firefly would edge it for me due to the bone nut and the reduced base price. Several reviews have offered no complaints about the necks / truss rod / bridge and woodwork generally which is a core foundation for a guitar that will be easy to live with and maintain. This would do for regular bar / church / hall gigging where you don't want your best stuff out for fear of theft or damage. Those church folk you know... you've got to watch them :) At about the same price level if you don't want any fiddling or swapping I would recommend a look at the Vintage VSA500 - vastly underrated British designed semi-hollow body guitar which comes with good quality hardware as stock, such as Wilkinson tuners, bridge and pickups. The pickups don't need replacing and are close in tone to Gibson USA on the lines of a BurstBucker (Wilkinson can provide various easy swap alternate tone options - PAF through to overwound like a 498 for not a lot of bucks). They don't have an order backlog and they do have a nice headstock design. For this price, you are still in the budget area for finishing and fret ends so a decent set up, maybe $80 if you cannot do it yourself, should be added and you are good to go live.
My "Ice Tea Burst" Firefly (it's actually a copy of a Gibson 338) had fret ends so sharp, when I slid my hand down the neck, I actually cut one of my fingers!! The microphonic pickups are an easy fix if you just take them out and wax pot them.
New subscriber here. Great comparison review of two inexpensive 335 guitars. Looking forward to the Harley Benton 335 review after you get it. I'm in the market for an inexpensive 335 and I'll decide which of the three to get after the Harley Benton review. Thanks Darrell!
Darrell would you consider installing the Fleor Chinese pickups in the Firefly? I was amazed that they actually sounded better than the JB and Jazz pickups you did in the other demo. To me the clean tones tell you everything. However knowing how they shred is good to know. After installing the Fleor's do a comparison of all three, PLUS the Harley Benton when you get it. LOve your channel. I'm hooked. I have the Firefly FF338 in red. The batch made in Dec 15, 2019 was leaps ahead of both of these guitars in the finish work. Flawless is the word here. They stepped up their game. Others receiving ones made in that batch say the same, and I ordered 4 of them, and every one of them had flawless finishes. Earlier models all had flaws in the finish especially where the neck joined the body. While you are changing the pickups you could put push pull pots on there because the Fleor's have 4 conductor wires so coil split capabilities built right in. Here is a HUGE following audience for Fire Fly and these overall low end guitars. There are tons of people dreaming of getting one when they can. So the option of doing the Firefly with Fleors and coil splits; what if it sound better than the others? By the way the Harley Benton has coil splits already so it will be a great comparison.
Short answer - you could get to maybe 90% of the tone and playability and quite possibly better build quality (even a $3000 Gibson ES can have quality issues and $1500 SG's almost all need work to stay in tune). But you still wouldn't have Eric or Chucks or BB's ES guitar. Or the history, or that feeling of walking on stage with one of the . most iconic guitars in history. That's what you are paying for.
@@Spartanm333 totally agree with you. For me a guitar or any other instrument is a tool. I don't really like the idea to romanticize an instrument and put an exorbitant price tag just because is that player's guitar (it's not even his guitar, just a copy). So, I much prefer to buy a guitar who has a good build (wood choice, for instance) and put whatever electronics parts I want to make it sound great.
@@Spartanm333 I disagree with your 90% assessment on this one, because providing you were to take all the parts from a Gibson or order the Gibson parts, then you will get 100% the same sound as you would with a actual Gibson guitar. Play ability is subjective at best, and depends on the setup and strings and lets not forget the neck being a good fit for the individual guitar player. So its possible, and even likely that one or both of these two guitars will feel more playable than a Gibson to some folks. If I were to walk on stage, the last thing on my mind would be the history of the brand that makes the guitar I am about to play lol. I am not someone who puts any stock in the idea that anything Fender or Gibson has ever produced was original in any way. So there history to me is nothing but a history of theft and greed. Even now they still sue other company's for trademark/copyright infringement on copyrights/trademarks that they should have never ever been given. So in the end, from what I can tell the thing you are buying when you buy a Gibson or Fender, is just a name and a scam. Of course, that last part could be because I am crazy enough to think about pointless stuff like this lol.
Boardwalk is currently $175 or $150 with code HOT. free shipping. just ordered one $157 with tax. couldnt pass that up. wonder how it compares to my Epi Dot Studio or the HB...
A lot of guys are buying a semi because of curiosity and the wish to have something distinctly different than the very good solid body they already own. In short this will be second or third guitar in their collection. So if that is you a used guitar is a better bet. If you are willing to wait ...even a long time you will eventually score a gem. I waited about 2 years give or take and got a gem. I got a 1999 Washburn HB 35. it was listed for $2500.00 USD when it was released. Mine is in a blonde finish with a flamed front, back and even the sides.The fit and finish is as close to near perfect as possible. I paid $195.00 USD !!!
It just kills me that some of these affordable guitars can't be had in Canada, at least not without inflating the prices with complicated shipping & handling. Orangewood, for example, they make some great-sounding guitars for not a lot of money but you just can't order one directly if you're north of 49.
Harely Benton only charges $30 but not it's closer to $50 (cause of the virus) to the USA. That is quite reasonable. I usually order 3 or more guitars too, which makes it a little bit less of a cost for the shipping. I don't have the HB semi hollow but I do have that same firefly. The firefly on it's own, I thought sounded great! But once I compared it to my other guitars, it is just a tad bit lacking but also much cheaper. My epiphone dot limited from about 2004 sounded noticeably better. I have other HB guitars though, and if the semi is close to be s good as those, it's worth the extra hundred dollars. They sound, play, feel, and are built better than the fireflies.
I have found that the fire fly guitars on ebay are the same price or more than the board walk examples. Just purchased the same board walk as above delivered to my door for 249.00 including taxes! Shipping was free!
One thing I would LOVE to see on one of these videos, from any of the Canadian guitar youtubers, is how well the value of these budget "gems" hold up in comparison to some of the more expensive, locally available in Canada, versions. There's a lot of decent budget options out there, but most reviews look at it from the perspective of the American consumer (even when the reviewer is not one). I would like to check out something like the Indio or HB Les Paul style guitars, as they seem like solid value budget options for people who want something that'll do the job but don't want to drop a ton on one, but between currency conversion and shipping fees, they go from $199 and $244 (respectively) to $370 and $430 (again, respectively), have the potential for import fees being tacked on top of that, and (particularly for the Indio 66DLX) will likely need a pickup upgrade and possible fret work in the not-too-distant future. At that point, is there still enough of a reason to go for one of these (aside from trying them just for the sake of trying them) instead of an Epiphone, which you can get starting around $600 for a Standard plaintop, or $700 for a "Plustop Pro" or an LTD EC256? Or are there some "hidden gem" available-in-Canada alternatives to consider? Or am I just best off to check out pawn shops, craigslist/kijiji and facebook marketplace for something used?
Robert Stridström Those are nice, but they're semi hollow. Fits with the guitars in the video, but I was looking more for something Les Paul style, solid body, carved top,set neck, hard tail, dual HB. Would prefer single cut.
@@bubkusjones Aha, my bad. Should be plenty of really good stuff to your liking out there, by now, with better than good price/performance ratio. But the thin, semi hollows - i guess the Ibanezes hits it nail on. Plus/minus a pickup change or not. Super-59s, Elites and such works. But an AGS83b with switched pickups? yum.
Monoprice Indio boardwalk, yep Darrell you was bang on. It was purdy but the tuners was crap. Had to send back to monoprice. That was the only thing they would do to resolve the issue. Had to go through a refund process For one tuning key. I guess I should have just bought a new set less hassle.
Hey Darrel, awesome video as always. Can I suggest pulling back the camera a little wider on those super close shots? It’s a bit dizzying to watch the wobble at point blank range :) Cheers buddy!
Hey Darrell! I've been binging your videos ever since I came back to the guitar a couple weeks ago. I bought a budget guitar because it was on sale ($350 down to $200) but it also had good reviews and I love it so far! You should review it if you get a chance! It's a Mitchell MS400. It's like a les Paul style guitar with a PRS looking headstock. Thanks! Keep up the awesome videos!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time and doing these videos...it really helps me determine which guitars to purchace. you've done a fantastic job on your videos by the way. i post you on face book as well...more subscribers. keep up the FANTASTIC work bud. john from kansas.
I saw video from a guitarist /electrical engineer. He said Dime sized Potts does not necessarily mean lower quality or more poor ramping of the volume or tone.
So I snagged a Brown (dark wine kinda) color Firefly "335" from Amazon in late Oct. 2020. for $160. This thing was flawless, so I'm not sure if they are upping the quality control, or if there are multiple assembly lines with inconsistencies. I am wondering if the spalted maple versions are "for real". That spalting looks too symmetrical even for bookmatching. Thanks Darrell for the great channel!
Great video as usual. Would you consider doing a Slick guitar review? I am curious about the Slick SL59 which is an affordable Gibson Les Paul Junior style guitar. In any event thanks for doing what you’re doing. Greetings from Toronto.
Nice review, this is by far the best content value shootout for a budget 335 style guitar, for the ultimate shootout I would compare the best of all 3 guitars to an Epiphone dot or something around the price tag, hopefully down the road
Picked up a cheap Firefly a couple years ago and been pretty happy with it since. Had looked at the Ibanez, and agreed, it is better built, but at the price difference, it's not 3X better!
@@mingonmongo1 Good for you - i use to say: good enough, är bra nog. Basically it means that good enough is good enough, settle with it and be happy :) More money left to spend on upgrades or other stuff. Super.
That intro where he falls down gets me every time. I always give a little chuckle.
This was a really good demo, Darrell. It's interesting... in the mid-price or high end guitars, $100 is not much, but at the really low end, it's a huge difference. That said, were I in the market for a 335-style guitar, I'd take the Boardwalk. And paint over the headstock. I'd much rather have no logo on any of these low-end guitars (I guess I'm a brand snob after all), but that Indio logo is particularly ugly.
Headstock design and logos are where so many cheap and cheap-ish guitars lose me. Worst offender: older model Epiphones.
@@usagiDK u do that with an infant number of products, nike, fender, even buying a Toyota Camry is also kinda like free advertising for them, because many people will see the logo and think, gee that Camry looks damn good.....
I always paint over the headstock logos on all my Gibson’s ..😎🎸
@@edpetrik501 Really?
Yo Chris ...Does a 62 SG that I bought brand new count ? 🤔😎
As much as I like the Boardwalk that font on the headstock is painful. Seriously though, another interesting video and if I were in the market I would have to go with the Boardwalk. Love the new intro. Keep up the fantastic work!
These "graphito" logos suck. You can see more elegant script on the average bog wall. Indio has to be the worst, but it's a crowded field.
Agree. INDIO in 80's font lol
I saw a comment on the indio in one of your previous reviews that you can take off that tacky lettering using acetone. and it wont affect the underlying finish. Any truth to that?
Can’t wait until you get the Harley Benton version to compare. They do two types, the ‘plus’ version is finished better, which one have you ordered? Please do more videos like this, they say cheap guitars have come a long way over time? That for most of us is a great way of building up a guitar collection. Thanks Darrell for this great comparison.
I know a friend who just slaps electrical tape over the logos on all of his guitar, from his Fenders to his Fireflies.
I bought a guitar labeled "Grote" off of Amazon that looks exactly like the Indio, because the Firefly was sold out. I can't speak to the quality of the Firefly, but the $240 Grote is terrific. I've owned more than 100 guitars since I began playing 40 years, and still have a number of high-end acoustics (Martin D-41, Bourgeois D-1, Gallagher Doc Watson, Gibson Dove, etc) and electrics (Callaham S model, various upper-end Gibsons and Fenders). That said, the Grote is right up there in build quality. I've never had an actual 335, but the Grote blows away any of the Epi Dot versions I've had.
i would take my korean epiphone sheraton over the grote any day of the week.
Wonder how the Grote that is priced like the Firefly would compare.
@@jacobbrown1690 That can only be because you haven't played one. While I've never owned a 335 - I've owned two Sheratons - I've played plenty of both: the Grote's build quality easily matches, if not exceeds, the Epi's (and the pickups are far superior).
My Grote is trash
I got my Firefly in February 2019,and in September I found a set of pickups out of tone emporium in Ottawa that were really good to put into it to get rid of the microphonics. They're great. All the updates are on my channel
Post URL to your channel
Never mind lol
Thanks for the review. I ordered the Monoprice today and let them know that your review sold me. Steve, Palm Coast, Florida.
Did you get the guitar? How is it?
Yes, I did buy it. I have had no issues with it at all. Shipping was really quick. Good quality and workmanship. The pickups have lots of power and a wide tonal range. The fretting and binding are excellent. The finish is really good. It's just an all around good simi-hollow guitar. I unpacked the guitar, tuned it up and went to town - no other adjustments needed. Steve, Palm Coast, FL. 👍
@@stevemozingo7329 excellent! Good luck with it. 👍
A small difference that wasn’t mentioned: pick guard vs no pick guard.
Great informative review! Well done 👍🏻
Why am I watching this? I don't play the guitar (I never managed the uke, I won't even try the guitar), I'm not a big rock fan... But this guy seems so nice and has such a smooth voice that it relaxes me instantly. What do you know?
Maybe you're bi curious?
Gave you a thumbs up simply for launching the guitar into the snow in the intro :-) made me chuckle, enjoyed the vid too.
Both just look absolutely stunning and subtly beautiful! Amazing work here as always man!
Great vid Darrel, as usual! I do a lot of work on these lower end guitars. Love the Monoprice products, but do a lot of the other low end names as well. Am sad to say most of them need about $180 worth of bench work and parts to get them upgraded enough to be players. Fret leveling is the biggy, most often the fret ends need serious work as well. The good news is, they usually clean up real nice, unless you get a twisted neck. Which is a lot of work to fix. Usually better to just switch out the neck.
The other biggy is; POTs!! Those little dime size ones corrode up and get fuzzy right away, and not fuzzy in a good way! It's just better to switch em out right away. I use CTS, and Orange drop 0.22 ; they are reasonably priced, reliable, and reliably available. Pre soldiered kits are around, but seem to be a little spendy, so I do my own soldering. No that hard a craft to pick up.
The tuners can be finicky, but they are livable, and can be up graded later if need be.
With a little work these can be great fun and good. "players", if you're on a budget!
i love how one day Darrell's kids will be able to see their pap at work and doing what he loved. quality stuff man. and thats with out even hearing you play gutiar lmao. when u play it just makes it worth while. hope ur fam is safe! keep it goin!
After watching the video review a few months ago I ordered the Indio Boardwalk. I received it today & it's beautiful. I own several American made Fender solid bodies & a beautiful Carvin, each of which was about $2000. I wanted a thinline hollowbody like Gibson's ES335. but didn't want to spend as much as they cost. This Indio Boardwalk is gorgeous. Hard to believe they can make & sell this guitar for $250. Thanks Darrell.
Would love to see a Harley Benton eventually
The HB35plus would be nice
7 months later...
Indio is the same thing, just branded differently
At that price you could just buy one.
TLDR: Harley Benton is the best of all the budget brands. By far.
@@dudemandudebro938 I can understand why your would assume that, but in HB's case, not quite. The HBs have differently shaped f-holes. And that's just what you can see that's immediately obvious.
Most Chinese made knockoffs are made by Chinese companies with - at best - a European or US website.
Harley Benton is a brand owned by Thomann, a German company with a significant retail presence of their own. They are in charge of the design and evolution of HB products, and also QC and handling returns. You won't be dealing with any Chinese companies.
Darrel how about a Q & A since it's lockdown
KAD 37 or a lockdown kit build! 😛
@@Ryan_F. better👍
Excellent idea!
Hey I've been a fan of yours forever thanks for all the vids you make
Well done, as usual, Darrell. But I always wonder about "playability." I know this is subjective, but to me action and feel are everything.
If you have small children take into account which one will make you less upset to clean fish sticks out of.
I'm thinking the cheaper one
I laughed my head off, someone else has the same problems as me. Their only guitars our children are priceless. You have to take the fish sticks on the chin pal it's probably not the last time you will be picking things up after your kids, i expect you already know. Take care bro.
What? Clean out the mojo?
You just convinced me to stick with solid bodies
What’s a children?
dude! gig snack!!
Time for a cheap guitar shootout!
Which guitar did you guys like the best?
I like the firefly
Boardwalk for me. It's a great looking guitar, sounds pretty good, too - logo must go. Love your videos!
Definitely am partial to the Firefly. I can’t wait for you to get the Harley Benton and compare. I just recently discovered them and ordered the black paisley te 70 deluxe. I’d love to see you do this type of comparison with low end telecasters. Love your playing Darrell!
Firefly.
You won't feel as guilty modding the input Jack to the side, leaving a hole where the old jack once was.
That and a fret dress, your good to go.
$100.00 worth of difference? Not really.
Boardwalk looks and sounds better to me, except the headstock is terrible. I would also love to see you review the Harley Benton guitars. Hopefully you will get your HB soon. I also think it would be interesting to throw the Epi Dot and Ibanez into the mix, just to see of you actually get what your pay for. Thanks for your hard work, this is a great channel.
Love the video Darrell. Years ago I was Jonesen for a 335 style. The sound is so distinct from a solid body. So, of course I need to have one! I never did get one. However, I did research the Ibanez Artcore/ dot series. Great reviews but those guys are / were starting at something like $500 and that was more than 10 years ago. I'm so glad I came across your Fire Fly & Indio reviews. You've reminded how much I want a 335 style. Good Lord knows the last thing I need is another guitar- just ask my wife. But at these price points maybe I can smuggle one into the house without the wife knowing. Thanks Buddy! Love the channel.
Nobody does a comparison video like Darrell.
Very nice.
The Boardwalk is clearly a better sounding guitar.
the firely sounds better to me
Howdy Darrell, I got my firefly at the end of 2018. I had no body flaws. the pick-ups were microphones like the one you have. and I cleaned up the fret ends like I do on all my guitars that need it.
I only paid $139.00 back then. after a few tweaks ( better electronics ) I found it plays and feels like a mid range priced guitar. still costing less than the Indio. But looking for bargan priced pickups has always been what I've done ... that heel joint looks like many epiphones I own. I grew up poor also. and I fixed up my old 1960 and 1970s Japanese brand guitars to make them better. I've got to say it's nice getting cheap guitars now-a-days that are already much better than they were back then. also back then while playing on stage I enjoyed the looks on other guitar players faces trying to figure out how I was getting a great sound out of my cheap guitar. the look of amazement ... you've already shown how to upgrade you guitars and I see the smile on your face when it turns out great. keep up the good work.
I just got the Boardwalk while watching this. I had that one up in a listing, and it seemed like it would work, It was listed for $250 but on sale for $199
One critical difference that this comparison made no mention of, is the neck profile. The Firefly has a thin, c-shaped neck, much like a Gibson 60s neck. The Boardwalk has a big fat, 59 or 58 neck. You can change the hardware, and you can polish frets, set up the guitar, etc, but you can't change the neck. Ultimately, that's what I would use as the deciding factor when choosing between these two models.
I got the Firefly version a few months ago and like it a lot, but for me, that was the first thing I noticed. The neck is a bit thin feeling for me, especially on a guitar of this style. It is what it is for a $200.00 guitar. The pickups are microphonic, which I expected (I hadn't watched this video yet). I'm tempted to get a Boardwalk too, to see if it's closer to what I was looking for.
Can't wait for the HB! In the meantime, how about comparing the boardwalk to a more expensive version like the Epiphone and/or D'Angelico? What makes the extra expense worth it? What, if anything, is just as good, or still good enough? etc.?
Honestly I could watch your videos all day long, amazing content as usual!! 😁
We can see that cool AT-AT Walker in the reflections! Also great comparison video!!
I ordered one of these because of your Firefly 338 videos when i did research for it. I can't wait to play this. But i have to wait soo long for it.
Perfect video for so many looking for a great value on a guitar not many folks don’t have. Thanks your channel the best sound!!
That Indio boardwalk is a thing of beauty
Great job comparing these guitars. One small thing I noticed is that you said both guitars have dime sized pots. In the original video for the Indio Boardwalk I believe you mentioned it has full sized alpha pots. Very small thing to bring up, but I thought I would since the specs aren't readily available online.
From Leo: Your channel has the widest variety, From Multiple thousand dollar customs to cheapies. You make them all sound good, thanks for the show. I think the boardwalk is a little more refined sound, but I would have to put black tape over the logo.
Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, here comes the Firefly!
Would love to know the actual wood stuff used for these guitars. Are they centerblock? Are they maple/mahogany?
Is the flame on the Indio real or a veneer?
I know for that price range the construction specs are not that important but sometimes, from these chinese manufacturers, you can find little gems.
The Indio logo looks plain stupid, the firefly looks actually decent.
The firefly pickups sounded better, more highs, more open. I don't know if they are unpotted, if that's the case a couple of rtv silicone drops between the bobbin head and the cover could reduce the squealing.
The Indio finish looks better, the block inlays look nicer and the heel construction should be stronger and is closer to actual 335s.
I bought a Boardwalk from a good buddy for a solid price. Its a good guitar. I was REALLY surprised by the craftsmanship. My biggest complaint is the tuners are kinda meh, other than that - the guitfiddle is a beast! Highly recommended.
Wow, just found you. Watched one video on five things to look at when buying a guitar, but because you keep putting the camera on an angle to see both hands it turned into an instructional on riffs. Great stuff. Subbed. Saved a playlist. Gonna enjoy watching them again after I get an amp for this new electric. I am great at rhythm but have never really learned a lot of riffs. Glad I found this channel. Top 25 badass guitar riffs is next on my list.
Tis indeed a great channel ;)
@@fattboyzz1355 I'm watching another right now. I am great at rhythm but never really cared for lead. Because this guy keeps the camera on his hand and just makes up stuff, I think I found a way to actually become a decent lead guitar player.
I had a good, pro setup done on my FF338 right after it arrived and it played great. But after bout 3 months, i started feeling some fret issues, so I had them reseated and polished - about $40 to the luthier. Result: the Firefly plays fantastically now. Stays in tune and intonate perfectly. Pickups aren't great, but they will be swapped for P-90 drop-ins at some point. All in, I have just over $200 invested in the guitar - and it feels and sounds great.
I picked up a semi hollow at my friends house yesterday. (Keep in mind I’ve been playing the blues on a squire stagemaster) and it was life changing
Just being over critique, but when you compare two hollow guitars would be cool to listen them acoustically, its obvious the expensier one is going to win, but just saying. I like your reviews ! Cheers.
My J&D 335 copy is a Chinese epiphone factory copy is a great sounding guitar but most of these have neck to body gaps in the glue join. After a neck break i reglued the join - major improvement in tone
I agree with you. I have a firefly F338 and I can tell you yours is much better than mine. I can see from your close ups the nut was cut way better than mine. I also had to put $150 in parts on mine. The tuners were junk and well as the bridge and pickups. I could have saved the pickups by wax potting them but since I had the thing apart anyways I just swapped them with generic filtertrons. Good old Guitar Fetish. Anyways it took me a while and more money to get the guitar to where it is today and I might have been better off with an Indio or Harley Benton or even an Epiphone right off the bat. It did give me the opportunity to learn how to service and setup guitars so I guess it was worth it.
I always enjoy your videos because you do such a consistently good job. You make me proud to be a Canadian!
I just scored a used like new Firefly gold top for my 14 y.o. It was upgraded with new pickups, wiring, pots (with push pull on all 4 knobs), new switch, new input and locking tuners - what a killer axe for $230!!! I don't like the input on the front, I don't like the switch below the bridge (much rather prefer the LP location although as a die hard Strat guy, I have no problem with the Strat location), and I don't like the logo on the headstock and I don't like the neck strap peg because the guitar hangs forward (top tipping over) - I will need to move it. But great jazz tones, killer bluesy tones, and real nice thick lead tones (no microphonic noise here). When you pull the pots, you get a "thinner" "strat" sound - not really, but it's a nice option for that price. My kid (14) still prefers his Epiphone LP custom gold top, though.
Thanks for answering my question in a video!!
The Boardwalk is awesome for the money. Love the look. Great vid.
I ordered a Boardwalk marked down to $125, probably one of the best guitar purchases I've made. Was planning multiple upgrades for it but once I had it I loved it.
Sweet intro Darrell!
I am so digging the intro these days, it's wow!
so I'm sitting around and I pick up my guitar and start to play, from watching you show I instinctively start playing that tune you
play when your checking out guitars it just popped into my head, I like it
My opinion? Get one or the other & play the hell out of them! I'd lean towards the microphonic Firefly! I love a guitar that tests me, hehehe. Thanks for the great vid, Darrell, please keep them coming!
I agree...sometimes feedback is fun!👍😎🎸🎶
Some time ago, I was looking at the Firefly but it was sold out. I ended up getting the Harley Benton (with split coil). I'm so glad I did. It's my favorite "couch" guitar. So fun to play. I'm looking forward to the comparison. I'm hoping you compare the best of the three to an actual 335.
Watching another video and holy hockey sticks...are all your videos like this? It's the 'I just bought a 100 dollar guitar and it's fantastic' video. I learned that I might need to go out and buy that thing, the blue Indio and I learned some good stuff on how to care for an electric...PLUS...I have something to watch and learn from when I finally pick up my new guitar and play it for the first time.
I just bought the same blue on black Firefly, after hearing sooo much good about it ! I Love the name, love the quality, and the look !! It's rad ! Mine, came brand new . For $ 250.00 in the mail. I simply love it . 🤨👍🏻
You can get a flame top, quilted, solids, bursts in the Firefly FF338 models. They are mahogany and hand picked veneers not photo prints. I believe they are center blocks as well. The FB Firefly Fan page is the official Firebird endorsed page with the latest news about shipping and sales on their website etc.
Love what your doing. As soon as I seen you with the board walk I ordered one. Indio must really love you lol, I'm on a waiting list.
Thank you for doing this comparison. Very well done and a fair comparison by you.
There really wasn't too much difference that I could pick up in the sounds of these guitars. The Firefly sounded a little brighter on the initial comparison but it was very slight. I would say that neither was bad, they were just a little different from each other. To me the deciding difference between the two is the microphonic pickups. Since a pair of pickups will easily cost more than $100 for a good quality set, I would say that the more premium cost is probably worth while paying.
Got a firefly and returned it. Pickups were muddy and microphonic, fed back too much, and despite the bone nut it just didn’t stay in tune, never was able to bond with it so back it went. May try the indio but waiting for you to get the HB. Would love to hear all these against an epiphone 335 pro as well!
Hey Darrell, I was wondering when you would get around to getting a Harley Benton! They are my favorite budget guitars! So far I haven't been disappointed with the two I have purchased!
You clearly didn't watch all the way to the end of the video. He said that he ordered one about a month ago, but they are back stocked right now, so he doesn't know when it'll arrive.
Same here. Ordered two guitars a couple weeks ago but they came in yesterday. IMO, they’re the best budget guitars, but can also hold up to intermediate or price ranges if modded
Great honest and insightful review again, thanks.
I think if you are going into these guitars with just a little bit of knowledge and experience you are already thinking about a quality pickup upgrade like the PRS 57/08s and CTS (like) pots / switching. Arguably with a bit of extra home care and finishing after this you would have a strong contender on tone and playability against the more expensive Epiphone ES339/5 which in England (at least) starts at the equivalent of $450. The Firefly would edge it for me due to the bone nut and the reduced base price. Several reviews have offered no complaints about the necks / truss rod / bridge and woodwork generally which is a core foundation for a guitar that will be easy to live with and maintain. This would do for regular bar / church / hall gigging where you don't want your best stuff out for fear of theft or damage. Those church folk you know... you've got to watch them :)
At about the same price level if you don't want any fiddling or swapping I would recommend a look at the Vintage VSA500 - vastly underrated British designed semi-hollow body guitar which comes with good quality hardware as stock, such as Wilkinson tuners, bridge and pickups. The pickups don't need replacing and are close in tone to Gibson USA on the lines of a BurstBucker (Wilkinson can provide various easy swap alternate tone options - PAF through to overwound like a 498 for not a lot of bucks). They don't have an order backlog and they do have a nice headstock design. For this price, you are still in the budget area for finishing and fret ends so a decent set up, maybe $80 if you cannot do it yourself, should be added and you are good to go live.
Okay dude, subscribed! Just too informative and entertaining, thanks✌
My "Ice Tea Burst" Firefly (it's actually a copy of a Gibson 338) had fret ends so sharp, when I slid my hand down the neck, I actually cut one of my fingers!! The microphonic pickups are an easy fix if you just take them out and wax pot them.
Darrell, excellent review! Thanks for posting. 👍
New subscriber here. Great comparison review of two inexpensive 335 guitars. Looking forward to the Harley Benton 335 review after you get it. I'm in the market for an inexpensive 335 and I'll decide which of the three to get after the Harley Benton review. Thanks Darrell!
Thanks Darrell, Ben a while glad to see your ok. Stay safe until next time
Who's Ben?
I'm loving your intro these days.
The Boardwalk definitely sounds better, but not by much. I do like the output jack on the edge rather than on the face.
Darrell would you consider installing the Fleor Chinese pickups in the Firefly? I was amazed that they actually sounded better than the JB and Jazz pickups you did in the other demo. To me the clean tones tell you everything. However knowing how they shred is good to know. After installing the Fleor's do a comparison of all three, PLUS the Harley Benton when you get it. LOve your channel. I'm hooked. I have the Firefly FF338 in red. The batch made in Dec 15, 2019 was leaps ahead of both of these guitars in the finish work. Flawless is the word here. They stepped up their game. Others receiving ones made in that batch say the same, and I ordered 4 of them, and every one of them had flawless finishes. Earlier models all had flaws in the finish especially where the neck joined the body.
While you are changing the pickups you could put push pull pots on there because the Fleor's have 4 conductor wires so coil split capabilities built right in. Here is a HUGE following audience for Fire Fly and these overall low end guitars. There are tons of people dreaming of getting one when they can. So the option of doing the Firefly with Fleors and coil splits; what if it sound better than the others? By the way the Harley Benton has coil splits already so it will be a great comparison.
Thanks for the demo, really helpful. Stay safe and enjoy your day
Man i love your. Guitar comparison. Keep doing sir
I would love with you put really good parts in one of this two guitars and test them with a gibson/another expensive 335 a-like.
Short answer - you could get to maybe 90% of the tone and playability and quite possibly better build quality (even a $3000 Gibson ES can have quality issues and $1500 SG's almost all need work to stay in tune). But you still wouldn't have Eric or Chucks or BB's ES guitar. Or the history, or that feeling of walking on stage with one of the . most iconic guitars in history. That's what you are paying for.
@@Spartanm333 totally agree with you. For me a guitar or any other instrument is a tool. I don't really like the idea to romanticize an instrument and put an exorbitant price tag just because is that player's guitar (it's not even his guitar, just a copy). So, I much prefer to buy a guitar who has a good build (wood choice, for instance) and put whatever electronics parts I want to make it sound great.
@@Spartanm333
I disagree with your 90% assessment on this one, because providing you were to take all the parts from a Gibson or order the Gibson parts, then you will get 100% the same sound as you would with a actual Gibson guitar. Play ability is subjective at best, and depends on the setup and strings and lets not forget the neck being a good fit for the individual guitar player. So its possible, and even likely that one or both of these two guitars will feel more playable than a Gibson to some folks.
If I were to walk on stage, the last thing on my mind would be the history of the brand that makes the guitar I am about to play lol. I am not someone who puts any stock in the idea that anything Fender or Gibson has ever produced was original in any way. So there history to me is nothing but a history of theft and greed. Even now they still sue other company's for trademark/copyright infringement on copyrights/trademarks that they should have never ever been given. So in the end, from what I can tell the thing you are buying when you buy a Gibson or Fender, is just a name and a scam.
Of course, that last part could be because I am crazy enough to think about pointless stuff like this lol.
Thank you for all your great videos Darrell.
Boardwalk is currently $175 or $150 with code HOT. free shipping. just ordered one $157 with tax.
couldnt pass that up.
wonder how it compares to my Epi Dot Studio or the HB...
Keep up the good work Darrell...need ya more than ever 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
A lot of guys are buying a semi because of curiosity and the wish to have something distinctly different than the very good solid body they already own. In short this will be second or third guitar in their collection. So if that is you a used guitar is a better bet. If you are willing to wait ...even a long time you will eventually score a gem. I waited about 2 years give or take and got a gem. I got a 1999 Washburn HB 35. it was listed for $2500.00 USD when it was released. Mine is in a blonde finish with a flamed front, back and even the sides.The fit and finish is as close to near perfect as possible. I paid $195.00 USD !!!
2023 Nov. Black Friday deals on this very Boardwalk got mine for $139.00. Monoprice also shipped next day FedEx which shocked me at this price.
Love these cheaper guitar videos! As mentioned in the comments, future Harley Benton reviews are much appreciated!
THANK YOU.. i wanted a es 335 alternative video.! Love to see you try an eastman, epi, dangelico .. sort of middle priced es 335 alternatives
They both sounded and looked great especially for the price. Thanks for the demo and review.
It just kills me that some of these affordable guitars can't be had in Canada, at least not without inflating the prices with complicated shipping & handling.
Orangewood, for example, they make some great-sounding guitars for not a lot of money but you just can't order one directly if you're north of 49.
Harely Benton only charges $30 but not it's closer to $50 (cause of the virus) to the USA. That is quite reasonable. I usually order 3 or more guitars too, which makes it a little bit less of a cost for the shipping. I don't have the HB semi hollow but I do have that same firefly. The firefly on it's own, I thought sounded great! But once I compared it to my other guitars, it is just a tad bit lacking but also much cheaper. My epiphone dot limited from about 2004 sounded noticeably better. I have other HB guitars though, and if the semi is close to be s good as those, it's worth the extra hundred dollars. They sound, play, feel, and are built better than the fireflies.
How would you say these compare to the artcore guitars?
Got a new Firefly for $70. First guitar I’ve purchased, and it’s great for me!
I have found that the fire fly guitars on ebay are the same price or more than the board walk examples. Just purchased the same board walk as above delivered to my door for 249.00 including taxes! Shipping was free!
When you do get the Harley Benton, I'd be very interested in your importing experience from Europe to Canada.
One thing I would LOVE to see on one of these videos, from any of the Canadian guitar youtubers, is how well the value of these budget "gems" hold up in comparison to some of the more expensive, locally available in Canada, versions. There's a lot of decent budget options out there, but most reviews look at it from the perspective of the American consumer (even when the reviewer is not one). I would like to check out something like the Indio or HB Les Paul style guitars, as they seem like solid value budget options for people who want something that'll do the job but don't want to drop a ton on one, but between currency conversion and shipping fees, they go from $199 and $244 (respectively) to $370 and $430 (again, respectively), have the potential for import fees being tacked on top of that, and (particularly for the Indio 66DLX) will likely need a pickup upgrade and possible fret work in the not-too-distant future. At that point, is there still enough of a reason to go for one of these (aside from trying them just for the sake of trying them) instead of an Epiphone, which you can get starting around $600 for a Standard plaintop, or $700 for a "Plustop Pro" or an LTD EC256? Or are there some "hidden gem" available-in-Canada alternatives to consider? Or am I just best off to check out pawn shops, craigslist/kijiji and facebook marketplace for something used?
Look for Ibanez Artcore's AGS and AS models. Gems hidden in plain sight.
Robert Stridström Those are nice, but they're semi hollow. Fits with the guitars in the video, but I was looking more for something Les Paul style, solid body, carved top,set neck, hard tail, dual HB. Would prefer single cut.
@@bubkusjones Aha, my bad.
Should be plenty of really good stuff to your liking out there, by now, with better than good price/performance ratio.
But the thin, semi hollows - i guess the Ibanezes hits it nail on.
Plus/minus a pickup change or not. Super-59s, Elites and such works.
But an AGS83b with switched pickups? yum.
Try a DiY Wax Potting on the Firefly pickups to see if it's an improvement.
Yes! I assume that's why they're microphonic. Wonder if they'd sound much different at low-medium gain settings after the DIY wax potting.
Monoprice Indio boardwalk, yep Darrell you was bang on. It was purdy but the tuners was crap. Had to send back to monoprice. That was the only thing they would do to resolve the issue. Had to go through a refund process For one tuning key. I guess I should have just bought a new set less hassle.
Hey Darrel, awesome video as always. Can I suggest pulling back the camera a little wider on those super close shots? It’s a bit dizzying to watch the wobble at point blank range :) Cheers buddy!
Hey Darrell! I've been binging your videos ever since I came back to the guitar a couple weeks ago. I bought a budget guitar because it was on sale ($350 down to $200) but it also had good reviews and I love it so far! You should review it if you get a chance! It's a Mitchell MS400. It's like a les Paul style guitar with a PRS looking headstock. Thanks! Keep up the awesome videos!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time and doing these videos...it really helps me determine which guitars to purchace. you've done a fantastic job on your videos by the way. i post you on face book as well...more subscribers. keep up the FANTASTIC work bud. john from kansas.
Very nice video! Thanks Darrell!
I saw video from a guitarist /electrical engineer. He said Dime sized Potts does not necessarily mean lower quality or more poor ramping of the volume or tone.
Thanks for the video. Thinking about getting the boardwalk
So I snagged a Brown (dark wine kinda) color Firefly "335" from Amazon in late Oct. 2020. for $160. This thing was flawless, so I'm not sure if they are upping the quality control, or if there are multiple assembly lines with inconsistencies. I am wondering if the spalted maple versions are "for real". That spalting looks too symmetrical even for bookmatching. Thanks Darrell for the great channel!
Great video as usual. Would you consider doing a Slick guitar review? I am curious about the Slick SL59 which is an affordable Gibson Les Paul Junior style guitar. In any event thanks for doing what you’re doing. Greetings from Toronto.
Well you covered every single question I had right down to... what about the HB-35Plus? I’ve been waiting for them to get back in stock.
That's awesome. Thank you for doing that comparison.
Nice review, this is by far the best content value shootout for a budget 335 style guitar, for the ultimate shootout I would compare the best of all 3 guitars to an Epiphone dot or something around the price tag, hopefully down the road
Take a look at the Ibanez Artcore AGS and AS guitars. (~ 500 $/€)
A little higher pile of cash, but great guitars.
Picked up a cheap Firefly a couple years ago and been pretty happy with it since. Had looked at the Ibanez, and agreed, it is better built, but at the price difference, it's not 3X better!
@@mingonmongo1 Good for you - i use to say: good enough, är bra nog.
Basically it means that good enough is good enough, settle with it and be happy :)
More money left to spend on upgrades or other stuff. Super.