Man I’m sorry to hear that you have cancer,I sincerely hope that you get better sooner than later.I had cancer too and I beat it so it’s absolutely horrible that you have it but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.great content man and again your in my family’s prayers.
@@edwardsstanley772Reliable rumors (from Firefly) say there's a fresh drop coming on 17 January '23 at Guitars Garden, look under FFSP, there'll likely be a bunch of different finishes. The "Bats" versions and the signature knockoffs are popular with the kids. The P90 gold top goes super quick. But caveat emptor: it's a lottery, they sell and ship the duds right along with the good ones. If you get a dud be firm (and patient) and demand an exchange. Fingers crossed they'll drop a batch of the SG/Viper copies!
Take a dog wormer and fast 48 hours a week and no carbs and I mean Zero carbs! your cancer will go within 16 weeks this has been known for 60 years but Big Pharma bury it you can also supplement with Bitter apricot kernels for even faster cure! And yes I have done it! it works
Hello 👋 Rog! I can't believe that I haven't come across your channel before. That being said... WOW! First of all, please let me tell you a little bit about myself. I've been a PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN and PROFESSIONAL AUDIO ENGINEER in Las Vegas for 40 years. I was in an all original Rock-N-Roll band from the early 80's through about 2003 and then an audio engineer from 2003 through about 2013 and then got really sick and am now on SS Disability making in a month, what I used to make in three days! In the two and a half years that it took my SS Disability to get approved, I had to slowly and PAINFULLY sell my 23 guitars and 9 guns among all of my other things to keep a roof over my head because I didn't plan on suddenly being unable to work. My last two clients were Mariah Carey and Prince... I was a HUGE GUITAR SNOB! I had two prized Les Pauls from the Custom Shop worth about six grand a piece among my other various Gibson, Fender, BC Rich, Guild, Ibanez, and Martin guitars. Long story short, once I got my SS Disability approved I HAD TO start from scratch. My first purchase and HUGE SURPRISE was a Sqire Tele! So sure, I had to put some TLC and time into it, including purchasing some Fender Original Tele Pickups, but the neck was not only good, but GREAT, and it turned out to be a total player! My next purchase was an Epiphone 335 and again, I was pleasantly surprised! All I did was a proper setup! Now I have nine guitars including a FireFly LP and a couple of Washburn Acoustics and I'll tell ya what, I'm happy as a pig in slop! Second, DUDE. ROG! I can't express how very impressed I am with both your courage and tenacity. WHAT SPEECH IMPEDIMENT? Man, I lost a bunch of teeth because of the pain meds that I was on for years and I sound way worse than you my friend! LOL! Look man, KEEP THE FAITH AND KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT MAN! I'll put you in my prayers 🙏. PRAYERS WORK! I almost died 4 times and I'm still here man... God bless and take care... P.S. new sub here bro!
Best of luck on your battle. Hope everything goes your way. Thanks for taking the time to do this video. It’s nice to see a video of this quality done by a guy that really knows his stuff I have both a FFLPS elite and a 2015 Gibson studio love both of them each has its own thing On the Firefly I upgraded the pickups to P-90 type and locking tuners on it It’s a great instrument for the money I have into it it plays and sounds great. It’s a little heavy around 9 pounds and looks more extravagant than my studio.
Hang tough with the Cancer Man. I went through chemo and radiation last year, and I am coming around, in the gym now, trying to put weight back on. You are a very good guitarist, and know yer stuff. I have just about sold all my expensive guitars, at a loss, and went cheap guitars and added pickups, keys and am happy, no regrets. I was recently at an open mike with my Harley Benton, and some guy was ranting about my cheap, crappy guitar. he had a very nice American Strat. and I smoked him. It comes down to the player's skill and ability. My recent project is a pink Fesley, not much to add. I will be subscribing and checking in on your recovery process. Just read Daniel's comment below, and agree with the light at the end of the tunnel, hopefully never to return.
I have a firefly classic and elite models, I giged with classic several times. I've had no issues. Played through tube,solid state and didgital modeling amps and it delivered. No set up, just changed strings. Kind of scary for these high end models but my pockets love it. Going to buy more 😅
Good review, awesome playing, great conversation about this budget friendly guitar. I bought a firefly 335 style for my 82 year old dad and he just loves it.
One thing guitar reviewers rarely do us crank up the amp and see how much feedback a guitar gives. Also its good to see if a guitar maintains its setup. Those are the biggest problems cheap guitars have and it would be awesome to see the results in every video.
The jazz chords that you were comping on the FF sounded warmer and juicer than the Gibson, which had a brighter top end. The FF is also more of a looker for 1/10 of what the Gibson goes for. Plus, for a budget guitar, the FF has stainless steel frets, and the Gibby has nickel frets at it's price point? For a gigging guitar, the only added cost of new tuners at some point, and a good setup, makes the FF a better value, in my humble opinion.
Great work! Firefly is doing some great things for guitarists! I have a Firefly "338" and a Gibson 338. Difference? You bet! $4,000 difference? Nope. I'm no longer touring or gigging, (73 and sitting at home, playing with myself. 😮), but I love all my babies, regardless of their parentage. 😂
Except you forgot about little things like sound quality playability and of corse just resale value. Gibsons will keep going up in value while your firefly has little to no resale value what so ever. Little things like hi and low frets the fact that the nuts on these el cheapo guitars are not cut correctly making the guitars tuning very unstable. You really can not even compare a Gibson guitar to a firefly thats kinda like comparing 24 carrot gold to a piece of copper.
Except they did just compare the two! They are both guitars, and he compared them against one another. One guitar cost a lot of money, and the other one doesn't cost a lot of money. So in fact they are comparable. That's the whole point of the video. @@DanielNullmeyer-b9t
Sorry to hear about Your cancer i'm also recovering cancer patient so much love there, Your video was well done and I appreciate the time you took in the methodology that you used very helpful.For giving stats and then giving a play by play so that we could compare the sound. I myself currently own 5 Firefly guitars so you could say that i'm a fan. I definitely want to have a Gibson guitar at some point for the reasons you mentioned . I believe that Gibsons have a unique tone and look forward to be able to play one. I look forward to more videos in the future and wish you the best of luck
I love how practical your approach is. You have to search pretty far and wide to find somebody who acknowledges (not necessarily preaches) some of the very hard-earned and unpopular lessons regarding what is real vs. felt, how there is potentially a place for all levels of craftsmanship, and how opinions vary in a perfectly acceptable way. I'll be digging into your library! I love my Firefly 338 and check the guitarsgarden website pretty regularly. The only thing that makes me hesitate is that I just wonder exactly how they're able to make those things so affordably. I really hope it's by avoiding gauging and selling direct in bulk, and that it's nothing to do with unfair labor/compensation practices. Either way, that's another, different video. You did a great job here, doing an unbiased and thorough review. Awesome work!
They use CNC routers. One person can produce a dozen bodies in one day by themself in a matter of hours without even getting a splinter. A body blank at stewmac is $149 and a neck is $75. That's the upper end. You can go to Lowe's or Home Depot and probably save some money on the body. If you have the equipment you can make a $5,000 Gibson for $200. Just buy the same wood and electronics. I'm looking into getting one for my workshop so I can make my own.
Great comparison video. To me the Gibson sounded a bit warmer, but I can't say that I preferred it in every scenario. It's hard to believe how good of a guitar you can get for the price of a pair of running shoes these days.
@@realtruenorth really? it is a good guitar in its own right gibson quality control is not good so why pay dollars more for a product that is no way worth it???
I own a firefly and an iyv they don't feel as good to me, sound decent after work and parts though. Wouldn't pick one over a higher priced instrument but good starting or noodleing guitar if you can get them setup and playing correctly. Though if your paying someone to do the work it doubles the cost or more and then there may be better alternatives, ie a setup well playing used guitar that originally cost 3-500. I have picked up guitars that were $1000 new for 3-400 which required less work.
Dude, I am very sorry to hear about your cancer. We’re all going to pray very hard for you my friend and keep up the great videos and that course were subscribed. God bless you my friend. God bless you.
First time for everything (1st time viewer) and I'm two-minutes in and had to drop you a line. I really enjoyed your licks in these first minutes and now just heard you say you were fighting cancer. Like many, I too, have had my bouts. Skin, colon and liver cancer. But I'm good. Remember Brother, don't admit or confess aloud that you have it. Do not speak "Life" into it. I've been blessed. It hasn't returned in the last three years. I leave you with what my surgeon told me. "What the Mind can believe...the Body can achieve." God bless ya. Now back to your video.
Great video, fantastic playing, even better monologue. You have the right attitude and I wish you the very best! Thanks so much for this info, I might just pick one of the FFLPs.
Good man...I appreciate you..short story for you...on returning from wally world I told my wife, older people don't hold hands while they stroll around shopping..she said..'yea, Russell, especially if they dont know you..' I m 76 and praying for you!
Great to seeing you my friend, enjoy your reviews, especially your music and your honest opinion,I can see and feel the love you have for gear/guitar stuff,God bless you, my friend and your family have a good one.
So glad I ran across this video. Intelligent, thoughtful conversation and lovely playing (also intelligent and thoughtful)! Thank you! Your health is in my thoughts. Be well, friend!
Just saw this. I really appreciated the thorough review. I’m in my mid 60s and can’t justify a high end model, especially since I’ve been a drummer since I was 12. Thank you again. Praying for your health. Subscribed
I've got to say I thought y'all were just "drinking the Kool Aid" on the Firefly guitars but recently picked up a thinline tele style used at a local store. The store had a Nashville-style tele that needed some fret work to make it right so I chose the tobacco burst. It plays very well for the price-point and needs minimal personalization. Thank you for the very detailed review.
Great review. I have an FF338 and being an extreme novice, it is perfect for me. I only found the fret edges to be a bit sharp but that went away with play. I hope you make a full recovery.
I have no idea how I never saw this video before. I can honestly say I believe this is the first time I was able to hear a difference between guitars. The Firefly does sound good I'm not taking anything away from that. The Les Paul just sounded more crisp and clean. Thank you for this demonstration. I have subscribe to your channel for a good while and I don't know how this one got past me. I do notice that sometimes no matter what type of material is in the videos that some of them do slip by.
My Wife has had 2 bouts with cancer and so I know what you are up against brother.. I subscribed to your channel and how it helps. I too have a RUclips channel but lost the ambition to upload more than 3 videos. Eventually I’ll get off my ass and continue. God bless you bro.
Thank you for this video. I bought a FFLPS 2 years ago and I love it. The first thing I did was to have it all checked out, intonation was good, frets and action was also good, for the price you can't beat it. The last tune that you played both guitars, was that Angel of Mercy ? You gave me goose bumps, thank you. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your battle, I am going through similar issues and may God Bless You !
Really good comparison, and great playing! Both guitars sound excellent to my ears. I already own way too many guitars, but if I was looking for a Les Paul style guitar I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Firefly like this one. I know it's been the case for quite some time now (and younger players have of course never experienced things any other way), but it still amazes me how much guitar you can get for very little money today. Sure, a Firefly is obviously never going to be at the top of the food chain, but diminishing returns quickly come into play when looking at more established brands. Things sure have come a long way since I bought my first electric guitar (a Westone strat copy) back in 1988. It wasn't terrible by any means, but the same money, especially when adjusted for inflation, will get you a far superior instrument today, and if we compare today's inexpensive amps and amp sims (good sounding, with tons of built in effects) to my first 15 watt solid state Roland amp that didn't even have a reverb.... Things sure have improved a lot since then. 😄
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Cancer has touched me through too many family members, friends, artists and others whom I love. LIVE Strong! 😊 I appreciate you playing some clean, "jazzy" stuff. I am enrolling in a Jazz Guitar class at my local music school and was contemplating purchasing a semi-hollow body, but this guitar seems to have those tones covered. Thank you for an excellent review. Benjamin 🤠
Hi Raj, If it was your intention to make an in depth review, I would say, "mission accomplished". Your hard work didn't go unnoticed. Great video...Godspeed
I bought a FFLPS Elite Yellow Bat and it is awesome, I also got an EART LP and love it very much too; they both sound awesome to my untrained ears. I'll never be able to afford a Les Paul, but I don't care at this point in my senior fixed income life, since it's all for personal fun. Foremost, I hope you beat that cancer and get well quickly
I really appreciate videos like this, especially with the play demo part. Quality playing, the same playing on both guitars, very well done. Sounded to me, through my tv speakers, there wasn't an ant-hill worth of difference between the two. That might change if it were gained up to today's metal, over saturated, wall-of-noise levels, but I don't play there. Thanks again for the thorough look at the FFLPS.
Great review, super thorough and well performed. You're very comfortable in front of the camera, and it shows 👍Good luck with the health issues, you're a young man and statistically you have a great chance of beating this mother. Prayers to you and your family.
Great breakdown! Loved the hard panning and both sound amazing! This was the first video of yours that I have seen and I am a fan now! Looking forward to more great showdowns!
I'm glad algorithm sent you My way. Great playing man. But you said what I was kinda expecting. Everyone that I've noticed that has been honest with no bias says the fireflies are compatible to a 600-1000 Epiphone. I have two firefly guitars a double cut P90 when they first came out and about 3 months ago I bought a Les Paul style Smokey burst. They are amazing instruments I've never been able to play a Gibson but I want one so bad. Until then a 219.00 dollar fflp will suffice.
I think this was my first visit I sure injoyed the video really good demo I've played a 1957 black beauty for 25 years and it got a lot of miles on it. I wish I could find one that feels like and sounds as good. That burst guitar you are playing sounds really good never heard of that company anywho great demo glad I stopped by. Peace out. 2thumbs up .....
Bless you dude for doing this,I'm a big firefly fan, and I have one elite that is a favorite, although I changed the pickups and tuners,they are a solid les paul,I had to pound down a few frets,I go over every new guitar, round over the fretboard, level and crown and recut a bone nut,I'm sorry I passed on this one,I keep waiting for more traditional colors such as this cobra burst,I've trusted your opinion every since I landed a king offset Tele,your video helped me choose it,keep up the good work,take care.
I just ordered my third FFLPS today, an orange bat. I have 2 yellow bats as well. You're absolutely right, pickups and machine heads can be replaced but don't necessarily have to be, just depends on what you want out of the pickups. I want an explorer type and a V too. I'd also pick up a tele type with two humbuckers and the switch up top.
Thanks for your honest review being a guitarist for about 40 years even knowing that the Gibson is a much more quality guitar there is no way that I could afford it so yeah the firefly seems to be a great option. Hopefully that your battle whit cancer is going well! Wish you the best
You do fantastic reviews. I own 2 Fireflys ,(a gold top LP and a ES 338) I've modded both,(pickups,tuners,roller bridges) and set both up for play ability. They both sound and play pretty dam close to their more expensive counterparts and def do the job.......great copies ! Oh and I'm a bassist by trade.......when the hell will Firefly come out with some decent basses ?
I got a guitar from another bargain offshore brand that seemed as if the truss rod had been tightened a bit when they leveled the frets. As a result, when the neck was dead flat the frets in the mid-section of the fingerboard were a little too low. My point is that you're right that most of these will need some fret work out of the box in order to optimize the setup.
One of the other reasons to choose the LP over the Firefly.....resale. I've been playing guitar for 58 years and if you're like me you might be in search of the next best thing.....all the time. So being a working musician and sound man I can't come up with the $1500-$2000 if I see something that I can't live without so by owning more expensive models I can sell and buy without too much damage. Not so with the Firefly. Back in the summer I sold a Prs S2 and bought a very nice wine red Studio. Then I went out and bought a G&L Comanche. Both guitars I love to death and bring to my gigs 3-4 times a week. But if I get that itch I can always flip the LP because the name and value are there. Great video, prayers on your treatment.
I have 3 FFLP (Elite) style guitars and I'm keeping them all. I plan on buying more whenever I get a few extra bucks. I believe one day they will be worth much more than when I bought them. At some point Firefly will raise their prices and the older ones will be worth a small fortune! JMHO My firefly's all have the locking tuners and better pick-ups. They also have the stainless-steel frets and bone nuts which are a plus. These upgrades haven't always been the case when Firefly first started. The improvements came about as a result of these videos. "They" are listening which is a great thing folks!
Don't know if your still checking these comments but I SURELY missed your content ! Down since the first Slick Guitar review, didn't know where you'd gone. I assumed it just got too time sucking for too little return and you're a smart guy. I signed into YT I was so excited. Praying for your Health man... Don't worry though, you're looking great and you still sound like Bryan the Dog from Family Guy !!!
You know your shit. I watched this video because I have a 2009 LP Studio in white with gold h/w and an ebony board. 490R/498T. I've also owned a couple of Firefly guitars. A first year 338 and a second year thinline Tele. I donated the FFs to a music school. They are actually good guitars after a setup as you mentioned. That FFLPS looks to be a really nice guitar for the money. Really good video.
An alternative approach to a low fret is to replace it with a taller fret, then bring it down to flush with the others. It requires pulling a fret and fashioning another but keeps you from having to bring all the rest down and shortening the life of the frets overall.
Sounds/looks like a nice guitar. Cheap instruments are not the barrier to learning that they were back when I first picked up a guitar. I’ve got a Harley Benton SC that gets more use than my Gibson LP studio. Having said that, my cheap 1977 Greco puts them both to shame! Keep fighting the good fight against the Big C. It’s a horrible thing that’s hammering my family at the moment.
I did my neck on my Gibson USA Traditional, so much better! But I wouldn't do that on my Standard or Custom, i also do all top wraps on my tail pieces, i love the feel this way!🎸 your a great player and love to hear you play! Good luck with your cancer! I will say a prayer for you!🙏
Sorry about the cancer. We have a ton of advances in treatment so I might suggest to always be flexible about treatment if Drs start to say “nothing we can do”. They did that to me and gave me less than 6 months, took things into our own hands & 2 yrs later feeling really decent with much higher energy/concentration. We went foreign surgical option for tumors in the liver. I read fenbendiazole has been working for other types of cancer. Stay positive it’s a tough journey.
Great video- very informative and good comparisons. Been wanting to try a Firefly, but the low fret has me a little concerned. I do not have the tools/ ability to level and polish frets, and to pay someone to do that would negate the value proposition.
Great review. By the way, when my wife was 23, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She went full vegan eating organic vegetables (with an emphasis on Japanese sea vegetables) and she has been living a productive life since then for 31 years.
I like this LP. I do don’t see that one right now, I’ll wait for that one later. You did a great job on that LP!!!! But more than anything else get going as best as you can. Bless you
I don’t know how I cam across this video but I’m glad I did. Very nice. Never even head of firefly, but I loved the way it sounded. I preferred it over the Gibson, it has a natural shimmer on the highs that the Gibson doesn’t. Don’t know if it has to do with the pickups or woods, or what , but that guitar sounded lovely, or maybe it was just your playing. 😂
I love your video opening! I have three single cut, sub $500 Gretsches and I love them! I get compliments on the growl of the neck pick up on one. I get compliments on the chimey tone of the bridge humbucker. If you have the money, spend it. If funds are limited, there are so many great options at a great, affordable price.
Nice video. Nice overview. Best wishes on your battle against cancer, man. So sad to read that. Hope you get better soon and continue delighting us qith these type of videos.
Great review & insight 👍👍 One other thing people need to remember now days about made in America is, sadly China is buying a lot of these American companies. I think the biggest thing to remember is get something you like and enjoy it 'cause you never know what tomorrow may bring...
Keep up the fight! Fantastic review and playing! I'm going on my sixth FF, a couple of them took a lot of work and a couple were great out of the box but I took it upon myself to mod the hell out of all of them. My Spalted 338 and my FFJA are my favorites.
Best Firefly review (maybe the best guitar review period). All good information and really good playing too. I want to know data about the instrument, not just opinions and you provide really good data.
I like your take on "good guitar vs. expensive guitar". I once had the guitar player from a very well known band try my Korean-made Schecter C-1 neck-through with USA electronics (paid $700 new on sale). He said it was "the best guitar he's ever played", but would never own one because it didn't say Gibson on the headstock. To each their own... I prefer the best guitar I've ever played regardless of the logo.
Very cool comparison. I can’t believe I can’t hear much of a difference between the two. I’ve been loving my firefly 338, but I think now I also need to get the LP
Wow great job comparing the firefly & gibson studio. This is the first time I've seen you on you tube and im amazed. Especially at your wall of guitars you made ! You did the firefly justice. I'll be waiting for your next video , hope you are well , cancer is not pleasant, best wishes & prayers your way Thanks for your time .
Great review, great playing. The Gibson’s pickups sound a little better on my old iPad. Thanks brother. Subscribed! Also, might take a look at the Rene Caisse story. Blessing’s, love and laughter. ~M
I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Firefly sounded ever so slightly better to my ear. Can't comment on the feel. But if going just by the sound, it's just as good if not better than the Gibson.
🙏 wishing you the very best in your cancer treatments. This review was done very well & I hope to see more videos from you. God bless! By the way I have a Firefly fflg
Best comparison on these guitars. The excellent setup on the FF provided an even playing field. Darn close. FF is not a Gibson, but what a value. I have four. Very knowledgeable expert!
I haven't been here for a while. Dude, cancer? This is news to me as of today. As far as the speech impediment goes, if you had not mentioned it, I would not have noticed it. Mine is worse. I will continue to say that your chops and style bring the best out of every axe. I have to keep telling myself that so that I don't rush out and buy another Firefly in hopes of sounding like that. Another really practical and enjoyable review.
Firefly guitars make GREAT "Husks" and are a very good "MOD" platforms at a ridiculous price point. As you noted, the Tuners need to go and so do the PUPS which are to be expected and gives you the freedom to customize it to your own specs. I myself have over 35 FFLPS models; standard neck joint, cutaway neck joint as you noted, even one of their semi hollow LPs that has a Mini in the Neck position and a Humbucker in the Bridge. I have a Black Elite that came with P-90s which were crap and installed a set of Mini HBs. Sounds amazing. I have a few of their Teles, 338s, SGs, etc. Bridges can be suspect and deserve a swap out. The standard PUPS are OK EXCEPT when you go High Gain. I also install a TP-6 Fine Tuning Tailpiece on every one of the Gibson knock offs as well as Locking Tuners. Figure in an additional $350 or less to get it where you want for around $600. All in all these guitars are a bloody STEAL. :)
First, I too am a cancer survivor still getting used to talking with false teeth and I must say you sound fine on mic so no apologies needed. Second, as for Firefly guitars, I now own six. (i have 21 other brands too) Their combined cost would have put me into a PRS or Ibanez and yet I'm fine with Firefly. From solid to hollow body they can sound as good as high end if you don't see the headstock. No, they aren't totally equal but again, for the money I highly recommend trying one. They've come a long way in a short time. Keep going man. You are a survivor so hold your head high.
I really would love to be able to buy a Gibson LP Standard but they are way out of my budget especially since 2020. Maybe some day. I'm in my 60's so I guess I should decide soon. Praying for you and your Battle! I had a major surgery 2 months ago today and my vocal cords are still paralyzed from intibation. Sucks! Also I did build a Strat this year. Turned out nicely for a little over $800 in parts.
I completely agree with you about why you should use a budget guitar, but what about tuning? Does it go out of tune very often, or does it stay in tune?
Nice work! I’m only listening on a tablet but I think in looks and sound the Firefly beats the Gibson’s ass. Obviously I can’t comment on the playability, but you seem to get along with both guitars just fine. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been ill but I’m glad to know you’re still playing and really enjoying it. After left wrist and thumb surgery three years ago I struggled badly and almost lost my desire for playing. I was on the brink of selling my guitars but I took a month off playing and made a fresh start. I’m still struggling a bit but I just got my first nylon string guitar and I’m really excited about it. I hope you are well and I’m really glad to hear that you’re going to be getting a little money from your channel. Hang in there and don’t work too hard if you’re not feeling well from time to time. Good luck and God bless!
Man I’m sorry to hear that you have cancer,I sincerely hope that you get better sooner than later.I had cancer too and I beat it so it’s absolutely horrible that you have it but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.great content man and again your in my family’s prayers.
Same here! Kick cancer straight in the azz!Love this video, great review/comparison.Having trouble finding this model though.🤔 Any suggestions?
@@edwardsstanley772Reliable rumors (from Firefly) say there's a fresh drop coming on 17 January '23 at Guitars Garden, look under FFSP, there'll likely be a bunch of different finishes.
The "Bats" versions and the signature knockoffs are popular with the kids. The P90 gold top goes super quick.
But caveat emptor: it's a lottery, they sell and ship the duds right along with the good ones. If you get a dud be firm (and patient) and demand an exchange.
Fingers crossed they'll drop a batch of the SG/Viper copies!
Take a dog wormer and fast 48 hours a week and no carbs and I mean Zero carbs! your cancer will go within 16 weeks this has been known for 60 years but Big Pharma bury it you can also supplement with Bitter apricot kernels for even faster cure! And yes I have done it! it works
Hello 👋 Rog!
I can't believe that I haven't come across your channel before. That being said...
WOW! First of all, please let me tell you a little bit about myself. I've been a PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN and PROFESSIONAL AUDIO ENGINEER in Las Vegas for 40 years. I was in an all original Rock-N-Roll band from the early 80's through about 2003 and then an audio engineer from 2003 through about 2013 and then got really sick and am now on SS Disability making in a month, what I used to make in three days! In the two and a half years that it took my SS Disability to get approved, I had to slowly and PAINFULLY sell my 23 guitars and 9 guns among all of my other things to keep a roof over my head because I didn't plan on suddenly being unable to work. My last two clients were Mariah Carey and Prince...
I was a HUGE GUITAR SNOB! I had two prized Les Pauls from the Custom Shop worth about six grand a piece among my other various Gibson, Fender, BC Rich, Guild, Ibanez, and Martin guitars. Long story short, once I got my SS Disability approved I HAD TO start from scratch. My first purchase and HUGE SURPRISE was a Sqire Tele! So sure, I had to put some TLC and time into it, including purchasing some Fender Original Tele Pickups, but the neck was not only good, but GREAT, and it turned out to be a total player! My next purchase was an Epiphone 335 and again, I was pleasantly surprised! All I did was a proper setup! Now I have nine guitars including a FireFly LP and a couple of Washburn Acoustics and I'll tell ya what, I'm happy as a pig in slop!
Second, DUDE. ROG! I can't express how very impressed I am with both your courage and tenacity. WHAT SPEECH IMPEDIMENT? Man, I lost a bunch of teeth because of the pain meds that I was on for years and I sound way worse than you my friend! LOL! Look man, KEEP THE FAITH AND KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT MAN! I'll put you in my prayers 🙏.
PRAYERS WORK! I almost died 4 times and I'm still here man...
God bless and take care...
P.S. new sub here bro!
Finally. A guitar tech that can actually play ,without a ungodly amount of distortion. Bless u my brother.
Best of luck on your battle. Hope everything goes your way. Thanks for taking the time to do this video. It’s nice to see a video of this quality done by a guy that really knows his stuff
I have both a FFLPS elite and a 2015 Gibson studio love both of them each has its own thing
On the Firefly I upgraded the pickups to P-90 type and locking tuners on it
It’s a great instrument for the money I have into it it plays and sounds great. It’s a little heavy around 9 pounds and looks more extravagant than my studio.
Hang tough with the Cancer Man. I went through chemo and radiation last year, and I am coming around, in the gym now, trying to put weight back on. You are a very good guitarist, and know yer stuff. I have just about sold all my expensive guitars, at a loss, and went cheap guitars and added pickups, keys and am happy, no regrets. I was recently at an open mike with my Harley Benton, and some guy was ranting about my cheap, crappy guitar. he had a very nice American Strat. and I smoked him. It comes down to the player's skill and ability. My recent project is a pink Fesley, not much to add. I will be subscribing and checking in on your recovery process. Just read Daniel's comment below, and agree with the light at the end of the tunnel, hopefully never to return.
What a dildo, ragging on the price of your guitar, when he can barely play! 😂
It is NOT how much you PAY, it is how much you PLAY! 😊
In our prayers. Thank you for your demo and time.
I have a firefly classic and elite models, I giged with classic several times. I've had no issues. Played through tube,solid state and didgital modeling amps and it delivered. No set up, just changed strings. Kind of scary for these high end models but my pockets love it. Going to buy more 😅
Good review, awesome playing, great conversation about this budget friendly guitar. I bought a firefly 335 style for my 82 year old dad and he just loves it.
Prayers for recovery! G-d bless! Great video and great chops!
One thing guitar reviewers rarely do us crank up the amp and see how much feedback a guitar gives. Also its good to see if a guitar maintains its setup. Those are the biggest problems cheap guitars have and it would be awesome to see the results in every video.
Is is it
This was an amazing review! Thank you for being so thorough!
The jazz chords that you were comping on the FF sounded warmer and juicer than the Gibson, which had a brighter top end.
The FF is also more of a looker for 1/10 of what the Gibson goes for.
Plus, for a budget guitar, the FF has stainless steel frets, and the Gibby has nickel frets at it's price point?
For a gigging guitar, the only added cost of new tuners at some point, and a good setup, makes the FF a better value, in my humble opinion.
Great work! Firefly is doing some great things for guitarists! I have a Firefly "338" and a Gibson 338. Difference? You bet! $4,000 difference? Nope.
I'm no longer touring or gigging, (73 and sitting at home, playing with myself. 😮), but I love all my babies, regardless of their parentage. 😂
Except you forgot about little things like sound quality playability and of corse just resale value. Gibsons will keep going up in value while your firefly has little to no resale value what so ever. Little things like hi and low frets the fact that the nuts on these el cheapo guitars are not cut correctly making the guitars tuning very unstable. You really can not even compare a Gibson guitar to a firefly thats kinda like comparing 24 carrot gold to a piece of copper.
Except they did just compare the two! They are both guitars, and he compared them against one another. One guitar cost a lot of money, and the other one doesn't cost a lot of money. So in fact they are comparable. That's the whole point of the video. @@DanielNullmeyer-b9t
Check out a Cort G series. Amazing guitars.
I hope you feel better. I’m sorry you have cancer you play really well and thank you for being on RUclips and may the Lord be with you.
Sorry to hear about Your cancer i'm also recovering cancer patient so much love there, Your video was well done and I appreciate the time you took in the methodology that you used very helpful.For giving stats and then giving a play by play so that we could compare the sound. I myself currently own 5 Firefly guitars so you could say that i'm a fan. I definitely want to have a Gibson guitar at some point for the reasons you mentioned . I believe that Gibsons have a unique tone and look forward to be able to play one. I look forward to more videos in the future and wish you the best of luck
I love how practical your approach is. You have to search pretty far and wide to find somebody who acknowledges (not necessarily preaches) some of the very hard-earned and unpopular lessons regarding what is real vs. felt, how there is potentially a place for all levels of craftsmanship, and how opinions vary in a perfectly acceptable way. I'll be digging into your library!
I love my Firefly 338 and check the guitarsgarden website pretty regularly. The only thing that makes me hesitate is that I just wonder exactly how they're able to make those things so affordably. I really hope it's by avoiding gauging and selling direct in bulk, and that it's nothing to do with unfair labor/compensation practices. Either way, that's another, different video.
You did a great job here, doing an unbiased and thorough review. Awesome work!
They use CNC routers. One person can produce a dozen bodies in one day by themself in a matter of hours without even getting a splinter. A body blank at stewmac is $149 and a neck is $75. That's the upper end. You can go to Lowe's or Home Depot and probably save some money on the body. If you have the equipment you can make a $5,000 Gibson for $200. Just buy the same wood and electronics.
I'm looking into getting one for my workshop so I can make my own.
I'm 2 minutes in and I like this guy. Let's get him to 10000 subscribers
Same. I'm in!
Great comparison video. To me the Gibson sounded a bit warmer, but I can't say that I preferred it in every scenario. It's hard to believe how good of a guitar you can get for the price of a pair of running shoes these days.
I mean, its a copy. I can't respect a copycat though. Not when it's a blatant rip off.
@@realtruenorth really? it is a good guitar in its own right gibson quality control is not good so why pay dollars more for a product that is no way worth it???
@@knoxyish you make it sound like those are the only 2 options. , I don't respect or desire to support China for many reasons. Many options.
@@knoxyish you cant argue with people like this. its not about the guitar its about names
I own a firefly and an iyv they don't feel as good to me, sound decent after work and parts though. Wouldn't pick one over a higher priced instrument but good starting or noodleing guitar if you can get them setup and playing correctly. Though if your paying someone to do the work it doubles the cost or more and then there may be better alternatives, ie a setup well playing used guitar that originally cost 3-500. I have picked up guitars that were $1000 new for 3-400 which required less work.
Nice comparisons. I like the tone on the FireFly better. I have The FF338 and the only thing it needs is a better bridge.
Stay strong brother!
Dude, I am very sorry to hear about your cancer. We’re all going to pray very hard for you my friend and keep up the great videos and that course were subscribed. God bless you my friend. God bless you.
First time for everything (1st time viewer) and I'm two-minutes in and had to drop you a line. I really enjoyed your licks in these first minutes and now just heard you say you were fighting cancer. Like many, I too, have had my bouts. Skin, colon and liver cancer. But I'm good. Remember Brother, don't admit or confess aloud that you have it. Do not speak "Life" into it. I've been blessed. It hasn't returned in the last three years. I leave you with what my surgeon told me. "What the Mind can believe...the Body can achieve." God bless ya. Now back to your video.
Great video, fantastic playing, even better monologue. You have the right attitude and I wish you the very best! Thanks so much for this info, I might just pick one of the FFLPs.
Good man...I appreciate you..short story for you...on returning from wally world I told my wife, older people don't hold hands while they stroll around shopping..she said..'yea, Russell, especially if they dont know you..' I m 76 and praying for you!
Great to seeing you my friend, enjoy your reviews, especially your music and your honest opinion,I can see and feel the love you have for gear/guitar stuff,God bless you, my friend and your family have a good one.
So glad I ran across this video. Intelligent, thoughtful conversation and lovely playing (also intelligent and thoughtful)! Thank you! Your health is in my thoughts. Be well, friend!
Just saw this. I really appreciated the thorough review. I’m in my mid 60s and can’t justify a high end model, especially since I’ve been a drummer since I was 12. Thank you again. Praying for your health. Subscribed
I've got to say I thought y'all were just "drinking the Kool Aid" on the Firefly guitars but recently picked up a thinline tele style used at a local store. The store had a Nashville-style tele that needed some fret work to make it right so I chose the tobacco burst. It plays very well for the price-point and needs minimal personalization. Thank you for the very detailed review.
Great review. I have an FF338 and being an extreme novice, it is perfect for me. I only found the fret edges to be a bit sharp but that went away with play. I hope you make a full recovery.
I have no idea how I never saw this video before. I can honestly say I believe this is the first time I was able to hear a difference between guitars. The Firefly does sound good I'm not taking anything away from that. The Les Paul just sounded more crisp and clean.
Thank you for this demonstration. I have subscribe to your channel for a good while and I don't know how this one got past me. I do notice that sometimes no matter what type of material is in the videos that some of them do slip by.
Bless you, brother! Keep playing. It'll help heal you. Vibrations will help cure you. Thanks for doing what you do. Best Regards from Deleware! Robert
Great video, but I cant seem to find the Firefly websute to buy one.
Sorry to hear about the cancer--my prayers for your swift recovery. Love the video!
My Wife has had 2 bouts with cancer and so I know what you are up against brother.. I subscribed to your channel and how it helps. I too have a RUclips channel but lost the ambition to upload more than 3 videos. Eventually I’ll get off my ass and continue. God bless you bro.
Since they started having the really nice rounded fret ends on their guitars, my FF flying V is sweeeet! You are a really great player as well!!
Thank you for this video. I bought a FFLPS 2 years ago and I love it. The first thing I did was to have it all checked out, intonation was good, frets and action was also good, for the price you can't beat it.
The last tune that you played both guitars, was that Angel of Mercy ? You gave me goose bumps, thank you.
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your battle, I am going through similar issues and may God Bless You !
Really good comparison, and great playing! Both guitars sound excellent to my ears. I already own way too many guitars, but if I was looking for a Les Paul style guitar I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Firefly like this one. I know it's been the case for quite some time now (and younger players have of course never experienced things any other way), but it still amazes me how much guitar you can get for very little money today. Sure, a Firefly is obviously never going to be at the top of the food chain, but diminishing returns quickly come into play when looking at more established brands. Things sure have come a long way since I bought my first electric guitar (a Westone strat copy) back in 1988. It wasn't terrible by any means, but the same money, especially when adjusted for inflation, will get you a far superior instrument today, and if we compare today's inexpensive amps and amp sims (good sounding, with tons of built in effects) to my first 15 watt solid state Roland amp that didn't even have a reverb.... Things sure have improved a lot since then. 😄
I love it that you start the video playing and switching between the 2 instruments without talking in between!!!
I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Cancer has touched me through too many family members, friends, artists and others whom I love. LIVE Strong! 😊
I appreciate you playing some clean, "jazzy" stuff. I am enrolling in a Jazz Guitar class at my local music school and was contemplating purchasing a semi-hollow body, but this guitar seems to have those tones covered.
Thank you for an excellent review.
Benjamin 🤠
Get well soon. I'm glad someone created this type of video. I have a firefly and for the most part it is absolutely excellent. beautiful paint job.
That was truly one of the best comparison videos I’ve seen today thank you so much for doing that. I wish you well and hope your treatment Goes well.
To date*
Best and most detailed guitar comparison I've seen on the tube. Well done and some excellent guitar playing as well.
Hi Raj, If it was your intention to make an in depth review, I would say, "mission accomplished". Your hard work didn't go unnoticed. Great video...Godspeed
Top quality comparison here bro! Excellent and in depth. Great playing too! Thank you
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! I just got my fflps and am floored with how comfortable it is and how great it sounds.
Really enjoyed your commentary, insights and playing. All the best!
I bought a FFLPS Elite Yellow Bat and it is awesome, I also got an EART LP and love it very much too; they both sound awesome to my untrained ears.
I'll never be able to afford a Les Paul, but I don't care at this point in my senior fixed income life, since it's all for personal fun.
Foremost, I hope you beat that cancer and get well quickly
I really appreciate videos like this, especially with the play demo part. Quality playing, the same playing on both guitars, very well done. Sounded to me, through my tv speakers, there wasn't an ant-hill worth of difference between the two. That might change if it were gained up to today's metal, over saturated, wall-of-noise levels, but I don't play there. Thanks again for the thorough look at the FFLPS.
Great review, super thorough and well performed. You're very comfortable in front of the camera, and it shows 👍Good luck with the health issues, you're a young man and statistically you have a great chance of beating this mother. Prayers to you and your family.
Great insights man. Really like your level approach to explaining why some one might want this guitar vs very expensive one.
Great breakdown! Loved the hard panning and both sound amazing! This was the first video of yours that I have seen and I am a fan now! Looking forward to more great showdowns!
I'm glad algorithm sent you My way. Great playing man. But you said what I was kinda expecting. Everyone that I've noticed that has been honest with no bias says the fireflies are compatible to a 600-1000 Epiphone. I have two firefly guitars a double cut P90 when they first came out and about 3 months ago I bought a Les Paul style Smokey burst. They are amazing instruments I've never been able to play a Gibson but I want one so bad. Until then a 219.00 dollar fflp will suffice.
I think this was my first visit I sure injoyed the video really good demo I've played a 1957 black beauty for 25 years and it got a lot of miles on it. I wish I could find one that feels like and sounds as good. That burst guitar you are playing sounds really good never heard of that company anywho great demo glad I stopped by. Peace out. 2thumbs up .....
Bless you dude for doing this,I'm a big firefly fan, and I have one elite that is a favorite, although I changed the pickups and tuners,they are a solid les paul,I had to pound down a few frets,I go over every new guitar, round over the fretboard, level and crown and recut a bone nut,I'm sorry I passed on this one,I keep waiting for more traditional colors such as this cobra burst,I've trusted your opinion every since I landed a king offset Tele,your video helped me choose it,keep up the good work,take care.
I just ordered my third FFLPS today, an orange bat. I have 2 yellow bats as well. You're absolutely right, pickups and machine heads can be replaced but don't necessarily have to be, just depends on what you want out of the pickups. I want an explorer type and a V too. I'd also pick up a tele type with two humbuckers and the switch up top.
Thanks for your honest review being a guitarist for about 40 years even knowing that the Gibson is a much more quality guitar there is no way that I could afford it so yeah the firefly seems to be a great option. Hopefully that your battle whit cancer is going well! Wish you the best
You do fantastic reviews. I own 2 Fireflys ,(a gold top LP and a ES 338) I've modded both,(pickups,tuners,roller bridges) and set both up for play ability. They both sound and play pretty dam close to their more expensive counterparts and def do the job.......great copies ! Oh and I'm a bassist by trade.......when the hell will Firefly come out with some decent basses ?
It's funny how nobody mentions the microphonics of the pickups...
I had 1...The pickups needed a wax potting job..
I got a guitar from another bargain offshore brand that seemed as if the truss rod had been tightened a bit when they leveled the frets. As a result, when the neck was dead flat the frets in the mid-section of the fingerboard were a little too low. My point is that you're right that most of these will need some fret work out of the box in order to optimize the setup.
which brand, just curious lol
@@SeedOilFitnessOfficial Harley Benton
Got recommended this video by the algorithm. Not disappointed. You're funny. Hope everything goes well for you, and you keep making a lot of noise.
One of the other reasons to choose the LP over the Firefly.....resale. I've been playing guitar for 58 years and if you're like me you might be in search of the next best thing.....all the time. So being a working musician and sound man I can't come up with the $1500-$2000 if I see something that I can't live without so by owning more expensive models I can sell and buy without too much damage. Not so with the Firefly. Back in the summer I sold a Prs S2 and bought a very nice wine red Studio. Then I went out and bought a G&L Comanche. Both guitars I love to death and bring to my gigs 3-4 times a week. But if I get that itch I can always flip the LP because the name and value are there. Great video, prayers on your treatment.
Obviously a guitar priced ×10 more will have greater resale value.
I have 3 FFLP (Elite) style guitars and I'm keeping them all. I plan on buying more whenever I get a few extra bucks. I believe one day they will be worth much more than when I bought them. At some point Firefly will raise their prices and the older ones will be worth a small fortune! JMHO My firefly's all have the locking tuners and better pick-ups. They also have the stainless-steel frets and bone nuts which are a plus. These upgrades haven't always been the case when Firefly first started. The improvements came about as a result of these videos. "They" are listening which is a great thing folks!
lovely to hear from u mate..!! nice groovy demo
Boy, that was some tasty playing on the bridge pup at the end. Thanks for this, very helpful.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Don't know if your still checking these comments but I SURELY missed your content ! Down since the first Slick Guitar review, didn't know where you'd gone. I assumed it just got too time sucking for too little return and you're a smart guy. I signed into YT I was so excited. Praying for your Health man... Don't worry though, you're looking great and you still sound like Bryan the Dog from Family Guy !!!
So sorry to hear about your cancer, I lost my Dad to Acute Myleoid Leukemia. My prayers to you for. Speedy recovery!
Great playing comparison, it’s refreshing to hear clean tones. Distortion is overrated. Thank you.
You know your shit. I watched this video because I have a 2009 LP Studio in white with gold h/w and an ebony board. 490R/498T. I've also owned a couple of Firefly guitars. A first year 338 and a second year thinline Tele. I donated the FFs to a music school. They are actually good guitars after a setup as you mentioned. That FFLPS looks to be a really nice guitar for the money. Really good video.
An alternative approach to a low fret is to replace it with a taller fret, then bring it down to flush with the others. It requires pulling a fret and fashioning another but keeps you from having to bring all the rest down and shortening the life of the frets overall.
Sounds/looks like a nice guitar. Cheap instruments are not the barrier to learning that they were back when I first picked up a guitar. I’ve got a Harley Benton SC that gets more use than my Gibson LP studio. Having said that, my cheap 1977 Greco puts them both to shame!
Keep fighting the good fight against the Big C. It’s a horrible thing that’s hammering my family at the moment.
I did my neck on my Gibson USA Traditional, so much better! But I wouldn't do that on my Standard or Custom, i also do all top wraps on my tail pieces, i love the feel this way!🎸 your a great player and love to hear you play! Good luck with your cancer! I will say a prayer for you!🙏
Congratulations on getting monetized on RUclips 🎉 🍾 Great video really enjoyed watching your channel 👍😎🎸🤘
Sorry about the cancer. We have a ton of advances in treatment so I might suggest to always be flexible about treatment if Drs start to say “nothing we can do”. They did that to me and gave me less than 6 months, took things into our own hands & 2 yrs later feeling really decent with much higher energy/concentration. We went foreign surgical option for tumors in the liver. I read fenbendiazole has been working for other types of cancer. Stay positive it’s a tough journey.
Great video!!👏🎸 Greetings from a fellow musician in Norway!🇳🇴🇺🇸
What a great video! Thanks
Great video- very informative and good comparisons. Been wanting to try a Firefly, but the low fret has me a little concerned. I do not have the tools/ ability to level and polish frets, and to pay someone to do that would negate the value proposition.
Great review. By the way, when my wife was 23, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She went full vegan eating organic vegetables (with an emphasis on Japanese sea vegetables) and she has been living a productive life since then for 31 years.
Speedy recovery sir. Great video.
I like this LP. I do don’t see that one right now, I’ll wait for that one later.
You did a great job on that LP!!!!
But more than anything else get going as best as you can. Bless you
I don’t know how I cam across this video but I’m glad I did. Very nice. Never even head of firefly, but I loved the way it sounded. I preferred it over the Gibson, it has a natural shimmer on the highs that the Gibson doesn’t. Don’t know if it has to do with the pickups or woods, or what , but that guitar sounded lovely, or maybe it was just your playing. 😂
I love your video opening! I have three single cut, sub $500 Gretsches and I love them! I get compliments on the growl of the neck pick up on one. I get compliments on the chimey tone of the bridge humbucker. If you have the money, spend it. If funds are limited, there are so many great options at a great, affordable price.
Just bought my first FireFly t-style. I’m amazed how great it is!! Fenders lucky they have brand recognition!!
Nice video. Nice overview. Best wishes on your battle against cancer, man. So sad to read that. Hope you get better soon and continue delighting us qith these type of videos.
Great review & insight 👍👍
One other thing people need to remember now days about made in America is, sadly China is buying a lot of these American companies. I think the biggest thing to remember is get something you like and enjoy it 'cause you never know what tomorrow may bring...
Keep up the fight! Fantastic review and playing! I'm going on my sixth FF, a couple of them took a lot of work and a couple were great out of the box but I took it upon myself to mod the hell out of all of them. My Spalted 338 and my FFJA are my favorites.
Best Firefly review (maybe the best guitar review period). All good information and really good playing too. I want to know data about the instrument, not just opinions and you provide really good data.
I like your take on "good guitar vs. expensive guitar". I once had the guitar player from a very well known band try my Korean-made Schecter C-1 neck-through with USA electronics (paid $700 new on sale). He said it was "the best guitar he's ever played", but would never own one because it didn't say Gibson on the headstock. To each their own... I prefer the best guitar I've ever played regardless of the logo.
Very cool comparison. I can’t believe I can’t hear much of a difference between the two. I’ve been loving my firefly 338, but I think now I also need to get the LP
On your 338, how are the pick ups? I am wanting one but need to plan for swapping I guess.
I own two, one is fantastic, one is wired out-of phase :) buy it, but expect a possible dud.
Wow great job comparing the firefly & gibson studio. This is the first time I've seen you on you tube and im amazed. Especially at your wall of guitars you made ! You did the firefly justice. I'll be waiting for your next video , hope you are well , cancer is not pleasant, best wishes & prayers your way
Thanks for your time .
Great review, great playing. The Gibson’s pickups sound a little better on my old iPad. Thanks brother. Subscribed! Also, might take a look at the Rene Caisse story. Blessing’s, love and laughter. ~M
I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Firefly sounded ever so slightly better to my ear. Can't comment on the feel. But if going just by the sound, it's just as good if not better than the Gibson.
🙏 wishing you the very best in your cancer treatments. This review was done very well & I hope to see more videos from you. God bless! By the way I have a Firefly fflg
Best comparison on these guitars. The excellent setup on the FF provided an even playing field. Darn close. FF is not a Gibson, but what a value. I have four. Very knowledgeable expert!
I haven't been here for a while. Dude, cancer? This is news to me as of today. As far as the speech impediment goes, if you had not mentioned it, I would not have noticed it. Mine is worse. I will continue to say that your chops and style bring the best out of every axe. I have to keep telling myself that so that I don't rush out and buy another Firefly in hopes of sounding like that. Another really practical and enjoyable review.
Firefly guitars make GREAT "Husks" and are a very good "MOD" platforms at a ridiculous price point. As you noted, the Tuners need to go and so do the PUPS which are to be expected and gives you the freedom to customize it to your own specs. I myself have over 35 FFLPS models; standard neck joint, cutaway neck joint as you noted, even one of their semi hollow LPs that has a Mini in the Neck position and a Humbucker in the Bridge. I have a Black Elite that came with P-90s which were crap and installed a set of Mini HBs. Sounds amazing. I have a few of their Teles, 338s, SGs, etc. Bridges can be suspect and deserve a swap out. The standard PUPS are OK EXCEPT when you go High Gain. I also install a TP-6 Fine Tuning Tailpiece on every one of the Gibson knock offs as well as Locking Tuners. Figure in an additional $350 or less to get it where you want for around $600. All in all these guitars are a bloody STEAL. :)
Hope you are doing well Rog. Still listening to Mingo on the daily!
Got a flamed blue tele copy. GREAT guitar. Very minor work and it's a real player. Just ordered a Mad Cat copy yesterday. Can't wait.👍
First, I too am a cancer survivor still getting used to talking with false teeth and I must say you sound fine on mic so no apologies needed.
Second, as for Firefly guitars, I now own six. (i have 21 other brands too) Their combined cost would have put me into a PRS or Ibanez and yet I'm fine with Firefly. From solid to hollow body they can sound as good as high end if you don't see the headstock. No, they aren't totally equal but again, for the money I highly recommend trying one. They've come a long way in a short time.
Keep going man. You are a survivor so hold your head high.
I really would love to be able to buy a Gibson LP Standard but they are way out of my budget especially since 2020. Maybe some day. I'm in my 60's so I guess I should decide soon. Praying for you and your Battle! I had a major surgery 2 months ago today and my vocal cords are still paralyzed from intibation. Sucks! Also I did build a Strat this year. Turned out nicely for a little over $800 in parts.
I completely agree with you about why you should use a budget guitar, but what about tuning? Does it go out of tune very often, or does it stay in tune?
Nice work! I’m only listening on a tablet but I think in looks and sound the Firefly beats the Gibson’s ass. Obviously I can’t comment on the playability, but you seem to get along with both guitars just fine. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been ill but I’m glad to know you’re still playing and really enjoying it. After left wrist and thumb surgery three years ago I struggled badly and almost lost my desire for playing. I was on the brink of selling my guitars but I took a month off playing and made a fresh start. I’m still struggling a bit but I just got my first nylon string guitar and I’m really excited about it. I hope you are well and I’m really glad to hear that you’re going to be getting a little money from your channel. Hang in there and don’t work too hard if you’re not feeling well from time to time. Good luck and God bless!