So, you’re eyeing a Firefly Guitar? Let’s cut to the chase: you want to know if a firefly guitar is actually worth your money. You’re probably seeing the incredibly low prices and wondering if it’s too good to be true. As someone who’s bought and played a couple of these instruments, I can give you the straight answer: Firefly guitars can be good, especially for the price, but it depends on what you’re looking for.
I’ve personally owned and tested two Firefly guitars: the Firefly FFLPS “Gibson Les Paul” style guitar and the Firefly FFLG “Gibson SG” style guitar. These experiences give me a solid basis to guide you through the pros and cons.
Firefly offers a range of models, which we’ll explore further down.
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The Question of Guitar Clones: Are Firefly Guitars Ethical?
Image: Firefly FFLG electric guitar, a budget-friendly SG style copy, showcasing its double-cutaway body and cherry red finish.
Let’s briefly address the elephant in the room: the “clone” issue. There’s a segment of guitar enthusiasts who turn their noses up at anything resembling a classic Gibson or Fender design if it’s not from the original brand. They might even look down on Epiphone or Squier, despite them being owned by Gibson and Fender respectively.
However, the reality is that iconic guitars like Gibsons and Fenders are expensive. Brands like Firefly, along with Indio, IVY, Ashthorpe, Harley Benton, Donner, LyxPro, Glarry, and Leo Jaymz, fill a crucial gap in the market. These budget guitar brands often represent a beginner’s first step into the world of guitar playing! Many players who start with affordable instruments will eventually invest in higher-end gear as their skills and passion grow.
Personally, I believe anything that gets people playing guitar is a positive thing. My line is drawn at companies that create direct counterfeits, attempting to pass off a guitar with a fake Gibson logo as the real deal. That’s unethical and deceptive. But a well-made Les Paul-inspired guitar like the Firefly FFLPS? I see no problem with that. It offers an accessible entry point to a classic design.
Are Firefly Guitars Actually Worth Buying? The Real Talk
Let’s get to the core question: are firefly guitars worth buying? If you’re comfortable with purchasing a guitar manufactured in China that takes inspiration from established brands, then my answer is yes, firefly guitars can be a worthwhile investment, especially considering their price point.
However, it’s crucial to be aware that Firefly’s quality control isn’t always perfect. In my experience, their quality control is comparable to Squier’s. Both Firefly guitars I purchased required some adjustments to reach my preferred playability. My Firefly FFLPS had fret buzz due to some high frets, along with a minor finish imperfection and other easily resolved issues. The Firefly FFLG needed a truss rod adjustment and significant fret polishing to remove oxidation.
The good news is Firefly includes the necessary truss rod Allen wrench, making neck adjustments straightforward. However, I understand that if this is your first guitar, you might be hesitant to perform these tweaks, fearing you might damage your new instrument.
Once you overcome these potential initial quality control hurdles, Firefly guitars are surprisingly good. In terms of value, I’d place them in the $200-300 range when compared to more established brands. You’re getting a lot of guitar for your money.
Unlocking Potential: Modding and Upgrading Your Firefly Guitar
Let’s be clear: while I appreciate Firefly guitars, they are built with the most affordable components available to keep costs down. The fundamental structure of the guitars is solid, but the hardware and electronics are budget-grade. This presents a fantastic opportunity for upgrades and modifications.
I not only believe you can mod your firefly guitar, but I encourage it! It’s part of the enjoyment of owning an affordable instrument. Electric guitars are surprisingly robust. Unless you physically break the neck, most guitar repairs and upgrades are relatively simple to learn. The tools needed for basic upgrades and setups will cost around $100, depending on what you invest in.
You’ll definitely need a set of screwdrivers, and for pickup swaps, a soldering iron. But you don’t need top-of-the-line tools. I use a basic $15 soldering iron that works perfectly fine for guitar modifications.
Essential Guitar Setup Tools I Recommend
🪛 FretGuru Ultimate Fret End File (I also use FretGuru sanding beam, fret crowning file, and string gauge for comprehensive fretwork)🏖️ Micromesh fret sanding pads – For achieving a mirror-like shine on your frets after leveling and crowning.💂 Fret guards – Many options available; painter’s tape also works effectively to protect the fretboard during fret polishing.
Online communities and Facebook groups are full of guitarists showcasing and modding their budget guitars. Some players invest $200 in the guitar itself and then another $200 or more in upgraded parts. The result? A guitar with a total investment of $400 that can rival the playability and sound of guitars costing two or three times as much.
However, if you’re completely new to guitar and just looking for your first instrument, modding might seem daunting. That’s perfectly okay! You can still enjoy your firefly guitar in its stock form. Modding is something you can explore later as you become more comfortable with guitar maintenance and customization.
Considering a Used Firefly Guitar? Weighing the Pros and Cons
If the potential quality control of a new firefly guitar makes you hesitant, buying a used Firefly guitar is another option. While it also comes with its own set of risks, purchasing used guitars is often a smart way to get a better instrument for less money. Interestingly, used Firefly guitars sometimes sell for slightly more online than new ones. However, the advantage is you might find one that has already been set up and adjusted by the previous owner.
Make sure to check out my article “how to buy a used electric guitar” for detailed tips. While it focuses on in-person used guitar purchases, the advice is still valuable for online buying.
Used guitar deals can be incredible. For example, I picked up this Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS for just $80. After a proper setup, including fretwork that is rare even on guitars under $1,000, its playability is comparable to a Made in Mexico or even USA Fender Stratocaster.
Alternatives to Firefly Guitars: Exploring Other Budget Brands
If my discussion of quality control has steered you away from Firefly, I recommend considering Epiphone or Mitchell guitars. I’ve reviewed models from both brands and have generally found their quality control to be more consistent right out of the box:
It’s important to reiterate, my intention isn’t to discourage you from firefly guitars. I believe you’ll likely be satisfied if you choose to buy one. However, Epiphone and Mitchell guitars might be better choices if you’re a beginner seeking a first guitar with fewer potential setup needs.
A Look at the Firefly Guitar Model Lineup
Firefly frequently introduces new models. They started with the FFLPS and FFLG and have expanded significantly since then. They even offer an acoustic guitar line now, although I haven’t tested these and can’t offer a recommendation on them. (Acoustic guitars are generally more challenging to manufacture well than electric guitars.)
- Firefly FF338 – A budget-friendly take on the Gibson ES-335 semi-hollowbody design.
- Firefly FFLPS – The Les Paul-inspired model that started it all (our review).
- Firefly FFLG – The SG-style counterpart to the FFLPS (our review).
- Firefly FFSP – A Les Paul style guitar, often a special edition with unique finishes.
- Firefly FFLX – Based on the iconic Gibson Explorer body shape.
- Firefly FFLV – Their rendition of the Gibson Flying V, known for its radical design.
- Firefly FFTL – A Telecaster-style guitar, offering classic single-coil tones.
- Firefly FFST – The Stratocaster-inspired model, a versatile option for various genres.
- Firefly FFPR – Inspired by Paul Reed Smith guitars, blending Les Paul and Strat features.
Due to Firefly’s popularity as a budget-friendly guitar brand, certain models are often out of stock. They also regularly release new models, so this list may not always be completely up-to-date.
Final Verdict: Are Firefly Guitars Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision comes down to this: are you searching for a guitar that captures the essence of established, classic designs without breaking the bank? And are you willing to accept a degree of variability in quality control? If you answer yes, then these incredibly affordable firefly guitars, often priced around $200 or even less, could be an excellent choice for you.
I’ve personally been pleased with the Firefly guitars I’ve purchased. My experience in guitar setup and repair makes it easy for me to address any minor issues. Whatever path you choose, I’m interested to hear your thoughts.
Do you currently own a firefly guitar? Has this article helped you in your decision-making process? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
