For guitar players constantly on the lookout for a bargain, the promise of a quality instrument at an unbelievably low price is always enticing. Enter the Amazon Firefly Guitar, specifically the Firefly FF338 model, a semi-hollow electric guitar that has been generating buzz in online guitar communities. Priced around $150, this guitar begs the question: can something this affordable actually be any good? After spending considerable time with the Firefly FF338, we delve into a thorough review to determine if this budget-friendly axe lives up to the hype and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Playability and Comfort
When evaluating any guitar, playability reigns supreme, especially for set-neck instruments like the FF338. Fortunately, the neck profile on this Firefly guitar is a standout feature. It strikes a comfortable balance – not overly thick nor excessively thin, landing squarely in that sweet spot that suits a wide range of players. Many guitars in this price bracket often suffer from a “cheap” feel in the neck, an intangible quality but immediately recognizable to experienced hands. The FF338 defies this expectation. The neck is surprisingly smooth and imparts a sense of solidity that is reassuring. Out of the box, a minor truss rod adjustment was needed to introduce a touch of relief, a common practice even on guitars at much higher price points. The truss rod itself functioned flawlessly, and a welcome inclusion was the provided allen key – a small but appreciated detail, as the correct size always seems to be elusive when needed.
Value-Added Extras
Beyond the guitar itself, Firefly sweetens the deal with some included accessories. A 10ft instrument cable, the aforementioned truss rod allen key, and a small bag of guitar picks are included in the package. The cable, while functional for home practice, might not be the most robust for demanding gigging environments, based on feedback from other Firefly owners. Serious players will likely stick to their preferred, higher-grade cables for performance. Similarly, guitar pick preference is highly personal, and while the included picks are a nice gesture for beginners or as backups, seasoned players will likely have their own go-to choices. These “freebies” add a touch of extra value, particularly for those just starting out or looking to assemble a basic setup without additional immediate costs.
Speedy Amazon Delivery
A significant advantage of purchasing a Firefly guitar is its availability through Amazon.com. Amazon’s efficient logistics network translates to remarkably fast delivery across the continental U.S. In this instance, ordering in the morning resulted in next-day, free delivery. This speed and convenience are a considerable plus, especially when compared to potential delays and shipping costs associated with buying used guitars from platforms like eBay. However, this perk is specific to new purchases directly from Amazon, and wouldn’t apply to second-hand acquisitions.
Areas for Improvement
While the Firefly FF338 offers incredible value, certain aspects reflect its budget-friendly nature and warrant attention.
Fretwork Finish
The fretwork on the FF338 is commendable for its price point, but not without minor imperfections. Crucially, there are no dead frets, indicating proper leveling and crowning. Sharp fret ends, a common ailment in budget guitars, are also absent. Note bending and vibrato are executed cleanly without unwanted fret-out. However, the frets lack a final, high-gloss polish. This results in a slight drag and audible friction when bending strings, a sensation that can be easily remedied with a bit of fine steel wool (.0000 grade). This minor finishing touch would elevate the playing experience significantly.
Stock Pickups Sound
Typically, budget guitars are prime candidates for immediate pickup upgrades. However, the stock pickups in the FF338 are surprisingly usable. They deliver a mellow tone profile, characteristic of semi-hollow guitars of this style. The humbuckers lean towards a medium output range. However, a crucial point emerged when playing at higher volumes: the pickups are microphonic. This means they are prone to feedback at gig volumes, especially with higher gain settings. While manageable for lower volume playing or through headphones, this microphonic tendency might necessitate pickup replacement for louder stage performances or high-gain genres.
Cosmetic Finish
The finish quality is in line with expectations for a guitar in this price range. It’s not flawless, but any imperfections are minor and forgivable considering the cost. The gold sparkle finish, in particular, looks striking under stage lights and has garnered positive comments on its visual appeal. Minor flaws, such as a small scratch on the body and slightly uneven binding in the F-holes, were present but require close inspection to notice. Overall, the finish is commendable for the price, though it wouldn’t meet the stringent quality control standards of high-end guitars.
Necessary Upgrades
Certain components of the Firefly FF338 fall short and necessitate upgrades for optimal performance, particularly for gigging musicians.
Tuners
The stock tuners are arguably the weakest link. They exhibit significant “jumpiness,” where turning the tuning peg initially produces no change in pitch, followed by a sudden, erratic jump. This makes precise tuning a frustrating endeavor. Immediate tuner replacement is highly recommended. A drop-in replacement like Wilkinson tuners is a cost-effective and straightforward upgrade. These tuners maintain vintage aesthetics, are reasonably priced, require no modifications to the guitar, and provide a substantial improvement in tuning stability and accuracy.
Bridge
The bridge is functional for setting intonation and string height, but it exhibits a noticeable rattle when played unplugged. While this rattle hasn’t been observed to translate through the pickups, it is audible during quiet practice. While not a critical flaw, bridge replacement could be considered for players seeking maximum sonic purity and eliminating any potential vibration issues.
Nut
The nut presents a more significant issue. Four out of the six nut slots were cut too high. High nut slots negatively impact intonation in the lower frets (first 3-5 frets), causing open chords and chords played in this region to sound noticeably out of tune. Even barre chords played in lower positions can exhibit sharpness. Correcting this requires filing down the nut slots to the proper depth. This is a manageable DIY task with specialized nut files and some patience, or it can be addressed by a guitar technician. After adjustment and lubrication with graphite, the nut performs as intended.
Final Verdict: The Budget Guitarist’s Gateway to Great Tone
For a street price hovering around $150, the Firefly FF338 guitar represents an exceptional value proposition. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that it requires some initial setup and upgrades to reach its full potential, especially for performance settings. If you are comfortable performing basic guitar maintenance and upgrades yourself, or willing to invest a bit more to have a tech handle these tasks, the FF338 transforms into a surprisingly capable instrument. The cost of upgrades, particularly tuners and potentially pickups, could bring the total investment closer to the $300 mark if professionally done. Even with these upgrades, the final package remains remarkably affordable for a semi-hollow guitar with such comfortable playability and pleasing aesthetics.
The Firefly FF338 is ideally suited for budget-conscious players, beginners willing to learn basic guitar maintenance, or experienced players seeking a modifiable platform for experimentation without a hefty initial investment. It’s a testament to how far budget guitar manufacturing has come, delivering an instrument that, with a little TLC, can punch well above its weight class. If you’re seeking an amazon firefly guitar, the FF338 deserves serious consideration as a gateway to great tone without breaking the bank.
