Alright, let’s get straight to the point. If you’re on the hunt for a new electric guitar and the name Firefly has popped up, you’re likely wondering: are Firefly Electric Guitars any good? Maybe you’ve seen them online at GuitarsGarden or Amazon, or perhaps you’re browsing used options on Reverb. The burning question is whether investing in a Firefly electric guitar is a smart move. The short answer is yes, Firefly electric guitars can be a great value, but it really depends on what you’re looking for in an instrument.
Having personally bought and thoroughly reviewed two Firefly guitars, I can offer you some hands-on insights. My first Firefly purchase was the highly regarded Firefly FFLPS, a model that echoes the classic Gibson Les Paul. Following that positive experience, I also acquired and assessed the Firefly FFLG, reminiscent of the iconic Gibson SG.
Beyond these two popular models, Firefly offers a range of other electric guitars, which we’ll explore in more detail below.
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The Question of Guitar Clones and Ethical Considerations
Image: Close-up of a Firefly FFLG electric guitar in cherry red finish, showcasing its SG-style double-cutaway body and humbucker pickups, highlighting the affordable alternative to classic guitar designs.
Before diving deeper into the specifics of Firefly electric guitars, it’s important to address the elephant in the room: the concept of guitar clones. There’s a segment of guitar enthusiasts, often labeled as purists, who frown upon guitars that take inspiration from legendary designs like those of Gibson or Fender, especially when they are produced by brands outside of the established giants. This sentiment sometimes extends even to brands like Epiphone and Squier, despite them being officially owned by Gibson and Fender respectively.
However, the reality is that not everyone has the budget for a genuine Gibson or Fender instrument. This is where budget-friendly guitar brands like Firefly, Indio, IVY, Ashthorpe, Harley Benton, Donner, LyxPro, Glarry, and Leo Jaymz play a crucial role. These brands often serve as the gateway to the world of guitar for beginners. For many aspiring musicians, an affordable electric guitar from brands like Firefly represents their first step into learning and playing. And who knows? Many of these beginners will likely go on to purchase more, and often more expensive, instruments as their passion and skill grow.
Personally, I believe that anything that encourages someone to pick up a guitar and start playing is a positive thing. My ethical boundary is drawn at companies that attempt to create direct counterfeits, mimicking logos and branding to deceive buyers into thinking they are purchasing an original, high-end instrument. That kind of practice is clearly unethical and dishonest. However, a well-made Les Paul-style copy like the Firefly FFLPS or an SG-style guitar like the FFLG? I see no issue with that. These are affordable alternatives that make the iconic shapes and sounds accessible to a wider range of players.
Are Firefly Guitars a Good Value for the Money?
Let’s address the core question: are Firefly electric guitars worth your money? If you’re comfortable with owning a guitar manufactured in China that draws heavily on the design of established, classic guitar brands, then my answer is a resounding yes, Firefly guitars offer excellent value.
However, it’s crucial to have realistic expectations, particularly when it comes to quality control. In my experience, Firefly’s quality control is comparable to that of Squier guitars. Both of the Firefly electric guitars I purchased required some adjustments and attention to reach their optimal playability. For instance, my Firefly FFLPS had fret buzz issues due to some high frets, along with a minor finish imperfection and other minor issues that were easily rectified. The Firefly FFLG, on the other hand, needed a truss rod adjustment to correct neck relief and a thorough fret polish to remove oxidation.
It’s worth noting that Firefly thoughtfully includes the necessary truss rod Allen wrench with their guitars, which is a helpful touch for making neck adjustments. However, I understand that if you’re a complete beginner, dealing with these kinds of issues on a brand-new guitar can be daunting, and you might worry about accidentally damaging your new instrument.
Once you overcome the initial setup and potential minor quality control issues, Firefly electric guitars truly shine. In terms of overall quality and performance after setup, I would place them in the $200-$300 price range when compared to more established brands. This makes them incredibly attractive for their price point.
Should You Consider Modifying or Upgrading Your Firefly Electric Guitar?
It’s important to be realistic: while I am genuinely impressed with Firefly guitars for their price, they are undeniably constructed using some of the most affordable components available. The fundamental build of the guitars – the wood, body shape, and neck construction – is solid and provides a good foundation. However, the quality of the hardware (tuners, bridge, etc.) and electronics (pickups, pots, switches) is where cost-saving measures are most evident. This presents a fantastic opportunity for upgrades and modifications.
I not only believe that you should consider modifying your Firefly electric guitar, but I also argue that it’s part of the fun and appeal of buying a budget-friendly instrument. One of the great things about electric guitars is their relative simplicity in terms of construction and repair. Unless you inflict catastrophic damage, like snapping the neck, most aspects of electric guitar repair are quite accessible to learn, even for beginners. The tools you’ll need to perform most basic upgrades and a standard guitar setup can be acquired for around $100, depending on the brands and quality you choose.
Naturally, you’ll need a set of screwdrivers, and if you’re planning on swapping out pickups, a soldering iron is essential. But don’t feel pressured to invest in top-of-the-line tools right away. I personally use this budget-friendly $15 soldering iron. It’s not the most refined tool, but it reliably gets the job done for guitar modifications.
Essential Guitar Setup Tools I Recommend
🪛 FretGuru Ultimate Fret End File (I also highly recommend the FretGuru sanding beam, fret crowning file, and string gauge for comprehensive fretwork)
🏖️ Micromesh fret sanding pads – Essential for achieving a mirror-like shine on your frets after leveling and crowning.
💂 Fret guards – Available in various options; any set will protect your fretboard during fret polishing. I often use blue painter’s tape as a budget-friendly alternative to mask off the fretboard.
There’s a vibrant online community, particularly on platforms like Facebook, dedicated to enthusiasts who love to modify and showcase their budget guitars. Many players invest an additional $200 or even more in upgrading components on a guitar that initially cost them just $200. The result? A guitar with a total investment of around $400 that often rivals the playability and sound quality of instruments costing two or three times as much.
However, if you’re new to guitar playing and simply looking for your first instrument, the idea of modifications might seem premature or intimidating. That’s perfectly fine! I believe you can thoroughly enjoy your Firefly electric guitar even without any immediate upgrades. The option to modify and improve it is always there as your skills and knowledge grow.
Is Buying a Used Firefly Electric Guitar a Better Option?
If you’re hesitant about the potential quality control variability of buying a new Firefly electric guitar, exploring the used market is a smart alternative. Buying a used Firefly guitar comes with its own set of considerations, but it’s often a fantastic way to get a great guitar at a reduced price. Interestingly, used Firefly guitars sometimes sell for prices close to or even slightly higher than their new counterparts online. However, the advantage of buying used is that you might find a guitar that has already been properly set up and possibly even upgraded by the previous owner.
Make sure to check out my article “how to buy a used electric guitar” for valuable tips when purchasing a used instrument. While that guide is primarily focused on in-person used guitar purchases, many of the principles and advice are equally applicable to buying a guitar online.
To illustrate the value of the used guitar market, consider this: I acquired a Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS for just $80 on the used market. After performing a thorough setup, including rounding over and polishing the frets (a level of fretwork rarely found on guitars under $1,000), its playability rivals that of Made in Mexico or even Made in USA Fender Stratocasters. This demonstrates the potential to find incredible deals and quality through used guitar purchases.
Alternatives to Firefly Electric Guitars
If my discussion about potential quality control issues with Firefly has given you pause, I want to offer some excellent alternative brands to consider: Epiphone and Mitchell. I have reviewed several guitars from both brands and have consistently been impressed with their quality control.
Let me reiterate, my intention isn’t to discourage you from considering Firefly. I genuinely believe you’ll likely be happy if you decide to purchase one of their electric guitars. However, Epiphone and Mitchell have shown more consistent quality control in my experience, which might make them preferable options, especially for beginners seeking their first electric guitar and wanting a smoother out-of-the-box experience.
Exploring the Firefly Electric Guitar Model Range
Firefly is known for consistently introducing new models to their lineup. They started with the FFLPS and FFLG, and have continued to expand their offerings since. They even have ventured into acoustic guitars, though I haven’t had the opportunity to test their acoustic line yet, so I cannot offer a recommendation at this time. (Generally, producing high-quality acoustic guitars is more complex than electric guitars).
Here is a list of the current Firefly electric guitar models:
- Firefly FF338 – A semi-hollowbody electric guitar inspired by the Gibson ES-335.
- Firefly FFLPS – Les Paul style electric guitar copy (see our detailed review).
- Firefly FFLG – SG style electric guitar copy (check out our in-depth review).
- Firefly FFSP – A special edition Les Paul style guitar, often with unique finishes or features.
- Firefly FFLX – Explorer style electric guitar copy.
- Firefly FFLV – Flying V style electric guitar copy.
- Firefly FFTL – Telecaster style electric guitar copy.
- Firefly FFST – Stratocaster style electric guitar copy.
- Firefly FFPR – Paul Reed Smith (PRS) style electric guitar copy.
Due to Firefly’s popularity as a budget-friendly guitar brand, certain models can often be out of stock. They also regularly release new models, so the lineup may evolve beyond what is listed here.
Final Verdict on Firefly Electric Guitars
To summarize, the key question is this: are you seeking an affordable electric guitar that captures the essence of a classic, established brand design, and are you willing to accept a degree of variability in quality control? If your answer is yes, then Firefly electric guitars, typically priced around $200 or less, could be an excellent choice for you.
I’ve personally had positive experiences with the Firefly guitars I’ve purchased, but I also possess the skills and comfort level to perform guitar setups and minor repairs. Ultimately, the best decision depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Do you currently own a Firefly electric guitar? Has this review been helpful in guiding your decision-making process? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!
