$159 Firefly Guitar - How Can They Make A Guitar For That Price?

Keith takes a deep dive into the world of guitar manufacturing trying to figure out how a company can make a guitar like the Firefly FF-338 for just $159. At the time of recording this guitar was available on Amazon for that price. He does a full take apart of the FF-338, "Ebonizes" the fretboard, wax pots the pick ups and compares the Firefly's construction to two other guitars, An Epiphone ES-339 and a 1970 Aria 5102T.
Is it possible to make a guitar worth buying for $159? Let's find out.

TIME STAMPS:
Intro - 0:00
Stock Demo - 2:59
Microphonic Pickups - 4:13
Overview - 5:52
"Ebonizing" the Fretboard - 8:50
Wax Potting Pickups - 9:19
Construction Methods of 3 Different Guitars - 12:28
"How Do They Do It" Discussion - 14:00

LINKS:
Ebonizing A Pale Fretboard -

Taming The Beast - Wax Potting Pickups-

Keith Leedham is an independent recording artists/studio owner/tinkerer.

He owns "The Tape Farm" a recording studio that specializes in transferring "pro-sumer" analog tape formats from manufactures like Tascam and Fostex.

As an independent recording artists Keith has released singles, EPs and full length albums. With styles ranging from Progressive Rock to Country to Singer/Songwriter to Hard Rock to what ever the song dictates.

He also tinkers with various audio equipment such as tape machines, guitars and guitar amps. When he comes across something interesting he posts the progress/results on YouTube.

[dennismullin]

What an absolutely GREAT video you made! Thank you! Well done, Brother!🥁🎸👍

[DodgeDartSongs]

Good breakdown on how they do it so cheaply.

[Tonedefy]

Just got my first FF, and I'm pretty blown away by the quality for the price!

[Ksantipacat]

Thanks as always for your great content!

[jazzdrumguy]

I just bought a Firefly gold top ES338 with upgraded CTS pull/push pots, new humbuckers, locking tuners and a new jack/switch. It looks amazing and sounds even better! Guy spent $300 in parts and I scored it for a steal!

[Icantdrive]

I agree with e everything you said. I bought a ff338 a couple of years ago and learned to work on guitars. I watched your video of the blueberry burst one you had and did the same mods to it, pickups, bridge, tuners. It plays great now. Looks like they haven’t changed a thing in 2 years. Still the same shortcomings but a great platform to mod and learn.

[senseiruss]

Outstanding video, Keith. I learned a lot and, despite your disclaimer, none of this was boring! Thanks for sharing this informative and well-paced and edited look at inexpensive guitars, their production and how to improve the flaws of this kind of guitar!

[Koss]

Really enjoyed how in-depth you have been as well as all the fun you have along the way! Been enjoying my Firefly Aerosonic on the road this month visiting family. Was a bit of trouble to find a case large enough, but once I did she has been stable going from humidity to dry climates with ease.

I'm easy to please, just did a slight adjustment to lower the action, and called it good. Honestly surprised by the pickups!

[VictorKMayfield]

I own a FFLG and I love it.. I will replace the pickups ( I do on most my guitars anyway) and it will need a fine tooth comb setup. But it's GREAT for the money

[fretworkband]

Good review Keith. Some people on the Firefly forums complain about the issues that you pointed out and expect perfection or recompense for an inexpensive guitar. But you get what you pay for in anything and it’s especially true here. And I don’t mean that in a disparaging or snobbish way. I have an older 338, a FFPTH, an FFTH, and the electric acoustic. I knew what I was getting when I ordered them and knew that some would need work and more money. No big deal. I, and others, appreciate your objective look at a good entry guitar that takes mods well.

[alonaparas]

I love it's color and the design. I always wanted to try hollow guitars. Very informative videos!

[Grandpa.Dan]

Like your new format.
FYI you can wax pot those noisy bridges too.
Just be sure to adjust the intonation first.
I have done this and it works well…

[ainahmaerivera]

I love the looks and the matte color it complemens well.

[rodsmolter]

Those pups sound pretty good after being potted.

[RBEmerson]

Wow! A heckuva lot more than just one more "cheap guitar review". Good on ya for the discussion of all the details, and background thinking in coming up with an assessment of this guitar.

[somearchitectTX]

Would love to see more on your 5102T! I have a Lyle hollow body from the same era (Matsumoko make them side-by-side and put different labels on them). Sadly, my Lyle's neck block has collapsed after 50 years and I am trying to figure out how to restore it/shore it up. Before it broke, it was a fantastic guitar.

[RBEmerson]

AFAIK the guitar's no longer listed on Amazon directly or via the Amazon Firefly store/presence.
The train has left the station on this on, but a link to the Amazon page would have helped us impulse buyers. ;)

[ziggylayneable]

You know the bingo containers with the foam tip that old folks use at Catholic Church bingo tournaments?. Buy one of those empty it out and refill it with black Rit clothing dye. It'll make your fingerboard ebony black

[Gene_Cali]

My old Sears Silvertone was a guitar shaped object, hard to play and meh sound. I bought a $80. Harmonia tele to learn how to work on my guitars, and now it's one of my favorites along with a Eart Tele Classic. I just built my first kit guitar and this is another way to have a decent musical instrument at affordable price. Thanks for this video, very informative.

[davidelliott]

Awesome Man! You know your stuff! I've been wanting to buy one. Just can't pull the trigger. Now with this info I think it's worth it. I'm not into these 335's but would like to get a Tele. You have enlightened my mind. Thank You!