BUDGET FRIENDLY Set-Neck FLYING V - Firefly Does It Again!

Firefly guitars continues to roll out new models! In this video we review the new Flying V (FFLV) model. With a mahogany body and set neck, rosewood fret-board and AMAZING fretwork... this thing rocks hard and looks good doing it. At under $300, how can you go wrong? Let's find out.
This is the Blueberry Burst color!
Link to this guitar: guitarsgarden.com/collections...
Gig Bag / Soft Case for this guitar: amzn.to/3pVygPa
Amp used in demo (Fender GTX100): amzn.to/2PaHk4c
New picking techniques instructional program: maxcarlisle.sellfy.store/p/ul...
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Rubric: -5 points for Danzig references. -5 points for not reading the description. -5 points for not watching far enough into the video to answer your own question. -5 points for misquoting me in your comment. 20 points possible. Everyone starts with an A!

[@sinisternemesis1918]

You sold me, I went on their website and just bought the V in the transparent Green color. This is gonna be my son's first guitar, and I'm so proud he gets to have this amazing rig. It's a long way from the ol Johnson Strat I had back when I was a kid! Thanks so much Max!

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Lucky son!

[@calebboyett1684]

So what did you think about the guitar?

[@AustrianReaper]

So how did it do? I always find Vs to be a bit of a risky choice for a first guitar because they aren't as comfortable to play sitting down as your typical double cuts.

[@SilverNova111]

V are the best wish it was my first . They sit so comfortable with the horn between your legs when sitting and you can us it to anchor the guitar when standing plus the look great but that just how I feel about it

[@J2R2H-zi9vj]

Got one of their Pegasus' yesterday and can confirm, the fret ends are done up like Max describes.

[@larsdahl6594]

Well that was fast. The blue model is already sold out! Wonder who's to blame...

[@OnAir21]

Firefly has come a long way. These look outstanding! Thanks for sharing. Now to ponder which color I want.

[@robraaiii]

Don’t ponder for long. Every time I decide on a color, it sold out before I got it in my cart. Still got some beauties. Good luck

[@dbspecials1200]

I think the most fun here would be making a nice case for it. you already have that styrofoam insert from the shipping box for a template. maybe even use a spray adhesive and apply some nice fabric to that as the base, then fit the whole thing into some rectangular case that will accept it. something like that.

[@narayanacooper8571]

I was going to comment to GuitarMax that he could quite easily just put the Styrofoam into a rectangular case to DIY a "form fitting" V case. Or, could make some kind of canvass case/bag similar to a Dean Guitars light weight foam case like they shipped my Chinese Dean from USA to Australia in when I bought my Razorback from the USA Dean Warehouse late 2013 before the Aussie Dean Distro Warehouse came to be. (I'm STILL unsure what exactly is going on with THAT one? The Website is listed as being up for Sale, so maybe they're not doing very well?) With the Aussie Distro, they're markup is too high. Us Aussies are better off to buy direct from USA & pay the International Freight (at least that was the case pre-CoVid). The only downside to shipping from USA is return shipping to & fro in the case of a Warranty Issue... 🤔 My Dean Razorback cost me US$480 + Freight which came out to approx AUD$620. The Aussie Distro Warehouse are asking about AUD$1,000 for the same. Talk 'bout getting ripped off!!!! 😠

[@jk-76]

I was learning to build guitars a couple of years ago and had an idea to make affordable, useful guitars. Then I saw how far guitars have come and how LITTLE you have to spend on a great guitar. The cost of the tools, parts, shop big enough etc would get me 10 of these.

[@robraaiii]

Yeah, hard to beat. I seriously don’t know how the people that make these guitars are able to feed their families. Even with the $100 hike in price on some. I got my 1st Firefly (338) at $129 plus shipping. When it showed up I just kept saying “How the hell can they do this”!

[@garyburginjr1366]

Your comment is absolutely true but if you ever feel like building one from scratch I highly recommend trying it out. It may be costly but in my case I discovered that building guitars is so rewarding and a ton of fun.

[@jk-76]

@@garyburginjr1366 I tried. I am a wood worker and saw a place locally advertising guitar building classes. I spent 80 bucks an hour on a Non functional guitar I built from scratch. The guy was learning as he taught and had stupid ideas. I spent so much money that it turned me off.

[@garyburginjr1366]

@@jk-76 that's a bummer man I'm sorry to hear that

[@jk-76]

@@garyburginjr1366 It was fun until I noticed how narrow the neck was. Then when I mocked it up I noticed how LITTLE wood was left in the body to keep the neck from pulling. They guy burned a couple people. He is still in business teaching music and making guitars. I hope he is a better music teacher than guitar builder.

[@dettlaff9550]

Great video as always Max!

[@johnlach7028]

Thanks again for a great review of the Firefly Flying V. Your review convinced me to take a chance on one. There was a promotional offering of this guitar in a walnut finish for $199.96 and I was able to take advantage of that. Awesome guitar for the price point. I just needed to tweak intonation a bit and now it rocks! I bought a Wolf LP based off your review of that guitar and never regretted it. That is also quality built and great playing guitar. Keep up the great work on your channel as I look forward to future insightful reviews.

[@michaelnugent9758]

Those frets look awesome. NOTHING beats that feel.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you-I’ve not been into metal for more years than... but I still love the Flying V and this guitar leaves me little to no excuse not to indulge. Much appreciation to you and your channel.

[@sentforth5]

Now, hang on...Albert King saw to it that a flying v can be a pure blues machine as well!

[@StavK]

Great review! What better timing, today I received delivery of the transparent blue Firefly FFLV - and I had very similar impressions like your review. The fretwork for the price is outstanding. The pickups are open, not harsh at all. The output jack location is a bit of a bummer, but not a dealbreaker - worth pointing out though for sure. An angled cable is a must. Also, I wish more colors offered the metal V bridge plate - I thought that was a cool feature and that's why I went with the transparent blue. Seems like I wasn't the only one either as it's been sold out while the others are still available. Awesome review again, thanks for the content.

[@lol-eh7yk]

I was hoping firefly would release some flying v guitars, and now here they are. thanks max ! :)

[@Exxits]

Love when theres a clean demo in the vids

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Absolutely stunning! I need one of those.

[@Acoustict]

Thank you for a very cool video. Thumbs up and subscribed. Very thorough. I appreciate that! Have a great one and all the best!

[@brenthammer1254]

Got the same one a couple of months ago! Love it! I own several different brands, and this is by far my favorite one!

[@LewisShieldsUS]

Bookmarking some more links. Flying V Rules! Great show, thanks.

[@1satisfiedmind]

I got an Aerosonic, a Pegasus, and a Cobra Burst FFLP from FF, and they are all excellent, gorgeous guitars.

[@lostreb]

I have to comment on the fret ends...If your suspicion is correct, while that may consume some extra time and effort, but the "End Result" is totally "Worth Any Extra Cost" (as it impacts and is reflected in the final price of the guitar) associated with taking any extra time and making the extra effort. Those look fantastic!!! Very well done on the part of Firefly. I would pay the extra to have frets like that on some of their other offerings. I'm also impressed with the balance. Kudos to Firefly for including the pickguard and Mega Kudos for the packaging!!! (Of course, both of the two I would choose are sold out!!! Max should be on commission from Firefly!!! Levity definitely intended!!) Thanks for another Great Video!!! Please keep them coming!!!

[@nathansieg4467]

Been waiting for this video!! Saw these and the Explorers on Firefly's site last week and wanted to see this IRL before pulling the trigger!

[@DisruptedSinner]

Great review - and congrats on the 150k subs, man! :) It was only a few months ago when you hit the 100k mark. Your awesomeness apparently moves quickly! :D

[@JohnnyGuitaristOfficial]

That is a beautiful V, FireFly has been coming up with some solid stuff lately. 🙌🏻🎸

[@2500MSUB]

Thanks for the review I ordered the Smokey colored V this morning, looks like it has nice build quality and I figured I can upgrade the electronics and pups if need be.

[@Joseph-rc1po]

Today is my BDay and this is the guitar I ordered for myself, very excited especially after your review…feel like it’s absolutely worth the leap of faith…never having owned this style guitar!

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Happy birthday! Enjoy it!

[@paulyguitary7651]

They actually have quite the selection these days, including acoustics. Pretty crazy how far they’ve come.

[@zappa099]

HEY MAX !!! nice to see ya again, i wish i can get a FIREFLY guitar buy evertime i looks to it that was sold out !!!!

[@garydmercer]

Just got the firefly 338 yesterday. I'm shocked at the quality. WOW. It is so nice. Best value I've seen.

As a 59 V nut, I like that it has a 59 vibe - horns, knobs and even a 59-ish pickguard (don't bother) - even with the obvious 67 shoulders and stop tailbar. The finish is nice, and it sounds good, too.

[@DocArthurTX]

Frets are Stainless. Nut is cow bone. Tuners are Jin-Ho. Fretboard radius appears to be 15" (could be 16") Headstock angle is 14 degrees. Also, there is a volute on the back of the neck to support the headstock joint.

[@JeffBisCamp]

Another Great Video !! Keep On Rock'n Brotherman !! 😎🤘🌴☀️🎸🔥

[@leightnite3056]

Definitely seems like they're steppin' it on up, nice! The pickguard makes that look way more Metal btw.

[@joehahn8817]

That's friggin' cool man...dig them frets!!! I bought an Epiphone Prophecy Flying -V that felt like I was petting a chainsaw when I played it the frets were so damned bad. I would NOT recommend one to my worst enemy. I've been wanting to get another one that I could mod to my own likings. I think this Firefly might be the one!!! Great demo, thanks for the info man!!!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Wow! That intro with that guitar was smoking. Vees are my favorite body style. Great video.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks!

[@AbigailAquino-kv6dz]

Cool guitar we got one of the telecaster baritones and digging it quit a bit thinking about restricting with.even heavier gaudge.keep the video coming we enjoy them.

[@WalkenDead]

So I'm back to give a mini review on the E Type I got, wanted to spend a little time with it before I did this and I ended up getting the guitar on Dec. 24th. Overall I'm very happy with it, and you are 100% correct on the fretts. Tuners feel good, Grover style but are smooth and seem to hold well. The nut is cut very well, no pinging. The neck, while a little thicker than I was expecting feels good. The frettboard itself feels good, a little dry but nothing some conditioning won't solve. There were a couple of finish blemishes on the one I got, a ding on the back of the body that looks like it may have happened after paint but before the clear was applied and a very tiny spot out in front of the 3 way switch that looks like it may have been covered with a sharpie or something before the clear went on. On both of those you can see them but not feel them. It weighs in at 7lbs 11oz. As to electronics, it's about what you'd expect from a $239 guitar. The switch and output jack feel good, the pots are a little tight, which can be a good or bad thing depending what you like. The pickups are a bit microphonic, not terrible, but they sound a bit thin to me too. So as for me, all I'm going to do is figure out a pickup swap and really leave everything else as is, it's really the only thing I think this guitar needs. Again, I'm happy with it, no unfortunate surprises and for that price point I really don't know if your gonna beat it for these body styles especially.

[@ernieb3626]

great job Max

[@JohnnyFoxShow]

I got the same guitar from Ebay today. My god it is pretty. Built really well with no issues at all out of the box. Even almost in tune, but I was expecting a lot less... this thing is incredible regardless of price. It's BEAUTIFUL.

[@Earthshaker1965]

Absolutely beautiful ❤️ I love that blue burst!!!

[@christopherhorton4634]

This is a crazy deal. I've been checking out their guitars. I don't know how I feel about that input jack, though. But I kinda love it. I have some EMG pickups that would love a new home!

[@bearculb7717]

I tried a right angle jack and I dont even notice it. Reall not an issue.

[@Torsee]

Wow! FireFly is on its game! May have to add it!

[@maxammo6282]

Yeah I like the color of that, nice guitar I'm digging the workmanship on the fretboard.

[@CrushingAxes]

Dude I've been thinking about building a flying V for a long time. This guitar looks awesome! Dude this solo on the intro was really great!

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks man!

[@epasternak4206]

I appreciate this video because I am a V fan, thank you.

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

To seat frets like that (really with any binding) you have to clip the tang and yes it is pre-finished and rounded to avoid messing with the binding after it is done.

[@MrDalegray]

The selector switch is in a really weird place. I bought the Gold Burst Explorer and it is pretty nice. It does have neck dive and the bridge rattles pretty bad and I dont think it is grounded correctly. I am still pretty happy with it though I'll put a new bridge on it and it will be a pretty nice guitar. Also it is pretty light. The finish is nice and as you stated with the V, the neck is really nice. I also got a Gray Burst LP Elite and it is a Very nice guitar. Frets are the same as the Explorer and it really plays and feels a lot like my Epiphone Black Beauty. The only thing I done with the LP is put strap locks on it It's a wonderful guitar. Firefly is really making some nice guitar's and seem to be improving with every new model.

[@keithsmith9889]

Really can't get past how good looking it is. Nice wood grain and a fantastic color on a really cool body...

[@pigxstix]

Bet money that flame top is a photo or veneer at best. No way thats a real AAA+ flame maple cap at that price.

[@keithsmith9889]

@@pigxstix who cares. It looks great

[@flamedmahoganytable9749]

@@pigxstix its probably a veneer, although mine does dance and change more than I expected depending on the lighting.

[@calbrockocat8728]

Beauty of a guitar with the output jack flaw, which is kind of major. The 3 way switch is where the jack should go, and the switch moved in toward the knobs a bit.

[@shawndouglass2939]

I'm really digging it Max, got an Harley Benton guitar, haven't ventured up on a firefly yet, maybe this will be the one, it's very nice, I love the finish, and even think the pick-gaurd looks pretty cool on there😃

[@destianpatrianagara1119]

Clear pickguard would look stunning

[@robraaiii]

I bought the light blue Flying V string thru, AND the pink explorer, as soon as firefly released them. They were delivered yesterday. Well packaged, both. They are both absolutely beautiful. I was a little hesitant about the mark up in price, and felt a little buyer’s remorse as I awaited delivery. That all IMMEDIATELY went out the window when I got these babies in hand. Goodness are they GEMS! I highly recommend. I now own; FF338 = 335 FFLG = SG FFLPS = Les Paul FFLX = Explorer FFLV = Flying V FFRE01 Resonator Guitar = Dobro All 2021.

[@HaeloThere]

How does the resonator play?

[@robraaiii]

@@HaeloThere to be completely honest, the Res. was the only one I was slightly disappointed with. This is probably because I’m a COMPLETE newbie guitar player with next to no skill. But I’m into the gear/tech a bit more than actually playing. I know that’s stupid. Anyway, they all came perfectly set up and intonated…. Except for the SG & Dobro. The dobro sounds great with a slide, but the action is VERY high, and it looks a bit challenging to reach the bridge saddle to remove and file down. As it sits right now, if you were trying to play slide mixed with fingers and fretting, the notes bend way out of tune by the time it is fretted. I could attempt to provide pics or video.. I still love it. With a proper setup, I’m sure it will be loads of fun.

[@MrStickman666]

@@robraaiii how was the set up right outta the box? did you have to intonate and lower the strings or was it done?thanks.

[@robraaiii]

@@MrStickman666 The dobro and the LG(SG) both need a set up. The dobro action is VERY high. But the LV, LX, 338, and LP were all set up to perfection. They were tuned down about a step and a half on all 6 strings for shipping it seems, but after a quick tune up, the set up was great.. intonation was SPOT-ON when checked at the 12th. Necks look straight as an arrow to me (I’m no luthier, mind u) but even tho the action was, I think, on the low side…. No buzzing, no dead frets.

[@Michaelgracon]

@@robraaiii Probably cost around $1000.00 too so a lot of guitar for the money!

[@chrishartley7110]

talked me into pulling the trigger on one of those sunburst string thru models on their site. Just what I needed! LOL

[@mickthebandit]

Love your videos Max. Albert King played a Flying V and he was very much a Blues man. I’m not saying the V is not a metal guitar but it’s much more than that 😎🎸

[@terryradford13]

Wow! Those frets are insane for that price range.

[@batmany2k]

Max i just ordered mine in gray smoke i wish they had red burst thanks maxx your awesome

[@mrk4510]

Great Video, Thanks 😊👍

[@ronkean5687]

great looking guitar, love the budget guitars you find. I really like your jam riffs you play I always hear hints of George Lynch in your style. can't wait for the next one.

[@worgothcgd]

I love it ! I love pointy guitars and Flying V guitars !

[@njsteere]

Nice Fireflying V dad joke there Max 🤣 I have this same Blueburst, haven't put it down since it arrived! Superb neck and frets on this thing and I love the pickups.

[@TheJouruus20]

@Guitar Max - I am never satisfied with the stock pickups on these cheaper guitars but I bet if you replaced the stock pups with Seymour Duncans or EMG 81/60 plus change the caps to 500K Orange drops, this guitar would really rock! I changed the pups on my Gibson Les Paul Satin with EMGs and it sounds killer! Plus it is fairly simple to change the pups and caps. Makes for a nice afternoon project.

[@Bionicycle]

Nice, if I wasn't building my own Flying V I would be interested for sure. I had an 85 Carvin V220 that had the output jack in the same location as that V. I had a cable with a 90 degree plug that would snag my pants leg when I played sitting down. Just about every pair of pants I had for 5 years had damage where that cable would snag. BTW Amazon has some pretty good deals on Flying V soft cases, or at least storage bags. Love those flying V's. William C. central Indiana.

[@michaeltittle7111]

Beautiful guitar! Never really liked flying V's but now I think I want one lol

[@TheSunMoon]

Wow.. If only they ship to Singapore..🥲 Great demo, as always!

[@LightWingStudios]

I just got one in Transparent Blue and String Thru. Look at the Binding on the Neck. They cut the fretboard, add the Binding and THEN install the frets! In the last two months I've bought a total of SIX Fireflys. Great MOD platforms. :)

[@Daddy53751]

That an outfit can produce instruments of this quality is mind blowing! Would love to see a video of their factory process.

[@Sandman.68.]

That's a nice looking guitar 👍👍

[@thomasmelnick9140]

Thank you for making this video . .

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

My pleasure!

[@briansimpson8116]

That's a great color scheme.

[@markcatron8996]

I just purchased one of their Les Paul Models, It also has those rounded fret ends. I've been eye balling the Flying V's and The Explorer styles. Also considering the Resonator they recently made available. I've got four Firefly's so far, and play them as often as I do my USA made high end guitars. ie PRS and Fenders.

[@hammeredseb7198]

I just bought a Firefly V, in Candy Cherry Burst based off your review, & thoughts on them. My plan is to strip it out, & fully rebuild it with QUALITY parts & pieces in the end. Seymour Duncan Jupiter 6 pick-ups, 500k pots, Locking Grover tuners, etc etc etc.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Crazy good !

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Very cool!

[@3badthebad]

wow I just bought a Firefly ELP a couple weeks ago and here I thought I didn’t need anything else from this brand 😭

[@metalliholic]

How’s the LP?

[@thebaldshredder]

That's a beauty!

[@hallowemusic]

I just received my Firefly FF338 Salted Maple (green) guitar. The fretwork on it is just as you described! For $190 I just can’t believe how nicely done this guitar is. There’s one very minor QC issue above the top “f” hole. Otherwise, the guitar is near perfect. The QC on my Gibson Les Paul 2021 is far worse! The pickups I’d rate as average but that’s saying something on a guitar at this price-point. This is #12 in my collection and I bought it largely because of the color. However, I suspect that his puppy is going to be played far more that I realized. BTW, to any of your subscribers looking to buy one, I’d recommend changing the strings upon arrival. They are not horrible but there are much better strings available. I prefer Ernie Ball Super Slinky Cobalt and have them on my 10 electric guitars (the other two are a acoustics). Another great video and excellent recommendation!

[@slappyfist63]

I think the best part about watching videos from creators is that I've been watching this guy's videos for two or three years and he's probably got 20% better in that time. Those are some Pretty fast crafty runs he's throwing in there.

[@Diemritz2001]

This one is sold out as soon as you aired this review, LOL. The location of the jack is a no go for me. Thanks a bunch!

[@albertoroberto7705]

I bought an FFLX. I love the guitar, but the frets you described on the V seem a lot smoother than mine. I think it is still a great guitar.

[@thumperboyad1031]

I love this, it will be mine!

[@D.Guitar]

Nice flame Maple vaneer on that

[@mikeemerson7590]

Got the matte black explorer before they sold out, looks really nice. Didn't have a serial number which was odd. Wasn't planning a V purchase but they just posted a grey-burst that is pretty tempting.

[@albertcoburn5674]

Ordered one from Guitars Garden last week, a Grayburst.

[@itsybitsyzombie]

I'm VERY interested in the Explorer shape. The finish on the V is gorgeous though.

[@stiiimes]

True traitor... 🤘

[@auntjenifer7774]

I got the firefly fflx explorer and it's awesome ! I also have a Hamer Flying V cherry burst to compare and the firefly is so much more bass and mids or a monster and not very heavy like the Epiphone and others. The frets are better than Gibson, crazy !

[@DeadShred9]

I haven't used Cables in several years . Got a dual plug wireless system that works great and I can walk outside with zero latency .

[@overthehillcheapgearnoodle9990]

Good morning Max. Thanks for showing us that amazingly beautiful guitar. It looks like Firefly is once again stepping up to the plate and knocking it out of the park. I was wondering if those are stainless steel frets? Fireflies a pretty quick study and I'm wondering if they're seeing what it is doing and replicating them to compete with them? Thanks for another great video have a great day.

[@susanbucket3400]

I go with the Epiphone or Gibson flying V's

[@jeffreyhutchins6527]

Oh man, if my wife says yes..Im gonna get one in Grey Burst or Olive. Thanks Max.

[@COMICSCOFFEEMETAL]

Insane. Just insane.

[@mikecarbone828]

Greetings Max! Nice looking V with some nice features, it would be nice to know how many frets there are and also what they have offered for tuning machines, but I can find out that information on their website. It seems like a decent guitar for the price, and definitely worth looking into. Thank you for posting these videos! Please have an excellent and awesome day! ✨☀️

[@troythompson1621]

Explorers too! And a resonator accoustic

[@louroederer7278]

Literally just got the trans blue V today!

[@darlenemcmillan5802]

She definitely is a beaut mate ❗💯 Very rad❗☢️

[@TheStrykerProject]

Man, if I didn't already have a V (Jackson king V Pro), I would definitely snag one of these!

[@glenkepic3208]

I can dig it ! Pretty freakin insane !! ha, and i thought i got a good deal. Circa '83 Cort Arrow, bought in '96 for $150. Yep, set neck, string thru bridge. Good guitar,,,it's on a stand now after playing it this weekend. Still rotating the herd. yeah, bummer the preamp doesn't work any more after the last battery change and the whole guitar felt 'spongy' at band practice once, commute time after work, left the RR Sr at home (weird, still sounded good). I set it up when i first brought it home and never touched anything ever since. Other wise, i love it, red metallic finish, headstock repair about 20 years ago and all. FireFly is sweet. Looks and sounds great !

[@garyheighway7635]

Pretty sweet guitar 🎸

[@ianskelding2218]

Max, not sure on the spec of the pickups, maybe a Dimarzio super distortion in the bridge position would be a suitable upgrade

[@dustysommers7161]

Awesome guitar 🎸 I think I'll get one rn 👍😎 just checking the website and it's on sale for 219.19

[@RafsGearReviews]

If you're playing live with that thing and are mid solo, by the time you switch from the bridge pick up to the neck one the song is already over because jeez wheez is that pickup selector far away! 🤣🤣🤣. Jk, beautiful guitar, great vid and review as always Max 🤟

[@jspacone]

Weight and balance - something every pilot is concerned with!

[@maryannmoran-smyth3453]

Their called spiracle fret ends and yes they are awesome I put these on all my

[@guitarguts666]

Man you post it and already there is no blue on the website. Dammit that color is sweet!!

[@rdefabri]

Looks great - only wish it had a locking trem!