Get THIS GUITAR While You Can (Firefly Baritone Guitar Review)

Firefly Guitars has blown my mind once again, by releasing a baritone guitar, with a 30 inch scale length... for $170! Crazy! This is the most affordable baritone guitar you can get, and it rocks! With B standard tuning, you can play 7 string riffs on a 6 string guitar. The awesome rounded ball end frets make it easy to play and the tone is monstrous.
Guitar here: guitarsgarden.com/collections...
Amp used in demo (Fender GTX100): amzn.to/3eI8MCG
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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!

[@markymarkthemag]

This is perfect, been keeping my eyes open for a budget baritone with a 30” scale length for a little while now, less than $200 shipped to my door is music to my ears

[@larryduke5236]

Thanks, Max, as a bassist that moved to baritone the 30" scale was a great fit and the same scale length as a Hofner bass. I can see where some guitarists might consider a 27" scale length but I wouldn't trade the excellent low-end tone articulation for a 3" shorter scale length personally. I love my bari !!!

[@superduperj1202]

Thank you Max for keeping us in the loop on these wonderful deals!

[@sjsuismylife]

I was like.... $170, not bad. Then, SS frets? Let me check it out. Website hugged to death. DAMN YOU 'GREAT VALUE' DANZIG!!!

[@jimberjamber8540]

There's a minor issue with the reverse headstock. When you're going to get more strings, you gotta make sure the taper is long enough to reach the low B tuner. Stringjoy and Ernie Ball baritone sets work, but others might not be long enough. I suggest Winspear for strings. They specialize in baritone stuff and always go the extra mile to make sure you've got what you need.

[@Eriktheadikt]

Winspear is too short, and Tom cannot make lo ger at this time, stringjoy and Ernie ball work

[@Eriktheadikt]

It does have a top load option on the strings as well with the stock bridge

[@thisguy2973]

In my experience, the length of lower strings is not typically the issue; the issue tends to be that the high pitch strings aren’t as long.

[@beridus]

kalium makes extra long strings. just ordered some for mine

[@thepirate5955]

You bring such good energy - thank you for your expertise, insight and impressions.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

You are very welcome!

[@coreycann6751]

Are you kidding me right now? Stainless steel ball end frets on $170 fire fly! That’s unreal.

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

Why, did it have to sound so good.😩💕

[@coreycann6751]

@@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger I bet it is already sold out haha I have been trying to get a Firefly for about 5 years and to no avail

[@riffjohnson22]

I’ve said it so many times but not afraid to say it so many more…The Guitar World is not what it once was. Technology and CNC machines have opened a door for manufacturers to produce a product that once was created by hand and tweaked with soul. The last 5 years have flipped the industry. Machines can now make an instrument costing pennies on the dollar. The quality of these guitars are monumental compared to say the 80s, 90s and 2000s. To mention a few you should give a test drive, WOLF(aka AIO) Firefly, IYV, Harley Benton have offered guitars that not only cost less than a big trip to the supermarket, but offer quality you would find in a $500, 800..$1500 guitar. Unfortunately those $1500 and $2500 Gibsons are only but a name, and their hands on quality is no better than these budget axes. Sure go back in time and of course those hand built 50 and 60s Gibsons can’t be beat, but don’t let a brand name take advantage of you these days riding on their name and quality from 50 years ago. The game has changed..enjoy the fruits we have been gifted by these new companies. Try ‘em out and you’ll have a new perspective of what is vs what was.

[@coreycann6751]

@@riffjohnson22 I’ve owned 7 gibsons and 7 Harley Benton’s. The Harley’s don’t come close but are so great for the price that i would rather by a Harley Benton. I currently own a te-62 that I heavily modded and I love it. Also, I switched from fender to Squier due to inflation and the mim fenders being such overpriced garbage. It’s just the name people pay for. I couldn’t agree with everything you just stated anymore than I already do because everything you said is so spot on

[@glenclarkchidley3637]

Makes one realize how the “Name” brand guitar companies have been absolutely ripping off the consumer!

[@steveblack7853]

Totally agree with you brother. Super impressed with firefly plus I just love the look of that guitar and the sounds. Ordered mine yesterday.

[@bluesmonkey4463]

As Always Max ......Awesome !

[@PipeCat1965]

Mine showed up last night and I am blown away. This is the first time I have ever purchased any guitar online that needed nothing out of the box, just a slight neck relief. The intonation, fret leveling/ends/polish/crowning, nut cut/heights, finish... All perfect. Firefly has really upped their game over the past few years. This thing feels so, so, so good in my hands, the tones are sweet, and the sustain is just crazy. Gonna wax-pot the pickups, and I think that will be where I stop messing with it. Can't wait to get this down to the practice room. Note: I ordered a tobacco burst but they sent me a white one - and I was SO happy, because I only ordered the burst because they were out of white ones! Windfall! Max steered me right once again.

[@Haznogunz]

I have a Firefly FF338 and I’m always checking the site to get another one. Seems like this one might be the one. Awesome video!

[@marks9197]

That was a cool intro! And thanks again for the cool gear alerts.

[@horatiodreamt]

Good vid. Thanks for the upload.

[@820hurleyj]

I've been curious about baritone guitars for a while now. This is the first review I've seen on one. And how they're putting that out for $170 is beyond me!

[@ernieb3626]

sounds awsome. I have never considered getting one. I may now lol. thanks Max

[@dmett3828]

Geez, that’s just plain cool sounding.

[@Robertrea-mi2gv]

This will be my 3rd guitar i've purchased because of your reviews! Within 1 min into it... I quickly hit the link and made the purchase. I really trust your opinion and it has yet to let me down. The first two guitars were from AIO. Thank you for your channel!

[@EasyHeat]

Mine just arrived today and it's honestly an incredible guitar!!

[@bigjt37]

Wow bruh I'm in luv with that tone. Sick.

[@BarryPennock]

Looks incredible!

[@matthewotremba9230]

As always Max I want !

[@docsworld1369]

That sounds freaking awesome!!

[@guitarguy7428]

I'm really glad I ordered mine!

[@rofflestomp684]

Wow, just happen to be in the market for a bari-guitar. Nice heads up. Thanks!

[@rofflestomp684]

Okay, just bought it! I was looking at the Squire real hard, but for the money this is unbeatable. The ball end stainless steel frets with binding just works for me too. I don't mind dressing frets, but... Would love to know about how the sanding goes too. I also very much prefer a smooth light wood feel to polyurethane any day. Thanks again.

[@carlosmontoya2485]

I've been wanting one, and sound like that, I'm sold.

[@carlosmontoya2485]

Sorry bro, I dont have telegram. My phone space is limited do to it sucks and the apps for my business that is needed. Thank you Max, stay rockin.

[@linsk78]

I think this guitar sounds amazing. Also: nice demo.

[@RaddDadd29]

Annnnnd sold out. I would have definitely ordered one right now. I have always wanted a baritone but didn't want to spend too much. I'll bookmark and keep checking. Thanks for your awesome content man! Never a dull moment.

[@ScottysAnimals]

It's a good idea to check in with firefly every few weeks because they're always adding new stuff.

[@gregoryshaffer8403]

check again, I just got one

[@NeoRichardBlake]

Not sold out right now, mere hours after your post. :P I'm holding out hope that the white version will reappear at some point.

[@beridus]

INSTANT purchase for me. Literally just ordered. Thanks again Max.!

[@beridus]

Did I just order the last one?? I must have got lucky because they are sold out not even 5 minutes later!!!

[@thpass]

@@beridus The site still shows them available. Quick re-stock?🧐

[@flatbaroque4049]

Great to see you on Rumble!!!

[@kevinlarson9707]

Ordered one yesterday. Thanks

[@cesargomez1637]

Great review...

[@cancelbubble6535]

Very cool. If I were even remotely interested in a baritone guitar, I'd be all over this. Even though this is not my thing, I can definitely recognize what a really cool guitar (and amazing deal) this is. Firefly really nailed it.

[@thetattedbaldguy]

Great video as always, Max! I bought the white one and did a video on it too. I was wondering who bought the other one!

[@jamesempire1950]

Just checked out your video. Nice contrast to Max’s shredding. I’m a fan of chug riffs too. 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@thetattedbaldguy]

Hey, thanks James! I appreciate that. We definitely have different styles but that’s what makes multiple reviews great! You get to hear everything a guitar can do!

[@schmeatclips]

very type o vibes on that intro riff. i want more

[@orvilfarley7861]

Talked me into it, got one on the way. Looking forward to trying it out. I've been wanting a baritone for quite awhile but didn't really want to spend a bunch of money. If the frets have been leveled and crowned properly I think it's underpriced but I'm not gonna complain. Cool review, thanks.

[@jarrodhroberson]

They sent me a white one when I ordered the Sunburst, which was the only thing that you could choose when I ordered mine. The white is aweful and looks like plastic. I emailed support to get them to replace or refund it, lets see what happens.

[@PRODBYKRIEG]

@@jarrodhroberson what happened?

[@ziggylayneable]

I just got mine in the mail✌️ 5 days ago and it has been the most awesomest tool to use on Looper pedal stuff especially when I want to switch up guitars

[@williamcornwell1827]

I was lucky enough to order a white model almost immediately after they were put on the site. I haven’t put much into it yet besides locking tuners, but have a dream 180 and dream 90 along with a 330k tone pot. I also had the QC problem of my bridge not lining up with with the string through holes.

[@beatfrombrain]

With a 30 inch scale, you can tune it like a bass and use it as a 6 string bass, like the Fender Bass IV.

[@davepatterson4774]

Very cool! I love offset guitars already, so that's a bonus. Being born a bassist and guitarist, baritones are right in my wheelhouse. I've come close to getting a Squier tele style a couple of times, but I couldn't justify the price, considering how often I'd be able to use it in a practical manner. The bass VI sounds cool and has a similar body style, but the strings are way too cramped for ease of use (personal opinion). I like that you almost got into some Type O Negative territory there. Very cool, indeed!

[@Icantdrive55]

Thank you Max and thank you Frirefly 🤘

[@gogreyhoundmusic]

I JUST got the Harley Benton Bass VI and the JA Baritone. I definitely don't need a third baritone.... but damnit the price is so good.

[@blaness13]

You can never have to many Baritones, I'm at 5 and i still might pull the trigger on this one.

[@RaubkatzHimself]

Didnt know that Max is actually a stoner Rock dude. Awesome riffing in the beginning 👌

[@jonlavigne3270]

I just strung up a cheap Squier Strat with baritone strings. It works great in that tuning at 25.5”. However, I would love to get one of these and string it as a Bass VI. The scale is perfect for that.

[@glenkepic3208]

Well, It's an off set which i love (Jagmaster here, gift from my Wife). I've loved this style since '63 when i was 6 with The Ventures. Heck, my first electric was an Audition jagalike in '72 when i was 15. Gold foils. All that said, Eb or drop D is enough. ha, this might be cool for some Grief, tho. '90s were not great and MEA was a soundtrack though never 'copped'. Maybe i didn't have the right guitar ;) Rock ON!!

[@Marcos-yf6yd]

Harley Bentons Baritone JA has just restocked yesterday got mine on the way. This one looks interesting as well maybe something worth getting

[@DavE-FM545]

Good job, Thank you, SOLD!!!

[@DatelessPiano]

If your thinking about getting a baritone guitar this is a great place to start. It's a legitimately good guitar after a proper setup and a set of new pickups. I got the 22 fret version with a white body and maple fretboard. I almost bought the 24 fret classic sunburst version that looked like that one, but I had to have that maple fretboard. For my 1st baritone I'm pretty happy with it. Had to swap the pickups immediately tho, they sounded too thin and anemic. The stock 250k mini pots were way too stiff for me too so I swapped them for CTS pots and installed a Switchcraft switch. There was nothing inherently wrong with the original harness tho so I wouldn't consider it a necessary upgrade, I just prefer the higher quality controls.

[@thpass]

What pickups did you swap in? did it require mods?

[@DatelessPiano]

@@thpass I didn't do any mods, and honestly most of what i did do was excessive and/or unnecessary. For pickups I put a set of Alnico II GFS Surf 180's in it. Your results may vary, but I really didn't like the stock pickups. The bass notes were too bassy, the treble notes were too shrill, and overall they sounded really thin and sickly. I figured wide-range style pickups would help equalize things, and they did. They fattened up the highs and tightened up the lows, which is exactly what it needed. I might swap the .22uf tone cap yet but overall I'd just recommend a new set of pickups, just about anything would sound better than the stock ones imo. Everything else is just a matter of personal taste. All that said; it's a great guitar for the money. If your thinking about getting one I'd recommend it. I think anyone would be pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of the instrument for the price, and u can always upgrade pickups and electronics later if u don't like them, or just want something a little better.

[@NeoRichardBlake]

Really wanted that white one myself. I just didn't have the coin to spend at the time though. Now I'm just watching and wishing for the white version to return, so I can snap one up. They also have a 27" baritone tele too, but it's not listed in the baritone section, its with the other t-styles, FFTL. I got that one, and I like it.

[@DatelessPiano]

@@NeoRichardBlake I didn't even notice the 27" tele. They still have some too so I might have to get one in the future. How do the pickups sound on it? I hear the stock pickups in FireFly guitars are usually not great, and often micro-phonic. My baritone pickups were terrible but I ordered a trans black FFLG around the same time and the pickups in it aren't nearly as bad, and neither guitars were micro-phonic, so I'm thinking it's hit and miss and/or the pickups they use are specific to the guitar models.

[@NeoRichardBlake]

@@DatelessPiano TBH, I haven't even plugged it in yet. I messed with it some when I got it then changed the strings, but I haven't had time to really check it out. I'm not a loud player though and all my guitars are stock and cheap, so I don't have any experience with "good" pickups to help you anyway. 😋 🤷‍♂️

[@KrowdesAlexander]

That thing is absolutely sick. I almost want one.

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

🙈 no no no no no nonoooo gimmie that handbag 👜 😹

[@dylanjohnhoey]

That opening lock needs to be a song. Sounds amazing

[@TheMassdistortion]

I'm not sure I am going to order from firefly but damn You are killing it with that fender mustang. I'm looking for a used one. i have a JCM-800 2204 and I love it but I want to experiment with different effects and tones and this thing is sounding great. Thanks Bro. FYI, that lick at 7:13, looks easy but I am having a hell of a time getting the timing down.

[@rychenn2152]

Mine came in on Thurday and I immediately cut the strings, replaced the tuners with Tone Ninja locking tuners, and stuck some Stringjoy .24 - .90's on it. This guitar is solid and probably my favorite one I have.

[@tobins6800]

Smaller gage strings tend to have less harmonic overtones in the vibrations, adding to clarity.

[@johnp.johnson1541]

*Hey Max, you taught something neat: Tenor, Baritone, Bass.* For that I thank you!

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

My pleasure!

[@brianpanther1967]

I bought the Firefly Baritone Telecaster for $170. It is a 27 inch scale and sounds incredible. I was torn between the one you bought and the Tele. I absolutely love it. I cannot believe it is so affordable. Of course, I had to do the TRAIN, but that is for any new guitar. I didn't have to adjust the truss rod. I did adjust the action because I like it low. I set the intonation. It was just a little off. I also filed the nut just a little. It plays like a dream. I want to change the pickups, but that will come later. I enjoy your videos.

[@netrunner2049]

I bought this guitar after seeing your review. Just received it today. I love it, can't put it down. Great setup out of the box too. Now I can play Breaking Benjamin songs.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Great to hear!

[@Cpmnk]

Its a cool copy of my subzero rogue vi. I love the addition of the hardtail, i would love to see it pimped out with some guyker hardware and irongear pickups.

[@DrGaryGreen]

Dude! You sold me and I just bought it. They owe you money.

[@ybe.2265]

That was the most underselling riff I have ever heard you play on this channel

[@ezcondition]

stoner riff

[@andrewawakened628]

What else would you play on a baritone guitar though? It's either stoner rock or BabyMetal. BxMxC! BxMxC! lol

[@roberthastings708]

I've been playing a baritone for almost 3 years. The biggest thing for me was the transposing. I use it mainly when there are other guitars...lead and rhythm and bass...players. it gives me a nice place to fit into the mix. I can comp any of the other parts or tic tac any

[@tahamaki36]

I was hoping to grab a 24-fret model but I waited too long and so I ordered the 22 a little over a week ago. It's a beast and definitely worth the money. Planning on a couple hardware replacements but that's for my own preferences and aesthetics.

[@ornerycuss5804]

With the price of these guitars it's easy to afford a few modest upgrades.

[@NeoRichardBlake]

Max, I'd love if you'd take a look at other affordable versions of these Bass VI copies. Harley Benton has a couple. One in sunburst with three single coils and another in black with two P90s. But also, another couple that I've had my eye on from Gear4Music, on their "In-house" brand SubZero. They have a Paradigm model (T-Style) that's 27" scale with humbuckers, and a Rogue model (Jazzmaster/Bass VI style) that's 30" with humbuckers just like this one. These were the least expensive baritones I could find for a long time, but I never pulled the trigger due to having to shop from the UK. Not huge shipping costs, but enough to slow my roll a little. Anyway. Just some ideas. :) Love the videos Max, keep it up!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

That is an incredible guitar. Distinctive sound and watch your band mates. You could hit them with that stock.

[@williamcornwell1827]

Exactly why I got a bright orange fretwrap.

[@nancyh8657]

Yeah, like he said few months later, it’s really hard to find one of those but it’s on my maybe possibly perhaps one day list

[@NeoRichardBlake]

That intro gave me Type O Negative vibes! so cool! I actually noticed these when they first dropped (right around the new year if I recall), but I just didn't have the coin to drop. So sad. They had one in white with like a black marble pickguard that I really wanted. I'm kind of holding out for that one to come back. I already have a Harley Benton GuitarBass (which, like this one, is a knock off of Fender's Bass VI), so although I want one of these due to the humbuckers, I can hold out. I have two more related comments, but I'll post separately, because KZbin likes more comments! ;)

[@mikeydep89]

DANG!! sold out already! hope they come back in stock

[@lawndart188s]

Awesome video Max! Hoping they still have them. $170? Worth it if you ask me

[@MrBecker666]

I've got an origin2ak 70's jazzmaster Ibanez exactly like the one on your video ... Been meaning to redo the pickupd&stuff

[@davidkastin4240]

A great value for $170+ I'm not surprised it sold out quickly 🎸

[@billsmith5054]

I like the sound and look of this guitar. Especially when you played like a six string lead. As of now July 26, 2023 they have them on guitarsgarden.

[@lilleaton]

Oh, lucky me!: ) Perfectwayto round off a long day. :)

[@paultesta35]

I'm sold

[@ollietsb1704]

Sold out at 7pm EST, Feb 7, 2023. FUN!!! And now... for cases-!

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. A Baritone Guitar is high on my list of next guitar, we don't get Firefly or Harley Benton here in Australia, so I will be getting an Artist Guitars Baritone Guitar in The Grungemaster Body shape. Artist Guitars is The Australian Budget Guitar Brand providing Quality Instruments at Affordable prices. Cheers from Australia.

[@BTFxDrumMachine]

I bought the Subzero Rogue version of that guitar, which was 200 before shipping. It'll chug Meshuggah all day long. Only gripe I have is that strings are a pain because most string packs don't have a low E long enough to reach the peg. Since I wanted to run slightly smaller gauge strings, I had to run a 75 and a 55 out of a bass string pack and the rest were from a baritone pack, both from Ernie Ball.

[@jeffreyodell9994]

More baritone and bass vi reviews please!

[@Pietreszcz]

Oh man I would love to play some Crowbar riffs on this thingie

[@texacomann]

At thomann there is a harley benton Modell called Guitarbass VS. Its just the same but it has 3 Singlecoils with 5 way Switch, and I love it really very much! 30" lengh.

[@robertvarner8195]

Hey Max, great video. If you don't like the gloss finish on the back of the neck you can always use steel wool just like a sanding block but it's a little less abrasive and does a really good job without removing much of the finish.

[@jrock8233]

I would like to do this to my guitar cause I don’t like finished or lacquered necks. What number/grade of steel wool should I use?

[@PC-uh6hk]

@@jrock8233 the steel wool you will want to use is #0000 or #000. It will just take the gloss off without removing the protective finish. It will feel smooth and slick.

[@richard.jansen]

Wow... amazing...

[@bradshannon862]

Max will never be able to fly! He's too metal to get through airport security! Thanks for the video! One question: The FF baritone vs. the Bass VI? I'll grab one of these for the price. Just wondering about a sound comparison...

[@asdf9890]

That’s pretty sweet, no lefties that I saw though so boo for me. It does curb my GAS many times being a lefty, otherwise I’d jump on this. It sounds great, I’d love to have one.

[@NeoRichardBlake]

Right around the time this one dropped on GuitarsGarden, they also came out with a Baritone Tele. It's in the FFTL section and not the Baritone section for some reason. It looks, to me, to be modeled after the Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster. It has a 27" scale, like a usual baritone, rather than the 30" of this FFJA model. I bought one of those just before finding out I don't have money to spend of gear right now, so it was the last guitar I've bought. Can't wait to get my hands on of these FFJA baritones. If the white version comes back, I'm gonna have to act quickly. I can hold out for now though, since I have a Harley Benton GuitarBass already, which is basically the same as this one, but with single coils.

[@blackrichard1029]

The tele baritone is still there (or came back) but I didn't see the scale length listed. But the white 30" baritone is back, this time w/ a tortoiseshell pickguard. 24 frets. Just ordered one a few hours ago. :) (Gonna have to replace/cover that pickguard though.)

[@D.Guitar]

That has GROWL ... Wild Guitar. I want one with a Floyd Rose

[@chrisdigital]

Just wow.

[@johnrathbun2943]

Yeah it does have a narly sound. And yeah I can see how the transition would be effortless. And like you said $170, you can't go wrong.

[@fuckgoogle8661]

Sold out

[@aaronh888]

I passed on a Jazzmaster baritone in the Antigua finish a few years ago for 400. Trying to get him down more and it sold. Kicking myself ever since as I have not seen one again locally

[@russiangoose7053]

That intro riff had such Type O Negative vibes

[@motorcyclemark2889]

Amazon has a new Explorer type guitar from West creek for $239 looks awesome I'd like to see a good review

[@villian99918]

I’ve never really thought about getting a baritone but that distortion just sounds to nice for me not to consider it

[@bkmeahan]

really dig the sound of a baritone and always tempted, but I just don't know what I would do with one.

[@roberthastings708]

I usually use my baritone when I'm playing with other guitars. If you're playing with a lead, a rhythm, and a bass player, the baritone g8ve you a nice place to be in the mix.

[@thecollective1584]

Caught the vid of you hanging out with @Dovydas Music. Good stuff

[@keithamesj2147]

Seems pretty 😎

[@michaeldoerksen2841]

I love reverse headstock guitars, and love the classic burst color on it. Anybody out there have an idea of what the pickup output is on these?

[@gregcapuano2350]

any recommendation for budget friendly 7 string? I want to play korn and need the extra high string for some songs. I do like the look of this one though.

[@PipeCat1965]

DAMN YOU MAX! There goes another $170. Bought it upon SEEING YOUR THUMBNAIL for this video. Now watching the video. About their website (from experience): If you SEE the guitar picture there then it is in stock. However, if a model search finds it, but doesn't display anything, they are out of stock.

[@NofreedomofspeechonYouTube]

Aria pro 2 jet btone guitar is pretty good you should compare it to firefly.

[@jamesfindice2871]

Great video and Guitar! But Only shipping to US 😢

[@frankb518]

Nice Explanation on the Baritone theory Max. At 65 , not sure I have the Time to Figure out the " B " tuning and recreating playing method ? L.O.L. !

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

That's the best part. You can use all the same chords, and scales... it will just be a in a lower key than you played before!

[@NoJobRob]

Right. Everything will be the same; it will just sound lower

[@erlikquadros5873]

I'd string and tune one of those like a Fender Bass VI