The Best Looking Guitar Under $250!

For about $230, you can get this totally beautiful semi-hollow body electric guitar, the FFTL from Firefly Guitars. Maple veneer top, multi-ply binding, rosewood fretboard, Bigsby style bridge, Filter 'Tron pickups, and the favorite rounded ball end stainless steel frets! Now if this guitar only sounds and plays as good as it looks.... let's find out.
This guitar here: guitarsgarden.com/collections...
I used the BOSS IR-200 for the demo: sweetwater.sjv.io/vNN6jy
Shred with my instructional programs: maxcarlisle.sellfy.store/
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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!

[@ShaelynneDFuller]

Looks like an old Chet Atkins model had a baby with a thinline tele, it's gorgeous and sounds awesome.

[@zuperdee]

That’s because that’s EXACTLY what this guitar is! It’s a clone of the Fender Custom Shop “Chicken” model Telecasters, which were designed as a tribute to Gretsch. It is NOT copyright or trademark infringement either, since Fender owns the marketing/production/distribution rights to Gretsch, though NOT the brand itself-that still belongs to the Gretsch family.

[@robbylee1074]

You're killing it Max!

[@damham5689]

IMO. Best looking guitar under $800

[@brians1793]

Personal preferences aside, that's essentially saying it's on par visually with anything under $800, and I agree even if it's not quite my thing. I love the flame maple burst, gold hardware, and white/cream aesthetic though, I'm into jazz some so I'd consider getting this but I'm normally more of a hard rock/metal guy. This has a bluesy rock vibe to it.

[@kylemoran4343]

Such a little thing, but impresses the hell out of me, is the binding in both F-holes ! Most big time guitar makers and just about all cheapo guitar makers skip the binding around the F-holes. It makes them look like they were cutting corners to save pennies. I applaud you peeps at Firefly !!!

[@rogereverett4467]

I love all the binding which, as we all know, gives a guitar all its good tone. 😂

[@jaredkerby5934]

Max. That guitar is insane!!!!!!!😮

[@jerrybriardy]

This guy sure knows how to get my GAS going. I like this channel a lot. The dude is a great guitar player, describes the guitars very well, and is willing to find obscure stuff like Laguna to demo. He is also very well-spoken and easy to understand. I'm particularly happy he mentioned how this Tele thinline type sounds acoustically. This is the main thing I'm looking for with a thinline. Squier CV thinlines have this down. They sound as good as a Fender. I have a Douglas thinline I sold because it just sounded as dead as a solid body. Unfortunately I already own more than 50 guitars and this guy gets me buying more. Now I'm itching for this Firefly.

[@Ibantar]

I'll be grabbing one of these soon as I can! Excellent video sir!

[@Russell_Optics]

I absolutely love the looks and idea behind this guitar. A set neck Tele with a Bigsby type tremolo is a nice touch. I would most likely put a roller bridge on it myself. I will have to watch the video again because I didn't hear the scale length ( 24-3/4 or 25-1/2 ) and it doesn't say on the website. Under 7 pounds with a Bigsby is unheard of. I think I need one of these.

[@babathegoodmansamba8533]

I dont know it , but the construction is typical for a 24,3 ! Great !

[@trinacria1956]

Have it in red it's gibson scale

[@marlan3rd]

Nicely balanced review. I like the fact that you pointed out some of the cons and things to be careful about.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks!

[@breevwhyman2985]

Max Sir, .....you have an amazing guitar there it sounds great & we know Firefly are solid thanks indeed for sharing ben

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks for listening!

[@TonyFuentesTV]

Love your new guitar Max! Great video again!! 🙏👍🔥

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks again!

[@guitarforumdude]

Great demo as usual. I have enough "big name" guitars, and now into buying "cheap" guitars. I have a thinline copy from Raven West Guitars with p-90s. If the Firefly was routed for p-90s, I'd buy it. I have a set of boutique handmade p-90s that cost more than the Firefly. Love this channel. Just shows that high price doesn't always equal quality.

[@devinheinle6483]

I absolutely love my FF338, and will definitely be buying one of the FFSP's when the new batch drops in June.

[@danyavilaoficial]

Max take it from a fan, I enjoy your playing much more when you play slower… that at the beginning was soulful !! 👍

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thank you!

[@BackWoodsBillyCraftBeerReviews]

What a beautiful guitar.. love the look & at 6.6 lbs AWESOME I like light weight guitars. nice tip about the bridge lean.. nice Review & Awesome Playing... Cheers 🍻🥃🥃😎 🎸🎼🎵🎶🎶

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Glad you liked it!

[@shanethackeray1988]

Lovely guitar, I get the “ vintage vibe “ love to have one in my collection. It actually stands above my T72 Vintage Tele I bought recently.

[@jeremyflinders8165]

I grabbed the Latitude Phoenix after seeing your video. Love it 🤘

[@presmasterflash7555]

I have an older firefly tile thin line. This thing is hot rodded to heaven though. A Fender USA Twsted Tele bridge pup wired up Esquire style, with 4th position (cocked wah mod). A modern (non CuNiFe) Wide Range humbucker in the neck. Put a Fender Jazzmaster wiring kit with the rhythm switch as the coil split, another slider switch for phase reverse (all this loaded on the lower section of a 70s custom style pick guard) and a 3 way toggle in the upper bout. I did the math once but I do not recall the number of different tones you can get before you even touch the tone knob/roller. Something like 63 or 67. An absolute ridiculous number though. Fun guitar. Edit: it’s the standard pick guard on a thin line- not a custom, so the electronics are inline

[@user-gl1zx2rk6i]

Hi max, I have a Sunday afternoon catchup binge nothing better after a night out chilling in bed , your content is cool,

[@tomaslopez2940]

That thing looks sick! I think it’s a lot harder for guitar companies to be original when making T-style guitars vs S-style. I think Firefly knocked this one out of the park in terms of sound and looks!

[@JD-hq1xo]

Nice guitar. I belive once the bridge is set, it will rock back and forth with the bar.

[@jessiejames2155]

We can hardly wait for the mini Concert... You really jam ! You ARE ..a private concert..! 😮👍🏻

[@garry9156]

Wow super sharp and sounds great .

[@bpabustan]

My goodness!!! A blues/rockabilly machine in a very affordable price! I want one!

[@mybugmy64bug31]

gretsch makes some of the best looking guitars with timeless classic designs and colors patterns. This one definitely shares the Gretsch flair especially the thumbnail inlays in the top of the fretboard. I owned one and really liked the bigsby style tremolo system. you dont buy them to dive bomb like a floyd, rather they give the best subtle trem notes.

[@gergemall]

Nice review ❤

[@MashaT22]

Firefliers should be the official fan club name for FireFly guitar enthusiasts if that’s not already a thing! Great overview. Looks like a cool guitar!

[@jameswilliford5478]

Jimmy Stewart that demos and reviews Fireflys on the Firefly guitar fans FB group usually starts his videos with "hello firefliers"...lol.

[@jessiejames2155]

I have the 338 ! It was $250.00 , Free shipping . I love it !

[@arichi8936]

Lucky you - I want this thing badly after watching this video, lol

[@1965niles]

This next drop of FF is going to interesting to say the least, I have 3 on my list I want.

[@jeremyflinders8165]

Same

[@BazonBlades]

I'm waiting on the FFLX drop next month. The spalt top with Chrome hardware will be mine.

[@jeremyflinders8165]

I might also go for the spalted but I don't know yet

[@Ksantipacat]

I have 4!

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

You're so fn pro at this bro

[@jessiejames2155]

The gold volume knobs are way better looking than the plastic ones ! 😯👍🏻

[@chicopm]

Max, this is already sold out on their website, so congrats. Would personally love it more with out the trem.

[@uncleKai_SWW]

Roller saddles seem like a great upgrade for this.

[@markmullins2756]

Damn ......looks and sounds great

[@MetalHippie83]

I can't believe I missed out on their cream explorer loaded emg, firefly killed it with this recent batch.

[@jaguarsunburst1570]

So Beautiful Guitar Man❤

[@AtheosThinker]

thorough review. and the sunburst is already sold out 🙂

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

That looks pretty sweet. I'm gonna have to check one out.

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

It's kind of weird (but awesome) to see you shred on a guitar like that one. For a moment there it felt like you were going Jimmy Page on it.

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

Looks like they all sold out. I'll have to keep an eye out.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Absolutely beautiful ! Wow !

[@childofthe60s100]

Your positive review seems to have sold them out, on the website!

[@thomasd9237]

Pretty sweet 👍👍

[@robertclarkguitar]

Firefly is absolutly KILLING IT. I still want that white HSS with the ash grain.

[@Ksantipacat]

I had one and ended up selling it. It was over 9 lb! Just too much weight for me in the Strat

[@guitarforumdude]

@@Ksantipacat I bought the Sire LP copy. Freaking things weighs 10 lbs.

[@Ksantipacat]

OR slacking the strings BEFORE you put the spring in. That's what I did, and it works well.

[@jameswilliford5478]

Same thing I did, but it still moved just enough to set my intonation perfect as it was just barely off before setting the spring.

[@1rwjwith]

Pretty impressive guitar!

[@pyyktodd]

That is a beautiful guitar..

[@howardmaryon]

As a Bigsby user for many years, that imitation Bigsby has a stupidly tall spring in it. There are a number of very cheap alternative springs to drop in there in a couple of seconds, notably the one sold by Reverend guitars, which will drop the bar right down. I use one every day and it is very soft and smooth and the bar angle is where I like it.

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

And from what I understand some of them are really amazing. I always forgot to ask when I was in there, but the guitar tech who worked at the Sam Ash on Sunset Blvd used to talk about them. I always like the taller spring for the same reason Maxx pointed out, but if you have any links or brands that would be awesome! Always looking to up my knowledge game.

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

Looks awesome

[@stephanvenner2939]

Interesting Guitar, a Gretsch with the Telecaster vibe,and it sounds good.

[@davidmoss7245]

It truly IS probably the most beautiful guitar of any price I’ve ever seen , I’m in the uk and will most definitely struggle to get one but I’ll die trying 😂😂😂🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@slammahuh5955]

bro i forgot i was watching a video and just vibed out that whole demo

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Nice!

[@jimdep6542]

I've been there man... ( Cheech and Chong......I think )

[@arissongsmusic]

Very nice demo ✨️ looks + sounds sweet 🎶🎸🎶 Rock on! ArtyThan ☆♡☆

[@JediJingleMaker]

Max, at risk of sounding like a fanboy, what a fantastic video that covers everything I was curious about with that guitar. Now I am regretting not picking one up, FOMO activated, hehe.

[@zuperdee]

FACT: This is the first review I’ve seen of this Gretsch-like FFTL model! I believe it’s based on the Fender Custom Shop “Chicken” model Telecasters, which were designed as Fender’s tribute to Gretsch, and are VERY rare. I realize this guitar is probably not your usual style, but nevertheless, you actually seem to be able to coax some pretty convincing shred-type tone from those pickups!

[@ImJustMe39]

Oh, the " Chicken Pickin'" guitars.😁

[@presmasterflash7555]

Schecter has one too. It’s a pretty slick guitar. I do rather fancy this madlab creation.

[@christophernaples1315]

Looks like a potential Rockabilly Mo'chine. Maybe a TV Jones in the neck ,Thanx Max ,you do outstanding reviews ! I think I've narrowed it down to this guitar and the zuwai for an affordable hollowbody maybe both !

[@norseman61]

A Gretsch Tele Thinline. Very nice!

[@danvex_]

Looked like Fender Stradivarius to me tbh

[@babathegoodmansamba8533]

The Bridge on a Gretch Brian Setzer also swings, but this dont changes the tuning. This guitar seems to be great, its an ideal Rock a billy guitar. Also the tone, tone control a bit down , will work for Jazz. Great unbelievable price . I will check it out for sure next days ! I could buy 20 for one Gibson ES 335 ( my favourite ).

[@googleboy7]

Hi Max, Whew! I bought six or eight Fireflys since last summer, several based on your reviews. Fortunately, when I went to buy this one, they were already sold out. I gotta quit watching your reviews, lol. Shalom/gw. PS. ALL of the Firefly guitars are great!

[@sinsofthemartyr]

i own a 1987 ltd rainbow crackle eclipse fr and this would be perfect for a classic rock version its seems so similar because of the tele shape ive been looking for a nice hollow body but 335s are usually too bulky for me this seems beautiful tho like a perfect blend of a gretch white falcon, a les paul w a bigsby, and a hollowbody tele. 10/10

[@kevinthornton4495]

I never was much of a Tele guy except for Jeff Beck's Esquire, and and a guitar player band mate put Gibson Humbuckers on his vintage Tele, I would love this firefly Tele with stop tail bridge, better yet, a trapeze bridge for easy bending like a ES 345 TD,and play jazz fusion,anyway that's just me.keep rockin GM!

[@Krullmatic]

Firefly always knocks it out of the park! I've got their Charvel knockoff and it's perfect. I want to get the black Tony Iommi SG before it goes out of stock, bit I've spent my limit on giitars the last couple of months lol. I aslo would like to see a review on the Prince Tele to see if it's any good.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

That is a fine instrument.

[@mannyfragoza9652]

Beautiful looking guitar and the gold pops.BTW great sounding FX .

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thank you kindly!

[@rodsmolter5046]

It's a beauty. If only I needed another guitar. hmmm

[@jdemarco]

That is gorgeous! May be next on my list! Does this one come available with a maple fretboard?

[@jessiejames2155]

It sure is pretty . 😊👍🏻

[@trinacria1956]

I got it in wine red. Put a korean copy of the Space Control bridge on it for roller action and more Gretsch look. Notice that Firefly truss rods need to be adjusted as have little relief. Have 3 Firefly and this is only one had to file a few frets that were high. Like the Gibson shorter scale it has.

[@reesemartin8729]

I thing this guitar sounds badass!

[@jimdep6542]

I like it ! I just wish they came in a lefty model........

[@thegolem9325]

I have the red one. It's awesome.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thank you for the report!

[@Mr3DBob]

Beautiful guitar! If Gretsch made a Tele. I'm more of a Gretsch fan than a Tele, but this look so fine. So, thanks to you, they're all sold out...How can I live without one?

[@jameswilliford5478]

I ordered the red and the sunburst flame top like he reviewed here....the red is actually a wine color and is also beautiful in person

[@robhaag6102]

That tele looks very gretsch inspired like the pickups,even the bridge is a gretsch style and the inlays are gretsch style as well it and the tele looks realy nice and classy

[@AndyThomas_mrblitz]

that looks and sounds great... is the vibrato a littlesby, or a bigsby? i really dig these kinds of pickups...

[@andrewbecker3700]

That guitar for some reason suites you well. Could you imagine hopping it up with some modern electronics? Sounds like it would rip hard with some TV Jones pickups. Hopefully the scale and intonation isn't all wonky now with the bridge folding back like putty. I think it has potential as a country rocker guitar. Can always upgrade that folded over pot metal putty bridge.

[@greyshadow9498]

You know, I was looking for a nice back porch strummer in a thinline. I was thinking HB, but I think I may go with this beauty instead. Only thing that bothers me is it seems that the pickups are REALLY picking up that selector switch. Either that or the switch itself is really loud.

[@beanhoof2512]

always nice to see an upload. that is a really nice looking and sounding guitar (send it to me, please), and thanks for the great content.

[@maxxyporky]

Really nice guitar

[@billdehey1300]

It definitely has a decent sound. Looks good too. Not bad for.under $250. Might be worth a try. Throw some real filter trons and cts pots la di da. Could be a sleeper

[@tymanngruter1808]

Hi Max, where is the finish of this madness, we like it a lot! But the shops are vanishing! But i am honest, i would buy this puppy in a heartbeat!

[@riffjohnson22]

This current GUITAR WORLD JUST KEEPS DELIVERING ! Better guitars for less money!

[@jmangi6221]

Wow, that’s really impressive and what’s the neck radius? The neck looks wide and flat, and those pickups look 👀 and sound great.

[@1satisfiedmind]

Well, they sold out after your upload, and just before I got to buy one. Thanks, Max. Lol.

[@pbosche]

Looks great. Does it hold a tuning if you dare to even look at the “bigsby”?

[@deztruct0823]

I hope they bring back their Explorers and Flying Vs soon I regret not getting one of them when they had them! Got their Jazzmaster when they had them and regret trading it

[@donnymac575]

This channel is by far the best guitar related channel on YT ❤.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Wow, thanks!

[@karmicselling4252]

1/ Replace the Bigsby style vibrato with something more compact. 2/ Change the body cutouts to cats eye style ones. 3/ Reprofile the pickguard to better match the body shape. 4/ Reverse the headstock. 5/ Place plain gold covers over the pickups. 6/ Replace the tiny fretboard markers with proper dot, bar or trapezoid shaped ones. The you have a $250 guitar that looks like a million dollar guitar.

[@pasteye1671]

Or... just don't buy one of these as you dislike so much about it.

[@RevivalontheHudson]

NIce peace. What's the fretboard radius? Never heard it mentioned, did I miss something? thx

[@jjdillon2007]

If it's semi-hollow, I wonder why they used a wooden bridge base? It seems to me that the tune-o-matic studs could be direct drilled into the wood, (without the wooden base) and keep the bridge from leaning backwards. This would also lessen the string angle of the strings as they go under the B50's tension roller.

[@user-sx9dv8jz8q]

Hi, love your content. I am disabled & love in Cornwall Ontario Canada, how could i get one, I really need the therapy, broke my neck in '96 and want to play more. Thank you, be well.

[@dmett3828]

Yep, that’s cool. FF is definitely kickin butt! However I have an FF that the bridge holes were drilled to big and upon restringing you could pull the bridge and nuts right out of the guitar. And my bridge was leaning forward btw. 😮 So I had it fixed but it kind of bummed me out. I hope they have rectified this problem but the way that bridge is leaning makes me nervous. Sorry just being truthful here. Maybe step up the QC a half a notch. Still love the flys tho. 👍

[@danielktdoranie]

Damn! I really want this! Hopefully some will be left by payday!

[@davidledford3522]

Been looking at this one i wish they made it with a stop bar tail piece

[@dwallyworld4]

What do you use for strings? I have a similar one but it's not a firefly. With the long space for the Bigsby all the strings I bought are too short to reach all the way the peg on the high strings

[@jonathansteadman7935]

You're going to need one of those bigsby attachments to lower the angle between the strings from the bridge and and Bigsby. You'll have tuning problems straight off without on, that angle far to extreme. I love gold plated Gretch semi types, it looks ok but gimme a big semi body .

[@Angus576]

Sold out on their site already. I guess your review helped either that or

[@scottdalrymple1716]

This guitar is Awesome looking, but although the pickups look good they seem to be very quiet to me. I’m not talking about noise but when you were playing on the clean setting they didn’t seem to be loud or full sounding. They actually sounded kind of thin as if the volume was turned way down. I still like the guitar though, that’d be a great value even if you may end up installing different pickups. Thanks for the video.

[@MartinBlasick]

That guitar looks absolutely killer

[@onefatstratcat]

Well ain't dat purdy Skeeter! :)

[@vstatealum]

Only problem with the cheaper hollow or semi hollow body is the electronics are not great. I just did a full swap on my firefly 338 and it was a pain in the butt.

[@Denn-yo3qn]

Could I ask about the tough playability or sort of dificulty to handle the fretboard, because I,m noticing you,re not fluid atacking that fretboard oposite way as most of guitars you,ve shown. Thanks, Denn.

[@HRHPOW]

my burning question is in the F hole can you light any fires and roast marshmallows with some sort of like grill apparatus; that would make it really beneficial for me to buy I was figuring you might appreciate yourself Mr. Max.

[@jjdillon2007]

I wonder if these are made by the same company that makes the Gretsch Electromatics and Streamliners?

[@breevwhyman2985]

Max Sir, Those Fidelitron pickups are used in the FENDER DIAMOND CABRONITA guitar at $150,000 150k

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

Are those actual Filtertron style pickups or did they just take humbuckers and put those covers on? I onoy ask because even Schecter has done that sort of thing just as an aesthetic choice.