In this video we compare a $200 Firefly vs a $1200 Fendero Aerodyne vs a $2200 Nash S63. Let's see how it goes!
I picked up this Firefly FFST HSS Relic for just $175 and expected it to be a fun project guitar.
Instead, I may have accidentally found a keeper.
In this video I take a deep dive into the mysterious world of Firefly guitars, investigate who actually makes them, test the pickups, discuss the specs, fix a few issues, reshape the headstock, and put the guitar through its paces at real gigs.
Along the way you'll learn:
• Why Firefly guitars have developed such a loyal following
• Whether the "roasted" maple neck is really roasted
• What I discovered after modifying the headstock
• The recurring issue I found with the output jack
• Why I think the stock pickups deserve more respect
• Whether this guitar is actually worth buying
Plus, we take a brief detour into the glorious propaganda campaign for the Korea High Quality Bridge™.
For the money, this thing has stainless steel frets, locking tuners, a contoured heel, bone nut, and surprisingly good Alnico 5 pickups. Not bad for a guitar that costs less than some overdrive pedals.
Do you own a Firefly? Love them? Hate them? Had any issues? Let me know in the comments.
Josh Smith sits in with David Grissom and his band at the famous Saxon Pub, Austin, TX June 12, 2018
Grissom played through a Jim Kelley head into a Paul Reed Smith 2x12.
Josh played through a 100W Two-Rock Traditional Clean head into a Two-Rock 2x12
Bass: Scott Nelson
Drums: Brian Austin
Want to play one of the most iconic heavy metal riffs of all time? In this episode of Ray Plays Guitar, Ray Kainz breaks down Breaking the Law by Judas Priest in the simplest, most accurate way possible.
This is the perfect song for beginners getting into rock and metal guitar—built on single-note riffs, power chords, and rock-solid rhythm. But even experienced players will love tightening up their timing, palm muting, and groove.
In this video, you’ll learn:
👉The main riff step-by-step
👉The A minor (Aeolian) scale used throughout the song
👉Power chords (A5, C5, G5, and more) explained simply
👉Verse, pre-chorus, chorus, and bridge sections
👉Proper palm muting for that tight “chug” sound
👉How to play it like the original recording AND live versions
By the end, you’ll be able to play the full song confidently—and understand why it works.
🎸 Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Main Riff Breakdown
02:19 Riff Variations & Fingerings
04:46 A Minor (Aeolian) Scale Explained
06:31 Power Chords (A5, C5, G5)
09:18 Verse & Variations
09:58 Pre-Chorus
10:41 Chorus (Palm Muting + Stabs)
13:52 Bridge Section
17:25 Full Song Recap
🔥 More lessons, jam tracks, and exclusive content: https://rayplaysguitar.com
Backing track used in this video: • JUDAS PRIEST - Breaking the law [GUITARLES...
Gear Used in this video: CP Thornton HTL2 Guitar Revv G20 amp with Two-Notes Torpedo power-amp/speaker/cab/mic/room modeler. Focusrite audio interface Logic Pro DAW
Walrus Fundamental Drive — Full Demo & Review
All the guitar tones you hear in the opening jam were run through the Walrus Audio Fundamental Drive. This pedal has been living on my pedalboard for a couple years now, and for good reason.
Not only is it incredibly versatile, it sounds fantastic — and it comes in at under $100, which makes it one of the best value overdrive pedals out there.
In this video I walk through the pedal, explain the controls, and demo the three clipping modes:
• Smooth – classic soft clipping with smooth breakup
• Crunch – thicker gain with added bite and low-end boost
• Bright – tighter low end and extra clarity
If you're looking for a single overdrive pedal that can cover a wide range of tones, the Fundamental Drive might be exactly what you need.
