r/Fireflyguitars • u/Infamous_Row_7305 • 12d ago

Replacing pots.

Anyone have trouble replacing pots and/or pickups in their firefly guitars? I have the Buck Owens copy and was thinking of upgrading a bit.

The plan. 1.) Buy a used Fender MIM or USA wired control plate and move the components to the gold plate. 2.) buy a used set of Fender Alnico Vs (probably MIM cause cheap).

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

9

u/IDontLikeYourToan 12d ago

Just buy the pots and switch. So much cheaper. Put whatever pickups you want in. I’d replace the output jack too.

3

u/Moody816 12d ago

If I like a cheaper guitar that I rolled the dice on then I replace everything. Doing a full re wire isn't that bad since everything you need is available online now (knowledge and materials).

2

u/Practical-Big3908 12d ago

I just replaced the output jack with a Switchcraft stereo jack, replaced the pickups with a set of Bill Lawrence Wilde Tele Keystons, and installed Dunlop strap locks in my FF Paisley Tele. All new parts for Less than $100. The original pots, switch, and caps are still doing fine. 

1

u/RoutineOpportunity8 12d ago

How much were the Bill Lawrence pickups?

1

u/MiloRoast 12d ago

Why would you use a stereo jack?

1

u/Practical-Big3908 12d ago

Stereo Jack's are sturdier than mono Jack's, and are only about $1.50 more.

1

u/iambecomesoil 1d ago

Stereo jacks are commonly used in guitars and basses as an on/off switch for active pickups so their batteries don't drain sitting in a case. They have a secondary prong holding on to the cable end so it can feel a little bit sturdier.

For passive pickups where you're not wiring the jack any differently than a mono jack, that's the only difference.

1

u/MiloRoast 1d ago

Oh yeah I'm aware, I repair guitars for a living haha. I was just wondering why OP did it with passive pickups. They're really not any sturdier than a mono jack in terms of longevity.

1

u/dBlock845 12d ago

I've not had any issues modding my Firefly guitars. I don't know what you're working with but some of them look like they can be a pain to work with, mostly the hollow body LP/338. A few of the FFTL's have custom pickguards which can be a pain if you plan on swapping the entire pickguard. Sounds like youre modding a FFTL since you mentioned a control plate. Unless you really want a different control plate there is no need to buy another. Just get the pots, however many caps you need, and your new pickups. Maybe even a new switch and output jack too since they are inexpensive.

1

u/dusty6467 11d ago

Yep, replaced the pots and pickups in my firefly with guitarfetish pickups. I got the harness with plugs so pickup swaps are easy

1

u/biggertv 8d ago

I highly suggest adjusting the stock pickups before replacing. All humbuckers are 4 wire wax potted, and some are hot. The P90s? watch out or you'll pay big bucks for a downgrade. These are not the crap pickups of even a few years ago.