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Average Price: $3,995

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step into the future of guitar craftsmanship with the Parker Fly Classic, a marvel of engineering and artistry. This electric guitar is not just an instrument—it's a statement piece for any serious musician. Featuring a one-piece mahogany body paired with a reinforced basswood neck, the Fly Classic delivers a rich, resonant sound that's perfect for all genres. The slim, contoured design not only provides exceptional comfort and playability but also makes a bold visual statement.

What truly sets the Parker Fly Classic apart is its groundbreaking electronics. The combination of DiMarzio magnetic pickups and a Fishman piezo system gives you the power to seamlessly switch between powerful electric and intricate acoustic tones, all with the flick of a switch. The custom active Fishman filtering preamp ensures that every note you play is as clear and dynamic as possible. Newly simplified controls mean that whether you're on stage or in the studio, you'll have intuitive command over your sound.

Whether you're drawn to its innovative materials, like the thin glass/carbon exoskeleton and carbon fingerboard, or its high-performance Parker vibrato system, the Fly Classic is designed to inspire and elevate your music. Stainless steel frets and Sperzel locking tuners add to its reliability, ensuring it stays in tune and ready to perform whenever you are.

Key Features:

  • One-piece mahogany body with basswood neck
  • Slim, contoured design with patented neck-through construction
  • Thin glass/carbon exoskeleton for added durability
  • Two custom-wound DiMarzio humbucking pickups
  • 6-element Fishman piezo pickup system
  • Custom active Fishman filtering preamp
  • High-performance Parker vibrato system
  • Carbon fingerboard with stainless steel frets
  • Sperzel locking tuners
  • Includes hardshell case

Product specs

Brand Parker
Model Fly Classic
Finish Natural Mahogany, Root Beer Metallic, Teal, Transparent Blue, Transparent Cherry, Transparent Green
Year 1996 - 2002
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Blue, Brown, Green, Natural, Red, Teal
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Composite
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What makes the Parker Fly Classic unique compared to other electric guitars?

The Parker Fly Classic is renowned for its lightweight design and resonance, featuring a combination of traditional magnetic and piezoelectric pickups. This allows musicians to access both electric and acoustic tones, making it versatile for various music genres.

What kind of music genres is the Parker Fly Classic suitable for?

The Parker Fly Classic's dual humbucker and piezo pickup configuration makes it ideal for a wide range of genres, including rock, jazz, and acoustic-style music, thanks to its ability to produce diverse tones.

What is the neck profile of the Parker Fly Classic like?

The Parker Fly Classic features a set-neck construction with a smooth, fast-playing neck profile, designed to provide comfort and ease of playability for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How does the Parker Fly Classic's tremolo bridge affect its playability?

The tremolo bridge on the Parker Fly Classic offers smooth pitch modulation, enhancing playability for expressive techniques while maintaining tuning stability, which is ideal for players who frequently use vibrato effects.

Is the Parker Fly Classic suitable for beginners?

While the Parker Fly Classic offers advanced features that may appeal to experienced players, its comfortable neck profile and versatile tone options can also make it a rewarding choice for dedicated beginners looking to invest in a high-quality instrument.

The Guitar Pit

Parker Fly Classic Guitar Review: Back to the Mid 90's Modern Future

Video thumbnail for Parker Fly Classic Guitar Review: Back to the Mid 90's Modern Future by The Guitar Pit

Parker Fly Classic Guitar Review: Back to the Mid 90's Modern Future

The Guitar Pit

Video thumbnail for Parker Fly Classic  •  SN: P1003038 by Wildwood Guitars

Parker Fly Classic • SN: P1003038

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Parker Fly Classic - Guitar Demo | Awesome Light Weight Guitar! by World's Okayest Guitar Player

Parker Fly Classic - Guitar Demo | Awesome Light Weight Guitar!

World's Okayest Guitar Player

World's Okayest Guitar Player

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Parker Fly Classic.

Build quality

  • The sharp elbow of the horn can irritate the chest during seated play, potentially causing discomfort during long sessions.

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  • Post-buyout models faced quality control issues, with original Massachusetts-made versions considered superior by long-time owners.

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User experience

  • Owners often praise its light weight, making it ideal for those with back issues or needing a lightweight gigging guitar.

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  • The guitars are half as thick as typical electrics and have glued-on carbon-fiber composites, enhancing durability.

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  • Some owners lament the "soulless" feel compared to heavier guitars, suggesting it's more about personal preference than build quality.

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Value and pricing

  • Condition is crucial; pristine parkers hold much higher value, with potential price ranges from $2,800 to $9,000.

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Features and functionality

  • The piezo pickup system is appreciated, although some have converted to passive setups due to maintenance issues with ribbon cables.

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  • The Parker Fly bridge is a custom design by Ken Parker, offering three settings: no float, dives only, and full whammy.

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  • The necks are reinforced with carbon-fiber composites, allowing for incredible strength and sustain with a notably thin profile.

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  • The truss rod knob, sometimes mistaken for spring tension adjustment, is unique and can feel unusual for new users.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Original fret wire material is available for $25, but replacing frets can be costly, requiring a skilled luthier.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often acquire multiple tremolo springs for string gauges, with some paying up to $250 for a 9-gauge spring.

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Use cases and applications

  • The DiMarzio 1st gen pickups are noted for their powerful output, appealing to players who seek a robust sound.

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  • Fans of Adrian Belew and Reeves Gabrels appreciate the Fly for its ability to replicate unique sounds, referencing live performances in the '90s.

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Other

  • The Parker Fly's futuristic design was ahead of its time, contrasting with a more traditional guitar design trend in later decades.

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Critic Reviews

Review: Parker Fly Classic Guitar | Teen Ink

teenink.com

The Parker Fly Classic showcases groundbreaking design and innovative features that elevate it above many competitors. With its lightweight construction, exceptional sustain, and versatile electronics—offering both humbucker and piezo sounds—it promises an expansive tonal range. However, its hefty price tag, ranging from $700 to $5,000, may deter budget-conscious musicians. While it is an impressive instrument, potential buyers should weigh the financial commitment against their needs. If you can afford it, the Fly Classic stands as a remarkable choice for serious players.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gustavo Cerati uses Parker Fly Classic

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via Pinterest

Podemos ver a Gustavo Cerati estrenando su Parker Fly durante la gira de Sueño Stereo. Incluso la uso en el Unplugged durante Disco Eterno https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOZ_Voe_laE

See how Carlos Alomar uses Parker Fly Classic

Carlos Alomar

Guitarist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified

Visible in this photo of Alomar, which is included in this September 20, 2007 Guitarist News interview.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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