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Average Price: $2,500

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Dive into a world of sonic precision with the Parker Fly Electric Guitar, a marvel in the realm of solid body electric guitars. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, this instrument is a favorite among musicians who demand both innovation and performance. Its unique poplar body delivers a resonant and balanced tone, making it an ideal choice for a variety of musical styles. Whether you're crafting intricate solos or laying down solid rhythms, the Parker Fly promises a seamless playing experience.

The guitar's lightweight design is paired with a carbon-glass fretboard, offering unmatched playability and durability. The sleek neck design ensures comfort during prolonged playing sessions, allowing musicians to explore their creativity without interruption. With its distinct tonal clarity and sustain, the Parker Fly stands out as a versatile instrument for both stage and studio.

Engineered with precision, the Parker Fly Electric Guitar incorporates advanced electronics that cater to the modern musician's needs. From the moment you plug in, you'll appreciate the dynamic range and responsive controls that bring your sound to life. This guitar isn’t just an instrument; it’s an extension of your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Unique poplar body for resonant and balanced tone
  • Carbon-glass fretboard for enhanced durability and playability
  • Lightweight design for comfortable use
  • Sleek neck for smooth playability
  • Advanced electronics for dynamic range and responsive controls

Product specs

Brand Parker
Model Fly Deluxe Vibrato
Finish Antique Gold, Black, Dusty Black, Emerald Green, Euro Red, Galaxie Gray, Heather Gray, Italian Plum, Majik Blue, Ruby Red, White
Year 1993 - 2002
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Mahogany, Poplar
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load, Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Grey, Purple, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Composite
Fretboard Radius 10", 15"
Neck Construction Bolt-On, Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH, HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Parker Fly Electric Guitar?

The Parker Fly features a slim, fast neck profile designed for comfortable playability, making it ideal for both intricate soloing and rhythm playing.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Parker Fly's pickups?

The Parker Fly offers a versatile sound palette with its combination of magnetic and piezo pickups, delivering rich humbucker tones and crisp acoustic-like sounds suitable for various music genres.

Is the Parker Fly Electric Guitar suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Parker Fly is designed with advanced players in mind, offering a lightweight body, exceptional playability, and versatile tonal options that appeal to experienced musicians.

How does the Parker Fly's composite fretboard affect playability and tone?

The composite fretboard provides a smooth playing surface with enhanced durability and stability, contributing to consistent tone and intonation across the fretboard.

What type of bridge does the Parker Fly Electric Guitar have?

The Parker Fly features a top-load tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation while maintaining tuning stability.

Phillip McKnight

Phillip McKnight

6 Things You Didn't Know About The Parker Fly Guitar

Video thumbnail for 6 Things You Didn't Know About The Parker Fly Guitar by Phillip McKnight

6 Things You Didn't Know About The Parker Fly Guitar

Phillip McKnight

Phillip McKnight

Video thumbnail for The Parker Fly Guitar, Not What You Think by Phillip McKnight

The Parker Fly Guitar, Not What You Think

Phillip McKnight

Phillip McKnight

Video thumbnail for Parker Fly Deep Dive Review by Andre Fludd

Parker Fly Deep Dive Review

Andre Fludd

Andre Fludd

Video thumbnail for Parker Fly - The Electric Guitar That Couldn't by Vegas Cycling Freak

Parker Fly - The Electric Guitar That Couldn't

Vegas Cycling Freak

Vegas Cycling Freak

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Some owners compare the Fly's aesthetics and feel to a "guitar made by Korg," indicating a synthetic, plasticky touch.

    Source
  • A collector's perspective reveals that owning multiple Parker models consistently delivers great sound across the entire range.

    Source
  • After years of use, one owner noted the guitar's finish remains scratch-free despite regular play, highlighting its durability when not gigged hard.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Nitefly models are seen as a cost-effective alternative to the Fly, available for 30-50% less while maintaining innovative design features.

    Source
  • Mint condition significantly affects value; pristine models can range from $2,800 to $9,000, with condition being a critical factor in pricing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners find the factory bridge humbucker lacking, considering replacements like the SD SH-1 '59 for a fuller tone.

    Source
  • A user mentioned using a Tim Henson Neural DSP plugin for acoustic settings with the piezo, highlighting potential for software integration with the guitar's features.

    Source
  • Some users convert the guitar to passive when the ribbon cable breaks, though they miss the piezo functionality post-modification.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Vibrato stability is notable, though slightly stiff, making it reliable for players who frequently use vibrato in their music.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Parker Fly's vibrato system is highlighted as exceptionally smooth and well-designed, perceived by some as superior to many other systems available.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The guitar demands precise setup; it is less forgiving of imperfections compared to other models. Adjustments to truss rod, intonation, and action are notably straightforward.

    Source
  • The Fly's frets are glued onto the carbon fiber body, and some owners report they can fall off over time as the guitar ages.

    Source

Build quality

  • The epoxy surface on the fretboard offers a distinct feel, enhanced by stainless steel frets, giving a unique playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

    Source
  • The sharp elbow of the horn can cause discomfort while sitting, pressing against the chest and sternum during extended play sessions.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some older Parker models have passive piezo systems requiring specific cables and potentially a pedal for power, as noted by an owner using a Fishman Nitemix pedal.

    Source
  • Due to the thin design of the top horn, the strap button is mounted on the back, with risks of the screw poking through if overtightened.

    Source
  • Parker Fly’s unique stereo output requires a TRS cable and two amps or signal processing devices to fully utilize the piezo and magnetic pickups simultaneously.

    Source
  • The Fly's body and neck are one piece made from compression-molded carbon fiber with a soft tonewood core, contributing to its lightweight and stiff structure.

    Source
  • Owners praise the Parker Fly for its lightweight design, making it ideal for musicians with back issues, as it is described as "light as a feather."

    Source

Critic Reviews

Parker Fly Deluxe review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Parker Fly Deluxe is a polarizing guitar that challenges traditional design with its radical aesthetics and construction. While some may find its unconventional looks off-putting, others will appreciate its lightweight, ergonomic build and innovative features. The guitar offers excellent playability, a responsive vibrato system, and a unique combination of magnetic and piezo tones. However, the thinness of the body limits pickup options, and its high-tech construction might not appeal to purists. Despite these quirks, the Fly Deluxe remains a well-crafted instrument that rewards those open to its forward-thinking design.

Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
D

Strange looks, very light body, extremely good neck and action

Easiest electric I've ever played. Fantastic, thin neck, is very fast. Body is almost too light, but it is a fantastic instrument w/ stereo 2 channel pick ups also.

I

The best in the smallest package

This guitar features everything a musician can ask for. great tonal qualities, a piezo system, a very exquisite neck and stunning looks.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Bellamy uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Photo

Matthew Bellamy used a Parker Fly Electric Guitar during Muse's Showbiz tours in 1999 and 2000. Bellamy also used the Parker Fly guitar for the solo on the album version of Thoughts of a Dying Atheist, as well as the songs Yes Please, Cave, Fillip and the recording of Thoughts of a Dying Atheist.

See how Eddie Van Halen uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Eddie Van Halen

Guitarist

Van Halen

...
Verified via Flickr

Eddie Van Halen was seen playing a Parker Fly Electric Guitar during a tour in Japan, as captured in a photo by Taylor Player on Flickr.

See how Trent Reznor uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

Clearly from the video, Trent is seen using a Parker Fly guitar, not to mention his admiration for the creator of the guitar, Adrian Belew, who Trent once cited 'is one of the best musicians alive'. Adrian Belew was also instrumental (no pun intended) to the development of 'The Downward Spiral'. https://www.musictech.net/guides/essential-guide/nine-inch-nails-the-downward-spiral/

See how Jason Newsted uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Jason Newsted

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Freewebs

On the 4th image down on this website you can see he owns one of these guitars and it says that he gave them to Ruben Moss of the Moss Brothers as the guitar was too heavy for him.

See how Gustavo Cerati uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via Photo

Gustavo can be seen using the Parker Fly in this Soda performance at MTV unplugged.

See how Robin Finck uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Robin Finck

Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

according to his interview to Rig Rundown Robin is playing "the big come down" on a Parker Fly with every string tune to D

See how Kanami Tono uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Kanami Tono

Guitarist

Band-Maid

...
Verified via Twitter

In a tweet by her bandmate Akane, a video clip of an early Band-Maid live performance shows Kanami Tono playing a Parker Fly Electric Guitar, positioned stage left.

See how Adam Dutkiewicz uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Adam Dutkiewicz

Guitarist, Drummer

Killswitch Engage

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Adam said: "I've stopped working with Parker now, although I USED A Fly ON THE ALBUM. They had a tremendous revamping of their company… so I wasn't in touch with those guys any more(...)"

See how Reeves Gabrels uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Reeves Gabrels

Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via Photo

Gabrels used a Fly on much of his work with David Bowie

See how Paul Simon uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Paul Simon

Singer, Guitarist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via YouTube

Bizarre guitar choice to play a very clean acoustic sound Paul Simon is playing a Parker Fly guitar when guesting at a gig with Bob Dylan.

See how Greg Gonzalez uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Greg Gonzalez

Singer, Guitarist

Cigarettes After Sex

...
Verified via Gettyimages

I've seen him playing the Parker Fly live and he plays it in every Cigarettes After Sex (band) video/picture I've ever seen.

See how Joni Mitchell uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Joni Mitchell

Singer, Guitarist

Joni Mitchell (band)

...
Verified via The Long Afternoon -

In a picture on this site, Mitchell can be seen playing a red Parker Fly.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Parker Fly Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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vegard_skjervoy

vegard_skjervoy

Gear IQ 89

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