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Average Price: $2,500

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

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 David Lynch uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

David Lynch

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from a Hollywood Reporter article about Lynch's album The Big Dream, we see the man posing with his Electric Deluxe.

See how Mark Farner uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Mark Farner

Singer, Guitarist

Grand Funk Railroad

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

“I love it. It made a better guitar player out of me because it’s so precise. The neck is wider than any other guitar I’ve ever played, and when I do the vibrato on the high E string, I don’t pull it over the edge of the fret board like I would on my Strat or Tele. It’s such a pleasure to play, and those frets never change – there’s no wear at all. I’ve been playing the same Fly since ’96 and there is zero fret wear. That’s my baby.”

See how Amir Derakh uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Amir Derakh

Guitarist

Orgy

...
Verified via Photo

Amir uses a Parker Fly guitar, according to Guitar Geek's rig diagram.

See how Jakko Jakszyk uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Jakko Jakszyk

Singer, Guitarist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Jakszyk can be seen with a Parker Fly.

See how Daniel Gildenlöw uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Daniel Gildenlöw

Singer, Guitarist

Pain of Salvation

...
Verified via YouTube

In the 2009 full concert video "Pain Of Salvation - Ending Themes," Daniel Gildenlöw can be seen playing a Parker Fly Electric Guitar.

See how Andra Ramadhan uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Andra Ramadhan

Guitarist

Dewa 19

...
Verified via YouTube

See he playing blue parker fly in front of Marshall amp

See how Maddie Rice uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Maddie Rice

Guitarist

The Late Show Band

...
Verified via Photo

Maddie Rice uses a Parker Fly Electric Guitar, which is noted for its thin and light design. The original pickups have been upgraded to EMG SAV/57 pickups, as shown in a photo from Geargods.

See how Brian Patton uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Brian Patton

Guitarist

EyeHateGod

...
Verified via Photo

Patton has been seen using Parker Fly guitars live in both Eyehategod and Soilent Green

See how Dean Brown uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Dean Brown

Billy Cobham’s Glass Menagerie

...
Verified via Deanbrown

I was given this guitar back in the mid 90s from Korg, who were distributing Parker at that time. They wanted me to use the guitar for a series of concert/clinics with Tome Coster’s group featuring the late , great Bob Berg(miss him dearly), Alphonso Johnson, and Steve Smith at Franfurt Musik Messe. I took a liking to the guitar because of it’s versatility and light weight. It provided me with a warm, unique sound until recently when the preamp gave out. It is featured on a few tunes on all of my CDs. I would love to get it fixed, but apparently Parker has discontinued the old style pre amp configuration, so it would have to be retro fitted with a new one. The problem for me is that the peizo has no tone control on the new one. A deal breaker for me. Parker has recently informed me that the older style pre-amp is being made available again, so hopefully I will get that guitar back to duty soon.

See how Josh Ramsay uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Josh Ramsay

Singer, Guitarist

Marianas Trench

...
Verified via Photo

Back when they were touring for their album Astoria, Ramsay used his green Parker Fly for the solo encore during his shows, as well as for "Who Do You Love" and "One Love". He swapped out the pickups and splattered it with pink paint.

See how Som Wardner uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Som Wardner

Singer, Guitarist

My Vitriol

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from a live My Vitriol performance in 2006, Som is playing a Parker Fly.

See how Dan Wlekinski uses Parker Fly Electric Guitar

Dan Wlekinski

Guitarist

Rise Against

...
Verified via Photo

In this video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCKRWeshs9U] in which Dan teaches how to play "Advice Column" by 88 Fingers Louie, he can be seen playing this guitar. He's seen using the same guitar in almost all of the band's videos, photos and live performances ever since their reunion.

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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