Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

[vinterland]

The more and more I hear Parkers the more and more I'm really digging their tone. I've heard about 3 different guitarists lately playing Fly's and I can totally hear the unique Parker tone and it sounds great. There's something about these guitars that really brings playing expression out. The piezo system also sounds really good. I played one about two years ago and sorta wrote it off simply because the design really didn't appeal to my typical superstrat style but I remember it playing great. I dunno I may have to break the Jackson and Charvel mold and try and find a decently priced Fly Mojo, or Deluxe... hell I'd settle for a classic I just like the finishes better on the others.

Any thoughts from anyone?

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

I played Lesstrat's when I met him down there last year. As a Jackson man, it was easy to play it. A lot of the aspects felt the same. The fingerboard feels like well-oiled ebony, so I really love that part. Tonally, it was really cool - you have a ton of options. I didn't get enough time to play around with it and get familiar with everything, but it definitely seemed like it had a lot of potential.

I think the only drawback is that your pickup choices are limited with the odd sized cavities. But MJ can always remedy that.

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

I think the only drawback is that your pickup choices are limited with the odd sized cavities.

I believe that Duncan and DiMarzio will both make their production model pickups to fit Parker guitars at no cost upon request. DiMarzio does, anyway.

 

[vinterland]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

From what I know, they have both custom wound dimarzios and JB/Jazz sets on their high end models so I'm guessing its not much of a problem.

 

[myxolidian]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

Parkers are nice guitars. I like their non-traditional take on constructing a guitar. Unfortunately, I don't like their non-traditional shapes. I'll probably own one sooner or later though.

 

[vinterland]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

Parkers are nice guitars. I like their non-traditional take on constructing a guitar. Unfortunately, I don't like their non-traditional shapes. I'll probably own one sooner or later though.

That was my whole thing with them, but the shape has definately grown on me which is why I'd consider one now.

 

[beandip]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

I met a Houston area luthier not too long ago who loved the sound of his Parker, but couldnt stand the body shape. So he built a somewhat tele style body (it was kinda Jazz bass shaped as well) and slapped everything else on. It sounded GREAT, and played pretty good as well. And if I remember right, Parker was one of the first to us SS fretwire.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

Loved the guitar shape, the feel, the playability, but wasn't crazy about the sound (sounded kind of generic to my ears, great if you're going for multiple different tones, but none of them "spoke" to me). They're extremely unique guitars and IMO their upper fret access is unmatched, they're a breeze to literally "fly" on the fretboard with. I found the company extremely unresponsive to any e-mails sent, which didn't leave me too happy with Ken Parker.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

i would *love* to have one of their Adrian Belew models, but at $7500, it is unlikely to happen.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

i would *love* to have one of their Adrian Belew models, but at $7500, it is unlikely to happen.

YIKES!!!

I don't care for the Fly too much. I have played several and really wanted to like them, the balance and weight are great but they never played well for my tastes. I do like the new singlecuts they came out with and I played one really nice one at the LI Guitar Swow earlier this year but I haven't come across any others.

If you like the featherweight thing check out the new Yamaha, it is wild and it plays and sounds really good the simple controls aren't as simple as they look though.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

the new yamaha is interesting, but i am not sure about the rotary pickup selector.

oh, that Belew Fly is pretty wild...internal piezo, Fernandes Sustainer, Roland hex pickup (for synths) and the Line 6 Variax guts built right in.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

I owned a first run Deluxe.I liked the playability and trem, but I hated the upper horn digging into my ribs all the time.

I also didn't like that all the tones seemed to lack authority when plugging straight into an amp.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Let's talk Parker's... Fly's in particular

I am a superstart guy, and I have three Parkers (one Classic and two Mojo flame tops). I love the body shape, I have heard people complain about getting poked in the chest - they must have it strapped too high or they are they hunching over it...? Once you play one for a bit, it is a real adjustment to play a traditional shape, just due to the fact the Fly was designed to be very ergonomic. Sound wise, they are amazing. I dropped a SD Distortion in the bridge of one Mojo, and a set of Full Shreds in the other Mojo. I put a Steve's Special in the bridge of the Classic and they do everything I could have ever hoped for. American Hamers, Jacksons, Carvins, etc. come close in playability...but the Fly always edged them out. Just about every feature of the Fly is a step up from other designs, really cool instruments.