Parker Nitefly - Horn Mod or Sell?

G

gvis

New member
I'm the original owner of the 2001 parker nitefly below and have always loved this guitar, through all its iterations. But lately I play a lot more sitting down and will continue to as i soon start recording in my new home studio. The issue is that the horn digs horribly into my chest when sitting down, to the point that it's unbearbale after a few minutes.

I'm considering modding the corner of the horn that digs, so that its more rounded. I may be able to do this all from the back, but I doubt that will be enough. So the effort would likely involve a repaint, in which case I'd keep it simple and do a solid color, which would be a shame given how cool the stock paint is (and it's in perfect condition). But as much as I love the stock paint, I think I could live with another color, and I'm handy at painting and should be able to pull off a nice paint job.

Excluding the aftermarket pickguard, which I'd be replacing anyway if I keep it (and I have the stock one, in perfect condition), there's not a scratch anywhere on the guitar. But I've modded the hell out of the electronics, including removing all the piezo circuits. Currently it's actually much simpler than the pic. I still have the stock pups and the piezo cricuit and could retrun it to stock myself if i decide to sell it, although I'm guessing it then qualifies as a messed with guitar if for sale.

I had really expected to keep this guitar for life and never worried about resale, but I've also had a warmoth strat build on the back burner that a parker sale could get moving sooner. I'm guessing a modded horn will pretty much destroy resale value, but not sure what effect it would have on tone; my gut tells me it won't have any noticeable effect.

What do you think? What would you do?

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Re: Parker Nitefly - Horn Mod or Sell?

Seems to be a deal breaker to me for you. I'd sell it to a Parker fanatic and get something different. Something with a nice smooth upper bout. PRS's single cuts seem pretty nice...

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Re: Parker Nitefly - Horn Mod or Sell?

Doing that mod will certainly destroy any value that the guitar has. In addition it may significantly/dangerously weaken that upper horn.

I'd say you have one of three choices...

1) Keep the guitar as is and use it for standing play only and get a different guitar for recording on your butt.
2) Mod the heck out of it and don't worry about ever, I said EVER, selling it.
3) Put the guitar back to stock and sell it, then buy a different guitar that you can use for your current operations (or complete the Strat that you have in the works).
 
Re: Parker Nitefly - Horn Mod or Sell?

Crazy idea, but if you're using it for recording, maybe just put something over that sharp edge. A bit of foam and some tape could get you through the recording, and you won't have to sell, or mess your guitar up.
 
Re: Parker Nitefly - Horn Mod or Sell?

Thanks guys. I forgot about the possible weakening of the horn. Damn

It could be tough to get the next strat to match the dark growliness of this parker and its unbelievable sustain and playability (beyond the chest jab..lol).

I have a bad habit of modding everything I touch (guitars, cars, houses, etc), sometimes taking financial hits later. Usually my income covers it without cause for concern, but not lately, so lately I'm trying to plan better. I've been miserable lately with that damn horn, so I think the writing is on the wall. :(
 
Re: Parker Nitefly - Horn Mod or Sell?

DeathALT. said:
Crazy idea, but if you're using it for recording, maybe just put something over that sharp edge. A bit of foam and some tape could get you through the recording, and you won't have to sell, or mess your guitar up.
Click to expand...

Hey, pretty good idea, thanks. I'll try that.
 
Re: Parker Nitefly - Horn Mod or Sell?

If it hurts when you sit, then don't sit. ;)

FWIW, there are reasons why the "proper" sitting position for guitar playing is with the guitar on the left leg. Not that they involve Parkers in particular, but they do involve ergonomics and hand/arm positioning with bulky/awkward instruments. You might try that, and actually find yourself more comfortable playing that way once you get used to it. As long as it's in the studio only, it's okay. But don't ever do that pretentious **** in public or in front of a camera!
 
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Re: Parker Nitefly - Horn Mod or Sell?

ItsaBass said:
If it hurts when you sit, then don't sit. ;)

FWIW, there are reasons why the "proper" sitting position for guitar playing is with the guitar on the left leg.
Click to expand...

Well, i've always played better sitting down, despite having stood most often the past 10 years, in part to help me play better standing. Not like I ever ended up needing it so far because I've never gotten to the point of performing. Now I'm just content with doing recording for fun again.

And I'd never heard of playing over the left leg; I'll give it a shot. At my age I'm not sure how I'll handle the change...lol...the foam idea may be easier and end up working better for me.

Can I ask a usual used price once I put it back to stock, or do I have to lower it do to all the re-wiring? I know if I was buying I'd want to know it's history and would be leary of a heavily affected guitar.
 
Re: Parker Nitefly - Horn Mod or Sell?

Playing on the left leg IIRC is proper posture for classical guitar. It takes some getting used to, but doable. Id try the foam padding first. Maybe get one of those foam wraps that go around a pipe and cut a length and wrap around the horn. may still be in the way, but less of a jab. Good luck
 
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