Parker Guitars
Encyclopedia
Parker Guitars is an American manufacturer of electric guitars
and basses
, started by luthier
Ken Parker in the early 90s. Parker is most famous for making the Parker Fly
.
Parker guitars are characterized by being thin and lightweight guitars; they are generally made from lighter woods like poplar
, Basswood, and spruce
, although there is a mahogany
Fly. They have composite materials (resin
and carbon glass skin), to reinforce a thin carved body and neck. Fingerboards are composite, and use stainless steel
frets. Electronics include the integrated use of coil split humbuckers and piezo
pickups with active circuitry.
In October 2002, Parker initiated the first production run of the Fly bass guitar
, in both 4-string and 5-string versions. The 5-strings are noted for their ease of use for 4-string players, both with respect to weight and string spacing. Parker basses produced in the original factory in Wilmington, MA have seven digit serial numbers using the same formula for dating at the original Nite Fly guitars. Basses made by Washburn have serial numbers that begin with 092. Soon after moving production to Illinois, the original, more stable multi-laminate neck construction was scrapped in favor of more cost-effective construction from a single piece of mahogany. As with other Parker guitars, they offer both magnetic and piezoelectric pickups, with the ability to blend the two.
2003 was the last year of the original Flys, with the balance wheel on the face of the guitar and the 4 knob setup. In 2003 the Fly was "refined" with a new control layout consisting of a master volume, a master tone [coil split function is on this control as well] and a master volume for the piezo
eliminating the separate volume control for the magnet pickups and the piezo tone control. This instrument was more cost effective eschewing the original, higher fidelity Fly circuitry for the cheaper, simpler Nite-Fly preamp. Further cost cutting measures were made to the hardware. This included switching to the larger, heavier Nite Fly truss rod increasing the weight of the neck and diminishing the volume of wood in the neck.
In 2003 the company was sold to U.S. Music Corporation
based in Illinois. Manufacturing also moved to Mundelein, IL in 2003. The Parker custom shop opened, at the Washburn factory, in 2005. Import production moved from the Cort factory in Korea, to a factory commissioned by the Nova trading company in China, after the completion of the buyout.
In late 2006, Ken Parker, who had been in seeming absentia since selling Parker guitars, surfaced with a new take on archtop guitars. Ken Parker currently builds only custom guitars. Ken Parker Archtops
Players include Adrian Belew
, Reeves Gabrels
, Vernon Reid
, Trent Reznor
of Nine Inch Nails, Adam Dutkiewicz
of Killswitch Engage
, Vince Genella, Saul Zonana, Stephen Rockford Hammond and Deron Miller
of CKY
.
As of late, Parker has released several special edition
Flys. There has been the Fly Mojo Snakeskin
where a stock Fly Mojo was covered in snakeskin
. Also were the 4 seasons Fly Mojos which were Mojos made corresponding to the season. Also released under the select series was the koa
Fly Mojo.
New production and design is currently led by Terry Atkins, of Gibson custom shop fame. (As well as Tacoma Guitars, and Jackson.) Terry has made several dynamic changes to the design of the flagship Fly model, including changing the truss rod
from the original lightweight design to a more traditional, heavier version. It has also been noted by many Fly aficionados that the Washburn Fly guitars are thicker and heavier than the original instruments.
In 2009 US Music was sold to Jam Industries a Canadian Musical Instrument distributor.
In 2010 the Dragonfly model was introduced. Based on the Fly model, it features a refined headstock, allowing the guitar to be hung on a standard guitar wall hanger, a refined top horn, which is more ergonomically and traditionally shaped, standardized pickup cavities, and a slightly thicker, heavier body. It shares the same construction as the standard Fly.
Other USA models:
Bolt on USA models:
P-Series:
New and Other Models:
Electric Guitars
Electric Guitars were formed early in 1980 by Neil Davenport and Richard Hall who were both studying English at Bristol University. The band soon increased to a five-man line-up, with Andy Saunders , Matt Salt and Dick Truscott , they also later added two backing singers: Sara and Wendy...
and basses
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, started by luthier
Luthier
A luthier is someone who makes or repairs lutes and other string instruments. In the United States, the term is used interchangeably with a term for the specialty of each maker, such as violinmaker, guitar maker, lute maker, etc...
Ken Parker in the early 90s. Parker is most famous for making the Parker Fly
Parker Fly
The Parker Fly is a type of electric guitar built by Parker Guitars. It was designed by Ken Parker and Larry Fishman, and first produced in 1993. The Fly is unique among electric guitars in the way it uses composite materials. It is notable for its light weight and resonance...
.
Parker guitars are characterized by being thin and lightweight guitars; they are generally made from lighter woods like poplar
Poplar
Populus is a genus of 25–35 species of deciduous flowering plants in the family Salicaceae, native to most of the Northern Hemisphere. English names variously applied to different species include poplar , aspen, and cottonwood....
, Basswood, and spruce
Spruce
A spruce is a tree of the genus Picea , a genus of about 35 species of coniferous evergreen trees in the Family Pinaceae, found in the northern temperate and boreal regions of the earth. Spruces are large trees, from tall when mature, and can be distinguished by their whorled branches and conical...
, although there is a mahogany
Mahogany
The name mahogany is used when referring to numerous varieties of dark-colored hardwood. It is a native American word originally used for the wood of the species Swietenia mahagoni, known as West Indian or Cuban mahogany....
Fly. They have composite materials (resin
Resin
Resin in the most specific use of the term is a hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees. Resins are valued for their chemical properties and associated uses, such as the production of varnishes, adhesives, and food glazing agents; as an important source of raw materials...
and carbon glass skin), to reinforce a thin carved body and neck. Fingerboards are composite, and use stainless steel
Stainless steel
In metallurgy, stainless steel, also known as inox steel or inox from French "inoxydable", is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 or 11% chromium content by mass....
frets. Electronics include the integrated use of coil split humbuckers and piezo
Piezo
"Piezo", derived from the Greek piezein, which means to squeeze or press, is a prefix used in:* Piezoelectricity* Piezoresistive effect* Piezometer* Piezo ignition* Piezoelectric sensor* Piezoelectric loudspeakers* Piezo Audio Amplifier...
pickups with active circuitry.
In October 2002, Parker initiated the first production run of the Fly bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, in both 4-string and 5-string versions. The 5-strings are noted for their ease of use for 4-string players, both with respect to weight and string spacing. Parker basses produced in the original factory in Wilmington, MA have seven digit serial numbers using the same formula for dating at the original Nite Fly guitars. Basses made by Washburn have serial numbers that begin with 092. Soon after moving production to Illinois, the original, more stable multi-laminate neck construction was scrapped in favor of more cost-effective construction from a single piece of mahogany. As with other Parker guitars, they offer both magnetic and piezoelectric pickups, with the ability to blend the two.
2003 was the last year of the original Flys, with the balance wheel on the face of the guitar and the 4 knob setup. In 2003 the Fly was "refined" with a new control layout consisting of a master volume, a master tone [coil split function is on this control as well] and a master volume for the piezo
Piezo
"Piezo", derived from the Greek piezein, which means to squeeze or press, is a prefix used in:* Piezoelectricity* Piezoresistive effect* Piezometer* Piezo ignition* Piezoelectric sensor* Piezoelectric loudspeakers* Piezo Audio Amplifier...
eliminating the separate volume control for the magnet pickups and the piezo tone control. This instrument was more cost effective eschewing the original, higher fidelity Fly circuitry for the cheaper, simpler Nite-Fly preamp. Further cost cutting measures were made to the hardware. This included switching to the larger, heavier Nite Fly truss rod increasing the weight of the neck and diminishing the volume of wood in the neck.
In 2003 the company was sold to U.S. Music Corporation
U.S. Music Corporation
U.S Music Corporation is a company based in Mundelein, Illinois. US Music Corp is an international musical instrument company that manufactures and distributes products worldwide under the Washburn Guitars, Parker Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Eden Electronics, Oscar Schmidt, Hagstrom, Jay Turser,...
based in Illinois. Manufacturing also moved to Mundelein, IL in 2003. The Parker custom shop opened, at the Washburn factory, in 2005. Import production moved from the Cort factory in Korea, to a factory commissioned by the Nova trading company in China, after the completion of the buyout.
In late 2006, Ken Parker, who had been in seeming absentia since selling Parker guitars, surfaced with a new take on archtop guitars. Ken Parker currently builds only custom guitars. Ken Parker Archtops
Players include Adrian Belew
Adrian Belew
Adrian Belew is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer...
, Reeves Gabrels
Reeves Gabrels
Reeves Gabrels is an American guitarist, known for virtuosity, versatility, and originality. His compositions and improvisations defy genre and "explore sonic extremes with a great, adaptive intuition for what each song needs most."...
, Vernon Reid
Vernon Reid
Vernon Reid is an English-born American guitarist, songwriter, composer, and bandleader. Best known as the founder and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Living Colour, Reid was named #66 on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.Critic Steve Huey writes, "[Reid's]...
, Trent Reznor
Trent Reznor
Michael Trent Reznor is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer, and leader of industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. Reznor is also a member of How to Destroy Angels alongside his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, and Atticus Ross. He was previously associated with bands Option 30,...
of Nine Inch Nails, Adam Dutkiewicz
Adam Dutkiewicz
Adam Jonathan Dutkiewicz is an American musician, recording engineer and music producer, best known as a guitarist and backup vocalist from Massachusetts metalcore band Killswitch Engage.-Biography:...
of Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Howard Jones, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and drummer...
, Vince Genella, Saul Zonana, Stephen Rockford Hammond and Deron Miller
Deron Miller
Deron John Miller is the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for World Under Blood and CKY , which has been through various incarnations since being founded in 1998. CKY's most recent release was 2009's Carver City....
of CKY
CKY
CKY may refer to:*CKY , a rock band from Pennsylvania; CKY referring to "Camp Kill Yourself".**CKY , a series of videos released by Bam Margera, named after his brother's band...
.
As of late, Parker has released several special edition
Special edition
The terms special edition, limited edition and variants such as deluxe edition, collector's edition and others, are used as a marketing incentive for various kinds of products, originally published products related to the arts, such as books, prints or recorded music and films, but now including...
Flys. There has been the Fly Mojo Snakeskin
Snakeskin
Snakeskin may refer to:*Snakeskin, a material that is made from the skin of a snake*Snakeskin , a song by Australian band Gyroscope*Snakeskin , a New Zealand film*Snakeskin , a side project of Tilo Wolff from Lacrimosa*Snakeskin Glacier...
where a stock Fly Mojo was covered in snakeskin
Snakeskin
Snakeskin may refer to:*Snakeskin, a material that is made from the skin of a snake*Snakeskin , a song by Australian band Gyroscope*Snakeskin , a New Zealand film*Snakeskin , a side project of Tilo Wolff from Lacrimosa*Snakeskin Glacier...
. Also were the 4 seasons Fly Mojos which were Mojos made corresponding to the season. Also released under the select series was the koa
Koa
Acacia koa is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it is the second most common tree. The highest populations are on Hawaii, Maui and Oahu...
Fly Mojo.
New production and design is currently led by Terry Atkins, of Gibson custom shop fame. (As well as Tacoma Guitars, and Jackson.) Terry has made several dynamic changes to the design of the flagship Fly model, including changing the truss rod
Truss rod
The truss rod is part of a guitar or banjo used to stabilize and adjust the lengthwise forward curvature , of the neck. Usually it is a steel rod that runs inside the neck and has a bolt that can be used to adjust its tension...
from the original lightweight design to a more traditional, heavier version. It has also been noted by many Fly aficionados that the Washburn Fly guitars are thicker and heavier than the original instruments.
In 2009 US Music was sold to Jam Industries a Canadian Musical Instrument distributor.
In 2010 the Dragonfly model was introduced. Based on the Fly model, it features a refined headstock, allowing the guitar to be hung on a standard guitar wall hanger, a refined top horn, which is more ergonomically and traditionally shaped, standardized pickup cavities, and a slightly thicker, heavier body. It shares the same construction as the standard Fly.
Current Model Line-Up
Parker Select Series:- Fly Bronze
- Fly Nylon (Spanish Fly)
- Fly Artist
- Fly Supreme
Other USA models:
- Parker Fly Mojo
- Parker Fly Deluxe
- Parker Fly Classic
- Parker DragonFly DF824
Bolt on USA models:
- Parker DragonFly DF724
- Parker DragonFly DF624
- Parker DragonFly DF524
-
Parker Nitefly Classic(Discontinued in 2010) -
Parker Nitefly Swamp Ash(Discontinued in 2010) -
Parker Nitefly Mojo(Discontinued in 2010)
P-Series:
- Parker P44 PRO (Discontinued in 2010)
- Parker P44 V (Discontinued in 2010)
- Parker P-42 (Discontinued in 2010)
- Parker P-36 (Discontinued in 2010)
- Parker PM20PRO (Discontinued in 2010)
- Parker PM24V (Discontinued in 2010)
- Parker PM20 (Discontinued in 2010)
New and Other Models:
- Adrian BelewAdrian BelewAdrian Belew is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer...
signature model - Adam DutkiewiczAdam DutkiewiczAdam Jonathan Dutkiewicz is an American musician, recording engineer and music producer, best known as a guitarist and backup vocalist from Massachusetts metalcore band Killswitch Engage.-Biography:...
signature model DragonFly - Vernon ReidVernon ReidVernon Reid is an English-born American guitarist, songwriter, composer, and bandleader. Best known as the founder and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Living Colour, Reid was named #66 on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.Critic Steve Huey writes, "[Reid's]...
signature model DragonFly - Parker SC and SC Mojo- the single-cut version of the Fly, also known as the PM60
- Parker P-Series acoustics
- Parker P-Basses