Parker Fly User manual

Nite-Fly Player’s Guide
NITEFLY-SA • NITEFLY-SA STANDARD • NITEFLY-M
Dear Fellow Guitar Enthusiast:
Larry Fishman and I formed Parker Guitars in 1991. It continues to be a rewarding
project and a great education for us. We're thrilled that you have chosen to make
your music with our creation!
Guitar players of every style in more than 20 nations are choosing the Fly Guitar,
and some have suggested that the Fly is taking its rightful place alongside other
ground breaking and enduringly great designs of yesteryear. Thanks to your sup-
port, our little duet of inventors has grown to a sturdy group of craftspeople col-
laborating to make the most useful and highest quality instrument available.
Feedback from you guitarists influenced us to design a "bolt-on" sibling to the Fly.
Your comments, suggestions and criticism helped to shape the NiteFly. We chose
the pickguard format to simplify changes in the pickups. The neck shape is thick-
er; with "firmer cheeks". The frets are taller and wider. The body, similar in outline
and contouring, bears a distant resemblance to other members of the Fly family.
Your input will continue to inspire us as we develop new instruments with new
capabilities for years to come. Meanwhile, we expect you'll enjoy many years of
faithful service from your NiteFly.
Thanks for your support. Play from the heart!
-Ken Parker
NITEFLY SPECIFICATIONS
BODY
NFV-SA & NFV-SA Standard: Ash
NFV-M: Mahogany
Neck Mahogany
Fingerboard Glass and Carbon Fiber
Neck Radius 10” to 13” conical form
Scale length 25 ½"
Frets 22 medium jumbo hardened stainless steel
Bridge Custom Parker cast aluminum bridge featuring
stainless steel saddles and Fishman®piezo
pickups
Magnetic Pickups Custom DiMarzio®magnetic pickups
NFV-SA & NFV-SA Standard: One Humbucker and
two Single-coils
NFV-M: Two Humbuckers
Magnetic Controls NFV-SA & NFV-SA Standard: Magnetic Pickup
Volume, Tone, and 5-way Pickup Selector
NFV-M: Magnetic Pickup Volume, Tone with
push/pull coil-split switch, and 3-way Pickup
Selector
NITEFLY MODELS EQUIPPED WITH PIEZOS
Piezo System 6-element Fishman®piezo pickups and
Powerchip™preamp/mixer circuit
Piezo Controls Piezo Volume, 3-way Magnetic / Piezo Selector
Switch
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
• 1/8" T-handle allen wrench (Bridge Stud Screws/Height
Adjustment), Bridge Stop Screw)
• 3/32" T-handle allen wrench(Bridge Saddle Screws, Vibrato Bar
rotation tension screw)
• 1/8" steel rod (Truss rod capstan adjustment)
• Stereo Y-Cable (15 feet)
• Vibrato Bar (3/16" round stainless steel)
FEATURES
1. Sperzel®locking tuning
machines
2. Hardened stainless
steel frets
3. Composite fingerboard
4. One piece solid wood
neck encapsulated in
glass and carbon fibers
5. Solid hardwood body
6. Easy-Access truss rod
adjuster
7. 3/16" stainless steel
vibrato bar
8. Custom DiMarzio®
magnetic pickups
9. Cast aluminum bridge
with stainless steel bridge
saddles and Fishman®
piezo pickups
10. Stereo output jack
CONTROLS
NiteFly SA & M - with Piezo Systems
Along with the familiar Volume, Tone, and Magnetic Pickup selector
found on the NiteFly Standard, (and most electric guitars), the NiteFly-
SA and NiteFly-M are piezo equipped models and feature additional
controls for Piezo Volume and a Magnetic / Piezo Pickup Selector
switch.
®
®
Magnetic Volume
5-Way Magnetic Pickup Selector
(NiteFly-SA Model)
Stereo / Mono Switch
Magnetic Tone
Piezo / Magnetic Pickup Selector
Piezo Volume
Forward: Magnetic Pickups Only
Middle: Combination
Back: Piezo Pickups Only
Out: Stereo Output (Magnetic and Piezo pickup
signals split to two separate amps)
In: Summed Mono Output (Magnetic and Piezo
pickup signals sent to a single amp)
NiteFly SA Controls
1
6
4
2
3
5
9
10
8
7

NiteFly Standard Models - without Piezo Systems
The NiteFly Standard models feature Custom DiMarzio®humbucking
pickups along with volume, tone and a pickup selector switch.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
AND CONTROLS
Stereo / Mono Operation
"Smart Switching" Output Jack
The Fishman Powerchip™circuit, featuring a "Smart Switching"
output jack, automatically senses whether a stereo or mono jack is
inserted. This circuit makes it possible to mix (sum) the piezo and
magnetic pickup signals, by automatically sensing the output cable,
and play both sounds through a single amp, or split them to two
separate amps or mixers.
1. Mono Guitar Cable
When a standard mono guitar cable is inserted, the guitar's two
signals (magnetic and piezo) are automatically mixed (summed).
Both sounds can be played through a single guitar amplifier or
mixer.
2. Stereo Cable
When a stereo guitar cable is inserted, the guitar's two signals
(magnetic and piezo) are automatically split into stereo. The
special stereo Y-cable provided with the guitar allows you to send
the two signals to two separate amplifiers. The buffered piezo
pickup signal (Ring) will sound its best through a PA, an acoustic
guitar amp, a keyboard amp, or some other high-fidelity unit.
Send the unbuffered magnetic pickup signal (Tip) to a traditional
electric guitar amplifier. Switching between the two signals (or
blending) is done with the 3-way Piezo/Magnetic pickup selector.
Battery
Because the two kinds of pickups have "irreconcilable impedance
differences", their outputs cannot be mixed without the help of an
electrically powered (active) circuit. The 9-volt battery that powers the
Fishman Powerchip preamp/mixer has a life of approximately 200
hours. The circuit switches on when a cable is plugged into the guitar,
so to conserve batteries, unplug the cable when you're not playing
your NiteFly.
NOTE: To replace the battery, release the catch and swing open the door. The flip-out
holder will not close if the battery is installed incorrectly. Please be gentle!!!
Piezo Balance Trim Pot
Your guitar is equipped with a Piezo Balance Trim Pot. We set this
control at the factory so that the full volume outputs of the piezo and
magnetic systems are equal. Since string gauges and pickup height
affect the output of the magnetic pickups, you may want to change the
relative levels of the two systems by adjusting the piezo output.
· To adjust the Piezo Balance Trim Pot: Remove the three pickguard
screws nearest the controls. Carefully lift the pickguard and adjust the
small trim pot located on the Fishman Powerchip circuit board with a
small screwdriver. This "trim pot" adjusts the output of the piezo
pickup.
Piezo Frequency Response
Piezo pickups have a far greater treble response than magnetic
pickups. Some guitar amps have no trouble with the additional high
frequency output, but others may distort. If this happens, either lower
the piezo volume on the guitar, lower the input volume at the guitar
amp, or try lowering the treble control of the amp.
Ground Loops
Sometimes when using two amps, there may be a loud hum when the
guitar is plugged into the second amp. This hum is caused by a
ground loop. This ground loop isn't the fault of the guitar (or the
amps for that matter), but rather the result of essential electrical safety
code requirements. Ground loops can occur whenever two pieces of
electronic equipment are connected.
NOTE: Do Not Disconnect Or Otherwise Attempt To Defeat Ground Connections On Your
Electrical Equipment !!
There is ONLY ONE safe way to rid yourself of ground loops: Use a
Direct Box with a ground lift to isolate the two amps. Plug the
magnetic end of the stereo "Y" cable into one amp and the piezo end
into the Direct Box. Plug the Direct Box's output into a balanced input
on the second amp.
Magnetic Volume
Magnetic Tone
Piezo Volume
3-Way Magnetic Pickup Selector
Forward: Neck Humbucker
Middle: Both Humbuckers
Back: Bridge Humbucker
(with tone pot push/pull coil-split switch pulled out)
Forward: Single-coil towards neck of neck humbucker
Middle: Single-coils towards neck of both humbuckers
(in parallel)
Back: Single-coil towards neck of bridge humbucker
3-Way Piezo / Magnetic Pickup Selector
Forward: Magnetic Pickups Only
Middle: Combination
Back: Piezo Pickups Only
NiteFly M Controls
Magnetic Volume
5-Way Magnetic Pickup Selector
Forward: Neck Single Coil
Middle and neck Single Coli (Hum-Cancelling)
Middle: Middle Single Coil
Inside Coil of Bridge Humbucker
and Middle Single Coil (Hum-Cancelling)
Back: Bridge Humbucker
Magnetic Tone
NiteFly Standard Controls

ADJUSTING YOUR GUITAR
If you're unfamiliar with adjusting instruments, we suggest that you
take your guitar to a qualified guitar technician. He or she can help
demonstrate these adjustments and you can decide which ones you
are comfortable making yourself and which ones you might prefer to
have made professionally.
Action
Action (bridge / string height) is adjusted by the two bridge post
screws located at the front edge of the bridge (illustration). Using the
larger 3mm allen wrench, turn the screws clockwise to lower the
bridge, and counterclockwise to raise it. Also, it's a good practice to
alternate between the two screws, taking no more than ¼ turn at a
time.
Individual string height is adjusted by the two small Allen screws on
each of the six bridge saddles. First loosen the saddle screw and then,
using the smaller 1.5mm allen wrench, turn the screws clockwise to
lower the saddle, and counterclockwise to raise it.
NOTE: Parker Nite-Fly guitars are shipped from the factory adjusted to a very low
action of .070" on the treble side and .080" on the bass, at the 14th fret (string open,
not fretted). If you lower your action even further, be aware that some buzzing may
occur.
Intonation
To set the intonation (string length), loosen the screws that hold the
bridge saddles using the smaller 1.5mm allen wrench supplied with
the guitar.
· If a string plays sharp: Insert the same 1.5 mm allen wrench into
the back of the saddle. Turn the screw clockwise to move the saddle
back to make the string length longer.
· If a string plays flat: Turn the screw counter-clockwise to move the
saddle forward to make the string length shorter.
Once the strings are intonated re-tighten the saddle screws. Do not
over-tighten the saddle-screws. The piezo-electric elements in the
bridge are delicate, so be careful.
Truss Rod Adjustment
If you're unfamiliar with adjusting a truss rod, we STRONGLY suggest
that you have this adjustment made by a qualified guitar technician.
The truss rod adjuster wheel is easily accessible. To adjust the truss
rod, use the steel rod capstan wrench supplied with your guitar. Rotate
the wheel towards the high E string to tighten the truss rod and
towards the low E string to loosen it.
NOTE: Over tightening WILL result in damaging the truss rod.
VIBRATO ADJUSTMENT
Start from HOME: When the bridge is adjusted parallel to the top of
the guitar and the guitar is in tune, the bridge is in the HOME position.
NiteFly Guitars are set up at the Parker Guitar Factory with D'Addario®
.009" - .042" strings. Three coil springs balance the tension of the
strings. When you change string gauges or use alternate tunings, you
alter the string tension. This changes the attitude of the bridge, and
therefore you will need to re-adjust the bridge to the HOME position.
To do this: Remove the back cover, and with the guitar tuned to pitch,
tighten or loosen the two Phillips head "CLAW" screws (see back of
guitar illustration) to reset the bridge parallel to the top of the guitar.
The NiteFly Vibrato is a high quality, stable system that can be
operated in three modes:
1. Balanced (Free-Floating): In this mode the bridge can bend up and
down. The Stop Screw must be adjusted (lowered) so that it won't
prevent the bridge from bending up. The HOME position of the bridge
is set by adjusting the Claw Screws (balancing the tension of the coil
springs).
2. Bend Down Only: The NiteFly comes set up from the Parker Guitar
factory in Bend Down mode. In this mode the bridge can only bend
down and returns HOME to rest lightly against the Stop Screw. The
springs must be tensioned slightly more than in the Balanced mode so
that the bridge at HOME is held against the Stop Screw. Unlike the
Balanced mode, you can rest your hand on the bridge without
throwing it out of tune.
3. Fixed: This mode is similar to Bend Down mode. HOME position is
also setup by contact with the Stop Screw. Additional spring force is
applied against the stop by tightening the Claw Screws. The bridge will
still bend down, but with a stiffer feel. In this mode you can bend a
string while other strings are sounded and not change their pitch. Like
the Bend Down mode, resting your hand on the bridge will not throw it
out of tune.
No matter which mode you prefer to use, it's quickest to tune, set
intonation, and adjust the action of your NiteFly when it's in the Fixed
mode.
Stop Screw
Using the larger 1/8" T-handle Allen wrench supplied with your guitar,
the Stop Screw can be adjusted to limit or stop the bridge from
bending up to any desired amount.
NOTE: When you raise or lower the Action you should also raise or lower the Stop Screw
by the same amount (unless the Stop Screw has already been fully lowered for the
Balanced mode).
Vibrato Bar Rotation Adjustment
To set the rotation tension of the vibrato bar (or to prevent the bar
from falling out), adjust the Allen screw, located on the bottom rear
edge of the bridge, using the smaller 3/32" T-handle Allen wrench
supplied with the guitar.
To do this: Insert the vibrato bar and push down so that the back of
the bridge lifts, allowing better access to the screw with the Allen
wrench. Adjust the screw to the preferred tension.
Phillips head
claw screws
Stop screw
Action
(bridge/string height)

OTHER FEATURES
Tuning Machines
We proudly use Sperzel®tuners - designed and manufactured in the
USA - because they combine excellent quality and design, the best
string locking system, and minimum weight. Sperzel's patented string
clamp eliminates the need for tying and multiple string wraps, greatly
improving tuning stability.
· To remove a string: First loosen the tension of the string, then
loosen the knurled clamp knob at the back of the tuner and slide the
string out of the tuner.
· Before restringing: Turn each tuner until the hole in the capstan is
parallel with the string path. Feed the string through, pull out the slack,
tighten the knurled clamp knob, and tune up.
NOTE: Do Not over tighten the knurled clamp knob as this may cause the capstan to break
the string potentially jamming the tuner capstan. Do Not tighten or loosen the knurled
clamp knob with anything other than your fingers. The knurled clamp knob cannot be
removed without damaging the tuning machine.
Frets
Our patented fingerboard and frets consist of hardened stainless steel
frets bonded to a glass and carbon fiber fretboard. Not only will these
unique frets outlast ordinary soft nickel frets, due to our super-
accurate manufacturing processes, they also all have the correct "half-
round" shape.
The frets may only be serviced at the Parker Guitar Factory or by a
Parker Authorized Repair Facility. Fret service performed elsewhere
will void the warranty.
Cleaning and Polishing
If you're just trying to remove fingerprints or dust, use a soft guitar-
polishing cloth. To remove fine scratches or clean heavy dirt, use a
non-abrasive guitar polish and follow the manufacturer's directions.
Please use products designed only for guitars, as some polishes
contain abrasives that can scratch the finish.
NOTE: Do not use fingerboard "lubricating" products such as "FingerEase®" or "FastFret®" as
they may damage your NiteFly's fingerboard or frets and void the warranty.
LIMITED WARRANTY
There is a 1-year limited warranty beginning on the date of first
customer purchase on all unmodified and properly cared for Parker
Guitars.
Any Parker Guitar found to be defective within the 1-year warranty
period set forth above will be repaired or replaced at the option of
Parker Guitars provided the guitar is promptly delivered (freight and
insurance prepaid) directly to Parker Guitars for service.
Please contact Parker's Product Support office at [phone] for
information, return authorization, and a Parker Work Order Number.
Please visit the Parker Guitars website at www.parkerguitars.com for
more detailed warranty information.
Warranty Repairs Outside the U.S.
For warranty repairs outside the U.S. please contact either the dealer
from whom you purchased the guitar, or the Authorized Parker
Distributor in your country for information and assistance.
6-10-02
PARKER GUITARS P.O. BOX 388 WILMINGTON MA 01887 USA 978.988.0102 FAX [phone] www.parkerguitars.com
NOTHING PLAYS LIKE A PARKER
®