Parker Fly User manual

Fly Guitar Player’s Guide
SUPREME • ARTIST • CLASSIC • CLASSIC STANDARD
DELUXE • DELUXE STANDARD • DELUXE SINGLE-2
Dear Fellow Guitar Enthusiast:
Back in 1973 my brother Alan had outgrown his short scale beginner bass. I had been studying furni-
ture-making as an elective course at college, so building an electric bass seemed like a pretty simple
project. Researching and planning a new instrument, I became fascinated with the union of strings and
wood - the proportions, balance, look, feel, and tone. Alan and I were both happy with the bass and I
never really looked back. For twenty years I’ve been exploring the simple project I’d started at school
and it’s just as challenging and fun as it ever was. I’ve built arch-tops, solid bodies, 4-, 5- and 6-string
basses, electric violins, cellos and harps. Trying to solve physical problems and expand the abilities of
the instruments, I’ve explored non-traditional materials, studied traditional techniques, sculpted sur-
faces, and designed and made new hardware.
Increasingly, I saw the guitars available to modern musicians as clumsy, limiting and gimmicky. I
began to envision advances in form and function. A superlative instrument must be beautiful, balanced,
powerful, accurate, versatile, durable and comfortable - a great tool which, at its best, inspires musi-
cians to greatness, but at least doesn't get in their way! Clearly, the evolution of musical instruments is
an evolving art form as complex and rewarding as music itself.
After teaming up with Larry Fishman in 1982 I knew that my new guitars would also have a unique
amplified voice. Since then we’ve worked together to develop and refine The Fly Guitar into the tool
you’re now experiencing. Larry and I worked with a dedicated group of artisans - among the world’s
best instrument makers.
Your input will continue to guide and inspire us as we develop new instruments with new capabilities
in the years to come. Meanwhile, we expect you’ll enjoy many years of faithful service from your Fly.
Thanks for your support. Play from the heart!
-Ken Parker
FLY SPECIFICATIONS
BODY
Fly Deluxe, Deluxe Standard & Deluxe Single-2: Poplar
Fly Classic, Classic Standard: Mahogany
Fly Artist: Sitka Spruce
Fly Supreme: Figured Maple
Neck Basswood
Fingerboard Glass and Carbon Fiber
Neck Radius 10" to 13" conical form
Scale length 25.5"
Frets 24, hardened stainless-steel
Tuning Machines Locking Sperzel®
Bridge Custom Parker cast aluminum bridge
featuring stainless-steel saddles
· Piezo equipped models feature Fishman®active system
· High Performance Parker Vibrato
Magnetic Pickups Custom DiMarzio®magnetic pickups
Magnetic Controls Volume, Tone, and 3-way pickup
selector
· 5-way pickup selector on Deluxe Single-2
· Tone push/pull coil-tap switch on Standard models
FLY MODELS EQUIPPED WITH PIEZOS
Piezo System 6-element Fishman®Piezo pickups and
a custom active filtering preamp
Piezo Controls Volume, Tone, 3-way Magnetic/Piezo
Selector Switch, Stereo / Mono Switch
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
• T-HANDLED 3/32 ALLEN WRENCH
(Bridge saddle screws, Vibrato bar "swing" adjustment, Bridge
height on non-vibrato models, pickup height adjustment)
• L-SHAPED 5/32 ALLEN WRENCH
(Bridge height adjustment on vibrato equiped models)
• Torx wrench (T27) (Truss rod adjustment)
• Stereo Y-Cable (20 feet)
• Vibrato Bar (3/16" hexagon stainless steel)
• Vibrato Spring (.010 gauge flat spring)
CONTROLS
Fly Models - with Piezo Systems
Along with the familiar Volume, Tone, and Magnetic Pickup selector
found on the Fly Standard, (and most electric guitars), there are also
controls for Piezo Volume and Piezo Tone, a Magnetic / Piezo Pickup
Selector and a Stereo / Mono Switch. Overall volume is controlled by a
Master Volume.
Fly Standard Models - without Piezo Systems
The Fly Standard models feature two humbucking pickups along with a
push/pull tone pot coil-split switch enabling six pickup settings
including both humbuckers, single-coil neck, and single-coil bridge.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
AND CONTROLS
Stereo / Mono Switch
The Fly features a special Fishman®active circuit allowing you to blend
the magnetic and piezo pickup signals right on the guitar. The Stereo /
Mono Switch makes it possible to mix (sum) the piezo and magnetic
pickup signals and play both sounds through a single amp, or split
them to two separate amps or mixers.
MONO: With the Stereo / Mono switch in the IN / mono position, the
guitar's two signals are mixed. In this mode, simply use a standard
guitar cable and a standard guitar amplifier. Thanks to the Fly's active
circuit, in the mono mode, the "Both" position offers many unique
sounds!
STEREO: With the Stereo / Mono switch in the OUT / stereo position,
the guitar's output is stereo. The special cable (stereo "Y"), provided
with the guitar, allows you to send the two signals to two separate
amplifiers. The full sonic potential of the piezo pickup can be achieved
by connecting to a high fidelity, full-range amplification system such
as a PA, an acoustic guitar amp, or keyboard amp.
®
®

· If a mono cable is used and the Stereo / Mono switch is in the OUT /
Stereo position, only the magnetic pickup sound will be heard.
· If the stereo "Y" cable is used with the Stereo / Mono switch set in the
IN / Mono position, both the magnetic and piezo outputs will be heard
through one amp and only the piezos through the other.
Battery
Fly models with Piezo and magnetic pickups use a 9-volt battery. It's
there to provide power to the on-board Piezo preamp and the internal
mixer. This unique mixer circuit uses sophisticated voltage-doubling
synthesis circuitry that gives you twice the clean headroom, compared
to common on-board electronics. This circuit enables the Fly to blend
the magnetic pickups with the active Piezos, expanding the range of
tonal options.
The battery has a useful life of approximately 100 hours. It's turned
on when a cable is plugged into the guitar. To extend battery life,
please remember to remove the plug when you're not playing your
guitar.
The battery status light is on
the control cover. When the
battery is good, this red LED
flashes for an instant when
the guitar is plugged in. When
the battery is low, the light
will glow continuously while
plugged in. You then have
approximately two hours of
battery power left. Finally, a
distorted output signal or a
high-pitched whistle will
serve as an audio reminder
that the battery is dead.
· BATTERY COMPARTMENT: The 9-volt battery slides into the side of
the guitar next to the strap button. To replace the battery, loosen the
two screws. They are designed to stay captive in the cover plate. The
best screwdriver to use is a dime, as it can't scratch the finish on the
cover. To replace the cover, hold it firmly in its nest before tightening
the screws.
Piezo Balance Trim Pot
Your guitar is equipped with a Piezo Balance Control. 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 gain.
To do this, remove the control cover, and adjust the small, white knob
mounted on the circuit board. This trim pot controls the gain (output)
of the Piezo pickup.
Piezo Frequency Response
The Piezo system has a far greater treble response than the normal
magnetic pickups. Some amps will have no trouble with the additional
high frequency output, but others will distort. If you are getting
distortion, you may want to decrease the gain of the Piezo pickup. The
way to do this is to lower the Piezo volume and/or roll off some of the
treble on either the amp or the guitar.
Control Cover
When replacing the control cover (on piezo equipped Fly guitars),
make sure that the red LED battery status light fits inside the clear
plastic lens on the control cover. Before replacing the screws that
secure the cover, insert a cord into the guitar's jack to activate the
light so that you can check its visibility. On vibrato guitars, also insure
that the step-stop switch protrudes through its slot.
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.
ADJUSTING YOUR PARKER
FLY GUITAR
As with all fine musical instruments, a little care and maintenance go a
long way toward preserving your investment.
If you're unfamiliar with adjusting instruments, we suggest that you
take your Fly to a qualified guitar technician. He or she can help
demonstrate these adjustments and you can decide which ones you
might prefer to have made professionally.
Additional support information can be found on the Parker web site at:
www.parkerguitars.com.
BATTERY STATUS LIGHT
LOUDER
SOFTER

Action
Most Fly models are strung with D'Addario®.009-.042 strings at the
factory. They are all adjusted to a very low action of .070 on the bass
side and .050 on the treble side, measured at the twelfth fret (while
fretting the first fret).
If you lower your action even further, be aware that some buzzing may
occur.
The Fly's bridge is designed and made exclusively by Parker. The
radius of the bridge exactly matches that of the neck. Therefore the Fly
doesn't require the individual height adjustment devices that detract
from tone and sustain.
· ADJUSTING ACTION ON FLY GUITARS WITHOUT VIBRATO:
Action is set with three screws
from the back of the guitar. Using
the T-handled 3/32 Allen wrench
supplied with your guitar, turn the
screws clockwise to raise the
bridge and counterclockwise to
lower it. Since these screws also
adjust the angle of the bridge to
the guitar, to make more than a
small adjustment you must adjust
all three screws a little at a time,
being careful not to tilt the bridge
in its cavity. Do not adjust a screw
more than a 1/4 turn at a time.
· ADJUSTING ACTION ON FLY
GUITARS WITH VIBRATO:
Action is set with two screws from
the back of the guitar. Using the L-
shaped 5/32 Allen wrench supplied
with your guitar, turn the screws
clockwise to lower the bridge, and
counterclockwise to raise it. If
you're changing the action a lot,
it's good practice to alternate
between the two screws, making
no more than a 1/4 turn at a time.
If you're unfamiliar with adjusting action, we strongly suggest that
you take your instrument to your favorite guitar technician.
Intonation
To set the string length or
intonation, loosen the screw that
clamps the bridge saddle in
place with the supplied T-
handled 3/32 Allen wrench. If the
string plays sharp, slide the
saddle back to make the string
longer. If the string plays flat,
slide it forward. Re-tighten the
saddle screw. The piezo-electric
elements in the bridge are
delicate, so be careful. The
eraser end of a pencil is a safe
tool for sliding the saddles.
Pickup Height
Each DiMarzio®pickup is
secured to the body by
two pole-piece screws.
These screws also adjust
pickup height.
· HUMBUCKERS:
On the coil closer to the
bridge, adjust the screw
under the B-string. On
the other coil, adjust the
screw under the A-string.
Turn the screws
clockwise to lower and
counterclockwise to raise
the pickup.
· SINGLE COILS: Adjust the pole-piece screws under the B-string and
A-string to raise and lower, or remove the pickup.
Truss Rod
Adjustment
The truss rod is easily
accessible via the hole located
on the bottom side of the
headstock. To adjust the rod,
use the Torx wrench (T27)
supplied with your guitar.
Turn it clockwise to tighten
the rod and counterclockwise
to loosen it. Be aware that the
rod is very sensitive - one-
sixth turn yields a lot of
movement.
The Parker Fly guitar is built
with the correct amount of
neck relief "dialed" in;
therefore it is impossible to
adjust the neck to completely
flat.
NOTE: If you're unfamiliar with adjusting a truss rod, we strongly suggest that you take
your instrument to your favorite guitar technician for this adjustment.
VIBRATO SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Many of the Parker models are equipped with a vibrato system
designed exclusively for the Fly guitar by Ken Parker. This simple,
straightforward vibrato system offers all the options and flexibility a
guitarist could want. Two controls are used to select from three
modes of operation. No tools are needed to select or fine-tune the
bridge modes.
Note: All of these modes share a common bridge position-we'll call
this HOME.
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
LOWER
RAISE
LOWER
RAISE

THESE THREE MODES ARE:
1. FIXED: This mode is selected for tuning, setting intonation, re-
stringing and action adjustment. In this mode the bridge is stabilized
and can be thought of as a non-vibrato bridge. FIXED is always HOME.
IMPORTANT NOTE! Always tune your
guitar in the FIXED mode. Don't EVER
tune it anywhere else. Any problems
that you may encounter with this
vibrato system are most likely caused
by tuning the guitar when the bridge
is not HOME.
2. BEND DOWN: In this mode
the vibrato bends down from
and returns to HOME.
3. BALANCED: This mode
sets the bridge to free-
floating allowing you to bend
up from and down from
HOME.
Step-Stop Switch
This two-position slide switch is located between the height
adjustment screws on the back cover plate.
These two positions are:
· UP: This position is selected for
the BALANCED or free-floating
mode only.
· DOWN: This position is used for
the FIXED and BEND DOWN
modes.
Balance Wheel
This wheel protrudes through
the front and back of the
body.
Turning the wheel
counterclockwise increases
the spring's force on the
bridge.
Turning the wheel clockwise
decreases the spring's force
on the bridge.
REMEMBER:
Up in front = up in
force.
ADJUSTING THE PARKER FLY
VIBRATO SYSTEM
1. FIXED:
· Place the Step-Stop switch in the DOWN position.
· Rotate the Balance Wheel counterclockwise until the bridge cannot
bend up. The guitar is now stabilized for tuning, setting intonation, re-
stringing and action adjustment.
For string bending: In this mode the guitar can be thought of as a
fixed-bridge instrument. This mode allows you to bend a string while
other strings are sounded and not change their pitch. If the other
strings do go flat while bending, increase the spring force.
2. BEND DOWN ONLY:
· Place the Step-Stop switch in the DOWN position.
· Rotate the Balance Wheel clockwise to decrease the spring force
while listening for a change in pitch. When the strings start to go flat,
rotate the Balance Wheel counterclockwise just enough to lightly seat
the bridge against the Step-stop. Now the bridge will return HOME but
cannot be bent up. In this mode, the user can also adjust the Vibrato
Bar resistance from light to heavy with the Balance Wheel.
NOTE: If the bridge is set just flat of HOME (tilting forward) while tuned up to pitch and the
Step-Stop switch is DOWN, there may be a buzz as the bridge vibrates against the Step-
stop when played. If this occurs, simply rotate the wheel up slightly to bring the bridge into
contact with the Step-stop.
3. BALANCED (FREE-FLOATING):
· Place the Step-Stop switch in the UP position. If this allows the
bridge to move back, away from HOME (sharp), re-tune the guitar with
the Balance Wheel. Simply rotate the Balance Wheel clockwise to
restore the balance at the correct pitch.
NOTE: If you should break a string when playing the guitar with the bridge in the
BALANCED mode, just set the Step-Stop switch down to restore the remaining strings to
pitch (You may need to bend down on the bar to move the Step-Stop switch down).
Vibrato Bar
The Parker Fly Vibrato Bar is made from 3/16" hexagon stainless steel.
This special alloy can be bent to your liking and will retain its shape in
use. We recommend that you let a guitar technician adjust the shape
of the Vibrato Bar.
The end of the bar that fits into the bridge is curved very slightly. The
deeper you insert the Vibrato Bar into the bridge, the tighter it fits. The
tightness of this fit can be adjusted by changing the bend very slightly.
The "swing" or rotation of the bar can also be adjusted. This is set with
the screw located on the back edge of the bridge. Place a vibrato bar in
the bridge and bend down to gain better access to this screw. Using
the T-handled 3/32 Allen wrench supplied with your guitar, turn the
screw clockwise to tighten and counter-clockwise to loosen.
Spring
Instead of the customary coiled springs in the back, the Fly's vibrato
uses a unique flat spring that remains silent while compressing and
expanding, and is compact enough to fit into the Fly's thin body.
Each Fly vibrato guitar is supplied with two springs. The installed
spring is correct for the .009 > .042 D'Addarios that the Fly is shipped
with. The extra spring found in the case or gig bag is correct for .010s.
Please be aware that if you change to a hybrid gauge of strings, .009 >
.046 for example, you must install a heavier (.010) spring. If you use
.008 gauge strings, the .009 spring will work perfectly fine. Using the
wrong spring or adjusting the spring incorrectly could cause the
spring to break and possibly damage the guitar.
BALANCED
FIXED AND BEND DOWN
DECREASE INCREASE

If you wish to use .011s or .012s, contact Parker Support via email at:
[email protected] or call us at [phone] for
instructions on how to order the correct spring for these heavier
strings.
· CHANGING SPRINGS:
1. Remove the back panel control cover.
2. Loosen the Balance Wheel (down in front, clockwise) all the way.
3. Select the UP (Balanced/Free-Floating) position for the Step-stop
switch.
4. Swing the bar over the end of the body and push down as shown
until the spring falls out.
5. Insert the new spring by placing either end of the spring into the
groove near the Balance Wheel.
6. Insert the other side of the spring into one of the three grooves
near the bridge.
7. Select the DOWN (Bend Down Only) position for the Step-Stop
switch.
8. Tighten the Balance Wheel (up in front, counterclockwise) so that
the bridge rests against the Step-Stop.
9. Retune the guitar while making sure that the bridge remains in the
HOME position against the Step-Stop (tighten the Balance Wheel
further if needed).
10. Once the guitar is in pitch readjust the Balance Wheel (as
described earlier) and set the Step-Stop to your preferred setting.
WHICH GROOVE?
The guitars leave the factory set up for normal operation with the
spring in the groove closest to the back of the guitar. This groove is
best for extreme Vibrato Bar technique.
The second and third grooves will give a lighter Vibrato Bar feel but
reduce clearance for the spring inside the body. These grooves may
work best for more subtle Vibrato Bar use.
Choose the groove that's right for YOU.
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. (Gold non-locking
Sperzels are used on the Fly
Jazz model.) Sperzel's
patented string clamp
eliminates the need for tying
and multiple string wraps,
greatly improving tuning
stability.
To remove a string, loosen the knurled clamp knob at the back 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.
Frets
Our patented fret and fingerboard consists of hardened stainless steel
frets bonded to a glass and carbon fiber fret board. Not only will these
unique frets outlast ordinary soft nickel frets, but due to our super-
accurate manufacturing processes, they all have the correct "half-
round" shape.
The frets may only be serviced at the Parker Guitar factory. Fret service
performed otherwise will void 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®" on
your Fly as they may damage the 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
SWING THE BAR OVER THE END OF THE BODY
PUSH DOWN
BRIDGE AT HOME
STEP STOP
PARKER GUITARS P.O. BOX 388 WILMINGTON MA 01887 USA 978.988.0102 FAX [phone] www.parkerguitars.com
NOTHING PLAYS LIKE A PARKER
®
SPRING