NAMM: Parker Upgrades Fly Guitars

Fly Deluxe (Click for a close-up)

In conjunction with Parker Guitars 10th Anniversary Celebration during Summer NAMM, the company will be unveiling new versions of the original Fly Classic and Fly Deluxe models. The new Flys represent the first significant updating to the Fly line since production began one decade ago.

Improvements to the original Fly Classic and Fly Deluxe came after an analysis of input and suggestions provided by Parker Guitar owners, enthusiasts and dealers. "Parker Guitar owners and artists are the essential ingredient in this process," according to Ken Parker. "We have been gathering feedback for years and these improvements are the culmination of collaboration between our customers and our product team."

The Fly line has undergone some straightforward yet significant advancement. Parker has simplified and redesigned the controls to make them more accessible and easier to use while playing. The Fishman pre-amp has undergone an overhaul resulting in improved performance. The new circuitry can now automatically sense whether the cable is stereo or mono, eliminating the need for a stereo/mono switch. A voltage-doubler has been added to the circuit which provides twice the headroom with the same 9-volt battery. Battery life has increased to over 200 hours. Other improvements include convenient battery access and more serviceable electronics, both of which are features that add value to the product.

All new Fly guitars are equipped with a coil tap and 3-way pickup selector that give the player even more sound than before, with six magnetic pickup choices ranging from humbucker crunch to single-coil twang to blues. For the first time while operating in stereo mode, the new Fly series magnetic signal is un-buffered.

The new Fly series offers color choices that are new for this year, including an array of burst and reverse-burst effects.

All improvements have been incorporated into the newest member of the Parker Fly family-the Parker Mojo, also being introduced at the summer show.