The original Parker Fly guitars were absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, I don't think that they build them the way that they used to, having since been bought out by some crowd or another that are more interested in cutting corners that staying faithful to Ken Parker's original ideas. Parker himself has long since moved on. Alan has actually posted about this in detail, so I'm sure he can fill us in again.

As for the guitars themselves, if you can get your hands on a "proper" Parker, there's nothing quite like them.

ShreddySmurf wrote: The original Parker Fly guitars were absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, I don't think that they build them the way that they used to, having since been bought out by some crowd or another that are more interested in cutting corners that staying faithful to Ken Parker's original ideas. Parker himself has long since moved on. Alan has actually posted about this in detail, so I'm sure he can fill us in again.

As for the guitars themselves, if you can get your hands on a "proper" Parker, there's nothing quite like them.

+1. I'm a big fan of the pre-2000 Fly's. They're extremely versatile guitars, and easy on the shoulders. Ken Parker really took it to another level.
I've had the pleasure of playing a Nitefly, and really enjoyed the experience.
The one gripe i've heard from long time Parker owners though is that replacement parts are very hard to come by (especially the Fishman bridge related and IC related components). Another issue is that (extreme?) heat will affect the composite fretboard, which could lead to another boatload of issues.
Still a big fan though ?
Parker was acquired by US Music Corp in March 2004, who were then acquired by JAM Industries (Canadian co., IINM) sometime in 2009.
As SSmurf has said, Parker has since moved on to building radically designed archtops...

First time I played it, I hated it - too different, too skinny, too slender a neck, too light, too easy to play. Second time (ten minutes later), I went "OK, I'm beginning to see what the attraction is". Third time, I stopped and put it down after three hours (or 20 minutes subjective time) and swore I'd never play one again for fear of buying it (R14,000 in '94 or so - I just couldn't afford it and support a family).

It totally changed my perspective on what an electric guitar could be. Incredibly light (4.4 lbs - about 2 kgs), very resonant and incredibly easy to play - you could almost fret notes by breathing on the strings. The neck join is absolutely seamless. The Fly was solely responsible for starting my lifelong obsession with piezo saddles, locking tuners, graphite nuts and stainless steel frets.

Ken Parker is a genius, pure and simple, but like most people of that ilk, he moved on once he had done it (now builds archtop acoustics) and sold out to American Musical (same guys who ruined Washburn) who then sold it on to another bunch. From all accounts, the quality standards have dropped badly, quite aside from the new models (which only look like Parkers IMO, having few of the real innovations that made the Fly so awesome). Last time I spoke to Andy Innes, he had just received his Custom Shop Fly with Graph Tech Saddles, but he wanted to redo the electronics himself because the factory had made such a hash of it.

Speaking of Andy, here's my report on a Johhny Clegg show where I got to go backstage and drool on Andy's Parkers (lots of pics):
http://www.guitarforum.co.za/general-discussion/johnny-clegg-andy-innes-and-lots-of-parker-guitar-pics/

And here is Ken's new site:
http://kenparkerarchtops.com/

Thanks guys,

@alan , i felt the same way when i played that original parker last week , it was everything i ever wanted to find in an instrument , all wrapped in one package

@ arjun ? that ken parker archtop has been my computers wall paper for months , but oddly enough i didn't like the archtop tone when i heard it on youtube ,
but that electric i played just had it all ,

now to persuade the guy that owns it that i want to buy it from him ? but yes as alan mentioned he bought it new over 10 yrs ago for 15 k so prob out of my reach as i'm sure being an original it will go up in value , and after playing it i wouldnt argue its worth ,

IINM, i remember seeing a champagne gold fly (looked like a pre-98 with the bridge adjustment thumb wheel on top) going for 15k on gumtree.
Think the seller is based in the Cape.

One good thing to bear in mind about the original Fly is that they will all still be in great condition - they don't wear out easily, thanks to the stainless frets and composites.

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: R14,000 in '94 or so

A mate bought one at about that time, I remember it was exactly that kind of price range - hectic. Amazingly smooth playing experience, I really wanted one for a long time. If they ever made a seven string I might have sold a car or a family member to acquire one... (if they did and I missed it, please don't tell me HAHA)

Pity to hear about the quality slippage, I haven't been keeping track.

Just so happens I have 5 Parkers. I am considering selling one (a 2009 butterscotch Fly Artist - built by the custom shop). I have several KP, USMC pre and post-refined - they are all great. My Custom took a while to get right, but to be fair, I was asking for something they had never built before. My others (96 deluxe, 05 mojo, 09 Bronze, 09 artist) are all fantastic guitars and good at different things.

So would you guys say that pr 2000's parkers are "better" than the new ones?

I don't have much to say on them having only played one years ago, but this may be of interest to some of you guys.
Looks a steal.
http://capetown-westerncape.gumtree.co.za/c-Sports-Leisure-musical-instruments-Parker-Fly-Deluxe-USA-with-Original-case-W0QQAdIdZ371086142

If I am correct it is the guitar that is on consignment at Bothners in Claremont.
If I am incorrect, then there is a similar gold fly deluxe there.