PARKER

Designer Ken Parker began building unconventional archtop guitars in the 1970s. He then took a job with (now defunct) Stuyvesant Music in New York City, working both in the repair shop as well as building Guitar Man instruments. Parker´s background in repairing and customizing guitars became the groundwork for the innovative design of the Fly guitar.
In 1982, Parker met Larry Fishman (Fishman Transducers) while reviewing a prototype bass. Parker and Fishman joined forces, and attended the 1985 NAMM music industry show to gain financial backing for the new Fly model. The new guitar design attracted some interest in the market, but Parker and Fishman were interested in protecting the design, rather than letting unauthorized versions show up in the marketplace. Around 1990, Korg USA (distributor of Marshall amplifiers and Korg keyboards in the U.S. market) took interest in the design and production applications. The Fly guitar debuted at the 1992 NAMM show.
Parker guitars are carved from solid wood, and then have a thin layer of carbon/glass/epoxy composite material applied as a strengthening measure. The fingerboard and peghead veneer on these instruments are made from the same synthetic composite material. While the futuristic design and composite material tends to mystify vintage-minded guitar owners, the Fly is still 95% wood.
In 2003, Parker introduced the Parker Custom Shop. Customers can now have guitars built to their specifications, where just about anything goes. Contact Parker for information on the Custom Shop. In 2003, they became a part of U.S. Music Corp., which also owns Washburn, Randall Amplifiers, and Oscar Schmidt. In 2006, Parker introduced a line of acoustic guitars with help with pickups from Larry Fishman. For more information, visit Parker's website or contact U.S. Music Corp. directly.

Instruments most recently produced in Wilmington, MA, since 2003 and in China. Distributed by U.S. Music Corp. in Buffalo Grove, IL. Previously produced in New York from 1992-2003. Previously distributed by Korg USA of New York, NY. In the Summer of 2015 it was announced that the Parker factory would discontinue all manufacturing until further notice.

PARKER Electric Guitars Models

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PARKER

PARKER Electric Guitars Models

PARKER Nitefly Mojo Southern

PARKER FLY MOJO

PARKER PM-20 Left-Handed

PARKER Fly Mojo Singlecut

PARKER PM-20 Pro

PARKER Fly Mojo Flame

PARKER PM-20 Pro Left-Handed

PARKER Fly Mojo Flame Singlecut

PARKER PM-24V

PARKER Fly Mojo Snakeskin

PARKER FLY SUPREME (FSV)

PARKER SPANISH FLY

PARKER MIDIFLY (MIDFV)

PARKER FLY DELUXE SINGLE II (FDV2)

PARKER FLY HARDTAIL (FHT)

PARKER FLY HARDTAIL STANDARD (FHTST)

PARKER FLY JAZZ (FJZ)