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JimFiore
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
 Posted - 03/17/2010 : 2:24:26 PM
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Hi, this is my first time here and I'm looking for a little advice/input. I've been playing an American Standard Strat for a couple years and I'm looking for something a little different, perhaps a little heavier in tone. I just saw an ad for the new DragonFly Bolt-On model. I like the look of it but I've never had the chance to play a Parker (and no one carries them around here). At the mid $1k mark it comes into my price range.
Any thoughts on comparisons? Mind you, I like the way my Strat plays and I'm not looking to replace it, just add to it. I had a Jackson Dinky for a short while that I wasn't too keen on (it looked nice but didn't play as well as the Strat).
Lastly, is DragonFly Bolt-On American made? I couldn't seem to find anything on this (I prefer to support American made where feasible). Also, I didn't see anything in the way of spec sheets on the main Parker site.
Thanks much
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sybersitizen
Advanced Member
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2010 : 2:49:29 PM
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Hi there, and welcome.
I think the DragonFly was developed and introduced with the intention of snagging Strat owners just like yourself, so the plan is working! Very few people have played one yet, so I'll leave that for others to comment on. I can tell you that the $1500 (and up) versions are American made.
Here's another recent thread for you to peruse:
http://forums.parkerguitars.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10912
'01 Fly Deluxe|'69 SG Standard |
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JimFiore
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2010 : 5:24:49 PM
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Does anyone know if the DragonFly DF524 will ship with a hardshell case? And what are the lead times?
The only place I've found that is showing the DF524 is Sweetwater and they indicate a "very long lead time" before it's in stock. After talking with owners of other Parkers in the past few weeks, I would love to get my hands on one of the Majik Blue DragonFlys. Normally I'd go for the wood grain, but I think that particular blue is very nice.
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Noodler
Advanced Member
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2010 : 11:31:52 PM
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Here's an online retailer showing them in stock: [URL]http://www.beyondeleven.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=dragonfly{/URL]
I played one of the very first prototypes and absolutely loved it, but I'm not really a traditional Strat guy either. I don't like guitars with flat faces (I need a carved top - the body fall away from the strings across the lower bout) and I need at least a 12" radius board (or the conical radius 10-14" that Parker uses). I do love the Strat sounds though and it's hard to say at this point if the new DragonFlys are copping those tones well enough. Luckily they've been designed for easy pickup swaps (unlike the original Fly design).
Since you're coming from a Strat background you're not likely going to care about the lack of any carbon in the bolt-on DragonFlys, but many Parker loyalists are still hoping that Parker finds a way to bring back the carbon necks as an option for the bolt-on DragonFly.
I really hope that you do pick one up and then report back. |
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Bill
Advanced Member
3829 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2010 : 06:53:35 AM
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Some like the NiteFly better.
The majority prefer the original Fly because it is way lighter, thinner, and the thin carbon exoskeleton and set neck make the thinniest, stiffest, most stable guitar in the world.
They are both quality instruments. Just depends on what you want/like.
But everyone who loves playing guitar deserves to try a real Parker Fly at least once. Whether you like it or not, you will never play anything else like it. 
A few Flys in my soup |
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Highlander
Junior Member
USA
77 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2010 : 09:56:34 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by JimFiore
Does anyone know if the DragonFly DF524 will ship with a hardshell case? And what are the lead times?
The only place I've found that is showing the DF524 is Sweetwater and they indicate a "very long lead time" before it's in stock. After talking with owners of other Parkers in the past few weeks, I would love to get my hands on one of the Majik Blue DragonFlys. Normally I'd go for the wood grain, but I think that particular blue is very nice.
There seem to be several dealers on Ebay that have the DragonFly models already, from $1199 up to $5000, several NAMM limited prototypes as well. |
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BillyT
Senior Member
USA
215 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2010 : 10:39:01 AM
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I have shipped a lot of DF524MB, but it seems they are getting bought fast. I don't know who still has them in stock. I shipped to Custom Metal, Sweetwater, Funky Munky, Beyond Eleven and MFI here in the US, and I bet one is in stock somewhere.
They ship with a fitted TKL hardshell case. I am making them in quantity now so the lead time is no longer than 90 days. I doubt it will stay that long. |
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Highlander
Junior Member
USA
77 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2010 : 1:16:30 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by BillyT
I have shipped a lot of DF524MB, but it seems they are getting bought fast. I don't know who still has them in stock. I shipped to Custom Metal, Sweetwater, Funky Munky, Beyond Eleven and MFI here in the US, and I bet one is in stock somewhere.
They ship with a fitted TKL hardshell case. I am making them in quantity now so the lead time is no longer than 90 days. I doubt it will stay that long.
Yep, Funky Munky has a few listed... |
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JimFiore
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2010 : 2:52:41 PM
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Cool. Sweetwater is the only one of the group mentioned that I've dealt with in the past. They told me they had two on order but they wouldn't be in until the very end of June. I'll have to check out the other places mentioned.
Thanks!
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BillyT
Senior Member
USA
215 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2010 : 3:51:01 PM
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| Funky Munky are good folks to deal with. If they have one in stock I could recommend them. I don't show Sweetwater with any scheduled right now so it would definitely be June before they got more. |
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Highlander
Junior Member
USA
77 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2010 : 6:31:22 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by BillyT
Funky Munky are good folks to deal with. If they have one in stock I could recommend them. I don't show Sweetwater with any scheduled right now so it would definitely be June before they got more.
I bought my DragonFly Proto from Funky Munky, they are great.
I have dealt with Sweetwater in the past and they are also real easy to work with.
Scott |
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JimFiore
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2010 : 12:24:08 PM
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My Majik Blue DF524 arrived today! Initial impression: Besides being very pretty, it is light and well balanced. I immediately liked the neck/fretboard. Very versatile in terms of tonal possibilities. It's a nice foil to my Fender Strat.
One odd thing though, and maybe this is because it's my first Parker, but the whammy bar seems very odd. It just sort of fits in (I'm used to arms that screw in to the bridge) and the business end (the padded bit) of it is very, very high. It must be a few inches above the strings. I can't play it normally. It seems to be inserted all the way. Is there something unique about these and am I fitting it incorrectly?
Thanks |
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bno
Advanced Member
1432 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2010 : 2:17:35 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by JimFiore
My Majik Blue DF524 arrived today! Initial impression: Besides being very pretty, it is light and well balanced. I immediately liked the neck/fretboard. Very versatile in terms of tonal possibilities. It's a nice foil to my Fender Strat.
One odd thing though, and maybe this is because it's my first Parker, but the whammy bar seems very odd. It just sort of fits in (I'm used to arms that screw in to the bridge) and the business end (the padded bit) of it is very, very high. It must be a few inches above the strings. I can't play it normally. It seems to be inserted all the way. Is there something unique about these and am I fitting it incorrectly?
Thanks
Double check to see that you are adjusted to float correctly. It's true though - the original Fly has it fairly high as well - which allows for serious dive bombs but makes the more nuanced use of the bar (ala Jeff Beck) a little awkward at first. I put my pinky over the top and fourth finger underneath. Bending is an option but I've never done that and won't advise you on how to do it.
'94 Fly Deluxe
Listen first, then play. |
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sybersitizen
Advanced Member
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2010 : 2:23:19 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by bno
Bending is an option but I've never done that and won't advise you on how to do it.
The old hex-shaped arms seem to be reasonably bendable, but I think there was at least one recent report of someone breaking one of those new round arms trying to adjust it to taste. Exercise caution.
'01 Fly Deluxe|'69 SG Standard |
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lucgravely
Senior Member
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2010 : 8:36:59 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by JimFiore
My Majik Blue DF524 arrived today! Initial impression: Besides being very pretty, it is light and well balanced. I immediately liked the neck/fretboard. Very versatile in terms of tonal possibilities. It's a nice foil to my Fender Strat.
Thanks
Jealous! Congrats! |
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JimFiore
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2010 : 07:33:16 AM
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I measured the arm and the tip of it is nearly 3 inches above the strings! There is enough room to make all of the strings go slack. Consequently, I think it's a bit much. The arm from my Strat fits but is a little too flat. I need something in between those two.
Here's a pic:
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danjazzny
Advanced Member
USA
1672 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2010 : 3:18:04 PM
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Congrats Jim! Looks Great!! 
'97 Alex Artist 4lbs12oz; '99 Simonized Artist 4lbs13oz; '97 Custom TransRed Artist 4lbs9oz; '98 Custom 3-Tone Sunburst Artist (Hardtail)5lbs2oz; '96 Dayn Deluxe (Hardtail)5lbs; Line6 Flextone 3 Amp; Line 6 Vetta II Amp |
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Noodler
Advanced Member
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2010 : 4:35:34 PM
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You wouldn't be the first new Parker player to want to cut down and bend the trem arm. I know that it's been done successfully, but I haven't attempted it so I can't help either.
Anyhow, congrats on the new baby. She looks very purrty. |
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JimFiore
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2010 : 08:21:08 AM
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| I think I'm going to order a couple of arms from Stewart-MacDonald or AllParts and not touch the original. I'll report back. |
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JimFiore
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2010 : 12:50:23 PM
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For anyone who is interested, I ordered a strat-style arm in black from stew-mac. It fits great and does the trick. Looks nice too. Here are two pics:
I played the DF for about 10 days straight, purposely not playing my Strat. I picked up the Strat last night and the differences were apparent. First, it feels chunky and the neck feels thick in comparison. But I still like it. There are some things I like about the Strat over the DF. My intention from the start was to get something that complemented my Strat, not replace it. I think the DF did that.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their input.
As a side note, you might be interested in the following. As my guitar/bass collection is growing, I decided to make a multi-guitar rack. Here's a pic of it:
It's made from PVC and pipe insulation and cost about $20 in parts. I posted instructions on how to make it here: http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60561
Yes, it's a drummer's forum (my main instrument) but there are a lot of multi-instrumentalists there.
Thanks again |
Edited by - JimFiore on 05/20/2010 1:01:43 PM |
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Noodler
Advanced Member
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2010 : 8:00:11 PM
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| I'm interested in the Strat arm replacement. What was the part number? What diameter is it? |
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JimFiore
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
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ParkerP
New Member
Portugal
47 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2010 : 12:57:10 PM
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Hi!
For trems with inner plastic sleeves as this one, it's not much wise to use threaded end arms, as the thread will end tearing the sleeve, due to the swing arm movement and trem action as well, even worse if the thread will go up until the level where is the friction adjusting screw.
Non-threaded arms having the required insert diameter may be harder to get, but it's worth looking for those, indeed.
Cheers, JPB |
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Noodler
Advanced Member
USA
434 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2010 : 9:25:10 PM
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Maybe if you find some way to cover over the threads...
Anyhow, I measured my trem arms diameters. My Ibanez arms are 6mm while the Parker arm is just under 5mm thick. I'd love to find a replacement arm that's shorter and bent the way I prefer. Or at least another 5mm arm that I can mess around with and not screw up my stock arm. |
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JimFiore
Starting Member
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2010 : 6:45:22 PM
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I imagine one can always grind down the threads. I'll give it a try.
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908ssp
Advanced Member
USA
5950 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2010 : 07:16:55 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by JimFiore
For anyone who is interested, I ordered a strat-style arm in black from stew-mac. It fits great and does the trick. Looks nice too. Here are two pics:
I played the DF for about 10 days straight, purposely not playing my Strat. I picked up the Strat last night and the differences were apparent. First, it feels chunky and the neck feels thick in comparison. But I still like it. There are some things I like about the Strat over the DF. My intention from the start was to get something that complemented my Strat, not replace it. I think the DF did that.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their input.
As a side note, you might be interested in the following. As my guitar/bass collection is growing, I decided to make a multi-guitar rack. Here's a pic of it:
It's made from PVC and pipe insulation and cost about $20 in parts. I posted instructions on how to make it here: http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60561
Yes, it's a drummer's forum (my main instrument) but there are a lot of multi-instrumentalists there.
Thanks again
The arm and the stand look great.
Alex
http://www.myspace.com/alexsattenuator
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Topic |
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Newbie looking at DragonFly
