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justwatching
Advanced Member
USA
441 Posts |
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justwatching
Advanced Member
USA
441 Posts |
 Posted - 04/03/2008 : 08:28:27 AM
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Contributed (from another thread) by Laughinglarry:
http://forums.parkerguitars.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7106
This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions.
Differences in Refined and Pre-Refined Fly's.
PRE-REFINED
Controls: Master Volume, Mag volume, Mag tone, Piezo volume, Piezo tone (concentrically stacked).
Trem wheel: that's the part that sticks through the front of the guitar; it's used to determine spring force, and sets the MODE of use (fixed, bend-down only, or floating). Acts as a "Master Tuning Knob" (so when you switch from down-only to floating the guitar stays in tune).
3-way switch: Neck/ INSIDE COIL of neck and bridge (approximates a single-coil sound supposedly)/ Bridge
MODE Switch: Selects between down-only trem mode and floating. Easily accessible, but many have found they've needed to TAPE it in the down-only position. (It can get bumped while playing.)
OUTPUT JACK: Stereo output, with a tiny red switch that allows you to select true stereo output (mag to tip, piezo to ring) or summed output (for using a single amp and getting both piezo and mag through a mono cable)
WIRING: Pre-refined used a Fishman preamp that's wired with a ribbon cable. The preamp and cable are no longer available, so if the preamp dumps, the standard workaround is to rewire point-to-point. Pre-refined Flys also have a battery indicator light on the back: it will light when a cable is inserted. If it starts glowing during use, the battery is low, and should be changed.
REFINED
Controls: Mag volume, mag tone, piezo volume, coil-tap (push/pull pot)
3-Way switch: Neck/ both/ bridge
Trem wheel: doesn't stick through the front - need a tool (I think) to adjust
MODE Switch: internal - needs a tool to change modes, but cannot get dislodged during play like the pre-refined.
OUTPUT Jack: Smart Switch - if you're using a stereo cable, you get stereo (mag/piezo) output. If you're using a mono cable, you get blended output.
WIRING: Point-to-point - more serviceable than the ribbon.
"Refining" occured in 2003, US Music's acquisition was in 2004.
carpe vola |
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mountaindewaddict
Advanced Member
USA
1193 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2008 : 10:51:11 AM
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Thanks, Jeff and Larry, this is really helpful stuff! It answers all the questions I had regarding the differences between the two "kinds" of Flys. Good stuff.
Casey
Gear:
Parker P-44, Digitech GNX4, other stuff...
"Remember, if at first you don't succeed, you're doing it wrong."
God Bless! |
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laughinglarry
Advanced Member
USA
1053 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2008 : 12:31:25 PM
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One small addition to my previous post: The trem arm also changed from a haxagonal steel to a round steel bar (both still have the nice little foam tip though  ).
Larry
2000 Fly Deluxe Single 2, '97 Fly Deluxe (with GK-2A), '07 Steinberger GM-7TA, '04 Steinberger GLB-2S, '89 Strat Plus, '92 Les Paul Custom, Ibanez Silver Series (Strat), Epiphone Dot, '65 Mustang, Yamaha BB3000AF, Peavey Foundation, Hamer Cruisebass
http://www.myspace.com/larrysmithmusic
www.myspace.com/karmagenerator |
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Bill
Advanced Member
3830 Posts |
Posted - 04/03/2008 : 6:46:40 PM
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Pupthology:
Gen 1 Dimarzio's are great if you like them.(Slightly cleaner than 2)
Gen 2's are great if you like them. (slightly higher output than 1)
Seymor Duncan's are great if you like them. (available only in Mojo)
Gen. 1 Fly pups were used from 1993 through March of 1999. They had the original DiMarzio pickups, which were based on the Air Norton for the neck position and the Tone Zone for the bridge position. These are identified by a non italisized "block lettered" DiMarzio logo, which is 3/8" long.
Gen 2 Flys pups have been used since April of 1999. They are DiMarzio's newer Parker Fly Custom Neck #PHWP1, and Parker Fly Custom Bridge #PHWP2. These are identified by a slanted italisized DiMarzio logo, which is 5/8" long.
-Because Fly pup cavities are unique (small and shallow), modifications will be required to install most non factory pups.
-The Mojo pup cavity is factory milled larger than the other model Flys to accomadate the Duncans.
-Because of the rigidity and light weight of the Fly, a particular pup that you have heard in a traditional guitar will sound different in a Fly (probably brighter).
An easier way to modify your tone if you want to try something different is to simply send your stock pups back to either Dimarzio or Seymour Duncan (no matter which one made them) and they will rewind your coil/mag according to the tone you seek at a very reasonable cost. That way they will fit back in your guitar without the hassle of cavity or pup surgery.
Add any useful pup info links here:
http://www.guitar.com.au/pickups/dimarzio/humbukers/parker_f_n.html
http://www.guitar.com.au/pickups/dimarzio/humbukers/parker_f_b.html
If you think its broken, change your battery.
If you are sure its broken, CHANGE YOUR BATTERY.
No, you can't play one before you buy one. Just buy it. The model doesn't matter because you will be buying them all eventually anyway.
Hope that helps
FAQ:
http://forums.parkerguitars.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3502&SearchTerms=FAQ
A few Flys in my soup |
Edited by - Bill on 04/19/2008 09:30:41 AM |
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mattyn
Senior Member
161 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2008 : 2:20:16 PM
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Serial Numbers: Here, I think, is most of the info you'll need to date/identify a Parker Fly:
PRIOR TO 2003: Flys will have the six digit code. The first three digits are the day of the year, the next two are the number in that days production, and the last digit is the year.
2003 - 2006: Both 6 & 7 digit numbers were reportedly used. The first three digits are the day of the year, the next two are the number in that days production, and the last digit (or two digits) designate the year. Any doubts regarding the year of manufacture during this period can be cured by a quick examination of the control layout. If it is a "Refined Fly" (see above) it is 2003 or later.
AFTER 2006: Flys changed to a P followed by a seven digit code. The first two digits are the year, the next two are the number of the month, the next two are the number of the day it was completed, and the last number is that days production number.
The following abbreviations for wood used on the guitar in question (included at the end of serial numbers before 2006, placed elsewhere on the headstock after 2006) should help w/ identification of the model. Neck wood is always listed first.
B = Basswood
R = Redwood
P = Poplar
C = Cedar
MH = Mahogany
MA = Maple
SP = Sitka Spruce
SS = Sitka Spruce (yes, the code was changed)
BN = Butternut
MM = Mahogany neck and body (Mojo)
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Edited by - mattyn on 04/24/2008 10:52:56 AM |
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portnoy
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
1559 Posts |
Posted - 04/06/2008 : 8:33:03 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bill
No, you can't play one before you buy one. Just buy it. The model doesn't matter because you will be buying them all eventually anyway.
Hope that helps
A few Flys in my soup
this is true 
00' Nitefly M - natural
07' ice blue burst deluxe
08' schecter jeff loomis-7 on order
06' caparison applehorn (in for warranty)
05' ibanez DMM1
01' gibson gothic explorer
Marshall vintage modern half stack, Orange tiny terror, blackstar pedals, fly funds still going!
http://improvisingguitarists.ning.com/profile/Kavanprice
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justwatching
Advanced Member
USA
441 Posts |
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laughinglarry
Advanced Member
USA
1053 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2008 : 08:26:17 AM
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One of the frequently asked questions that I've seen:
"My Volume knob gets turned down easily when I play. Is there a way to 'tighten' the knob so that it's harder to turn?"
The answer is YES - you can do it easily with O-Rings. This will work with factory or aftermarket knobs, though the size may vary depending on YOUR knobs. I used #47 (11/32" OD X 7/32" ID) and #78 (7/16" OD X 1/4" ID) O-rings from a hardware store - one of the knobs needed one of each, the other just the #78 (this is on a guitar with ALLPARTS Knurled Dome knobs). On my stock knobs a single #78 works fine.
The O-Ring makes contact with the nut that holds the pot in place, not with the guitar body itself, so there's no need to worry about any damage to the guitars finish.
Larry
2000 Fly Deluxe Single 2, '97 Fly Deluxe (with GK-2A), '07 Steinberger GM-7TA, '04 Steinberger GLB-2S, '89 Strat Plus, '92 Les Paul Custom, Ibanez Silver Series (Strat), Epiphone Dot, '65 Mustang, Yamaha BB3000AF, Peavey Foundation, Hamer Cruisebass
http://www.myspace.com/larrysmithmusic
www.myspace.com/karmagenerator |
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Bill
Advanced Member
3830 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2008 : 11:32:50 PM
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This is a site for those interested in Parkers to help one another learn, share opinions, and occasionally entertain.
This site is owned by Parker, but it is not for customer service. It is not routinely monitored by USM. There are no paid posters here. Please do not expect anyone from USM to hear you on the forum and magically solve your problem. If you need that kind of intervention, call Parker's customer service dept directly.
Politeness and mutual respect are expected and are the norm here. Don't be a shy lurker because everyone is welcome. Its a great forum. It was created for YOU.
A few Flys in my soup |
Edited by - Bill on 04/21/2008 06:49:14 AM |
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bostjan
Advanced Member
USA
824 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2008 : 5:25:39 PM
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I've been wondering for a long time now...
Which grade of stainless is used for the tangless frets on Flys? |
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Eruption
Advanced Member
Canada
884 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2008 : 2:03:43 PM
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I have a question. Do they still make the Fly Mojo SC in Dusty Black?
'07 Fly Deluxe-Dusty Black
'07 Peavey ValveKing 1x12
"There can be no any without one"-Will Hansen
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TREVORT
Advanced Member
USA
537 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2008 : 2:48:40 PM
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Eruption,
I called them for you and I was told yes they still make the Dusty Black on these.
List is $3100.00 US, map is $2300.00. Your millage may very of course.
Sorry for nosing around but, I love a happy ending!I don't work for Parker.But, if they want to compensate I take 3%....Kidding..
That and I'm home watching the 3 month old. So, I've got time on my hands.
Good luck!
TT
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Edited by - TREVORT on 05/05/2008 2:54:44 PM |
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Eruption
Advanced Member
Canada
884 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2008 : 3:10:29 PM
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thats great dude! thanks!
'07 Fly Deluxe-Dusty Black
'07 Peavey ValveKing 1x12
"There can be no any without one"-Will Hansen
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Bill
Advanced Member
3830 Posts |
Posted - 05/12/2008 : 8:07:44 PM
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Well there goes the FAQ thread again.
We have tried this numerous times:
http://forums.parkerguitars.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3489&SearchTerms=FAQ
http://forums.parkerguitars.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3968&SearchTerms=FAQ
Anyway, I hope that Jeff(justwatching) will get with Bill(the forum computer guy--not me ) and establish a thread heading of "FAQ" to consolidate this stuff into once and for all.
I would lock it so no one but moderator could make a post. Forum members with a FAQ contribution suggestion could email the moderator and make a recommendation. The moderator could choose whether it was germaine to the FAQ and important enough to add or not.
This thread is destined to be lost because of the obscureish tittle anyway. It took me awhile to find it again and I knew it existed.
A few Flys in my soup |
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ckyvick
Average Member
110 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2008 : 01:28:13 AM
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| i would like to know how much weight a parker could support if you put it on two chairs...basically how many lbs of force would make it snap??? since its a guitar you can stand on i think this would be an important test. |
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jwrooker
Advanced Member
USA
4272 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2008 : 07:38:21 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by ckyvick
i would like to know how much weight a parker could support if you put it on two chairs...basically how many lbs of force would make it snap??? since its a guitar you can stand on i think this would be an important test.
Circus tricks like that are really stupid. If you put a Fly between two chairs and stood on it, you'd be out of a guitar and deservedly so. I don't care if Steinberger did that, because it proves absolutely nothing. Put a Stradivarius violin between two chairs and stand on it and you're out a few million dollars.
Now, own a Parker Fly through an entire year of weather changes, rides to and from gigs bouncing around in a car and find out that each time you get the guitar out to play..it is still in freakin' tune! Try that with a G***** or a F***** and see how many times you are tuning and retuning.
Sorry, I'm not venting on you, but this is just another example of how consumers get suckered in by some silly circus tricks and we use that as a standard by which we evaluate the quality of things.
John
98 Fly Classic w/ Gen 1's - 98 Fly Classic w/ VPAF's
99 Fly Deluxe w/Gen 1's - 01 Fly Single 2
03 Fly Mojo w/ Pearly Gates - 02 NiteFly M w/ VPAFS & GK3
05 Southern NiteFly - Roland VG-99 & GR-20 |
Edited by - jwrooker on 06/28/2008 07:39:35 AM |
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Strandwolf
Advanced Member
USA
1540 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2008 : 12:17:43 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by mattyn
Serial Numbers: Here, I think, is most of the info you'll need to date/identify a Parker Fly:
PRIOR TO 2003: Flys will have the six digit code. The first three digits are the day of the year, the next two are the number in that days production, and the last digit is the year.
2003 - 2006: Both 6 & 7 digit numbers were reportedly used. The first three digits are the day of the year, the next two are the number in that days production, and the last digit (or two digits) designate the year. Any doubts regarding the year of manufacture during this period can be cured by a quick examination of the control layout. If it is a "Refined Fly" (see above) it is 2003 or later.
AFTER 2006: Flys changed to a P followed by a seven digit code. The first two digits are the year, the next two are the number of the month, the next two are the number of the day it was completed, and the last number is that days production number.
Ambiguosity detected. All in all highly informative and appreciated, but just to clarify, final number is not the number of Flys produced on that date, but the individual, unique number assigned to the particular guitar, i. e., making the whole number sequence a serial number identifying that guitar. Thought so...otherwise.... |
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ckyvick
Average Member
110 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2008 : 01:59:23 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by jwrooker
quote:
Originally posted by ckyvick
i would like to know how much weight a parker could support if you put it on two chairs...basically how many lbs of force would make it snap??? since its a guitar you can stand on i think this would be an important test.
Circus tricks like that are really stupid. If you put a Fly between two chairs and stood on it, you'd be out of a guitar and deservedly so. I don't care if Steinberger did that, because it proves absolutely nothing. Put a Stradivarius violin between two chairs and stand on it and you're out a few million dollars.
Now, own a Parker Fly through an entire year of weather changes, rides to and from gigs bouncing around in a car and find out that each time you get the guitar out to play..it is still in freakin' tune! Try that with a G***** or a F***** and see how many times you are tuning and retuning.
Sorry, I'm not venting on you, but this is just another example of how consumers get suckered in by some silly circus tricks and we use that as a standard by which we evaluate the quality of things.
John
98 Fly Classic w/ Gen 1's - 98 Fly Classic w/ VPAF's
99 Fly Deluxe w/Gen 1's - 01 Fly Single 2
03 Fly Mojo w/ Pearly Gates - 02 NiteFly M w/ VPAFS & GK3
05 Southern NiteFly - Roland VG-99 & GR-20
yeah its gimmicky but in my defence i heard that was ken parkers advertisement when he first started out... he put it on two guitars and was standing on it... |
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laughinglarry
Advanced Member
USA
1053 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2008 : 07:13:05 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wilmington only
If you hold a fly by the headstock and hit the butt end on the floor face-down it will break. If you try to do it face-up your going to hurt yourself.
There's no money above the fifth fret
That's Mick Donner, former production manager for Parker Guitars. They are incredibly strong, but not that strong.
If you're referring to the quote by the Dimbag wannabe from the Premier Video tour, he's simply wrong. (He also calls the Mojo a Maple TOP, whereas it's a veneer.) It never happened. That was (and still IS) a Ned Steinberger trick. This was all discussed in response to the Premier Video:
http://forums.parkerguitars.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7361
Ken Parker may well be able to break even a Steinberger by standing on it. I'm 6'3" and weigh 220; he's about the same size. From what I understand, Ned is tiny in comparison.
Larry
2000 Fly Deluxe Single 2, 2000 Fly Stealth, '97 Fly Deluxe (with GK-2A), '07 Steinberger GM-7TA, '89 Strat Plus, '92 Les Paul Custom, Ibanez Silver Series (Strat), Epiphone Dot, '65 Mustang, Yamaha BB3000AF, Peavey Foundation, Hamer Cruisebass
http://www.myspace.com/larrysmithmusic
www.myspace.com/karmagenerator |
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rickgk
Junior Member
Australia
51 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2008 : 01:44:00 AM
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Actually i remember when the parkers first came out there was a television show here in australia called beyond 2000 which was about new technology inventions etc (i think i was 16 or 17 at the time), the parker was featured on it, and in the segment ken parker did actually put the fly between two chairs and stand on it, i remember it vividly, i had it on vhs for a few years and lost it in one of my house moves since, i just wish i still had it, it would be on youtube by now.
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Edited by - rickgk on 08/18/2008 01:45:37 AM |
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908ssp
Advanced Member
USA
5951 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2008 : 07:30:41 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by rickgk
Actually i remember when the parkers first came out there was a television show here in australia called beyond 2000 which was about new technology inventions etc (i think i was 16 or 17 at the time), the parker was featured on it, and in the segment ken parker did actually put the fly between two chairs and stand on it, i remember it vividly, i had it on vhs for a few years and lost it in one of my house moves since, i just wish i still had it, it would be on youtube by now.
I have that show on DVD sorry you remember incorrectly.
Alex
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rickgk
Junior Member
Australia
51 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2008 : 11:10:20 PM
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| I really want to see that again. I am going to hunt it down, i am sure I am right. |
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Guitarman
Starting Member
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2008 : 8:30:21 PM
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There isa an easy solution to this topic...Call Ken Parker and ask him...
Peace!
female menopause: hot flashes and passing out,gaining weight
Male menopause: faster cars, younger women, expensive guitars
Peace!
Chuck |
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Strandwolf
Advanced Member
USA
1540 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2008 : 01:45:13 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Guitarman
female menopause: hot flashes and passing out,gaining weight
Male menopause: faster cars, younger women, expensive guitars
Gee, when hitting the ripe old age of 30 it seems I endured all the symptoms of ah full force male menopause. |
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uburoibob
Advanced Member
USA
3051 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2008 : 09:17:38 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Guitarman
There isa an easy solution to this topic...Call Ken Parker and ask him...
Peace!
Chuck
Ken really isn't the answer here. Parker Guitars is someone else now. Ken has moved on.
Bob
2001 Parker Fly Single 2 Silver • 1997 Parker Fly Concert Burnt Butterscotch • 1999 Parker Fly Artist Custom Hardtail Butterscotch • 1998 Fly Classic in Transparent Dark Blue • 1998 Fly Classic in Cherry Red with DiBurro Roland Mod • http://bobmartin1111.com |
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Parker Fly Facts ( new users start here.)
