Parker Guitars
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Musical instruments |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Ken Parker |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Fate | Discontinued operations |
| Headquarters | Illinois , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Ken Parker (founder) |
| Products | Electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars |
| Owner | U.S. Music Corporation (from 2003), Jam Industries (from 2009) |
| Parent | Jam Industries (from 2009) |
Parker Guitars was a U.S.-based producer of electric and acoustic guitars and basses, established in 1993 by luthier Ken Parker. The brand gained recognition for pioneering the integration of composite materials with lightweight construction techniques.[1]
Its premier instrument, the Parker Fly, featured a slender wooden core—crafted from spruce, poplar, or basswood—encased within a carbon fiber shell, resulting in outstanding stiffness and a weight near 2 kg. This innovative approach merged traditional woodworking skills with advanced materials technology, attracting both professional players and collectors.[2]
In 2003, ownership of Parker Guitars transferred to U.S. Music Corporation, which subsequently became part of Jam Industries in 2009. The company discontinued operations in 2016 after shutting down its manufacturing facility in Illinois, concluding its role in the musical instrument sector.
History
The debut model introduced in 1993 was the Fly, designed collaboratively by Ken Parker and Larry Fishman. It distinguished itself through the use of composite components, a lightweight profile, and an innovative neck design that enhanced access to higher frets. The guitar combined magnetic pickups with piezoelectric elements embedded in the bridge, allowing for both electric and acoustic sound options.
Parker instruments were notable for their thin, exceptionally light bodies constructed from lightweight woods such as poplar, basswood, and spruce, with occasional use of maple and mahogany. The carved body and neck were reinforced using composite substances including resin, epoxy, and carbon glass fibers. Fingerboards incorporated composite materials alongside stainless steel frets. The electronics system combined coil-splitting humbuckers, single coil pickups, and active piezo pickups. Their proprietary vibrato bridge utilized a flat steel spring to stabilize pitch and offered three modes: bend-down only, fully floating, and locked.
In October 2002, Parker introduced the Fly bass guitar available in both 4-string and 5-string variants. The 5-string was engineered to accommodate players accustomed to 4-string basses by balancing string spacing and weight. Initial shipments of the 4-string bass began in 2003 with serial numbers indicating production dates; however, 5-string versions were shipped earlier in 2002. These bass guitars combined magnetic pickups with piezo elements featuring blend controls. Production of the Fly Bass ended in 2008 when it was succeeded by MaxxFly-designed 4- and 5-string bass models.
The final batch of original Fly guitars was released in 2003 featuring a distinctive balance wheel alongside a four-knob control configuration. That year also introduced an updated control scheme comprising master volume, master tone with coil-split functionality, and piezo volume controls—streamlining user interaction along with other refinements.
Several limited edition Fly variants followed this period, including the Fly Mojo Snakeskin, "Four Seasons" themed Mojos, as well as a koa wood Fly Mojo within the Select series.
In 2010, Parker unveiled the MaxxFly model which retained the foundational Fly design but included modifications such as a redesigned headstock compatible with standard guitar hangers, an ergonomically reshaped upper horn, standardized pickup cavities, a reduction from 24 to 22 frets, and a slightly thicker body profile. The core construction principles of the original Fly remained intact.
Following the sale of his company to U.S. Music Corporation in 2003, production of most Parker guitars shifted overseas.
Artists
A diverse group of distinguished musicians have chosen Parker guitars, including:
- Pat Martino
- Howard Bellamy
- Matthew Bellamy
- Adrian Belew
- Johnny Clegg
- Reeves Gabrels
- Vernon Reid
- Trent Reznor
- Daniel Gildenlöw (Pain Of Salvation)
- Greg Howe
- Kiko Loureiro
- Dave Martone
- Joni Mitchell
- Mark Farner
- Robin Finck
- David Lynch
- Harvey Mandel
- Danny Lohner & Aaron North (Nine Inch Nails)
- Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage)
- Dewa Budjana
- Deron Miller (CKY)
- Jeff Cook
- Gustavo Cerati
- Marcelo Tavarone
- Martin Barre
- Pin (Sikth)
- Dave Navarro
- Michael Stanley
- Noize MC
- Phil Keaggy
- Joe Walsh
- Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings, Transatlantic)
Models
The lineup includes:
- Fly series featuring Mojo, Deluxe, Classic, Artist, and Supreme variants
- MaxxFly range comprising multiple models such as DF824, RF722, PDF105; available in 4 & 5-string and fretless bass versions
- Adrian Belew signature DFAB842 MaxxFly model
- Vernon Reid signature MaxxFly edition
- Adam Dutkiewicz signature MaxxFly (no longer produced)
- SC and SC Mojo, which are single-cut versions of the Fly model
- P-Basses along with P-Series acoustic guitars
- Fly Concert models offered in Bronze and Nylon configurations
- Nitefly collection including Classic, Swamp Ash, and Mojo styles
- Models P44 (V, PRO), P-42, P-40, P-30, P-36, and P-38
- PM20PRO, PM24V, PM20, and PM10 models