I found this strange black metal piece in the case with my Parker Fly guitar. Any ideas what it’s for?
That’s called a bullwinkle. It’s used to hang the guitar on the wall. Here’s a link for reference: https://reverb.com/item/77373470-parker-fly-wall-hanger-bullwinkle
Hadi said:
That’s called a bullwinkle. It’s used to hang the guitar on the wall. Here’s a link for reference: https://reverb.com/item/77373470-parker-fly-wall-hanger-bullwinkle
Oh, that’s a smart accessory for a guitar like this!
@Xander
Actually, they were sold separately. When I had wall hangers, I just hung the guitar by the upper horn. It looks really cool that way too. I used Hercules locking hangers, though—wouldn’t trust the standard ones that don’t lock.
What about that little wheel just below the bridge? What does it do?
Galen said:
What about that little wheel just below the bridge? What does it do?
That wheel adjusts the tremolo tension. Those Parker guitars were so innovative.
Galen said:
What about that little wheel just below the bridge? What does it do?
That wheel adjusts the tremolo tension. Those Parker guitars were so innovative.
Got it. I had a friend in college who owned one of these. They’re so unique—it’s a shame they’re not made anymore.
Galen said:
What about that little wheel just below the bridge? What does it do?
That wheel adjusts the tremolo tension. Those Parker guitars were so innovative.
You’re right! It adjusts the tremolo tension. Also, Parker Flys have these unique ‘springs’ inside that are tuned for different string gauges. This model has springs for .10 and .09 strings. I even paid $250 for a .09 spring because I use those the most. GAS is real. I’m resisting the urge to send it to Joe Glazier’s shop for a PLEK job right now. Here’s a picture: Imgur: The magic of the Internet
@Niko
Dude, these guitars have stainless steel frets glued on, so they’re not supposed to need replacement. They should already be perfect. The bridge is designed to match the fretboard radius. Just be careful with the spring system—it’s different from traditional springs, and pulling too hard can break it. I just use mine as a hardtail for that reason.
@Davi
Actually, you can replace the frets! I’ve got four sets of fretwire for Parker Flys because of my GAS. You just need a top-notch luthier and a lot of money. My big worry is Joe Glazier retiring before my guitar needs a refret.
And yeah, the glued frets are tricky. I can’t even use Fast-Fret on it because it might loosen them. I’m stuck relying on my sweaty hands to keep the strings sounding good!
@Niko
Fast-Fret isn’t great, honestly. Just change your strings regularly. Those stainless steel frets are built to last forever if you’re using nickel strings. The only way they’d need a refret is if they were damaged on purpose.
It’s a Parker wall hanger. Found it through a quick image search.
Upvoting just because it’s about a Parker Fly. These guitars never got the love they deserved. I own one and it plays like nothing else.
So jealous of you! I’ve wanted a Parker Fly forever.