Parker Guitars MidiFly

When it comes to features, it's difficult to find a guitar that can come close... My favorite pickup configuration (HSS) with custom DIMarzio pickups, for great electric tones, a Fishman Active Piezo system for acoustic ones, and a built-in MidiAxe guitar-to-MIDI converter system for the synth ones. Apart from that, 22 hardened stainless steel frets, Sperzel locking tuners, excellent Parker vibrato system etc...

I use it together with a Mesa/Boogie DC-3 combo amp, a pair of Lexicon LXP-15 II effects processors, and some cool effect pedals (Keeley 4-knob Compressor, Fulltone Ultimate Octave...).

Till now, I haven't used it as a midi guitar a lot, although it is the most versatile midi guitar in the world I think. And that is because, unlike all of the midi guitars on the market today, which feature a 13-pin connector for use with some spicific Roland and Axon guitar synths, it has 5-pin midi connectors, so that you can use any synth you want! I've only used it for some months with a Roland XV-3080 synth I used to own, but since I don't have this unit anymore, I will probably use it again as a midi instrument after buying another synth in the future.

As for my guitar sound, I'm happy to say that I can achieve all the tones I want from an electric guitar! They match great with my DC-3 and the Lexicons, so the only thing that needs improvement is my guitar playing... I love its pickups, because I can go from screamin' strat tones on the neck pickup (think of Landau or SRV), to great Lukather ones on the neck/middle pickup combination, to some brighter ones on the middle/bridge combination (great for chords), and finally to great high gain lead ones on the bridge pickup.

I would say that the guitar is extremely versatile in general. Only if you're a jazz guy who needs a hollow jazz guitar, you won't be happy with the MidiFly. So, in case you find one for sale, be sure that you're buying a guitar here, not just a midi controller. Guitars like the MidiFly fully deserve a 10.

Ok, Parker rules this category. I agree with the quote "nothing plays like a Parker"... The Fly guitar series are revolutionary instruments, so, even if you don't like them, you'll understand that it's a great experience to play such an instrument. I don't agree with the "nothing sounds like a Parker" one though... There are a lot of great guitars out there which sound amazing.

Top quality guitar... I can totally depend on it. I've been using it without a backup and I will continue to do so.

Overall, this is the guitar for me. I will probably never leave this instrument, because it plays great, it sounds great, it looks great, it has so many features I haven't even used so far, and it feels great... So, good luck finding the instrument for you, too.

Mine was made in 1999,USA. 22 frets, solid mahogany,and vintage sunburst,S/S/H pickup design, sperzel lockers, wonderful neck, and the best midi fuction for guitar in the world!!! The most versatile guitar in the world!!!!!

I play everything from blues to classic rock and shred. I use a BAD CAT HOTCAT 1-12 combo for my main rig with Lehle a/b/y/switcher. I run a TEECE WIZARD WAH ,CHICAGO IRON OCTAVIAN,AND A CHICAGO IRON PARAPEDAL in front of the BADCAT. The second amp is my effected amp. I use a Peavey 50/50 stereo tube amp with a four channel Engl Tube Toner floor preamp with effects loop. The peavey is in a 1-12 custom hardwood cab that I made. I run a Chandler SDE-2 ECHO ,FULLTONE CHORALFLANGE and a MAXON PHASETONE through the loop of the Engl. I run another LEHLE a/b/y to switch between the two amps. Every sound you can think of can come out of this guitar . I love the guitar 100%

Great set-up. No flaws, Great trem that never goes out of tune.

Yes , it will withstand live playing. The hardware is durable. If I had to I would use it without a backup. But I usually play with 3 guitars anyway.

Parker is great, They have answered a bunch of questions and were very friendly.

I have been playing for 25 years and have owned a ton of gear. This guiatr is so great because it does alot of things extremely well. The synth sounds are amazing , also I us a ROLAND JV-1010. The gutar was expensive but to me well worth it.

A 2001 model, made in the USA. For specifications and features, see http://www.parkerguitars.com. The guitar comes with a case (SKB), a stereo cable (nice), a MIDI power supply, and two MIDI cables (short).

I think the sound fits my music alright, but not as nice of some other guitars. The piezo sound is OK for acoustic elements, but not nearly as good as a real acoustic. I run mine through a Carvin legacy, with a Boss GT3 effects unit in the effets loop. IMHO, the sound is a bit bright, not quite full enough. However the MIDI function is great. I can do piano solo's, etc. One of my favorite tricks is to play both the pickups and the MIDI with an organ patch.

Set up was pretty good from the factory. This guitar, like all Parkers, plays very easy. It's a bit small. No flaws that I can tell.

It does good with live playing, but I'm a bit careful with it. I try to pack all the songs I use it on in one set, so I can keep it in the case the rest of the time. Parkers are small and light, making me think they couldn't handle any abuse. With the price tag, I'm not keen on testing my theory either. Strap buttons are solid, but would like to put on locking ones. However, the body is thin, and I think the standard screws that come with the locking buttons are too long. You'd think a guitar this expensive would come with them. Why don't manufacturers put locking strap buttons on high end models? Finish looks good and is probably reliable/durable.

Web site a bit weak. No upgrades available yet for MIDI OS, but it's still a new guitar. No experience with customer support.

Been playing for 30 years now. Have multiple guitars, everything except Gibsons and Fenders. The reason I got this guitar was for the MIDI functions. Otherwise, I would have gotten another Carvin, or maybe an old american BC Rich (not one of those cheap imports). The MIDI functions on the guitar are simple: a volume knob, a pitch transposer (up one octave, normal, down one octave), and a selection switch that allows for all strings same channel/no pitch bend; all strings same channel/pitch bend; and all strings seperate channels. Again, I bought it for the MIDI functions (running it through an Alesis QSR synth module). I know you can have a similar system put on any other guitar.