Parker Guitars NiteFly SA

I BOUGHT MY PARKER NITEFLY SA EARLIER THIS YEAR '08, I BELIEVE IT IS AN '07 MODEL. THIS USA MADE GUITAR FEATURES A DIMARZIO HSS PICKUP CONFIGURATION, PIEZO, SPERZEL LOCKING-TUNERS, SWEET TREMOLO SYSTEM. IT IS TRANS RED W/ WHITE PEARLOID PICKGUARD. 22 FRETS

THIS GUITAR IS EXTREMELY VERSATILE, I PLAY EVERYTHING FROM HARD ROCK TO FUNK TO BLUES TO REGGAE TO JAZZ FUSION ON THIS AXE AND IT FLOWS SEEMLESSLY BETWEEN STYLES AND TONES.. I PLAY THROUGH A 2X12 FENDER HOT ROD DEVILLE AMP, WITH BOSS M50, XOTIC RC BOOSTER AND DUNLOP CRYBABY WAH. ONLY COMPLAINT--THE SINGLE COILS ARE NOISY( BUT IT'S A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR ALL THE AWESOME FEATURES AND OVERALL TONE).

THE ACTION IS LIKE A DREAM, I HAD IT SET UP FOR 11S DR PURE BLUES STRINGS WHICH COMPLIMENT THE GUITAR NICELY.

THIS GUITAR IS MY INSTRUMENT OF CHOICE, THE ONLY THING I WOULD SAY AS FAR NEEDING A BACKUP IS MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP 9V BATTERY, IF YOURS DIES, YOU WILL BE IN A PREDICAMENT!!

I HAVE BEEN PLAYING GUITAR FOR 18 YEARS, I HAVE OWNED EVERYTHING FROM A SQUIER STRAT TO GIBSON LES PAULS TO A GIBSON ES335 TO A FENDER AMERICAN TELE, AND THE NITEFLY OUTPLAYS THEM ALL FOR FEEL, PLAYABILTY, NOT STRAINING MY BACK, AND TONE. IF IT WERE STOLEN, I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT. I LOVE THE LOOK, THE FEEL, THE SOUND, THE WEIGHT, IN SHORT, PRETTY MUCH THE WHOLE ENCHILADA... YOU NEED A NITEFLY!!!

The cool thing about Parkers I don't see mentioned much is that the steel frets are so smooth and the reinforced neck so flat and rigid that 10 gauge strings on a Parker feel like and play as well as 9 gauge strings on most other electrics with their twisted weak necks and chewed up nickel frets. The 10 gauge strings in turn brings with it several huge advnatages: better tone, more sustain, more output and more control. I tried gauge 9 strings on the parker and it was basicly unplayable because the strings slid around so easily I could barely hold a chord properly.

But a big complaint: the whammy bar harness design is bad. The whammy swings downward with gravity unless you tighten the hex nut into it but that in turn makes the whammy very difficult to inert and remove. This is not a headache I need when I'm tearing down and setting up on stage and have very little time and lots to do. Even though it sucks it still beats the screw-in kind. The Fender Deluxe Strat's snap in whammy is by far the best.

I've had three strats prior to the Parker; the strats have far more bass but a lot less of everything else. Less presence, less output, less mids. I have been recording recently and have A/B'd the strats and the Parker SA looking for a good tone and I've only been using the Parker as a result. It's bright sound and high output make it too easy to get a defined guitar tone. When I plugged in the strats I had to screw with EQs and tone knobs to get the same result. It's much easier to take away from the Parker than add to the strats.

My only complaint is that the neck pickup of a strat has the dark chiming bell sound everyone knows and loves, the Parker's neck pickup has a lot more quack, similar to the middle pickup of either guitar. It's a good tone anyway but it's not the same sound.

I mentioned the awesomeness of the neck under features because in this case it's waranted.

The action can be set very flat but at a point it becomes too easy to make mistakes. I have to set the action higher to keep it playable.

The propietary bridge is very good and looks nice but adjustments have to be made from the rear of the guitar which is cumbersome compared to strat designs. Fortunately you don't have to adjust it often.

It doesn't get mentioned enough: this guitar stays in tune like some sort of magic trick. I even don't bother to even check if it's in tune before playing anymore. Assuming the strings have been well stretched, most electric guitars go out of tune by simply being picked up or set down, with the Parker you have to dive bomb the whammy a few times to get it out of tune.

Not so good. Parker was bought out by US Music/Washburn so they're the ones who answer the phone when you call Parker. The first Parker I got was defective and they refused to help me because their computers were down for maintanance and would be for a full week. I've never heard a bigger bullshit story in my life, but anyway a week later they told me I should just return the guitar to the guitar retailer for a refund, but the catch is I bought it through Musician's Friend which meant packing the goddam thing up and shipping it back. The moral of the story: Don't order a Parker online unless you have limitless patience. Buy one in person and make sure it's set up before you leave the store. I love Parker guitars but their corperate situation is something entrely seperate.

I'm strongly considering buying a Nitefly M, they look very pretty and significantly different than the Nitefly SA, but am worried that dual humbucker layout isn't versatile enough as I'm coming from the world of strats. I suspect I'll give in and get one though because Parkers are the best guitars money can buy. If I ever win the lottery I'll buy a Fly Mojo.

Where can I start? I play an apple red Nitefly Features: Looks great doesnt it? Makes you stand out! it plays so soft!!! it features: Sperzel locking system, Active Pickups, Hey its got a Piezo Pickup (Acoustic Simulator), which can be played separetly or if you desire can blended with the normal Custom Wound Dimarzio Pickup for a bolder clean sound. Hell it even brings a special split cable (ring & tip) So you can send the piezo signal to an acoustic amp for example and the normal signal to your regular amp.
Note: I recomend you send the piezo signal Direct to the PA it sounds... (speechless).
Its got a HSS pickup configuration, 22 frets, 5 way selector mag,Its got a lot of custom original features like the dimarzio pickups, the bridge, Body style, etc... String changing is almost instant, Body is swamp ash and Neck is mahogany i think.

I Play Worship, Rock, Emo, Alternative, Latin,etc. and it plays great on all of them. I play it with a GT-6 multi effect, about to buy a Pod Live xt, i live in El Salvador There is no Such thing as a great tube amp here, and bringing one is too expensive for me right now.
It sounds much brighter than the Ibanez I used to use, to the limit that i had to slightly change my EQ. The chicken picking for jazz sound great. This sounds classy, professional, it defines your tone much better, if you suck it will show, if your good you'll shine (i know its a weared out cliche but its true).
And you can make it sound like an Acoustic!

It came calibrated, that is a really weird thing, most new guitars ive played need to be calibrated and octaved.
The one little thing i can critizice is that the bridge was slightly rusty, it isnt much but it hurts a little.

The strap buttons seem really solid theyre made a little bigger than standard guitars, the finish and paint looks great and lasting.
I totally depend on it, i mean i almost never use a backup guitar

Havent had to dwell with them.

Im 21 years old Ive been playing for only 6 years but ive made it my daily living, I play at church, home, the studio, live, etc. I have a GT-6 like a mentioned, a Jim Dunlop Wah, A DOD Grunge Dist, and I connect it to a Yamaha F-20. If it were stolen or lost im not sure id have enough to buy another one lol I think i would buy it again or i could buy a Mojo Flame. If it had a Floy Rose it would be perfect but it just wouldnt be a Parker would it?
And Yeah I guess it is expensive but now that i have it, I sure dont regret it, its worth the money. And a good thing about it is that the value keeps noobs away from it, lol kidding
I Play lots styles and what I love from this Guitar is that although it isnt totally diferent from other good guitars, it does give you that signature sound that isnt around.
I thank God for this guitar, it was the right choice, Im really grateful.

THis guitar has the translucent blue finish with the plain white pickguard. It has dimarzio pickups in the SSH configuration,Sperzal locking tuners, stereo/mono switch, fishman piezo pickups.....stainless steel frets graphite nut.......it,s LOADED

I play classic rock, blues,motown,progressive and some fake jazz. My amp is a Line6 Flextone3. This guiar is amazing! The best clean strat sound you ever heard, only the pickups are a little hotter.The sound is bright, but still warm.Tone oozes from this guitar, I,ve never played my guitar more since i,ve gotten my parker!It,s pretty quite for the most part, and all three pickups sound great!I don;t like the black rubber knobs, but that is the only negative I can say about this guitar.

This guitar has great action, and a just about flawless finish, the attention to detail is OBVIOUS!THe neck and the frets are just made for playing, and string bending never felt so good, thanks to the stainless steel frets, they really do make a difference!This guitar is beatiful in fit and finish

bought the guitar used, is in great shape, plan on keeping it that wayGreat hardware and finish, always have a backup, just in case.

Never had any contact with them

Iv;e been playing 30 years, and own several other guitars, and several amps. THis guitar is light, well balanced, and toneful, I love the use of the space aged materials with the great tone woods for a sound and playability that cant be beat. THis guitar is cutting edge, and others will have a hard time measuring up as parker has set the bar for quality VERY HIGH.

I bought this guitar on eBay, thinking it was a 1992 model.... that's what the previous owner thought too. Ran the serial number and learned it was a 2002 model! WOO-HOO! So I got it for peaanuts, am thrilled with every facet of it, and will never again be without one! The Swamp Ash body is awesome, but then what else would you expect from Parker? It really reminds me of a HSS Strat with a really, REALLY bitchy attitude. Finish is impeccable. The neck is beyond amazing: it's basswood encased in carbon epoxy! So yeah, it's like bulletproof AND sounds great! The active electronics are -I BELIEVE- limited to the Fishman Piezo pickup in the bridge. my favorite sound with this guitar is the stereo sound split with the piezo into my Trace Acoustic amp and the mags into my Trace Stereo Quad Chorus, with a thick distortion and a little snarly wah. You'll swear you're playing two guitars!

Definitely the tops for tone. Parker has a way of building lots of guitars into one, and the Nitefly SA is no exception. It's really hot for a chimey Tele tone, but does the Dave Gilmour strat flavors as well. The acoustic tones are really good too- played thru a good amp, you'll have to look down to remember you're not playing an acoustic with really sweet action.

I didn't get it from the factory, and the previous owner didn't know shiite about setting it up. It took a little work, but was well worth it! Action is unbelieveable. The carbon fiber fretboard gives lots of bounceto both the tone and action. I've heard of the glued-on frets coming off, but have never had a problem with mine, and don't anticipate it as long as I take good care of it. Wood, polyeurethane, carbon, and metal are all perfect. I HATE the rubber knobs though, and wasn't crazy about the matte white pickguard, so I spent a little cash for black abalone pickguard and abalone-capped knobs. Looks really sweet on a blue ash guitar.

I've played it out at least twice a week for five months now. Never a problem. I can't imagine anything short of deliberate abuse that would case any problems. I'm considering changing the Sperzel tuners though: they come off as somewhat gawky compared with the Grovers Parker puts on their "cheap" guitars. Only once have I had a problem with the tuners, but it chapped my ass to have to find a dental pick to pry the piston loose with.

As long as you get John Page on the Parker forum, you'll never have a Parker problem that can't be handled promptly. Their phone team is a different story. NEVER had a problem with this guitar, but my PM20 needed some help, and I found customer serive to be rude, nonchalant, lazy, and ill-equipped to handle any but the most basic questions.

Been playing 32 years, and have never experienced a guitar any better than this, unless it's my PM20. I now own eleven Parkers, and am thinning out my stable of PRS, Gibson, Fender, Ibanez, Rickenbacker, and Martin guitars to make room for MORE Parkers. Bought three for my nephews for Christmas, and they all exceeded my expectations. I'll never buy another guitar that isn't a Parker.

Bought this guitar on eBay about a month ago, and it wasn't really what I was looking for. That said, I have to admit I got a steal of a deal. A hand-built American-built guitar should have cost five times as much as I paid for it. Materials are cutting-edge with a respectful nod towards tradition. The guy told me it was a 1997 model, which was ok by me at the price I was paying. It showed up, I ran the serial number and learned it was actually a 2002. Not bad, eh? This one has the SSH pickup arrangement, Swamp Ash body (looks like 4 pieces) and a gorgeous transparent blue finish. Has a very distinctive bridge with Parker's proprietary tremolo. Neck is maple with an ungodly tough (read "bullet proof!) carbon epoxy coating that covers the fretboard as well. Frets are stainless steel and are attached with some sort of marine epoxy. You'll wear holes in your fingers before you cut these frets. Tuners are Sperzel satin chrome locking dealies. I like the idea, but they're one of three things I'd change about the guitar. The other is the drab-ass pickguard. A white pearl would look great- and has since replaced the matte white I got. The finish is just too damn good to top off with flat white. I also hate the black rubber knobs. What was someone thinking??? They're dry rotting but still soft. Not cool.
The guitar is the most versatile I've ever played, and the second most playable, following closely behind its (Korean built) cousin, the PM20 Pro. Sounds (I should say voices- it's alive!) range from cool, dark Dave Gilmour Strat tones to sparkly Tele sounds to Brian May's bright grit to thick, soupy metal tones to bright funk with a scoop out of the middle. I play thru a Trace Elliot Super Tramp Stereo Quad Chorus, and between the guitar and amp, I've not yet been able to think up a sound I can't duplicate. The Fishman piezo under the bridge is fantastic! I split it off to a Trace Acoustic amp run clean, add a little OD to my Quad Chorus, and -viola- I'm playing in unison with myself. Don't try this unless you have a decent direct box though- the fishman is incompatible with the magnetic pickups' impedance, so a hum can be a problem if you make a ground loop. I don't understand those, I just know they sound awful. But that's not the guitar's fault, and it can be easily remedied- a guy on the Parker Guitars forum builds the box you need, and it works like a charm.

I pretty well covered sonic versatility already. There's literally nothing you can't play on this guitar. That said, there are sounds that pop out better than others. My favorite is the strat/acoustic layer with two amps. I play lots of different styles of music, so the versatility is paramount to me. One tiny gripe is that the piezos pick up a lot of finger noise. So I decided the best way to handle that was to become a better player.

Setup was perfect when I got the guitar, but then it had been played for 3 years too. Finish, workmanship, and action are perfect. I'm displeased though with the pickguard and the knobs- at the price these guitars go for, they could have spent an additional $1.26 on better plastic. Grrrr..... I had a bad experience with the Sperzel tuners the first time I changed the strings, and would much prefer the cam system that Grover uses in their locking tuners to the screw-up locks in the Sperzels. A beautiful guitar, but poorly accessorized. Definitely more Nicky than Paris, but Nicky Hilton in sweats is still a hot ass.

I LOVE the strap buttons on this guitar. They're placed just right for me. I'm a fat guy though, and the Nitefly balances perfectly on the strap. It weighs nothing, so is perfect for playing long sets! The neck will be bulletproof. Finish is PPG polyeurethane, laid on thich, then buffed to a flawless sheen. I've played out live at elast twice a week since I got the guitar, and I'm really impressed with its intonation. It does NOT go out of tune. That may be the fault of my DR strings too, though. I'd sell all my other guitars just to take this one to a gig, and never worry about a backup.

I've had recent dealings with Parker's customer service, and I must say they're the champs. My PM20 had a finish problem on the neck, and when I sent it back, they offered to replace it with the new model PM20 Pro, which sports better pickups, tuners, and finish, for a small upcharge. There was never any question about whether they'd satisfy my complaint. Their website forum is very helpful too- staffers, PR people, and Parker artists (Dave Martone, Joe Walsh, and others) are on there daily to share wisdom and answer questions. Problems are often handled within Parker's legion of disciples, without ever involving the factory. I know of at least one case where a very well-known artist bought a guitar from a dissatisfied owner so the kid could buy one in a different finish. This is a hugely valuable resource for parts, advice, news, and service.

I've been playing for 30+ years. I've owned Fenders, Gibsons, PRS, Rickenbacker, Ibanez, and Washburn guitars, and played dozens more makes. The Nitefly SA is more playable than any other BRAND of guitar I've ever held. For sake of reference, my Strat was a David Gilmour signature edition, my LP was a custom shop Black Beauty, and my PRS was a gorgeous Custom 24. I never felt inspired enough with any of them to write a review. I've sold them all now to fill my stable with Parkers, and except for a Babicz acoustic, I probably won't buy any other brand of guitar in the future. The Nitefly is very particular about strings. Elixirs don't sound good on it, and DR Zebras, made for electric guitars with piezos, have no tonal consistency on this guitar. But DR Xtra Life strings on it really come alive, as do DR Pure Blues. Let's see.... if it were stolen, I'd hunt down the thief and tear him limb from limb. It is very responsive to touch, but the neck feels strange even now- almost like it gets thicker out towards the end. I've noticed though that it helps me to play more consistently, so I'll take that trade. I gig now with three guitars: the Nitefly works for 70% of my music. I keep a Parker P42 tuned down to D, and the PM20 for bright crunch. As soon as I replace the pickguard with a Pearl White or Abalone one, and the rubber knobs with matching barrels, I'll have the closest thing there is to a perfect guitar.

Carved Swamp Ash body with bolt-on Mahogany neck
Parker custom-cast aluminum vibrato bridge, stainless steel saddles
DiMarzio custom wound HSS pickups
5-way mag pickup selection
Custom Fishman piezos and stereo voltage-doubled pre-amp
Custom Parker vibrato system
6 lbs



Wow...

I play guitar for my church worship band (and in about 4 or 5 other bands) and this guitar MORE than suites my needs. I run a Stereo Y cable, sending the Piezo signal through our PA system, while the electric signal is ran through my Bad Horsie 2, to a Mesa Rocket 440 4x10 combo tube amp (killer amp!). This guitar is AWESOME.

ONLY problem--- The DiMarzios are VERY bright. Infact, I had to cut the highs off my amp(s) by at least HALF (was running a Les Paul with Seymour Duncans -59/JB combo-). Once the settings were set (through PA, and amp changes) I now have the best clean sound I've ever had in my life. I've been playing for about 4 1/2 years now, and I am honored to play this beautiful guitar.

It makes SOME noise, but that's natural for single-coils.


I would give this guitar a 10, but it's REALLY bright. This is easily fixed though. Clean blend (piezo and single-coils at the same time) sounds AMAZING. Add a little delay/chorus to the coils, and you've got an AMAZING clean sound. Don't believe me?? Just listen to the samples on the Parker site.

http://www.parkerguitars.com/code/models/models_nitefly.asp

(click "Nitefly Sound Diagram", then listen to the setting called "Clean Blend")

The only difference between the clip you hear on the site, and the real thing, is it sounds a LOT better in real life.

This guitar is great all around, but probably isn't too great for Metal (which I also love playing). It has a lot of bite, but the pups don't have a lot of gain. I'm sure I'll be able to crank out some sweet metal tones once I get my DS-1 modded...

Awesome set up. Bought this off ebay (mint cond) for $640 ($1,300 new, crazy ehh?) LOVE the neck on this guitar. Gets a LITTLE sticky when you sweat, but hey, I don't mind!

It's VERY thin, which adds to the bright tone, and VERY light. I haven't even had it for a week yet, and I've only used it in a live band setting 3 times or so. For as thin as it is, it is VERY well constucted. Once I get strap locks, I would deff gig this guitar without a back up. (but what's the fun of that, when you have 5 other guitars???) ;)


I'm only giving this a 8, because I haven't had it that long yet (too early to tell for sure). It seems like it'll last, but time will tell how this beast will hold up.

Not a problem so far, so I don't know.

AWESOME guitar, for an AWESOME price. Once you get your settings right to your liking, this guitar will KILL! Makes SOME noise on the distortion setting, but that's natural for single-coils. AWESOME "all around" guitar, but doesn't have as much gain in the pups as I'd like, so it's not too great for Metal.

you know. if u don't go to parkerguitars.com.

This is the BEST electric guitar I've ever played. Unbelievable variety and performance... Sounds like the best strat u can have... 1) The cleans??? Try it with a mix of piezo acoustic(Fishman specially designed for parkers) and the Bridge-midle pickup with a chorus. I'm sure u haven't heard something like this before. 2) The pickups are di marzio specially designed for parker and are very close to steve vai's pickups. 3) The tremolo??? STABLE. 4) The tuners??? What can I say??? This guitar plays floyd, black sabbath, plays Funk (the best for rhythm), progressive rock and it plays jazz as well... One thing u have to remember: Pick it hard. Like every good guitar, it needs to be played strong. It BEGS u to give her your best shot.

It's a parker. I won't say anything else. HEY take a close look at the fingerboard. U will remember my words...

Very STABLE guitar with absolut tuners. AND great electronics.

some settings made in one day. very good support.

I'm a 40 year pro. Played with every guitar you can imagine. This is the one. When you touch it u will anderstand what is a good guitar and how many hours of practice u need to catch up with the guitar. with this guitar.I won't lose it. I sleep with it... I say it again: Pick it hard. It feels your picking... It kisses your ears (great harmonics) when u pick slow and screams if u dig it. So try both. And try a chord an the 17+ fret. U hear the full sound...

NOTE TO THOSE REVIEWERS BEFORE ME...MOST OF YOU DO NOT HAVE A NITEFLY SA!!!!! "SA" MEANS "Swamp Ash" - NOTHING ELSE!!!! PLEASE READ BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS...

ONE THING TO UNDERSTAND- NO MODEL MADE BEFORE 2000 IS A NITEFLY SA. In fact, even some 2000 models were still maple-bodied Niteflies and are not "SA" models. SWAMP ASH IS A MEDIUM-LIGHT WOOD WITH OBVIOUS, HEAVY STREAKING IN THE GRAIN. IT IS VERY EASY TO IDENTIFY. IF YOU LOOK AT YOURS AND DON'T SEE LONG, FIGURED DARK STREAKS ALL OVER, IT'S PROBABLY NOT AN "SA".

ALL "SA" MODELS FEATURE THE H-S-S PICKUP CONFIGURATION- NO EXCEPTIONS! MOST 2000 AND EARLY 2001 MODELS STILL HAD THE PLAIN WHITE/BLACK PICKGUARDS AS THE PREVIOUS MODELS -WITH- THE STEREO/MONO BUTTON BETWEEN THE CONTROLS. ALL 2001-LATER "SA" GUITARS FEATURED WHITE PEARLOID PICKGUARDS AND CHROME HARDWARE (INSTEAD OF THE TYPICAL BLACK RUBBER KNOBS) WITH -NO- STEREO/MONO BUTTON (NEWER FISHMAN POWERCHIP PREAMP FEATURES AUTOMATIC SWITCHING).

PUT YOUR REVIEW IN THE RIGHT SPOT! THE VERY FIRST NITEFLIES (NV1) WERE -ONLY- S-S-S MODELS, WITH NO STEREO/MONO SWITCH. THESE WERE ACTUALLY INTRODUCED IN LATE 1996. THE SECOND PRODUCTION MODELS (NV2), WHICH FOLLOWED SHORTLY THEREAFTER, FEATURED BOTH THE S-S-S AND H-S-S CONFIGURATION, BUT STILL WITHOUT THE STEREO/MONO SWITCH. THE REAL NV4 AND NV5 MODELS CAME OUT IN 1998 WITH BOTH PICKUP OPTIONS AND -DID- FEATURE THE STEREO/MONO PUSH-BUTTON BETWEEN THE CONTROLS. THE NV6 MODELS ARE TRANSITIONAL 2000/1 MODELS WHICH FEATURE MAPLE BODIES, CAME ONLY IN H-S-S CONFIGURATION AND HAVE -NO- STEREO/MONO SWITCH. THE NV7 WAS, TECHNICALLY, THE "STANDARD" NITEFLY WHICH WAS A TRUE "SA" MODEL WITHOUT THE PIEZO. THESE WERE THE VERY FIRST TO FEATURE THE PEARLOID PICKGUARD AND CHROME HARDWARE (SOME HAD BLACK HARDWARE) BACK IN 2000. THE -REAL- NITEFLY SA (TECHNICALLY THE NV8), HOWEVER, FEATURES THE SWAMP ASH BODY, PEARLOID PICKGUARD AND CHROME HARDWARE WITH -NO- STEREO/MONO BUTTON, THE ONLY EXCEPTION BEING THE LATE 2000/EARLY 2001 MODELS MENTIONED ABOVE.

REMEMBER....

BE RESPECTFUL- PUT YOUR REVIEW IN THE CORRECT SPOT! QUIT RATING FOR AN "SA" WHEN YOUR GUITAR IS REALLY AN NV3 WITH TRIPLE SINGLE COILS OR AN NV5! BIG DIFFERENCES! USE THIS AS A GUIDE- GOOD LUCK AND NEVER STOP PLAYING!

USA Parker Nite Fly V2. So that means all passive electronics. There are now 8 versions of the Parker Nite Fly so do your homework if you are in the market for what version offers what features.

My SA based 1996 model means all passive electronics, instead of battery driven piezo pickup like newer models.

The Parker web site has a whole run down on all differences and histories. Suggest checking out.

SA means Strat Config (S/S/H) and Piezo

http://www.parkerguitars.com/media/pdfs/nitefly_reference_guide.pdf

Bought used so didn't get the original manual (free from parker) or allen wrenches (standard sizes, easy to get). Nice Parker gig bag.

Jumbo frets...Big Jumbo Frets! Not real low Gibson SG frets...took me about a week to get used to them. NOW I CAN'T DO WITHOUT MY PARKER!

Sweetest freakin' tremolo set up! Everything else will feel and work like a tank compared to a parker set up! Awesome!

Tuners = locking Sperzel = ROCKING and fast, easy string changes.

Had to replace the stock pickups with Dimarzios. Early NiteFly's feature custom Dimarzios that really sounds super classy, round and glassy like an excellent Strat.

However, pickups are really personal preference and I wanted hotter in the front and more bite, clarity at the bridge. So I replaced the front with Carvin Twin Blade (only $37 + free shipping = well worth it) and Dimarzio Fred in Bridge = BEST Pickup choice for me.

I use Tone Zones, Evolutions and Air Norton Dimarzios in my other guitars, but really feel the FRED is the best sounding and versatile of them all. Its a true classic just like Seymour's JB.

So NiteFlys are really a total package guitar that kick ass!

I sold my Peavey Wolfgang Special for one and those guitars were freakin' great. But I need a contoured, ligther, versatile guitar that played just as well as my Gibson SG or Wolfgang.

And the Parker truly delivered the goods. Had to set up to preference since previous owner liked much higher action, but all adjustments on Parkers are super quick and easy. So in less than 2 minutes you can have your guitar set up to how you want. Really!

Stock pickups made the NiteFly sound like the best Strat you "never" owned. Strats are so plentiful that you really have to hand pick your guitar for sound, quality and playibility. Wouldn't ever buy one via mail order. They vary way too much.

SA model is bright and versatile just like a strat, stock. But since I've been playing 20 years, I know what I want for sounds and adjust with pickups as needed.

NOTHING PLAYS LIKE A PARKER. Cliche, but true!

You can find a great used ones on Ebay for less than half new street price. Paid $500 for mine. These sell for $1200 new! Crazy. They may have really depreciated for some reason but what a steal of a deal for a rocking, socking, kicking, guitar.

My guitar was one of the original parkers NiteFlys ever released in 1996. My serial is literally "60 USA"...way before they switched to their now standard SN convention that shows month, year and number made that month (eg: 126700).

Talked to Parker rep and he said my guitar is more going to be more Rare since Washburn just bought out Parker guitars and they are moving the factory to Chicago. So I'll have one of the few guitars actually made by the original factory workers when the series began.

He was pretty excited to hear my neck was still in like new condition 8 years later! No dents, scratches, blemishes at on frets or neck. These frets will really last and play forever.

I've had pretty good luck when needing to contact parker direct via phone. Email has been "iffy".

Needed some info from a techy about pickup and pickgaurd replacements and was pleased to get my answers and then some fine conversation on the history of parker and their transition coming up to Chicago.

If you need general parts for your parker go to www.stewmac.com

After playing 20 years and about 10 different guitars over the years, I am extremely pleased with my decision to ditch my Wolfgang USA for the Parker Nitefly.

Execellent examples can be found on Ebay for $500 to $600 and they are well worth it.

Low maintenance, very durable, dependable guitars!