Parker guitars - less than 5 pounds of fun!

Parker Guitars started out back in the early 1990's in Rochester, NY. Luthier Ken Parker took a clean slate and created a guitar from scratch.

He used lightweight woods, resin and carbon composites, stainless steel frets, active electronics, an ergonomic design and adjustable bridges.

His most popular guitar was the Fly which was built until 2003. The new Fly's electronics were changed from that point with a new layout consisting of a master volume and tone knobs. The company was sold the same year to US Music Corporation.

Manufacturing was moved to their Illinois plant then on to a Chinese concern.

Parker makes a number of six string electrics, four and five string basses, and two acoustic models.

The one I like the most is the unusual Parker Fly. Some of the features include:

• Poplar body with Basswood neck
• Aluminum vibrato bridge
• DiMarzio pickups
• Fishman piezo electronics

The most amazing feature of this guitar is the weight. Only 4.25 pounds!

Parker's come in a variety of finishes both standard and custom. Prices run from under a grand to over $3000 depending on the model.

Some artists who either endorse or play Parker's include Adrian Belew, Vernon Reid, Joe Walsh and Larry Coryell.

I first saw a Parker at a Mark Farner concert in Florida a few years back. Mark played with Grand Funk Railroad. He is one of my favorite guitarists. He played all of their old hit with that guitar. It sounded great and I had to figure out who made it.

I looked him up online and learned he preferred these guitars. He liked it for its low weight since he suffered a back injury. I remember he played a Messenger back in the Grand Funk days. I have one and they do carry some weight.

So if you're in the market for something unusual with plenty of great features, check out Parker guitars. Your back will thank you along with your ears, brain, fingers, eyes... You get the message!

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