Notes for general guitar technician/shop

[ahmadimran]

I was thinking recently, for those who have to send their Parker Fly guitars in to non-Parker specialists, wouldn’t it be useful to have a list of notes/warnings and other Parker Fly quirks as standard list that we could compile here, and printout, and keep with the guitars when handing it in.

What should we include in such a list?

Notes:
1. Do NOT use solvents of any kind on the fretboard, as it may cause the frets to de-fret.
2. Something something about bridge adjustments (can someone complete this one?)

Anything else?

[mmmguitar]

The bridge adjustments on a Fly are actually less-complicated than the Floyd Roses techs typically see. I suppose the tension-rated flatspring system may require up-front explanation, along with a pdf of the “Fly trem setup guide” being provided. I’m looking forward to seeing what others suggest. My own feelings are:

In the event that “Do not send Parker Fly guitars in to non-Parker specialists” is an insufficient guideline, I’d suggest linking the tech to this site for the sake of double-checking any modification or repair they’re endeavoring to perform with the user base, first. I’m specifically referring to scenarios in which the owner is already informed and committed to whatever work they want done, but who personally prefer to pay a professional to attempt it.

At the end of the day, the onus is entirely upon the owner to vet the professional they’re entrusting their guitar to - Just as in every other area of their life. But I’m biased from having worked on the service side of things; and feel including a disclaimer sheet with an irreplaceable guitar is a huge red flag for both the customer and repair person - The business is tasked with either outright refusing to assume liability, or assuring the customer that the guitar is in good hands which will not attempt anything without sufficient communication preceding consent from both parties. If the tech gives any impression of “Ugh, I hate Parkers”, that’s the cue to take the job elsewhere. When I used to do repairs professionally, I’d always make a point of assuring the customer of my (honest) familiarity and comfort with the make of guitar.

[vjmanzo]

Good thought, @ahmadimran—we have a thread called “What’s Not In the Manual” linked from the FAQs that addresses some of the common pitfalls for those unfamiliar with Flys.

I’m inclined to agree with mmmguitar’s position that a good tech would probably have the though to read the manual and look into matters a bit first before diving into a repair, or at least have the integrity to say that these instruments aren’t something they service often.

Regardless, your point about solvents on the fretboard is my number one comment to new Fly owners/technicians (even though it’s clearly outlined in the manual)!

It’s also worth noting—for any new techs reading this thread—that mmmguitar had started a terrific thread of vetted Local Fly Repair Technicians. We can all help eachother to get an education about servicing these instruments.

[Voice Of Reason]

After I throughly explain and provide documentation, I never fail to ask for a quote before commencing the work.

I do so as we know that a responsible tech will spend quite a lot of time looking into this.

Otherwise, some pseudo Parker tech can start charging by the hour…and the amount in the end can highlight how limited their expertise is.

I have had better luck servicing my Fly by a few techs I thoroughly informed than by an Authorized Parker Repair Center (back in the day). Of course, if it is an urgent matter…however I prefer the work being done properly over anything else.

You can indeed tell when someone does not want to work on an instrument. This isn’t as big of an issue if living in a larger US city (greater odds of finding someone with the expertise); however, for others…the work should remain fairly straightforward to trust a local tech. Otherwise with more advanced endeavours (e.g. electronics, paint, mods), I would ship it to one that has been recommended in this thread: https://flyclone.com/viewtopic.php?t=510.

[ahmadimran]

Thank you for the great replies.

Yes it makes sense, better to be proactive on our side and educate the technician beforehand and see if they are suitable.

Also yes, the reason I asked is because of my location, in Dubai, where some have never even held a Parker Fly.

Will provide the documentation and also point them to the link here on FlyClone.