the Fly Clone Project

So...it’s not a Fly , but here’s a video of me performing Gerald Garcia’s “Etude 12” on “Olive Branch”, a Ken Parker archtop guitar. Strung with Dogal V24 Nightclub 80/20 Bronze Flatwound strings (12-46):



No EQ or compression added—just a little digital reverb added; this is pretty close to what you’d hear if you were sitting with me in the room. I did make a more produced version of this recording, so you can hear what this guitar would sound like when “produced”.

Lovely all-around, VJ. Though I’m not listening through studio monitors at the moment, the timbre of those highest notes seemed especially pleasant.

Thanks, Marc! I appreciate that.

I assume it comes as no surprise: Ken’s archtops are terrific and incredibly responsive instruments—very Fly-like! Lots of fun to play, and, really: it sounds like this in real life!

First - amazing playing. Really nice to hear you do the instrument and the composition justice.

Second - my dream! I'd gladly trade my left nut for one of these instruments. I don't even play acoustic normally, but I'd instantly change my style of playing just to play this baby (actually there's another I've been lusting for, but Olive is amazing!)

Third - Thanks so much for posting this!

Thanks so much, Patrick, for the kind words. This is such a great instrument and Ken really put so much effort it it.

Thanks so much for listening!

Great video, and wonderful playing VJ! I thought GASsing for Parker Flys was dangerous enough, this is a whole other level. Magnificent instrument.

Thanks, @ahmadimran!

Seriously, right?!

Very nice!
Both guitar and artist....very nice indeed.
Cheers!

Thanks, @Mr303 I appreciate it.

Wow VJ, the guitar sounds great and your playing brings out the best from it. Very nice!

Thanks, @flyguy

Lovely!

Beautiful playing VJ.
Makes R&R and R&B on my PM20 seem, well, shall we say, lacking?

What an extraordinary guitar that is. So many innovative ideas!
You're a lucky fella.

Thanks, guys I appreciate the kind words.

Ken was kind enough to let me borrow this guitar just a few weeks before the pandemic began—I don’t actually own it, but I was fortunate enough to have it in my possession for a good long while! It’s the first archtop Ken built after he left Parker Guitars!

Stunning! I've been watching quite a few YouTube videos of various guitars, amps, & effects units. I've concluded that, if one wants to sell a piece of equipment, get a great player to demo it. It makes all the difference in showing what that equipment can optimally sound like. The said, you could sell a Parker arch top, or any other guitar you might choose, I would think. VJ, you really bring it home! Nice tune, also. The guitar tone really jumps out. I listened to the processed track also & it sounds even better.

When I bought my Fly in '97, I went to Cintioli's music store in Northeast Philadelphia. A bandmate lived up that way at the time. I had a mission. I would trade in the several instruments I'd brought with me (which I'd not been playing) and buy 1 great guitar. There was the usual array of Strats, Pauls, etc., many of which I tried. I played the Parker Fly and the notes just lept out. To me, it was pretty much night and day difference between the Fly & all the rest, not to mention the neck & other appointments. At that time, I had never even heard of Parker guitars. So, I walked out with my fly for $1600.

Thanks for posting @vjmanzo.

Thanks very much, @tusker9; I really appreciate that.

I also appreciated reading your story of finding a Fly in ‘97—I know many guitarists that “shop with their eyes” or with their allegiances to well-known name brands, and that’s obviously not you! It takes a special person to trust their own ears and their intuitions when it comes to finding instruments that are a good fit—seems like the Fly is the perfect fit for you and I’m thankful we share that