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”.
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!)
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 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
, 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):
I appreciate it.
I appreciate the kind words. 
