PDF30 mod recommendations?

Discussions of the Dragonfly and the Maxxfly guitars, the Maxxfly bass, and all DF variants
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kokoshmusun
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PDF30 mod recommendations?

Post by kokoshmusun »

I just acquired a lightly used PDF30. It's my first Parker and I like it. Versatile, light, good sustain and tone. Tuners seem fine and I don't bend much anyway. Action is a tad high but a luthier can fix that easily I think.

I'm not so knowledgeable about guitars and Parkers. I plan to keep this and I'm wondering if people think there are some mods that significantly improve tone/playability, etc. I like the tone fine but I can see myself placing different p/ups in the future (I'm not sure what p/ups I would use, I will have to search around).

Thanks!
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mmmguitar
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Re: PDF30 mod recommendations?

Post by mmmguitar »

The PDF guitars are like most: A proper setup and your preferred electronics are really all that’s necessary to dial things in. Glad to hear you’re happy with its weight and resonance.


Is yours the string-thru or trem model?
Summary of the Parker Guitars speculator market from 2020 onward: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_fool_theory
kokoshmusun
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Re: PDF30 mod recommendations?

Post by kokoshmusun »

Hey, thanks. It's a string through. It's great and it will be even better when I get the action lowered.
nonstoplife
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Re: PDF30 mod recommendations?

Post by nonstoplife »

Did you manage to do some mods?

I have a PDF35 which is the same as the PDF30 plus piezo pickup. I love the resonance, sustain and playability. The acoustic sound from the piezo pickup is fabulous, in my opinion even better than on my Fly Deluxe. But I am not quite happy with the sound of magnetic pickups, they sound too thin and high-end to me. I wonder if one could replace stock pickups with any other passive humbuckers?
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mmmguitar
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Re: PDF30 mod recommendations?

Post by mmmguitar »

nonstoplife wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 9:12 am I wonder if one could replace stock pickups with any other passive humbuckers?
Indeed, you can: The guitar uses typical humbuckers in mounting rings.
Summary of the Parker Guitars speculator market from 2020 onward: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_fool_theory
nonstoplife
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Re: PDF30 mod recommendations?

Post by nonstoplife »

Thanks a mil mmmguitar!
I will try that one day, just need to make sure not to mess up this crazy wiring :D
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mmmguitar
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Re: PDF30 mod recommendations?

Post by mmmguitar »

nonstoplife wrote: Wed Sep 13, 2023 3:12 pm I will try that one day, just need to make sure not to mess up this crazy wiring :D
I'm of the opposite opinion: By all means, tidy that spaghetti factory up while you're working under the hood!
Summary of the Parker Guitars speculator market from 2020 onward: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_fool_theory
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Barry
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Re: PDF30 mod recommendations?

Post by Barry »

What the....?! :shock:

I've done many re-wirings on many guitars but this would make me want to just close the cover and go have a Cinnabon!
Yikes.
"A little song, a little dance, A little seltzer down your pants" -Chuckles the Clown
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mmmguitar
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Re: PDF30 mod recommendations?

Post by mmmguitar »

Given the color-coded/bundled wires, it appears to be an exceptionally sloppy factory job. Even a cardboard harness would have saved a pile of wire, here. Still, it's nothing a haircut during a pickup swap can't remedy.
Summary of the Parker Guitars speculator market from 2020 onward: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_fool_theory
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