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The Parker ATDF842 Maxx Fly Guitar: Perfect pitch every time
“We combine organic and man-made materials to create a uniquely musical guitar that performs as no other can. It’s a lot of extra work, but we do it because we know you can feel and hear the difference.” – Ken Parker, founder of Parker Guitars, talking about building the “Fly”
New for 2012, Parker’s ATDF842 Maxx Fly electric guitar, armed with Antares Auto-Tune® technology, two Seymour Duncan pick-ups, neck and bridge, as well as a Fishman® under the saddle piezo, is sure to offer perfect intonation, no matter the style of music. Add to that Parker’s reputation for impressive craftsmanship and the ATDF842 Maxx Fly may just be the perfect six-string machine.
About the Parker company
Though Parker Guitars was started by luthier Ken Parker in 1994, he sold the company in 2003 to the U.S. Music Corporation of Mundelein, Illinois, a subsidiary of Jam Industries, Ltd.
Nevertheless, after the sale, the company continued making fine quality guitars.
Parker, who is still affiliated with the company, describes why the “Fly,” an instrument he created, is no ordinary electric axe. On the Parker Guitar’s® website he states:
“Each note plays with a smooth consistency. The usual problems with dead spots, funny notes, and unevenness are absent. The guitar balances beautifully whether you’re sitting or standing and its light weight allows you to stay relaxed and mobile. Most importantly, the guitar feels alive.”
Antares technology
Antares® is responsible for bringing the world Auto-Tune® pitch correction control for vocals. Now the same technology has been applied to Parker’s ATDF842 Maxx Fly guitar, resulting in no “bad notes.” This guitar can correct mistakes without a player’s intervention. Parker Guitars® explains:
“Auto-Tune® for Guitar enables the impossible – for a guitar to have perfect intonation every time it is played, no matter the position. The technology also automatically corrects during bends and use of vibrato.”
The Antares® system constantly checks each string. If the Maxx Fly goes out of tune at any time, don’t fear. The onboard string-tuner will readjust the sound with just a simple strum, including alternative tunings. There’s also a virtual capo.
Two kinds of pick-ups
The magnetic HH pick-up configuration on Parker’s ATDF842, a Seymour Duncan ‘59 at the neck and a JB at the bridge, combines with a Fishman® under the saddle “Ghost” piezo to produce solid electric excitement with a bit of acoustic clarity for richer sonic resonance.
The magnetic and piezo signals can be sent to two separate amps as a mono signal or using a standard guitar cable, a mix of both, sent to one amplifier.
Electrics with a piezo pick-up seem to be the current rage; PRS also came out with a similar product that debuted at NAMM 2012.
Unique Tonewoods
The Maxx Fly employs basswood for the neck and sports a carbon glass epoxy fretboard. The body is Alder. Why this choice of tonewoods? According to Ken Parker:
“Wood, the original miracle fiber, is at the heart of every Parker guitar. We marry the magic soulfulness of wood with rock-solid modern fibers. The thin skin of carbon and glass fibers bond to the wooden guitar becoming a new kind of material, optimized to respond to the vibrations of guitars strings.”
Other specs
Features include a carved body, 22 frets, a three-way pick-up selector, vibrato bridge and Sperzel® tuners. It’s offered in Tobacco Sunburst, Dusty Black and Tangerine finishes.
The Price
Hold on to your hats, axe slingers. Parker’s ATDF842 Maxx Fly with Antares Auto-Tune® is expected to debut at $7998.67.
Who said perfection is cheap?
