THESE THREE MODES ARE:
1. FIXED:
This mode is selected for tuning, setting intonation, re-
stringing and action adjustment. In this mode the bridge is stabilized
and can be thought of as a non-vibrato bridge. FIXED is always HOME.
IMPORTANT NOTE! Always tune your
guitar in the FIXED mode. Don't EVER
tune it anywhere else. Any problems
that you may encounter with this
vibrato system are most likely caused
by tuning the guitar when the bridge
is not HOME.
2. BEND DOWN:
In this mode
the vibrato bends down from
and returns to HOME.
3. BALANCED:
This mode
sets the bridge to free-
floating allowing you to bend
up from and down from
HOME.
Step-Stop Switch
This two-position slide switch is located between the height
adjustment screws on the back cover plate.
These two positions are:
· UP:
This position is selected for
the BALANCED or free-floating
mode only.
· DOWN:
This position is used for
the FIXED and BEND DOWN
modes.
Balance Wheel
This wheel protrudes through
the front and back of the
body.
Turning the wheel
counterclockwise increases
the spring's force on the
bridge.
Turning the wheel clockwise
decreases the spring's force
on the bridge.
REMEMBER:
Up in front = up in
force.
ADJUSTING THE PARKER FLY
VIBRATO SYSTEM
1. FIXED:
· Place the Step-Stop switch in the DOWN position.
· Rotate the Balance Wheel counterclockwise until the bridge cannot
bend up. The guitar is now stabilized for tuning, setting intonation, re-
stringing and action adjustment.
For string bending: In this mode the guitar can be thought of as a
fixed-bridge instrument. This mode allows you to bend a string while
other strings are sounded and not change their pitch. If the other
strings do go flat while bending, increase the spring force.
2. BEND DOWN ONLY:
· Place the Step-Stop switch in the DOWN position.
· Rotate the Balance Wheel clockwise to decrease the spring force
while listening for a change in pitch. When the strings start to go flat,
rotate the Balance Wheel counterclockwise just enough to lightly seat
the bridge against the Step-stop. Now the bridge will return HOME but
cannot be bent up. In this mode, the user can also adjust the Vibrato
Bar resistance from light to heavy with the Balance Wheel.
NOTE: If the bridge is set just flat of HOME (tilting forward) while tuned up to pitch and the
Step-Stop switch is DOWN, there may be a buzz as the bridge vibrates against the Step-
stop when played. If this occurs, simply rotate the wheel up slightly to bring the bridge into
contact with the Step-stop.
3. BALANCED (FREE-FLOATING):
· Place the Step-Stop switch in the UP position. If this allows the
bridge to move back, away from HOME (sharp), re-tune the guitar with
the Balance Wheel. Simply rotate the Balance Wheel clockwise to
restore the balance at the correct pitch.
NOTE: If you should break a string when playing the guitar with the bridge in the
BALANCED mode, just set the Step-Stop switch down to restore the remaining strings to
pitch (You may need to bend down on the bar to move the Step-Stop switch down).
Vibrato Bar
The Parker Fly Vibrato Bar is made from 3/16" hexagon stainless steel.
This special alloy can be bent to your liking and will retain its shape in
use. We recommend that you let a guitar technician adjust the shape
of the Vibrato Bar.
The end of the bar that fits into the bridge is curved very slightly. The
deeper you insert the Vibrato Bar into the bridge, the tighter it fits. The
tightness of this fit can be adjusted by changing the bend very slightly.
The "swing" or rotation of the bar can also be adjusted. This is set with
the screw located on the back edge of the bridge. Place a vibrato bar in
the bridge and bend down to gain better access to this screw. Using
the T-handled 3/32 Allen wrench supplied with your guitar, turn the
screw clockwise to tighten and counter-clockwise to loosen.
Spring
Instead of the customary coiled springs in the back, the Fly's vibrato
uses a unique flat spring that remains silent while compressing and
expanding, and is compact enough to fit into the Fly's thin body.
Each Fly vibrato guitar is supplied with two springs. The installed
spring is correct for the .009 > .042 D'Addarios that the Fly is shipped
with. The extra spring found in the case or gig bag is correct for .010s.
Please be aware that if you change to a hybrid gauge of strings, .009 >
.046 for example, you must install a heavier (.010) spring. If you use
.008 gauge strings, the .009 spring will work perfectly fine. Using the
wrong spring or adjusting the spring incorrectly could cause the
spring to break and possibly damage the guitar.
BALANCED
FIXED AND BEND DOWN
DECREASE
INCREASE
