Parker
Since 1993
Founded in 1993 in Wilmington, Massachusetts by master luthier Ken Parker and Larry Fishman, Parker Guitars created one of the most technologically advanced and radically ergonomic electric guitars in history: the Parker Fly. Weighing an astonishing ~4.5 pounds, the Fly integrated a carved tonewood core encased within a high-strength carbon-glass-epoxy exoskeleton, a fingerboard with 24 hardened stainless steel frets bonded directly with epoxy, custom DiMarzio humbuckers, and an integrated Fishman piezo acoustic bridge. Prized by innovators like Adrian Belew, Reeves Gabrels, and Allan Holdsworth, authentic USA Parker instruments have achieved legendary status on the secondary collector market.
33
Years in Business
85K+
Guitars Sold
$4M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Parker Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Parker guitars.
Parker Price Overview
Parker covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,850
+7.8% vs last year
eBay Listings
190
Active listings
Sold This Month
36
+5.2% vs last month
Price Range
$350-$5,200
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Parker Timeline
Ken Parker Unveils the Parker Fly
Ken Parker and Larry Fishman introduce the Fly Deluxe, astounding the music world with a 4.5 lb carbon exoskeleton and piezo hybrid electronics.
Introduction of the USA NiteFly
Introduced the bolt-on NiteFly, providing the carbon fingerboard and piezo versatility with traditional bolt-on familiarity.
Fly Bass & Adrian Belew Signature
Released the exotic Fly Bass and collaborated with King Crimson innovator Adrian Belew on advanced MIDI and hexaphonic models.
US Music Corp Acquisition & Refined Fly
Parker was acquired by US Music Corp (Washburn); redesigned control layouts became known as 'Refined' Flys.
Factory Closure & Ceased Production
Official factory production in Mundelein, Illinois ended, triggering massive collector appreciation for USA originals.
Cult Legend & Engineering Masterpiece
Revered globally as one of the finest design achievements in modern guitar history with soaring market valuations.
Complete Parker Product Lineup
The Parker Fly is not simply an electric guitar—it is an aeronautical marvel whose sub-5-pound balance and carbon-shielded resonance will never be replicated.
USA Fly Series (Flagship)
True one-piece carbon-glass exoskeleton instruments weighing ~4.5 lbs with epoxy-bonded stainless frets.
Solid poplar tonewood core wrapped in carbon-glass skin, dual DiMarzio humbuckers, and Fishman piezo.
Solid basswood or western red cedar core offering warm organic acoustics and crystalline electric bite.
Solid mahogany body and neck delivering heavier low-mid grind with Seymour Duncan pickups.
USA NiteFly Series
Bolt-on maple neck models paired with carbon fingerboards and premium swamp ash or alder bodies.
SSH or dual humbucker layouts with passive Fishman piezo bridge and heavy-duty steel saddles.
Mahogany bolt-on body with upgraded active circuitry and push-pull coil-tap options.
Import P-Series
Accessible Korean and Indonesian instruments featuring traditional timber construction and piezo bridges.
Ash body with maple bolt-on neck, Wilkinson tremolo, and Fishman Powerchip piezo system.
Mahogany double-cutaway electric delivering blended acoustic-electric tones at accessible price points.
"The Parker Fly is not simply an electric guitar—it is an aeronautical marvel whose sub-5-pound balance and carbon-shielded resonance will never be replicated."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Aeronautical Design Masterpiece ($2,800 – $4,500+ Used)
Inspect Flex Ribbon Cable
The proprietary printed flex cable in the control cavity can crack with age; verify that all switches and volume blend work noiselessly.
Check Flat Torsion Springs
The Fly vibrato uses flat spring leaves stamped for specific string gauges (.009 or .010); replacements are rare and cost $150+ alone.
Carbon Exoskeleton Delamination
Carefully inspect the horn tips and neck joint for any lifting or air bubbles beneath the carbon-glass layer.
Road-Ready Bolt-On Workhorse ($1,100 – $1,800 Used)
Stainless Steel Frets
The epoxy-bonded stainless steel frets show virtually zero wear even after 25 years of heavy touring.
Standard Truss Rod Access
Unlike the Fly (which uses an internal tool wheel), the NiteFly features a more familiar neck adjustment setup.
Authentic USA vs Import P-Series
Check headstock logo and serial number; genuine USA NiteFlys feature the carbon fingerboard, whereas P-38s use standard rosewood.