ParkerElectronicsTechnicalBulletin PDF
ParkerElectronicsTechnicalBulletin PDF
ParkerElectronicsTechnicalBulletin PDF
Technical Bulletin: Retrofitting Graphtech Acousti‐Phonic Preamp to a Parker Fly
The procedure described below is of moderate difficulty for a trained professional instrument repair
person. If you are unfamiliar with basic electronic repair or minor woodworking on an instrument, it
is advisable to bring this document to a local instrument technician of your choice to perform this
modification.
Most Parker models feature a stereo preamp that allows the stereo splitting of the Piezo and Magnetic
pick‐up systems. Parker has used a few different assemblies over the years. Models produced from
1993‐2002 (Pre‐Refined Fly models) used an earlier generation Fishman Power chip assembly which
used a series of PCB ribbons for its connections. This system was replaced in 2002 with a later
generation Fishman power chip (Refined Fly models) that was wired point to point, and featured a
slightly different control layout. These different versions can easily be identified by checking the existing
wiring and control layout.
Pre‐refined Fly Refined Fly
CONTROLS: Master Volume, Mag CONTROLS: Mag volume, mag tone,
volume, Mag tone, Piezo volume, piezo volume, coil-tap (push/pull pot)
Piezo tone (concentrically stacked). 3-Way switch: Neck/ both/ bridge
OUTPUT: Stereo output, with a red OUTPUT: Jack: Smart Switch - if
switch that allows you to select true you're using a stereo cable, you get
stereo output (mag to tip, piezo to stereo (mag/piezo) output. If you're
ring) or summed output (for using a using a mono cable, you get blended
single amp and getting both piezo and output
mag through a mono cable)
.
This system was again replaced with the Graphtech Acousti‐Phonic preamp system in late 2011, though
the control layout did not change. The Graphtech Acousti‐Phonic preamp system is modular in design,
and Graphtech offers a variety of options to suit most wiring needs. (Important for Parker models
produced before 2002)
Parker Guitars wholly recommends the Graphtech Acousti‐phonic system for all retro‐fit needs, due to
their easy availability (available directly from Graphtech, or through any Graphtech dealer), and ease of
installation and use. The updated Graphtech Parker saddles with this system are of superior design to
previous versions, being part of their String Saver series of saddles and offer the following benefits:
increased sustain, improved midrange depth, super lubricating, improves tuning and are corrosion
resistant.
This guide includes available diagrams for Pre‐Refined Fly models, and Refined Fly models as a point of
reference. (Alternate versions for Dimarzio and Seymour Duncan equipped models are included to
account for different magnetic wire colors) The current Parker Graphtech Acousti‐Phonic wiring diagram
is also in this guide. For information on alternate wiring concepts using the Graphtech Acousti‐Phonic
preamp, please contact Graphtech directly. (www.graphtech.com)
The major difference in Parker Fly models produced after 2002 was the removal of Piezo Tone, though
the Graphtech system can accommodate a Piezo tone as an add on. See last page of this document for
wiring modification to add piezo tone to the Graphtech Acousti‐phonic system
SUPPLIES AND TOOLS
The following Graphtech parts are available directly from Graphtech at Graphtech.com or through any Graphtech dealer. Other parts are
common electric guitar parts are are available wherever electric guitar parts are sold.
1. GHOST PICK UPS PARKER (6PCS) Product #: PN-8011-00
2. Acousti-Phonic Intelligent pre-amp EQ'd for guitar Product # BD-0240-00
3. Acoustic Volume Cable Assembly (Vi-Y-Gn harness, connects volume pot and mag system to pre-amp) Product # BE-
5002-00
4. Battery Connecter (connects 9v to pre-amp) Product # BE-0204-00
5. Quick Switch for mag/both/acoustic Product # PE-0111-00 (switch is for cavity w/ ¼” diameter hole in guitar- may require
slight modification for proper installation fit.
6. Stereo Output Jack Cable Assembly (R-W-Bu harness, connects jack to pre-amp) Product # BE-5003-00
7. Switchcraft Stereo Switched Output Jack Product # BD-0103-01
8. Qty 2 500k Audio taper potentiometers (for retrofitting an Early pre-refined Parker that utilized that used
The original ribbon style assembly and generation 1 Fishman Power chip. If retrofitting a Refined Fly that is wired point 2
point with the updated Fishman Power chip, the existing potentiometers will work.
9. Qty 1 250k stacked potentiometer. If retrofitting a Refined Fly that is wired point 2 point with the updated Fishman Power
chip, the existing potentiometers will suffice.
10. Qty 1 Switchcraft 3 way toggle for magnetic pick-ups. If retrofitting a refined fly that is wired point 2 point, the existing
switch will work.
11. .022mf capacitor for stacked 250k tone pot (if missing from the instrument being worked on)
12. If retrofitting a pre 2002 Fly model and would like to keep a Piezo tone pot- an additional 250k tone pot and .047uF
capacitor
OUTPUT JACKS
For output jacks, Parker historically used a 4 terminal stereo jack. Prior installation technique called for
a modified long barrel stereo barrel jack to fit the existing jack cavity. This modification involved
grinding some of the tip of the jack off to fit the older round jack cover/plate.
During retrofit, you may use the existing jack in most instances though if replacing the jack is required a
standard stereo barrel jack can be modified to fit. Because of slight variances by production run as to
the appropriate length to cut, we recommend measuring the existing jack and using that as your
reference for this procedure.
As an alternate option, a regularly available 4 terminal stereo jack will work just fine‐ the suggested
Graphtech stereo jack is indicated as an option in the SUPPLIES AND TOOLS section. You will need to use
a dremel to widen the existing cavity for this installation. The jack can then be firmly held in place by
any output jack plate of your choosing. Current Fly models use this method to ease service in the field
and to eliminate this portion of the modification process.
UPDATE 8/28/12: The Fishman Switchjack Endpin Jack is designed for acoustics, but fits the existing
routes in Parker Fly models well and requires minimal to no modification.
OTHER PARKER MODELS
Original diagrams are not all available for discontinued Parker models at present, though the Graphtech
kit will work as a direct replacement. See Graphtech.com for alternate and custom wiring options.
WIRING DIAGRAMS
The following pages are available Parker Fly wiring diagrams throughout the years. Slight variance may
have occurred over time, though the following diagrams indicate the typical wiring configurations found
on each model.
To add a Piezo Tone option to your Graphtech equipped Parker, follow the below
diagram.