the Fly Clone Project

I have long wanted a pre-refined Fly in White (with all black hardware, including saddles) or the lime green.

As seeing these colors (especially near-mint) is a fairly rare occurrence, I am considering picking up a Fly in decent condition and sending it off for a repaint.

Is a fair estimate on a repaint about $700-$1000? I believe Shazrock is a trusted refinisher. Is there a risk in having saddles anodized/painted black?

I would like to choose a second Fly that would offer a good tonal variety from my Mojo - which is mahogany body & fretboard. I know that each and every Fly has unique characteristics, just asking in theory. I am looking at a ‘97 Deluxe with basswood neck and poplar body.

Sounds like a cool and fulfilling project, @Gregsaab! Some of these beat-up Flys on Reverb and eBay only need a little cosmetic TLC!

@Ken Parker once told me that more than half of the cost of a guitar (not just a Fly) was the finish! So, even for $1,000 I think you're still in good shape!

My first Fly was a Mojo—I love the Mojo, I will never part with the Mojo, and that neck pickup is some sorta magic for the right kinda music! Having said that, my next Fly was a Deluxe and I, personally, prefer the Deluxe as an all-around does-everything Fly, and it's the one I lend people most often when they ask "What's a Fly sound like?". As a complement to your Mojo, I think the Deluxe is a great way to go, and Ken often regards 1997+ as a particularly good time for the factory when their engine was firing on all cylinders!

This particular Deluxe does not come with the trem arm — how difficult is it to fix the hexagonal arms?

You essentially bend an Allen key.

mmmguitar wrote: ↑Fri Apr 08, 2022 5:03 pm You essentially bend an Allen key.

There's a DIY guide here.

Brilliant, thank you. Do you think $2500 for a ‘97 in ‘great condition’ without any accessories (or case) is a decent deal in this day and age?

Pulled trigger, I’ll report back when it’s in.

Congrats!!

vjmanzo wrote: ↑Fri Apr 08, 2022 3:43 pm
I love the Mojo, I will never part with the Mojo, and that neck pickup is some sorta magic for the right kinda music!

Oh no! You are reminding me I haven’t played the mojo in a few years!

The middle position and the neck pickup!

Must… get… back… to… the mojo!

jb63 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 10, 2022 7:04 pm Must… get… back… to… the mojo!

The Deluxe came in today from GC in an opened box, wrapped in bubble wrap (no case).

Seems like it was dropped pretty hard on the bottom strap lock at some point (maybe even during shipping). Few cracks there with paint chipping and the strap lock is loose. Few chips elsewhere and the nut is completely loose, just floating about. Also, there is a drop d thing in the E string - no interest in

Pretty depressing seeing a Fly in this condition, especially given the “great” rating that they gave it.

Definitely going to return it, but I am glad that I was able to handle it — is significantly lighter than my Mojo. Pretty impressed by that. Has solidified my desire to get a pre-refined Fly, albeit in better condition.

Aside from being noticeably lighter than the Mojo, it is more resonant - louder/clearer unplugged. Also, fretwork is better (no uneven frets).

If only GC would set a more realistic price, that seems like it would be a good project Fly to sell the Gen 1 parts out of and refinish.

Yeah, I was just thinking that. If it were $1000 I would be thrilled.

I’m curious about the gray material under the paint — I am assuming that is the graphite exoskeleton. Does my Cherry Trans mojo not have that as I can see wood grains?

That's primer, so no the translucent mojo won't have that.

So is the primer atop the graphite?

The CF/glass is something like only a 1mm layer on the back of the instrument and, even then, I’ve seen it chipped off with the paint at the point of impact; leaving a spot of bare wood.

That explains the two tone Flys. So does the neck have a layer of cf/glass, too?

You can get a good look at it, here:

Thanks for sharing that video, good info to have.

I accepted a counter offer on this Reverb listing: https://reverb.com/item/53498026-parker ... t=53498026

Excellent condition with all of the case candy, hardshell, gig, 9&10 springs, trem bar (no need to bend an allen key )

More than I planned on spending, but it was too hard to pass up.