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From its birth in 1992, Ken Parker and Larry Fishman's Fly really did (and still does) evoke some extreme love it/ loathe it reactions. Combining both magnetic and piezo tones wasn't new - Hamer's DuoTone predates the Fly, as do other lesser known models - but the combination of this, the otherworldly outline and equally revolutionary construction was too much for many.

Build

Although a few features have changed, the current Fly Deluxe stays pretty true to Ken Parker's vision. And what a vision it was. Not only did Parker design a radical-looking guitar, he conceived an equally radical method of construction.

With its minimalist six-in-a-line headstock, it's the thin angular horns that are the most eye-catching element. But the way these modern-looking forms meld into the offset lower bouts is beautiful - as is the substantial carving and contouring of the body.

While the base has a fairly conventional depth, as you move towards the neck the body thins out dramatically - and there's no neck heel. In this opaque finish - like the originals - the complex shape appears to be moulded. The guitar is, of course, made from wood: a basswood body and poplar neck (with thin wire truss rod).

The two components are mated with a complex finger-joint and the entire structure is strengthened by a thin epoxy, glass and carbon fibre composite 'exoskeleton' that covers the back of the body, neck and headstock. Finishing a guitar with so many complex curves caused Parker a nightmare and it looks like US Music Corp is having its own problems.

Through the obviously thin finish you can see the weave of the synthetic material on the back and clear grain lines on the front. However, that's only by looking very closely - the overall effect of the subtly metallic deep blue finish is beautiful. Of course, the Fly's innovations didn't stop there. More of the synthetic material is used for the thin fingerboard.

The frets are stainless steel - unheard of back in 1992, although a few makers now use this ultra hard-wearing material - and are glued, with a space-age adhesive, to the 'board. With its subtly conical fingerboard camber and a thin-depthed but quite wide 'C'-shaped neck profile, the Fly's playability is effortless: likewise the access to the top 24th fret.

It's a really lightweight guitar, balances superbly on a strap and almost melds itself to your body. A Les Paul it's not. The locking Sperzel tuners are the only parts not designed specifically for the Fly. The Parker vibrato bridge, which pivots on ball bearings, is unique to the Fly with its bolt-down, distinctively shaped stainless steel saddles that house the piezo elements.