Parker Introduces Its First Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Knowing that the character of acoustic guitars is determined by their materials and proportions, Parker set out to create the most versatile and responsive instrument possible. Featuring aunique body design, cutaway, and sound hole that is designed to provide warm, clear acoustic tones, Parker's P8E acoustic-electric features select tonewoods from around the world: Canadian Cedar, American Flame Maple, Indonesian Mahogany, and African Ebony.

"Understanding that the guitar is an instrument to be used live, we collaborated with Fishman Transducers to develop a proprietary dual pickup system to give this guitar a revolutionary set of tonal options previously unavailable to the acoustic player," states John Page, Division Manager for Parker Guitars. The result is an active pickup system that benefits from a variety of acoustic tones available through full-range magnetic and under-saddle pickups. The quiet hum-canceling neck position pickup has powerful, lightweight neodymium magnets to produce full and round acoustic sounds and a tonal signature reminiscent of electric guitar pickups. The sound of the magnetic pickup is complimented by a Fishman Acoustic Matrix® under-saddle pickup. Both XLR and 1/4" outputs are provided.

The P8E features a solid cedar top with rosewood binding and a solid flame maple back. It has flame maple sides, mahogany neck, an ebony fingerboard and bridge, and microdot inlays. Parker has opted for Grover Sta-Tite (97 series) gold machine heads. The butter bean buttons provide classic styling while the 14:1 gear ratio provides precise tuning. In addition, both the nut and saddle are bone. The P8E lists at $1,999.00 including a custom vintage hard shell case. Release date is Winter NAMM 2006 and it will be available only to a select number of Authorized Parker Dealers. Color options are Natural and Trans Black. There is also a thin body version with mahogany back and sides available in Black, Trans Red and Pearl White with a list price of $1,499.00.

For more information, visit their web site at www.parkerguitars.com.