Parker Introduces Its First Acoustic-Electric Guitar

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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 a unique 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.

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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.