Parker guitars MIDIFLY User Manual
MIDIFly
®
®
Congratulations and Thank You
For Purchasing the MIDIFly
®
Since the introduction of Parker guitars in 1993 we have received an overwhelming amount of positive comments from players and reviewers alike,
such as; "It's everything a guitar should be," "Light and vibrant," "Alive, totally
responsive to the touch," and "A pure tone engine." Along with the praise has
been one common request, "When will Parker make a MIDI guitar?"
That time is now!
The new MIDIFly guitar features Parker's versatile magnetic and piezo pickup
design along with Virtual DSP's MidiAxe™ guitar-to-MIDI converter system.
Utilizing the Fishman
®
piezo circuit to trigger the internal MIDIFly DSP, the
results are a fast tracking and amazingly stable "glitch friendly" MIDI guitar
controller.
The MIDIFly is also extremely easy-to-use due to the lack of complex MIDI
user controls. Using a simple yet functional design, the guitarist can intuitively control the essential functions of MIDI, along with the magnetic and piezo
pickups, from the normal array of controls he is already accustomed to in one
single instrument.
MIDI IN and OUT ports are provided that allow standard connection to any
MIDI device from synthesizers to computers. This is a big improvement over
current MIDI guitar systems that require a clumsy 13-pin connector and external converter box as well as additional pickups added to the guitar.
Improved tracking and stability, simple to operate controls, plug-and-play
operation, software updateable design; a MIDI guitar that finally makes musical sense!
Features and Controls
Features and Controls
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Solid hardwood body
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One piece solid wood neck encapsulated in glass and carbon fibers
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Composite finger board
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Hardened stainless steel frets
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Easy-Access truss rod adjustor
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Sperzel®locking tuning machines
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Custom DiMarzio®magnetic pickups
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FISHMAN®Active Piezo pickup system
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Built-in MidiAxe™ digital guitar-to-MIDI converter system
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Cast aluminum bridge with stainless steel bridge saddles
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3/16" stainless steel vibrato bar
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Stereo output jack featuring "Smart Switching"
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MIDI IN/OUT connectors
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Magnetic Pickup Volume Control
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Five-Position Magnetic Pickup Selector
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Magnetic Pickup Tone Control
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Pickup Selector, (Magnetic/Both/Piezo)
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Piezo Volume Control
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MIDI/Synth Volume Control
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MIDI Mode Switch
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MIDI Octave (Transpose) Switch
Precautions
Precautions:
•
Please read all of the instructions in this owner's manual.
•
Avoid getting the MIDIFly wet and don't use it near water. If you do you
run the risk of damaging the MIDIFly and possible electrical shock.
•
Unplug the AC adapter from the power outlet if the unit is not going to be
used for a long period of time.
•
If the MIDIFly fails to operate properly, do not attempt your own repair.
Please contact your dealer or our technical support group for information
on the nearest authorized service location.
NOTE:
During normal operation the electronics compartment on the back of the
MIDIFly body will be warm to the touch. This is normal and is not an indication of a
problem.
WARNING:
The use of an AC adapter other than the one supplied with the
MIDIFly may cause overheating and/or damage to the MIDIFly .
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
•
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
This equipment complies with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. In order to maintain compliance with FCC rules,
shielded cables must be used with this equipment. Operation with nonapproved equipment or unshielded cables may cause interference to radio or
TV reception. The user is cautioned that modifications made to this equipment without the manufacturer's approval could void the user's authority to
operate this equipment.
Parker
®
MIDIFly
™
Getting Started
Getting Started
Connections on the MIDIFly
There are three connectors on the MIDIFly:
MIDI IN
MIDI IN
Stereo 1/4” phone jack.
MIDI In
This connector supplies two functions:
1) Allows the user to communicate commands to the unit for upgrading soft-
2) Allows for MIDI Thru capability to support the use of a breath controller or
MIDI Out
The supplied MIDI cable should be connected from the MIDI Out of the
MIDIFly to the junction box at one end with a MIDI connector and stereo
phone jack at the other. The MIDI connector plugs directly into the MIDI Out
on the Guitar. This is a special MIDI cable in that it supplies power to the
MIDIFly electronics from the junction box at the other end. All MIDI commands generated by the MIDIFly and passed from MIDI In are sent out this
connector.
Stereo Phone Jack
The MIDIFly generates two audio outputs. The output of the Magnetic pickups is on the tip of the stereo phone jack(???)while the output of the Piezo
pickups is on the ring of the stereo phone jack. A special active mixer/preamp
circuit is switched on when a cable is connected. This "Smart Switching" output jack, automatically senses whether the cable is stereo or mono. (More on
this in the Audio Controls section.)
The MIDIFly can operate as a "normal" guitar by plugging any standard guitar cable into the output jack even if the MIDI power supply is not connected.
(nearest to the 1/4 in. phone jack)
ware and modifying the user configurable parameters by means of Sysex
messages (more on this later).
similar device. The MIDI Thru capability is limited in that only Channel
Voice messages (hexadecimal 80...EF) are passed from input to output.
Any other messages will not be transmitted.
(farthest from the 1/4 in. phone jack)
NOTE:
Plugging the MIDI cables into the wrong connector will not cause damage to the
MIDIFly, it just will not work.
NOTE:
Because the MidiAxe™ MIDI conversion circuit receives its signal from the piezo
system, a cable must be plugged into the MIDIFly's output jack to switch on the piezo system and for the MIDI circuit to operate.
Synth Out
This connector will accept any MIDI cable to your synth, computer, or other
MIDI receiving device. Unlike the MIDIFly Out connector on the other side of
the PHANTOM POWER SUPPLY there is no power to Synth Out connector.
AC Adapter Power
The "wall-wart" style AC adapter supplied with the MIDIFly is set for the proper voltage. Use of any other AC adapter is not recommended. When the
adapter is plugged into both the phantom power supply and an AC outlet, the
power LED should be on. There is no on\off switch anywhere on the MIDIFly
or the phantom power supply box.
MIDI Controls
MIDI Controls:
Synth Volume
Adjustment of this control causes Channel Volume MIDI commands (controller #7) to be sent out for the MIDI channels currently selected.
Mode Switch
This 3-way switch selects one of three modes, Single Channel Mode with
pitch bend off, Single Channel Mode with pitch bend on, and Multi Channel
Mode with pitch bend on.
Mode 1
strings output to the same channel with no pitch bend output. Default
channel is 1.
Mode 2
messages will be sent as long as only one note is on. If a second note is
turned on pitch bend is set to neutral and Mode 2 functions the same as
Mode 1.
Mode 3
rate channel and pitch bend is always on. The default channels for strings
1 through 6 are MIDI channels 1 through 6 respectively.
Octave Switch
This 3-way switch shifts the notes up or down one octave. The center position is the normal, no octave shift, position. With the switch in the up position,
notes are shifted down an octave. In the down position, notes are shifted up
an octave.
(located below the neck position pickup)
(closest to the Synth Volume knob)
(Up Position) - In Single Channel Mode with pitch bend off all
(Center Position) - Same as Mode 1 except that pitch bend
(Down Position) - In this mode, each string outputs to a sepa-
(farthest from the Synth Volume knob)
Connections on the MIDIFly /MidiAxe Phantom
Power Supply
The MIDI Power Supply/junction box supplied with the MIDIFly has three
connections .....
MIDIFly Out
Synth Out
AC Adapter power in
MIDIFly Out
This connector will accept any MIDI cable and actually supplies power to the
MIDIFly's MidiAxe™ circuit as it receives the MIDIFlys MIDI out signal (then
transmitting it on to a connected MIDI synth).
2
®
Audio Controls
Audio Controls:
Parker
1. Magnetic pickup Volume - Nearest the bridge position pickup
2. Magnetic pickup Tone - Below the 3-position magnetic/both/piezo selector
switch
3. Five-Position Pickup Selector Switch.
4. Piezo Volume - Above the 3-position magnetic/both/piezo selector switch
5. 3-position magnetic/both/piezo selector switch - Between the Mag Tone
and Piezo volume
This toggle switch has three positions:
Magnetic Pickups (toward the neck)
Both (middle position)
Piezo Pickups (toward the output jack)
"Smart Switching" output jack
The MIDIFLY is equipped with both FISHMAN® Piezo and DiMarzio® magnetic pickups. A special active circuit featuring a "Smart Switching" output
jack, automatically senses whether a stereo or mono jack is inserted. This circuit makes it possible to mix (or sum) the piezo and magnetic pickup signals,
by automatically sensing the output cable, and play both sounds through a
single amp, or split them to two separate amps or mixers.
1. Mono Guitar Cable
When a standard mono guitar cable is inserted, the guitar's two signals
(magnetic and piezo pickups) are automatically mixed or summed. Both
sounds can be played through a single guitar amplifier or mixer.
2. Stereo Cable
When a stereo guitar cable is inserted, the guitar's two signals (magnetic
and piezo pickups) are automatically split in stereo.The special stereo to
Y cable provided with the guitar allows you to send the two signals to two
separate amplifiers. The Piezo pickup will sound its best through a PA, an
Acoustic Guitar amp, a Keyboard amp, or some other high-fidelity unit.
MIDIFly
y
Batter
™
Because the two kinds of pickups have "irreconcilable impedance differences," their outputs cannot be mixed without the help of an electrically powered (active) circuit. The 9 volt battery that powers the FISHMAN® Piezo preamplifier has a life of approximately 150 hours. The circuit switches on when
a cable is plugged into the guitar, so to conserve batteries, unplug the cable
when you're not playing your MIDIFLY.
NOTE:
The active piezo system supplies the signal to the MidiAxe™ digital MIDI conversion circuit, so if a battery is low (or dead) MIDI tracking will be degraded or not operational.
To replace the battery, release the catch and swing open the doors. The flipout holder will not close if the battery is installed incorrectly. Please be gentle!
Piezo Frequency Response
Piezo pickups have far greater treble response than magnetic pickups. Some
amps have no trouble with the additional high frequency output, but others
may distort. If this happens, either lower the Piezo volume at the guitar or
amp, or try lowering the treble control of the amp.
Ground Loops
Sometimes when using two amps, there may be a loud hum when the guitar
is plugged into the second amp. This hum is caused by a ground loop. This
ground loop isn't the fault of the guitar (or the amps for that matter), but rather
the result of essential electrical safety code requirements. Ground loops can
occur whenever two pieces of electronic equipment are connected.
NOTE:
Do Not Disconnect Or Otherwise Attempt To Defeat Ground Connections On Your
Electrical Equipment !!
There is ONLY ONE safe way to rid yourself of ground loops .....
Use a Direct Box with a ground lift to isolate the two amps. Plug the Magnetic
end of the stereo "Y" mono cable into one amp and the Piezo end into the
Direct Box. Plug the Direct Box's output into a balanced input on the second
amp.
NOTE:
An audio cable must be plugged into the MIDIFly's output jack for the MIDI circuit
to operate.
Piezo Balance Trim Pot
Your guitar is equipped with a Piezo Balance Trim Pot. We set this control at
the factory so that the full volume outputs of the Piezo and magnetic systems
are equal. Since string gauges and pickup height affect the output of the magnetic pickups, you may want to change the relative levels of the two systems
by adjusting the Piezo output.
To do this remove the three pickguard screws nearest the controls. Carefully
lift the pickguard and adjust the small,white control located on the
Stereo/Mono switch circuit board with a small screw driver. This "trim pot"
adjusts the output of the Piezo pickup.
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Parker
Adjusting your MIDIFly
Adjusting Your MIDIFly
®
If you're unfamiliar with adjusting instruments, we suggest that you take your
MIDIFly to a qualified guitar technician. He or she can help demonstrate these
adjustments and you can decide which ones you are comfortable making
yourself and which ones you might prefer to have made professionally.
MIDIFly
russ Rod Adjustment
T
™
If you're unfamiliar with adjusting a truss rod, we STRONGLY suggest that you
have this adjustment made by a qualified guitar technician.
The truss rod adjuster wheel is easily accessible. To adjust the truss rod, use
the 1/8" steel rod supplied with your guitar. Rotate the wheel towards the high
E string to tighten the truss rod and towards the low E string to loosen it.
Vibrato Adjustment
Start from HOME:
tar and the guitar is in tune, the bridge is in the HOME position.
MIDIFly guitars are set-up at the Parker Guitar Factory with D'Addario
strings. Three coil springs balance the tension of the strings. When you
change string gauges or use alternate tunings, you alter the string tension.
This changes the attitude of the bridge, and therefore, you will need to readjust the bridge to the HOME position. To do this, remove the back cover,
and with the guitar tuned to pitch, tighten or loosen the two phillips head
''CLAW" screws to reset the bridge parallel to the top of the guitar.
The MIDIFLY Vibrato is a high quality, stable system that can be operated in
three MODES:
1) Balanced
In this MODE the bridge can bend up and down ("free floating"). The Stop
Screw must be adjusted (lowered) so that it won't prevent the bridge from
bending up.The HOME position of the bridge is set by adjusting the CLAW
screws (balancing the tension of the coil springs).
2) Bend Down
3) Fixed
This MODE is similar to the Bend Down MODE. HOME position is also set
by contact with the Stop Screw. Additional spring force is applied against
the stop by tightening the CLAW screws. The bridge will still bend down,
but with a stiffer feel. In this MODE you can bend a string while other
strings are sounded and not change their pitch. Like the Bend Down
MODE, resting your hand on the bridge will not throw it out of tune.
No matter which MODE you prefer to use, it's quickest to tune, set intonation,
and adjust the action of your MIDIFly in the Fixed MODE.
When the bridge is adjusted parallel to the top of the gui-
®
Stop Screw
Using the larger T-handle Allen wrench supplied with your guitar, the Stop
Screw can be adjusted to limit or stop the bridge from bending up to any
desired place.
NOTE:
When you raise or lower the Action you should also raise or lower the Stop Screw
by the same amount (unless the Stop Screw has already been fully lowered for the
Balanced MODE).
Adjusting The Magnetic Pic
kups
Each DiMarzio®pickup is held to the pickguard by two screws. These screws
also adjust the pickup's height. Turn the screws clockwise to raise and counterclockwise to lower the pickup.
Intonation
To set the intonation (string length), loosen the screws that hold the bridge
saddles using the smaller T-handle Allen wrench supplied with the guitar. If a
string plays sharp, slide the saddle back to make the string longer. If it plays
flat, slide it forward. Do not over-tighten the saddle screws.The Piezo-electric
elements in the bridge are delicate, so be careful. The eraser end of a pencil
is a safe tool for sliding the saddles. No hitting!
Tuning Machines
We proudly use Sperzel®tuners-designed and manufactured in the USAbecause they combine excellent quality and design, the best string locking
system, and minimum weight. Sperzel's®patented string clamp eliminates the
need for tying and multiple string wraps, greatly improving tuning stability.
To remove a string, loosen the clamp knob at the back of the tuner. Before restringing, turn each tuner until the hole in the string post is in line with the
string path. Feed the string through, pull out the slack, tighten the clamp knob,
and tune up.You're doing it right if you end up with less than 1/4 of a full wrap
on each string post.
Frets
Our patented fret and fretboard system consists of hardened stainless steel
frets bonded to a glass and carbon fiber fretboard. Not only will these unique
frets outlast ordinary soft nickel frets, but due to our totally unique super-accurate manufacturing processes, they all have the correct "half-round" shape.
NOTE:
The frets may only be serviced at the Parker Guitar Factory or by a PGF
Authorized Repair Facility. Fret service performed otherwise will void the warranty.
Action
Action (bridge/string height) is adjusted by two screws from the back of the
guitar. Using the larger T-handle Allen wrench, turn the screws clockwise to
lower the bridge, and counterclockwise to raise it. Also, It's good practice to
alternate between the two screws, taking no more than 1/4 turn at a time.
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