Ken Parker Inner Peace Archtop, 2012

Ken Parker stands among the most innovative luthiers of our time. I've known Ken since I played his first archtop 40 years ago. He is genuinely one of the most courageous builders I know. His creativity shines through everything from his groundbreaking Parker Fly electric to his visionary reinvention of the archtop guitar. Through countless conversations over the years, I've witnessed his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation—always seeking better ways to bring musical ideas to life. His knowledge of guitar building runs extraordinarily deep. Ken possesses that rare combination of traditional craftsmanship and fearless experimentation that pushes the boundaries of what a guitar can be.

The 2012 Ken Parker "Inner Peace" truly captivated me the first time I held it. This isn't just another archtop – it's something entirely fresh and inspiring. Remarkably lightweight in the hands, it responds with a dynamic range that must be experienced to be believed.

What distinguishes this guitar is its voice. The bass notes resonate with depth and substance, while the highs shimmer with bell-like clarity. Ken's innovative sound port design surrounds you with tone as you play, creating an immersive experience that connects player and instrument on a deeper level.

The "Tree" mahogany back and sides contribute stunning beauty and exceptional tonal complexity. Playing this guitar feels effortless—the neck contour invites your hand, and notes bloom with minimal effort across the entire fingerboard. When amplified, the Parker/Fishman rare earth humbucking pickup translates the guitar's acoustic character beautifully through an amp, maintaining all the nuance and depth of its unplugged voice.

For those curious about the innovative thinking behind Parker's instruments, his "Archtoppery" YouTube series offers fascinating insights. Having this extraordinary guitar in our shop is a genuine privilege—a chance to experience firsthand the remarkable vision of a master craftsman who continues to redefine what's possible in the world of Lutherie.

About this build from the owner:

"The moment I first held the 2012 Ken Parker "Inner Peace" archtop, I knew I was experiencing something revolutionary. This isn't merely an improvement on traditional archtop design – it's a complete reimagining of what an archtop guitar can be. At its essence, Parker has created an acoustic instrument that defies conventional categorization.

"What immediately strikes you is its astonishing lightness. Weighing just a whisper over conventional wisdom, it feels impossibly delicate in your hands yet responds with explosive dynamic range. The tonal palette is nothing short of extraordinary – pianistic in its breadth and responsiveness. The bass notes resonate with a rich, profound depth while the high-end shimmers with crystalline clarity.

"Ken's innovative sound port design transforms the playing experience completely. Unlike traditional archtops, where much of the sound projects away from the player, "Inner Peace" surrounds you in a three-dimensional sonic cloud, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its voice while still projecting beautifully to listeners.

"The "Tree" mahogany's back and sides contribute to this instrument's singular character. This legendary wood, with its distinctive figuring and remarkable tonal properties, perfectly complements Parker's visionary design approach. The result is an instrument with both visual splendor and sonic magic.

"Playing this guitar is a revelation. The neck profile sits perfectly in the hand, and the entire instrument feels like an extension of your musical intent rather than something you need to wrestle with. Notes bloom effortlessly across the entire fingerboard, responding to the subtlest touch with remarkable sensitivity.

"What Parker has accomplished here transcends traditional lutherie. Drawing from his background in violin making and his innovative work developing the Parker Fly electric guitar, he's created something that honors the archtop tradition while boldly stepping into unexplored territory."

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.