Fishman Strat pickups

[JB_From_Hell]

Went to Music Go Round to get my daughter a flute today. Looked through the parts cabinet, found they had a Fluence Strat loaded pickguard for $160. I've been unhappy with my Strat tones, and shopping for new pickups, so I decided it was a sign.

These don't have any of the qualities that made me ultimately dislike the Abasi pickups (ultra hi-fi sounding), and all the qualities that make me love a set of Strat pickups. V1 is vintage Strat, V2 is overwound, similar to Texas Specials. The other tone knob pulls to darken the tone slightly, replicating a long cable. All positions with both voices do exactly what you'd want from a great Strat, and they're completely noiseless. Only spent enough time playing to know they did what I wanted, so I'll report back after more playing and tweaking.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I've been wanting them to release something that had a voicing like a single coil and then something more aggressive like a P90 or maybe even a humbucker.

I honestly think they missed the opportunity of having a Voice 3 with these like with the Classics. The single coil in the Classics sounds amazing. Same as the KSE's.

But yeah, Fishmans are my most favoritest pickups!!!!!

 

[Synapsys]

I honestly think they missed the opportunity of having a Voice 3 with these like with the Classics. The single coil in the Classics sounds amazing. Same as the KSE's./QUOTE]

Totally agree on the Classics sounding great, and since I'm not in any way an EMG / Blackouts kinda guy, I really dig the sound of these active Fishmans.

My only gripe is that the single coil voice isn't noiseless.

 

[ToneFiddler]

latest tech and everything, but then they choose to add the f*** vintage stagger...
In my opinion there should at least be an option like with the SSL1/SSL2 or the SSL5-SSL6

 

[JB_From_Hell]

latest tech and everything, but then they choose to add the f*** vintage stagger...
In my opinion there should at least be an option like with the SSL1/SSL2 or the SSL5-SSL6

The pickups sound very balanced, across all strings and with the other pickups. For. instance, the bridge doesn't need to be cranked up to the strings to not sound thin.

 

[frankfalbo]

The stagger, magnet diameter, and type were very deliberate, as mentioned above it’s not bound by the same issue as a wire wound pickup. Even with that modified stagger the output is much more balanced but the complexities of the vintage string relationships are also maintained. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

 

[GuitarDoc]

I've been wanting to try some Fluence pups, all the descriptions and videos I've seen seam amazing. I just can't justify the expense right now.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Went to Music Go Round to get my daughter a flute today. Looked through the parts cabinet, found they had a Fluence Strat loaded pickguard for $160. I've been unhappy with my Strat tones, and shopping for new pickups, so I decided it was a sign.

These don't have any of the qualities that made me ultimately dislike the Abasi pickups (ultra hi-fi sounding), and all the qualities that make me love a set of Strat pickups. V1 is vintage Strat, V2 is overwound, similar to Texas Specials. The other tone knob pulls to darken the tone slightly, replicating a long cable. All positions with both voices do exactly what you'd want from a great Strat, and they're completely noiseless. Only spent enough time playing to know they did what I wanted, so I'll report back after more playing and tweaking.

Congrats on the new pups. That sounds like a great deal as well. Looking forward to your report later. Also with some sound clips if possible.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

The stagger, magnet diameter, and type were very deliberate, as mentioned above it’s not bound by the same issue as a wire wound pickup. Even with that modified stagger the output is much more balanced but the complexities of the vintage string relationships are also maintained. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

Even though I wound up not liking the Tosins, the Strat pickups are absolutely perfect. The ONLY change I'm making from the stock loaded pickguard is tone control on the bridge.

I love that the bridge pickup doesn't need to be cranked against the strings to balance the neck pickup sweet spot. Super musical tone controls... nothing but positive things to say.

 

[ToneFiddler]

The stagger, magnet diameter, and type were very deliberate, as mentioned above it’s not bound by the same issue as a wire wound pickup. Even with that modified stagger the output is much more balanced but the complexities of the vintage string relationships are also maintained. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

I like big fingerboard radii (12-16” compound) so the stagger at the bridge is quite noticeable. The 3rd (g-) string is also the worst sounding, so I don’t like it to be pronounced, but yeah most people will be happy the way it was done.
Might try that Tele set though

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I've been wanting to try some Fluence pups, all the descriptions and videos I've seen seam amazing. I just can't justify the expense right now.

They're worth a try. I'm usually not one for hyped gear (like when people were saying EMG 57's are more open and dynamic when they're actually more compressed if you ever get to record DI's with them, LOL), but Fishmans are really cool. I haven't tried a Fishman set I didn't like. I really have no interest in the Javier Reyes set or the Polyphia sets, TBH, but the Classics (I've tried the Open Cores and the regular covered ones in a couple different revisions), Moderns, KSE's, and Adlers have all been FANTASTIC. Maybe some of the voicings haven't been my thing, but overall, they all seem really clear, balanced, and consistent.