What type of pickup is the Fishman Banjo Pickup?

It is a second-generation humbucking coil pickup. This design is specifically engineered to provide a quiet signal by cancelling out electronic hum and noise.

Which instruments is this pickup designed for?

It is primarily designed for banjos with dual coordinator rods. However, it can be modified to fit instruments with a single rod configuration if necessary.

Is this a first-generation or second-generation model?

This is the second-generation model in the Fishman Classic Series. It features updated electronics and a quieter coil compared to the original version.

Does the pickup require a battery?

Passive humbucking pickups typically do not require an onboard battery, though they benefit significantly from an external preamp to match impedance. Always check the specific wiring kit included for output requirements.

Can I install this on a Tanglewood TWB 18 M5?

Yes, as long as the banjo has the standard coordinator rod spacing or can be modified to fit. It is a common choice for high-quality banjos like the Tanglewood series.

How much does the Fishman Banjo Pickup typically cost?

The typical price for this model is approximately £234. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Is the pickup noisy when playing near lights?

No, the humbucking coil is specifically designed to be quiet. It rejects electromagnetic interference often caused by stage lighting or power sources.

Can it be used with a 4-string tenor banjo?

Yes, it is compatible with various banjo types, including tenor models like the Barnes & Mullins Irish Gaelic Empress. The mounting is based on the internal rods rather than the number of strings.

Does this pickup work with an Ozark Mandolin?

While Fishman makes mandolin-specific pickups, this particular model is designed for the internal architecture of a banjo. Mandolins usually require bridge-mounted or internal piezos rather than rod-mounted coils.

How does it compare to the L.R. Baggs Banjo Pickup?

The Fishman uses a humbucking coil design for noise rejection, whereas other brands may use different transducer technologies. The choice often depends on whether the player prefers the sound of a coil or a piezo.

What is the primary benefit of the humbucking design?

The primary benefit is a high signal-to-noise ratio. This allows for higher gain settings on an amplifier without the 'buzz' associated with single-coil pickups.

Can I install this pickup myself?

Installation involves mounting the unit to the coordinator rods inside the banjo pot. While possible for those handy with tools, professional installation is recommended for optimal placement and to avoid damaging the instrument.

Gear article

Fishman Classic Series Banjo Pickup

The Fishman Classic Series Banjo Pickup is a specialised humbucking transducer designed for high-fidelity reinforcement of acoustic banjos. As a second-generation model, it utilizes a quiet coil design to capture the instrument's percussive attack while minimising unwanted electronic interference.

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Overview

The Fishman Classic Series Banjo Pickup represents the evolution of the brand's approach to amplifying the complex, high-transient sound of the banjo. As a second-generation product, it focuses on resolving common amplification issues such as feedback and 60-cycle hum through the implementation of a humbucking coil. It is primarily designed for instruments featuring dual coordinator rods, which serve as the mounting point for the pickup assembly.

Technical Design and Installation

The core of the unit is a quiet humbucking coil that sits beneath the banjo head. Its installation is geared towards dual coordinator rod systems, allowing for a secure fit that doesn't impede the instrument's natural vibration. While the factory configuration is set for dual rods, the mounting hardware can be modified by a technician to accommodate single-rod banjos, making it a versatile choice for various builds, including open-back and resonator models.

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Sound Character

Unlike standard piezo transducers which can sometimes produce a 'quacky' or overly bright high end, the Fishman humbucking design aims for a balanced, quiet performance. It is engineered to maintain the banjo's signature percussive snap while providing a fuller, more rounded mid-range. The humbucking nature ensures that the signal remains clean even when used in environments with significant electromagnetic interference, such as stages with large lighting rigs.

Target User and Compatibility

This pickup is suited for professional and semi-professional banjo players who require consistent volume in live performance settings. It is compatible with a wide range of instruments, from traditional blue-grass models to tenor banjos. Users of instruments like the Tanglewood TWB 18 M5, the Barnes & Mullins Irish Gaelic Tenor Empress, or the Tanglewood TUB5 may find this pickup an appropriate upgrade for stage use.

Market Comparison

Within the banjo amplification market, the Fishman Classic Series sits alongside alternatives like the L.R. Baggs 5-String Banjo Pickup. While the L.R. Baggs model is often noted for its specific 5-string voicing, the Fishman's humbucking design is frequently cited for its superior noise rejection. At a price point of approximately £234, it represents a premium investment compared to entry-level contact microphones or clip-on solutions.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of pickup is the Fishman Banjo Pickup?: It is a second-generation humbucking coil pickup. This design is specifically engineered to provide a quiet signal by cancelling out electronic hum and noise.
Which instruments is this pickup designed for?: It is primarily designed for banjos with dual coordinator rods. However, it can be modified to fit instruments with a single rod configuration if necessary.
Is this a first-generation or second-generation model?: This is the second-generation model in the Fishman Classic Series. It features updated electronics and a quieter coil compared to the original version.
Does the pickup require a battery?: Passive humbucking pickups typically do not require an onboard battery, though they benefit significantly from an external preamp to match impedance. Always check the specific wiring kit included for output requirements.
Can I install this on a Tanglewood TWB 18 M5?: Yes, as long as the banjo has the standard coordinator rod spacing or can be modified to fit. It is a common choice for high-quality banjos like the Tanglewood series.
How much does the Fishman Banjo Pickup typically cost?: The typical price for this model is approximately £234. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
Is the pickup noisy when playing near lights?: No, the humbucking coil is specifically designed to be quiet. It rejects electromagnetic interference often caused by stage lighting or power sources.
Can it be used with a 4-string tenor banjo?: Yes, it is compatible with various banjo types, including tenor models like the Barnes & Mullins Irish Gaelic Empress. The mounting is based on the internal rods rather than the number of strings.
Does this pickup work with an Ozark Mandolin?: While Fishman makes mandolin-specific pickups, this particular model is designed for the internal architecture of a banjo. Mandolins usually require bridge-mounted or internal piezos rather than rod-mounted coils.
How does it compare to the L.R. Baggs Banjo Pickup?: The Fishman uses a humbucking coil design for noise rejection, whereas other brands may use different transducer technologies. The choice often depends on whether the player prefers the sound of a coil or a piezo.
What is the primary benefit of the humbucking design?: The primary benefit is a high signal-to-noise ratio. This allows for higher gain settings on an amplifier without the 'buzz' associated with single-coil pickups.
Can I install this pickup myself?: Installation involves mounting the unit to the coordinator rods inside the banjo pot. While possible for those handy with tools, professional installation is recommended for optimal placement and to avoid damaging the instrument.