What is the primary benefit of the Fishman Fluence design over traditional pickups?

The Fluence design uses printed coils rather than wire windings, which eliminates hum, feedback, and tonal inconsistencies while providing multiple switchable voices in a single unit.

What are the two specific voices available on the Modern Alnico 8-String?

Voice 1 offers an explosive, full-bodied active sound, while Voice 2 is designed to be crisp, clean, and articulate.

How do you switch between the different voices?

Voices are typically toggled using a push-pull tone or volume knob, which is included in the wiring scheme during installation.

What is the typical battery life for this pickup?

The pickup provides up to 200 hours of battery life on a single charge or 9V battery, making it highly reliable for live performances.

Can the Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico be coil-tapped?

Yes, the pickup is designed to be easily coil-tapped, allowing for even more tonal versatility beyond the two primary voices.

What finish does this specific model come in?

This specific model features a standard black finish, suitable for most modern guitar aesthetics.

Is this pickup active or passive?

This is an active pickup, meaning it requires a power source (battery) to operate its internal preamplifier and voice-shaping electronics.

Does the pickup suffer from noise or hum?

No, the re-imagined active electronics are specifically engineered to deliver high output without the noise, hum, or undesirable feedback common in high-gain setups.

Is the Modern Alnico better for the neck or bridge position?

While it can be used in either, the Alnico version is highly popular in the neck position for its warmth, while the Ceramic version is often paired with it in the bridge.

Does this pickup fit standard 8-string guitar routes?

Yes, it is built to a standard 8-string humbucker size, making it a compatible replacement for most 8-string instruments using soapbar-style pickups.

What is the price range for a single Fishman Fluence Modern 8-String Alnico?

The typical price for this pickup is approximately GBP 139.

Does it come with the necessary components for installation?

The pickup is designed for easy installation and typically integrates with standard push-pull pots and wiring harnesses used for active electronics.

Gear article

Fishman Fluence 8-String Modern Alnico Humbucker

The Fishman Fluence 8-String Modern Alnico is an active humbucker pickup designed for extended-range guitars, featuring multi-voice technology. It utilises a unique printed coil design to provide high-output performance with significantly reduced noise and interference compared to traditional wire-wound pickups.

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Overview

The Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico 8-String Humbucker represents a departure from traditional pickup manufacturing. Rather than using copper wire wound around a bobbin, Fishman employs a stacked, printed circuit board approach. This method eliminates the inconsistencies and noise issues often associated with traditional humbuckers, providing a clear and high-output signal suitable for the demanding frequency range of 8-string instruments.

Multi-Voice Technology

A primary feature of the Fluence series is its dual-voice capability. Users can toggle between two distinct sonic profiles, typically through the use of a push-pull tone knob.

Voice 1 (Modern Active): Delivers a full, explosive sound with the high-output characteristics expected of modern active electronics.
Voice 2 (Crisp and Articulate): Provides a more nuanced, clean, and defined tone, suitable for complex chord work or passages requiring greater clarity.

Construction and Installation

The pickup is housed in a standard 8-string soapbar-style casing with a black finish. It is designed for easy installation and includes the ability to be coil-tapped, allowing players to access single-coil-like textures. The active electronics are powered by a standard 9V battery or a rechargeable Fishman battery pack, offering approximately 200 hours of continuous use. This longevity ensures reliability during extended touring or recording sessions.

Sonic Character

The Alnico version of the Modern Fluence series is known for its 'muscular' character. While the Ceramic version is often favoured for the bridge position for its sharp attack, the Alnico version is frequently used in the neck for its warmth and increased sustain. It manages the low F# and B strings of an 8-string guitar without the 'muddy' frequency buildup that can plague lower-quality high-output pickups.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the Fishman Fluence design over traditional pickups?: The Fluence design uses printed coils rather than wire windings, which eliminates hum, feedback, and tonal inconsistencies while providing multiple switchable voices in a single unit.
What are the two specific voices available on the Modern Alnico 8-String?: Voice 1 offers an explosive, full-bodied active sound, while Voice 2 is designed to be crisp, clean, and articulate.
How do you switch between the different voices?: Voices are typically toggled using a push-pull tone or volume knob, which is included in the wiring scheme during installation.
What is the typical battery life for this pickup?: The pickup provides up to 200 hours of battery life on a single charge or 9V battery, making it highly reliable for live performances.
Can the Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico be coil-tapped?: Yes, the pickup is designed to be easily coil-tapped, allowing for even more tonal versatility beyond the two primary voices.
What finish does this specific model come in?: This specific model features a standard black finish, suitable for most modern guitar aesthetics.
Is this pickup active or passive?: This is an active pickup, meaning it requires a power source (battery) to operate its internal preamplifier and voice-shaping electronics.
Does the pickup suffer from noise or hum?: No, the re-imagined active electronics are specifically engineered to deliver high output without the noise, hum, or undesirable feedback common in high-gain setups.
Is the Modern Alnico better for the neck or bridge position?: While it can be used in either, the Alnico version is highly popular in the neck position for its warmth, while the Ceramic version is often paired with it in the bridge.
Does this pickup fit standard 8-string guitar routes?: Yes, it is built to a standard 8-string humbucker size, making it a compatible replacement for most 8-string instruments using soapbar-style pickups.
What is the price range for a single Fishman Fluence Modern 8-String Alnico?: The typical price for this pickup is approximately GBP 139.
Does it come with the necessary components for installation?: The pickup is designed for easy installation and typically integrates with standard push-pull pots and wiring harnesses used for active electronics.