Gear article

Fishman Fluence Multi-Voice Loaded Single Width Pickup Set

The Fishman Fluence Multi-Voice Loaded Single Width Pickup Set is a pre-wired replacement pickguard assembly featuring advanced active electronics for 6-string electric guitars. It provides guitarists with two distinct sonic profiles, ranging from vintage warmth to hot-wound Texas tones, through a single drop-in installation.

See live prices

Overview

The Fishman Fluence Multi-Voice Loaded Single Width Pickup Set is a comprehensive electronics upgrade for standard 6-string guitars. Unlike traditional wire-wound pickups, Fishman Fluence technology utilises stacked printed circuit boards to ensure consistency and eliminate noise. This specific set comes pre-installed on a black pickguard, simplifying the installation process for musicians looking to overhaul their instrument's electronics without extensive soldering.

Voice Selection and Operation

The defining feature of this set is its dual-voice capability. The system allows players to switch between two distinct sonic characters using the integrated blade switch.

  • Voice 1: Delivers a sweet, warm vintage tone. It is characterised by a clear and present sound that emulates the response of classic single-coil pickups.
  • Voice 2: Provides a 'Hot Texas' single-coil sound. This mode is described as muscular and beefy, offering an 'overwound' tone that provides more drive while maintaining clarity in the high frequencies.

Construction and Compatibility

This set is designed for 6-string guitars and is mounted on a three-pickup black pickguard. The use of 'Single Width' pickups ensures that the classic visual aesthetic of a traditional single-coil guitar is preserved, even though the internal technology is purely modern. The pickups are engineered to maintain high-frequency fidelity and the classic tone associated with the most iconic single-coil instruments.

Market Position and Comparison

Retailing at approximately £269, this loaded pickguard sits in the premium upgrade category. It competes with other high-end components such as Fender American Standard Stratocaster hardware and Gotoh 203B-4 bridges in terms of build quality. While traditional passive pickups like the Fender Jazzmaster sets offer fixed tonal characteristics, the Fluence set provides active versatility and two switchable voices in a single package.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Fishman Fluence Loaded Single Width Pickup Set?
The set includes three Fishman Fluence Single Width pickups pre-wired onto a black pickguard. It is a complete assembly designed for 6-string guitars, including the necessary pots and a blade switch for voice selection.
What are the two voices available in this pickup set?
Voice 1 offers a warm, vintage single-coil tone with clear presence. Voice 2 provides a 'Hot Texas' sound, which is a muscular, beefy, overwound tone for more aggressive playing styles.
Does this pickup set fit a 7-string guitar?
No, this specific model is designed exclusively for 6-string electric guitars. The pickguard layout and pickup spacing are standard for 6-string configurations.
What colour is the pickguard provided with this set?
The set comes with a black pickguard, providing a sleek, modern aesthetic for the guitar. The pickup covers themselves are also finished to match this look.
Are Fishman Fluence pickups active or passive?
Fishman Fluence pickups are active electronics. They require a power source, typically a 9V battery or a rechargeable Fishman battery pack, to operate their multi-voice circuitry.
How do I switch between the two voices?
The voices are selectable via the integrated blade switch on the pickguard. This allows the player to toggle between vintage and hot tones instantly while performing.
What is the typical price for this loaded pickguard set?
In the UK market, this set is typically priced at approximately £269. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock availability.
How does Voice 2 differ from a standard single-coil?
Voice 2 is designed to emulate an 'overwound' pickup, often called a Hot Texas sound. It has more midrange 'beef' and a more muscular output than a traditional vintage single-coil.
Is the installation difficult for this product?
Because it is a 'loaded' set, most of the complex wiring is already completed on the pickguard. The user generally only needs to connect the output jack and the power source to the pre-wired assembly.
Do these pickups suffer from 60-cycle hum?
One of the primary benefits of the Fluence technology is its ability to provide classic single-coil tones without the hum and noise associated with traditional wire-wound pickups.
Can I use this set for high-gain music?
Yes, especially in Voice 2. The 'Hot Texas' setting provides the extra output and muscularity needed to push an amplifier into overdrive while maintaining fantastic highs.
What is meant by 'Single Width' in the product name?
Single Width refers to the physical footprint of the pickup. It is designed to fit in the same space as a standard single-coil pickup, making it a direct replacement for Stratocaster-style guitars.