How many voices does each pickup have?

Each pickup in the Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic 7-string set features three distinct voices, which can be toggled using a push-pull potentiometer.

What characterizes Voice 1 of the neck pickup?

Voice 1 for the neck offers a vintage-styled P.A.F. tone, providing a balance of classic dynamics and moderate output.

Is the bridge pickup suitable for high-gain music?

Yes, Voice 2 of the bridge pickup is specifically designed as a 'hot-rodded' humbucker tone, making it ideal for high-gain genres without common noise issues.

Does this set provide single-coil tones?

Yes, Voice 3 for both the neck and bridge pickups delivers authentic single-coil tones with high output.

What is the physical appearance of the Open Core Classic set?

The set features a black finish and an 'Open Core' design, which resembles traditional uncovered humbuckers rather than the solid plastic covers found on many active pickups.

Are these pickups active or passive?

These are active pickups that utilize Fishman's Fluence Core technology, requiring a power source such as a 9V battery or rechargeable pack.

Can I use these pickups on a 6-string guitar?

No, this specific model is designed with the physical dimensions and magnetic pole spacing required for a 7-string guitar.

What does Voice 2 of the neck pickup sound like?

Voice 2 of the neck pickup is described as a clear, airy chime with enhanced high frequencies and tight lows.

How is the switching between voices achieved?

Switching is typically handled via the included push-pull potentiometer, though it can also be wired to a dedicated toggle switch if preferred.

What is the typical price range for this set?

The set is typically priced around £365 in the UK market.

Does Voice 1 of the bridge pickup differ from the neck?

Yes, while both are based on P.A.F. designs, the bridge Voice 1 is specifically calibrated for the bridge position's output and harmonic requirements.

Are these pickups susceptible to hum?

No, one of the primary benefits of the Fluence technology is that it provides a virtually noise-free performance, even in high-gain settings.

Gear article

Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic 7 String Humbucker Set

The Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic 7 String Humbucker Set is a high-performance active pickup system designed for extended-range guitars. It utilises Fluence Core technology to provide three distinct voices per pickup, ranging from vintage P.A.F. tones to modern hot-rodded and single-coil sounds.

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Overview

The Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic set is a sophisticated electronic upgrade for 7-string electric guitars. Unlike traditional wire-wound pickups, these units use Fishman's proprietary Fluence Core technology, which eliminates the noise, hum, and inductance issues typically associated with standard humbuckers. The 'Open Core' aesthetic provides the classic look of a standard uncovered humbucker while housing advanced active circuitry that allows for multiple tonal profiles within a single set.

Triple-Voice Neck Pickup

The neck pickup in this set is engineered for versatility, offering three distinct switchable modes:

Voice 1 (Vintage P.A.F.): Focuses on a classic vintage-style tone with balanced dynamics and output levels.
Voice 2 (Clear, Airy Chime): Provides a unique Fluence-exclusive tone characterised by extended high-frequency response and tight, controlled low frequencies.
Voice 3 (Clear Single Coil): Emulates an authentic vintage single-coil sound while maintaining high output, suitable for blues and clean rhythm parts.

Triple-Voice Bridge Pickup

The bridge pickup is calibrated to handle both classic rock and modern high-gain requirements:

Voice 1 (Vintage P.A.F.): A perfectly calibrated bridge humbucker tone with classic output characteristics.
Voice 2 (Hot-Rodded): A high-output bridge tone designed for lead playing and heavy genres, providing increased gain without the 'baggage' of traditional overwound pickups.
Voice 3 (Slightly Overwound Single Coil): A punchy single-coil voice that offers more bite than the neck position's single-coil mode.

Installation and Operation

The set is typically sold with the necessary components for installation, including a push-pull potentiometer. This pot allows the player to toggle between the different voices on the fly. As an active system, the pickups require a power source, usually a 9V battery or an optional Fishman rechargeable battery pack. The black 'Open Core' finish ensures the pickups fit the aesthetic of modern and traditional 7-string instruments.

Comparison to Alternatives

While traditional 7-string humbuckers from brands like Ernie Ball or D'Addario-related hardware focus on a single magnetic profile, the Fluence system offers three. Compared to standard active pickups that are often criticised for being 'compressed,' the Open Core Classic set is designed to maintain the dynamic feel of passive pickups while offering the clarity and silent operation of active electronics.

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Frequently asked questions

How many voices does each pickup have?: Each pickup in the Fishman Fluence Open Core Classic 7-string set features three distinct voices, which can be toggled using a push-pull potentiometer.
What characterizes Voice 1 of the neck pickup?: Voice 1 for the neck offers a vintage-styled P.A.F. tone, providing a balance of classic dynamics and moderate output.
Is the bridge pickup suitable for high-gain music?: Yes, Voice 2 of the bridge pickup is specifically designed as a 'hot-rodded' humbucker tone, making it ideal for high-gain genres without common noise issues.
Does this set provide single-coil tones?: Yes, Voice 3 for both the neck and bridge pickups delivers authentic single-coil tones with high output.
What is the physical appearance of the Open Core Classic set?: The set features a black finish and an 'Open Core' design, which resembles traditional uncovered humbuckers rather than the solid plastic covers found on many active pickups.
Are these pickups active or passive?: These are active pickups that utilize Fishman's Fluence Core technology, requiring a power source such as a 9V battery or rechargeable pack.
Can I use these pickups on a 6-string guitar?: No, this specific model is designed with the physical dimensions and magnetic pole spacing required for a 7-string guitar.
What does Voice 2 of the neck pickup sound like?: Voice 2 of the neck pickup is described as a clear, airy chime with enhanced high frequencies and tight lows.
How is the switching between voices achieved?: Switching is typically handled via the included push-pull potentiometer, though it can also be wired to a dedicated toggle switch if preferred.
What is the typical price range for this set?: The set is typically priced around £365 in the UK market.
Does Voice 1 of the bridge pickup differ from the neck?: Yes, while both are based on P.A.F. designs, the bridge Voice 1 is specifically calibrated for the bridge position's output and harmonic requirements.
Are these pickups susceptible to hum?: No, one of the primary benefits of the Fluence technology is that it provides a virtually noise-free performance, even in high-gain settings.