What is the Fishman Powerbridge VMV?

It is a replacement bridge for Stratocaster-style guitars that contains piezo pickups to produce acoustic guitar tones. It allows an electric guitar to output both traditional electric and simulated acoustic sounds.

Which guitar models is the VMV compatible with?

The VMV is designed as a drop-in replacement for Fender Stratocaster guitars. It specifically fits models designed for a vintage-style or modern tremolo bridge depending on the specific mounting configuration.

Does the Powerbridge VMV require a battery?

While the bridge itself is passive, it is highly recommended to use it with an onboard preamp like the Fishman Powerchip. This preamp requires a 9V battery to buffer the signal and allow for proper blending with magnetic pickups.

Can I use the acoustic and electric sounds at the same time?

Yes, the system is designed to allow players to use the piezo and magnetic pickups simultaneously. They can be blended into a single mono signal or split into stereo signals for different amplifiers.

How does the VMV compare to a standard Fender bridge?

The VMV provides the same mechanical functionality as a Fender American Standard Stratocaster Tremolo but adds six individual piezo sensors. It is a dual-purpose component for both tuning stability and sound generation.

Who are some notable users of this bridge?

The Fishman Powerbridge series has been used by professional musicians including Peter Stroud and members of the rock band Aerosmith. It is favoured by touring professionals who need versatile tonal options.

Is professional installation required for the VMV?

While it is a 'drop-in' physical fit, the installation involves complex wiring and potentially drilling a hole for a toggle switch or blend pot. It is recommended that a qualified guitar technician performs the installation.

What is the typical price for the Fishman Powerbridge VMV?

The typical price range for this high-end bridge assembly is approximately £320. This reflects its status as a professional-grade electronic and mechanical component.

Does it change the look of my guitar?

The VMV is designed to look very similar to a standard chrome tremolo bridge. Most observers would not notice a difference from the front, though an extra wire is routed through the body to the control cavity.

How does the piezo sound differ from magnetic pickups?

Magnetic pickups sense the metal string's movement in a magnetic field, producing a warmer, mid-focused tone. The VMV piezo pickups sense physical pressure and vibration, resulting in a brighter, more percussive 'acoustic' sound.

Can I use the VMV on a bass guitar?

No, the VMV is specifically for six-string electric guitars. For bass guitars, you would look at alternatives like the Gotoh 203B-4, though that model does not include piezo electronics.

Does this bridge improve tuning stability?

The VMV is manufactured to high tolerances and functions as a premium bridge. While its primary feature is the acoustic pickup, its solid construction ensures it performs as well as or better than most stock tremolo units.

Gear article

Fishman Powerbridge VMV

The Fishman Powerbridge VMV is a high-end piezo-electric bridge system designed as a drop-in replacement for Fender Stratocaster-style electric guitars. It enables electric guitarists to produce authentic acoustic tones without changing instruments during a performance.

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Overview

The Fishman Powerbridge VMV is a specialised component within the 'parts and spares' category, specifically engineered to expand the sonic palette of the electric guitar. It functions as a functional bridge assembly that incorporates discrete piezo crystals into each saddle. This allows the guitar to output a signal that mimics the resonant, percussive quality of an acoustic guitar, which can be used independently or blended with the existing magnetic pickups.

History and Professional Use

Fishman has long been established as a leader in acoustic amplification technology. The Powerbridge series represents their successful attempt to bridge the gap between electric and acoustic performance needs. The VMV model has gained professional recognition for its reliability and tone, notably being utilised by high-profile artists such as members of Aerosmith and the renowned session guitarist Peter Stroud. Its reputation is built on providing a 'studio-quality' acoustic sound in a live touring environment.

Design and Features

The VMV is designed as a 'drop-in' replacement, meaning it is intended to fit the standard routing and screw patterns of traditional Stratocaster tremolo systems. Key features include:

Integrated Piezo Saddles: Each string has its own sensor for balanced string-to-string output.
Mechanical Integrity: The bridge is constructed to maintain the tuning stability and sustain expected of a premium electric guitar bridge.
Versatile Wiring: It can be wired with a specialized preamp (such as the Fishman Powerchip) to allow for mono or stereo output configurations.

Sound Character

The primary sonic characteristic of the Powerbridge VMV is its transparency and acoustic-like 'air.' Unlike magnetic pickups, which sense string vibration through electromagnetism, the piezo sensors in the VMV detect the physical vibrations of the strings against the bridge. This results in a crisp, high-fidelity sound with a fast transient response. When blended with standard magnetic pickups, it adds a layer of clarity and 'shimmer' that is difficult to achieve with EQ alone.

Market Comparison

The Powerbridge VMV occupies a premium position in the market with a typical price point around £320. While standard replacement bridges like the Fender American Standard Stratocaster Tremolo or Gotoh 203B-4 provide excellent mechanical performance, they lack the electronic output capabilities of the Fishman system. For players seeking a hybrid electric-acoustic setup, the VMV is often considered one of the finest options available, competing with systems from brands like Graphtech.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Fishman Powerbridge VMV?: It is a replacement bridge for Stratocaster-style guitars that contains piezo pickups to produce acoustic guitar tones. It allows an electric guitar to output both traditional electric and simulated acoustic sounds.
Which guitar models is the VMV compatible with?: The VMV is designed as a drop-in replacement for Fender Stratocaster guitars. It specifically fits models designed for a vintage-style or modern tremolo bridge depending on the specific mounting configuration.
Does the Powerbridge VMV require a battery?: While the bridge itself is passive, it is highly recommended to use it with an onboard preamp like the Fishman Powerchip. This preamp requires a 9V battery to buffer the signal and allow for proper blending with magnetic pickups.
Can I use the acoustic and electric sounds at the same time?: Yes, the system is designed to allow players to use the piezo and magnetic pickups simultaneously. They can be blended into a single mono signal or split into stereo signals for different amplifiers.
How does the VMV compare to a standard Fender bridge?: The VMV provides the same mechanical functionality as a Fender American Standard Stratocaster Tremolo but adds six individual piezo sensors. It is a dual-purpose component for both tuning stability and sound generation.
Who are some notable users of this bridge?: The Fishman Powerbridge series has been used by professional musicians including Peter Stroud and members of the rock band Aerosmith. It is favoured by touring professionals who need versatile tonal options.
Is professional installation required for the VMV?: While it is a 'drop-in' physical fit, the installation involves complex wiring and potentially drilling a hole for a toggle switch or blend pot. It is recommended that a qualified guitar technician performs the installation.
What is the typical price for the Fishman Powerbridge VMV?: The typical price range for this high-end bridge assembly is approximately £320. This reflects its status as a professional-grade electronic and mechanical component.
Does it change the look of my guitar?: The VMV is designed to look very similar to a standard chrome tremolo bridge. Most observers would not notice a difference from the front, though an extra wire is routed through the body to the control cavity.
How does the piezo sound differ from magnetic pickups?: Magnetic pickups sense the metal string's movement in a magnetic field, producing a warmer, mid-focused tone. The VMV piezo pickups sense physical pressure and vibration, resulting in a brighter, more percussive 'acoustic' sound.
Can I use the VMV on a bass guitar?: No, the VMV is specifically for six-string electric guitars. For bass guitars, you would look at alternatives like the Gotoh 203B-4, though that model does not include piezo electronics.
Does this bridge improve tuning stability?: The VMV is manufactured to high tolerances and functions as a premium bridge. While its primary feature is the acoustic pickup, its solid construction ensures it performs as well as or better than most stock tremolo units.