By Carlos Martin Schwab
Fishman recently released 3 acoustic guitar pickups featuring Fluence technology (multiple voices and no copper wire winding): Rock Icon, Nashville Legend, and Spotlight. The Fluence technology gives them unprecedented sound flexibility. Let’s take a closer look.
Common features
By replacing copper wire winding with electronic circuits, it has been possible to design these pickups with a curved shape, making them less visually invasive (their dark colors and matte finish also contribute to this) and less obstructive to the guitar’s soundboard and natural resonance.
These pickups are magnetic (not compatible with nylon strings), active (9V battery, up to 70 hs battery life), with very low self-noise and no hum, can operate in mono (TS cable) or stereo (dual output, TRS cable) simply by choosing the appropriate cable, and have 2 different sound profiles (voices) each. On the housing, they have a connector for a cable with a 1/4″ stereo output endpin jack, a Main Volume rotary control, and 2 switches: Voice 1/Voice 2, and Voice 2 boost On/Off (up to 8dB).
They can be installed permanently or temporarily in minutes, without causing any harm to the surface of your instrument. The included installation kit contains a Velcro pouch for the 9V battery and 3 sets of self-adhesive shims of varying thicknesses for the left and right sides, allowing the pickup to be placed as close as possible to the strings and ensuring the pickup volume of the strings can be balanced.
Rock Icon – For performing with a band or in noisy venues
Designed for increased dynamism and presence, with a voice that cuts through dense mixes and responds well when amplified or played alongside other instruments. Ideal for powerful strumming, band, or amplified performances.
Voice 1 is more dynamic, direct, and suited for solo lines or more defined picking. It offers a tone with clear attack and enough presence so that notes can be heard distinctly, even in environments with other instruments. This makes it useful for parts where you want each note to be projected individually. Compared to other traditional acoustic pickups, Voice 1’s response emphasizes clarity and definition over traditional warmth or body, making it especially valuable for guitarists seeking a more “forward” sound in the mix. Suitable for clarity and solo expressiveness.
Voice 2 has a tonal character more inspired by vintage acoustic rock sounds, prioritizing rhythms and riffs over clean solo lines. It’s fuller and richer in body, with a vintage profile that adds a certain “weight” and energy to chords, helping the guitar blend in with electric rhythm guitars or full bands. Its boost enhance presence and projection of the sound in mixes or live performances without sacrificing definition. Ideal for rhythmic settings.
Nashville Legend – For a variety of styles or mixing with other instruments
This the most versatile pickup in the series, suitable for both acoustic performances and recordings with other instruments. It provides a good balance between clarity and overall presence and is perfect if you switch between styles.
Voice 1 delivers a well-balanced, clear, and articulate tone that is natural and musical, especially suited to styles such as flatpicking and fingerstyle, where each note is heard with definition. It tends to produce a forward, detailed sound that captures the acoustic character of the instrument without overly coloring the signal. In live or recording settings, this voice keeps the guitar prominent in the mix without overpowering other instruments, maintaining an organic sound. Ideal for natural acoustic clarity.
Voice 2 adds more presence and percussive quality to the sound. It offers a more rounded profile with attack, helping the guitar cut through a denser mix. It’s more energetic and modern, with a response that highlights transients and makes rhythmic chords or more dynamic parts stand out without losing clarity. Plus, the boost control for this voice lets you adjust the projection based on the style or performance setting, providing a more pronounced rhythmic presence.
Spotlight – For fingerstyle and intimate accompanied performances
This pickup is versatile and well-suited for different styles of acoustic playing, from vocal accompaniment to defined solo parts. It delivers a very “authentic acoustic” tone even when moving across the fretboard. Ideal for singer-songwriters and solo or small group sets, where natural tonal balance is key. It provides acoustic comfort and dynamic expressiveness.
Voice 1 is sweeter, smoother, and more natural, especially suited for accompanying vocals or playing in intimate settings. With acoustic amplification, it offers a full response with rich bass and rounded highs, maintaining tonal consistency as you move up the fretboard, something other pickups lose in higher positions. This voice is perceived as more “acoustic” and organic, with a smooth attack that doesn’t feel artificially colored, ideal for fingerpicking or soft accompaniments.
Voice 2 is more articulate and clear, with more defined highs and additional presence, which helps melodic phrases or solos cut through a mix better. It offers more punch and projection, useful when you need the guitar to stand out from other instruments or for more dynamic parts. The volume control and boost dedicated to this voice allow you to adjust that crisp character according to the intensity of the performance.
Price: $ 319.95 (retail price each)
More info: www.fishman.com
Carlos Martin Schwab thanks Nate Cambra from Fishman for his help in writing this article.
