Fishman FLUENCE CLASSIC - User Manual

System Requirements
These instructions provide installation options for the Fishman Fluence series of
multi-voice pickups, but these instructions are not comprehensive. A skilled electronics
technician can simply interpret this overview to create a wide range of custom wiring
options. Please consult with your installer for alternate switching and control compo-
nents or options not specifically detailed in this guide or included with your pickup
purchase. Please visit www.fishman.com for additional wiring diagrams.
Installation
Warning! Installation of this product is meant to be performed only by a
professional instrument repair technician.
1. Determine the rotary controls (Volume, Tone, etc.) and switches to be used in your
installation, including those included with your purchase. Test fit the components to
make sure that each will fit in the allocated locations or modify the instrument until the
fit is correct and all controls can be located without issue. Fishman Fluence Pickups are
active and require 25K audio taper potentiometers.
4. Pickup Voicing and High Frequency Tilt (HF Tilt) are selected by connecting their
leads to Ground. These features and their wire locations are described in the user
guide accompanying each pickup. During installation, any of these selections can be
made switchable (using the included push-pull pot or other preferred switch) or
permanent by either connecting to Ground or leaving “open” (unconnected). Some
switching scenarios are provided below, featuring the components provided with your
purchase, but any schematic allowing connection to Ground can be used.
Open (Unconnected) Grounded
Voice Switching Voice 1 Voice 2
HF Tilt Normal On (Reduce high frequencies)
5. Review your planned scheme for errors, complete the soldering, mount and secure
all your components, and test your completed installation before assembly. Consider a
popular wiring option as shown on the reverse side of this guide.
INSTALL GUIDE
FLUENCE CLASSIC HUMBUCKING PICKUPS
2. Fishman Fluence multi-voice pickups require a 9V power supply.
• If using a standard 9V battery, test fit cavity locations for simple installations or
consider installing an externally accessible battery compartment (available
separately.) Note that it is important the battery is not allowed to short contacts
between controls in the instrument.
• If using a separately purchased Fishman rechargeable battery, refer to those
instructions to complete this part of your installation.
• Note that it may be possible to combine other active pickups with Fishman Fluence
pickups, but all pickups will need to use the same 9V power source. Only active
pickup combinations are supported.
3. One of more of your Fluence pickups will have a preamp built into the base of the
pickup assembly. Preamplified pickups each have their own switching capabilities. In
setups controlled by a single preamp, such as the Fluence Single-Width set, optional
switching on the preamplified pickup will alter the output of all pickups connected to
that preamplifier. The preamps on Fishman Fluence pickups are not suitable for use
with other brands of guitar pickups.
514-300-130 rev.1 2-15

Summary

System Requirements

Potentiometer Specification

Fishman Fluence Pickups require 25K audio taper potentiometers for active circuitry.

Power Supply Requirements

All Fishman Fluence pickups require a 9V power supply, compatible with other active pickups.

Preamp and Switching Capabilities

Preamplified pickups offer built-in switching; preamps are not compatible with other brands.

Feature Selection Methods

Pickup Voicing and HF Tilt are selected by connecting leads to Ground or leaving them open.

Installation Procedures

Component Fit and Layout

Test fit rotary controls and switches, modifying the instrument for correct component placement.

Wiring Diagram and Controls

Standard wiring for dual voice switching, detailing pot controls and pickup selector.

Soldering and Final Checks

Review planned scheme, complete soldering, mount components, and test before final assembly.

Overview

The Fishman Fluence Classic Humbucking Pickups are multi-voice pickups designed to enhance the sound of electric guitars. These active pickups require a 9V power supply and are intended for installation by a professional instrument repair technician. They offer a range of tonal options through their multi-voice capabilities and high-frequency tilt (HF Tilt) features, allowing musicians to customize their sound.

The core function of these pickups is to capture string vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal, which is then amplified and sent to an output jack. What sets the Fluence pickups apart is their multi-voice technology, which provides different tonal characteristics, or "voices," that can be switched between. This allows a single guitar to produce a wider array of sounds, from vintage warmth to modern clarity, without needing to change pickups. The HF Tilt feature further refines the tone by allowing users to reduce high frequencies, which can be useful for taming harshness or achieving a smoother sound.

For usage, the Fluence pickups are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing guitar setups. They require 25K audio taper potentiometers for volume and tone controls, which are standard components in many active pickup systems. The installation process involves determining the appropriate rotary controls and switches, ensuring they fit correctly within the instrument's allocated locations. It's crucial that the 9V power supply, whether a standard battery or a rechargeable Fishman battery, is installed securely and without shorting contacts between controls. The manual emphasizes that the preamps built into the base of some Fluence pickups are specifically designed for Fluence pickups and are not compatible with other brands of guitar pickups.

One of the key usage features is the ability to switch between different voices and engage the HF Tilt. This can be achieved using push-pull potentiometers, which are often included with the pickups, or other preferred switches. The manual provides a basic wiring diagram for a "Classic Humbucker Set Wiring" that illustrates a standard setup with dual voice switching. In this configuration, the neck volume and bridge volume controls manage the output of each pickup. The neck tone control, when pulled, activates Voice 2 for the neck pickup, while the bridge tone control, when pulled, engages the HF Tilt for the bridge pickup. A 3-way pickup selector switch (like a Gibson® style switch) allows the user to select the neck pickup, bridge pickup, or both. This flexibility in switching allows for on-the-fly tonal adjustments during performance or practice.

The multi-voice functionality is particularly useful for guitarists who play various genres or require different tones within a single song. Voice 1 typically offers a classic, vintage-inspired tone, while Voice 2 often provides a more modern, higher-output, or articulate sound. The HF Tilt, when engaged, can subtly or significantly alter the high-end response, making the tone warmer or less piercing, depending on the desired effect.

Maintenance features for the Fishman Fluence pickups primarily revolve around proper installation and care of the electronic components. While the manual does not detail specific maintenance tasks for the pickups themselves, it strongly advises that installation and any subsequent modifications be performed by a professional instrument repair technician. This ensures that all connections are secure, soldering is done correctly, and the sensitive electronic components are handled properly. Incorrect installation can lead to malfunctions or damage to the pickups and the instrument.

The active nature of these pickups means they rely on a power source, so ensuring the battery is fresh or charged is a regular maintenance consideration for the user. If a standard 9V battery is used, periodic replacement will be necessary. If a Fishman rechargeable battery is installed, following its specific charging instructions is important to maintain optimal performance.

The manual also suggests reviewing the planned wiring scheme for errors before soldering, which is a critical step in preventing issues. After installation, testing the completed setup before final assembly of the instrument is recommended. This allows for troubleshooting any problems before the guitar is fully put back together.

In terms of long-term care, protecting the instrument from extreme temperatures and humidity, as with any guitar, will help preserve the integrity of the pickups and their electronic components. While the pickups themselves are robust, the wiring and potentiometers are susceptible to wear and tear over time. If any issues arise, consulting a professional technician is the best course of action. The manual also directs users to the Fishman website for additional wiring diagrams and support, indicating that resources are available for troubleshooting and expanding the functionality of the pickups beyond the basic setups provided. This ongoing support is an indirect maintenance feature, ensuring users can find help when needed.

Fishman FLUENCE CLASSIC Specifications