As things mature, they become increasingly complex in their own ways. To break new ground, boundaries need to be pushed – this is particularly applicable when it comes to music. At the fringes of modern styles and subgenres are the trailblazers who continue to pioneer new ideas and techniques.
Arguably one of the more exploratory musical genres is metal, alongside the broader alternative rock field. Subgenres within subgenres are becoming ever more aggressive, extreme and technical. All the while fusing with external influences to create unique crossbred sounds. This has been the case for decades, from the Bay Area thrash explosion to the mind-bending strobe-prog of bands like Animals As Leaders and Periphery.
Such bold pushes into new sonic territory require equally proficient and bold equipment to facilitate. Enter our three manufacturers, who’ve earned a reputation for being at the frontline when it comes to new tones. Let’s explore what sets them apart…
Fishman Fluence Pickups
Fishman, under the leadership of Larry Fishman, have been producing audio and amplification equipment for the best part of 40 years. Preamps, pickups, effects and controllers, for all manner of instruments. For a long time, acoustic amplification was the core of their business model. They produced world-class piezo and magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, classical instruments and more.
In 2013, Fishman unveiled their latest project: Fluence. This was their first foray into electric guitar pickups – something they’d previously deliberately avoided. They knew that to enter the market at such a late stage, they’d need to be bold and offer something new – and that they did.
Forget handwired coils – these pickups contain two Fluence Cores, as well as carefully-engineered analog circuitry. This combination produces unparalleled tonal consistency, next to no hum or signal degradation, and a unique 2-voice system. It’s literally 2 pickups in 1!
Why choose Fishman Fluence pickups?
- 2 voices in 1 pickup – 2 Fluence cores and analog circuitry gives you 2 switchable pickup voices in a single pickup. Incredibly versatile.
- Minimal noise, consistent sound – again, the Fluence cores are designed differently to traditional coils, drastically reducing hum and ensuring reliable, pure sound performance.
- Great range of styles – commonly associated with heavier styles, but you can get everything from 3-pickup Strat sets to 8 string soapbars.
- Used by top players – the list of Fluence users includes Devin Townsend, Greg Koch, Tosin Abasi and Stephen Carpenter, to name a few. We think that speaks volumes!
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