Fishman Acoustic Matrix II

The classic undersaddle active pickup with the red color strip...endpin preamp by Fishman. No volume control...just the active pickup. Straight and simple.

I've had the Fishman Matrix installed on two guitars - a Guild D30 and D50. I've used other pickups such as a Highlander IP-1, Fishman's onboard blend and prefix pro systems on numerous guitars, the Fishman rare earth blend w/ gooseneck mic, a Baggs AST style stick-to-the-inside of your guitar pickup - can't recall the name, but I hated it, an old Dean MArkley and two B-Band A2.2 installed in another Guild D30 and D55. Of all of these pickups I've used, the Fishman Matrix seems to be the clearest and most consistent pickup of all. The blends and A2.2 pickups were all very good for their blend capabilities and having dual source inputs, but the Matrix is just clear, accurate sounding, powerful and steady. Others may look sexier or cost less, but this Matriz proves to be a simple, time-tested trustworthy pickup. I'm really interested in the new infinity matrix with the soundhole volume addition.

I like the Fishman sound. Some think it's quacky or distorted, I'v enever had that issue. The Fishman sounds clear and accurate and lively. It records very well and it gives my guitars a flattering sound through a PA...the Matrix's I've had installed as part of the onboard Fishman Prefix systems have always sounded better than the microphone's they were paired up with. In fact, if I had an onboard Fishman installed, I would actually prefer a single source prefix instead of the blend - less feedback issues and simpler to control.

Like I already said, I've tried most all of them out there...I keep returning to this Matrix as the most reliable pickup - I really judge everything else according to this sound. I'm curious about the b-Band UST and the Baggs element...it will be interesting to play some guitars and compare them to this Fishman...

Pickup features: Active under saddle
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha FG345 Dreadnaught (Rosewood back & sides, spruce top)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan SC Soundhole
Other pickups on guitar: See previous
Artists using this pickup: See previous
You musical style(s): See previous
Reason for pickup change: See previous

Perceived output level: See previous
Tone: See previous
Sonic evaluation: See previous review

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: This is actually an addendum to my previous review a week ago where I kinda slammed the matrix II saying I thought it sounded harsh, brassy and brittle. It appears there was a problem in the install. I couldn't think that my ear was that much more discerning than other matrix owners that gave it good reviews. I did some investigation and downloaded the installation manual form their website. I had thought that the saddle looked too low when I picked up the guitar but the tech said it was fine. After reading I found that apprpriate string break angle and pressure was crucial. I removed the strings and found that the "Cleartone" saddle that was installed was pretty snug in the bridge slot (Fishman recommends just tight enough that it doesn't fall out when guitar is turned over.) More imortantly, the bridge slot was not routed bigger and the pickup was really wedge in.
(Fishman recommends that it slip in loose and does not bind on any side). I pryed out the pickup, sanded the slot bigger and replace the pickup. Of course, now the saddle was way too sloppy in the slot, but I didn't have another one. I restrung and plugged it in. MAN, WHAT A DIFFERNCE! The brittle, brassy sound was negligible and I could actually hear the bass strings now! I still need to get a new saddle and raise the action a bit, but I'm afraid to touch it, it sounds that much better. GOes to show you, if you want something done right...etc..etc. If anybody else out there is having the same problem, check out the fit of the pick up, in this case, looser is better! Also check you break angle. although that didn't seem to be the problem in this case. This pick-up (Or probably any pickup) is not going to be as true as a $500.00 microphone (of course) but it's a darn sight better thant the soundhole now, and probably with a ProEQ platinum preamp/Di in the future, it will be as close as I need to be. I still only give this pickup a 9 because it's so damn touchy on everything being just so. Baggs RT Ribbon claims that there's doesn't need the pressure but I don't know that it wouldn't have had the same problem. I also wanted to say that as much as I bugged the Tech guys at Fishman, they always responded to my e-mails within 24 hrs.

Pickup features: Active under saddle piezo w/ built in preamp in strapjack
Impedence or other specs: couldn't tell ya

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha FG345 dreadnaught (rosewood back & sides)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan Woody SC - Single coil soundhole
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Ian Anderson, Cheryl Crow, many others
You musical style(s): Acoustic Rock/pop (ie. Beatles, Tull, Buffett, Taylor, Eagles, Toad etc
Reason for pickup change: Wanted a pickup w/ a more acoustic sound and on board volume control

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter than Soundhole pick-up at same amp settings
Tone: Bright and Brassy
Sonic evaluation: Running through a 2 channel Peavy KB60 50 watt keyboard amp. W/ 12" woofer and 1" compression tweeter. Running Guitar through one channel and Vocal mic through other. After much research and testimonial reading from many sources, I had decided on the Fishman Matrix. Asked Fishman whether they recommended the 1 or II. I don't play in a band, so volume was not a high priority. Mostly happy hour/coffee house settings solo or with another guitarist/vocalist. For dreadnaught or jumbo guitars they recommended a II (less boominess
because of rosewood sound chamber) I was a bit dissapointed in how bright it sounded. Although it sounded a little more acoustic than my soundhole, it wasn't what I had hoped after reading other testimonials. I e-mailed Fishman and asked if I should have got the Matrix 1 because the literature said it had more bass tone and didn't have the extra brightness the 2 had. They assured me that the 2 was the right choice, that the problem was with the way I ran guitar and Mic through the same amplifier w/ only 1 set of EQ controls. To lessen the famed "piezo attack" I had read so much about, but had never heard until now, I had to dial up the bass, cut back the midrange and the treble. Unfortunately, the amp only has one set of EQ controls for both channels and this made the vocals muffled and boomy (even without vocals, the sound was not as "true" as I had hoped.) Fishman said that this wouldn't work (Which they are probably right) and that I need something like a ProEQ platinum pre-amp to run the guitar through first to shape the sound and take off the brittle edge and use the controls on the amp for the vocals. Unfortunately, this is another $200. In some ways I like the sound of the Seymour Duncan better, although I had the guitar tech add a $10.00 volume knob with the Matrxix which is sure handy when switching from finger picking to flat picking or rythm strumming. I haven't given up on this pick-up yet. By God, If Ian Anderson can make it work they must be doing something right! At least I can "test drive" the pre-amp without having it installed in my guitar first. When I get a few more bucks I'll try it and see if it helps achieve the sound I'm looking for. I do think that I would have this problem with any piezo (Baggs RT system, DEan Markley Sweet spot) it's just the nature of the beast. I wish I could have tried the Seymour Duncan Perfect Timbre. but nobody in this God forsaken town even carries it in stock!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: see above. Unsuitable if you expect it to sound natural as is (despite built in preamp

Comments: Pretty much made comments up above. Don't know if I'd get another again, have to see what the Pro EQ Platinim pre-amp makes it sound like. Been playing 20+ years. What I love, what I hate (see above). Compared it to BAggs RT system, DM Sweet spot, Seymour Duncan Perfect Timbre. Picked this because it was what all music stores sold and were familiar with 10-1. Was what Taylor and Martin picked for their guitars. Was what Ian Anderson used. Not satisfied with pickup as it is now, but I think all piezos would be the same. Maybe my problem is the amp and I need a good PA! Any advice from others who sing/play is a similar setting would be greatly appreciated: MikeGrims@aol.com