Fishman Rare Earth Blender System

Fishman humbucking soundhole pickup combined with a small condenser mic. Has a dial to adjust balance between humbucker and mic, but no EQ. Uses watch batteries for power.

Easy Installation, no special tools unless installing jack to endblock or side. Plenty of cable to work with, and cable is not too thick or heavy.

Installed this in my beautiful, 19 year-old Taylor 510-w with solid figured mahogany back and sides, and solid Englemann spruce top. Elixir strings, external Fishman preamp/EQ. I had been using a Donnell 135 intenal/endblock installed condenser mic; I will use that mic on my 12 string, and will add a fishman humbucker and a blending unit to that guitar, which I think will emulate the Blend nicely.

The Blend can be installed through the side or through the end block of the guitar (which is best IMO), or you can just run the cord out of the soundhole without altering the guitar at all. Installation was simple, however I found it hard to reach my arm in the soundhole to push it through the hole in the end block; you may want to have a friend with a skinny arm around for that part, as you will likely have to adjust the nut at least once to get the right amount of the end pin protruding from the block.

For reference, I have used Dean Markley soundhole pickups, but my primary was a Donnell internal condenser mic model 135 which I had believed could not be surpassed. It was the gooseneck kind that required a 15/32 hole in the end block of the guitar; so, I already had the hole in place, which I made with a reamer (about 5 bucks at Home Depot- better than a power drill IMO).

Fishman Preamp/EQ (external).

Places played: Huge Church that seats 1000, 100ft ceilings and walls, marble floors, wooden pews; also at home with a small acoustic amp. One other guitar in group, with 7 singers; all of us playing through the church speaker system via a Yamaha mixing board.

This just blew me away. It was like my guitar had come to life. I have always loved the natural sound of my Donnell Mic, and still do, however, with the blend setting exactly in the middle, the sound was filled in and much richer and deeper in tone than with just the mic. The fingerpicking especially was rich and clear.

No noise or hiss or humming at all.

Large Venue strumming hard or picking soft- there is a center blend notch for perfect balance between mic and pickup, which sounds full and natural in a large space. My favorite setting.

Small Venue strum or pick - I dial to all mic

Effects - all humbucker, for cleanest sound.

I highly recommend the Fishman stand-alone Preamp/EQ. It clips right to a music stand or your belt, and you can quickly modify the tone based on what you are playing. I frankly cannot imagine playing without it. They run around 100 bucks.

I cannot say enough how this device has brought me so much more enjoyment out of playing; at Church I could tell the fuller, warmer sound was encouraging people to sing more.

fishman rare earth blend is a humbucking style (very electronicly quiet)magnetic soundhole pick-up with a miniatue eletret type microphone inside the body of the guitar. it has its own built-in pre-amp and a selection dial that lets you chose how much mic or mag pick-up you want to use. i use it with a fishman loudbox 100 amplifier. after testing it for a month or so with many settings and combinations between the pick-up and the amps eq and effects, i have found that i am quite happy with the truly acoustic sound i now enjoy. i chose this pick-up over the l.r.baggs m-1 active, and the neo-d(fishman). it was the most expensive, but well worth it. easy to use, very ajustable for your own preferences, great for fingerpicking, maybe not so great for hard strumming. If your main thing is playing with a band or in a loud environment, you may not enjoy the mic so much due to feedback issues, in that case i would look at the baggs m-1 or the fishman rare earth humbucker without the mic. check out the great pick-up test on the "fingerpick" magazines website. it is very good. do your homework!

i put my pick-up in my custom 000, bubinga back and sides and spruce top, scale length 24 1/2", only modification necessary was enlarging the end pin hole for the jack. I did opt for the stereo installation so as to have two separate signals to the amp. (i recommend) I tried two other pick-ups and have another guitar with a pick-up so i have3 some experience with what is good or bad to my ear in my playing style. i play in church and nursing homes/asst.living centers, mostly, fingerstyle solo hymns. for my type of quiet venues, the mic is great with no feedbackat all.

the output of this pick-up is pretty good. better than the fishman neo-d and less than the l.r. baggs m-1 active. through my fishman loudbox 100 amp it is very adequate and sounds great with a little plate reverb or light chorus effect. i found that with my guitar i needed to keep the bass rolled off a bit to have a balanced tone. most of the mids are rolled off to keep the tin sound at bay. i get a nice warm acoustic tone, but definitely not muddy. it is perfect for fingerstyle as the mic lets the body of the guitar be heard as well as a slight bit of fingernail on the strings(slight).this pick-up is intended to be installed to the neck side of the soundhole but there is some flexibility as to the angle in the hole.

i would definitely buy this pick-up again! I have played seriously for over 10 years and played for a total of 35 years. I would add that getting a good class A type acoustic amp is just as important as the pick-up. for example, this great pick-up through a little practice amp intended for electric guitar is very metallic sounding. if you can't afford a new amp, i would get l.r. baggs para di box to mold your tone a bit.

Humbucking pickup w/ attached condenser mic on gooseneck. Built in pre-amp with blend control (NO volume!).

Installed in Ibanez AE series acoustic for testing, but will inevitably end up in another guitar.

No modifications need to be made to the guitar to mount and test. The only part that could become tricky is mounting the jack in the endpin hole, but a semi-experienced woodworker could drill out the hole easily.

The output is a little less than the built-in preamp in the Ibanez I tried this in, but still plenty hot. Typically, when I play acoustic, I run no effects, just straight to the DI and let whomever is running the house to play around with the EQ to fit the venue.

The tone of the pickup varies depending on the blend control and where the mic is placed inside the guitar. Certain locations become very bassy and almost muddy, while others have much more high end bite. There's no need (unless you're really particular or need a volume control) for an outboard EQ, because the tone can be shaped easily by simply moving the mic around. The tone is very clear and reproduces the guitar's sound beautifully, especially with the condenser. A combination of both yields a sound that's both studio and gig worthy.

Style: Rock, Blues, Contemporary Christian.

If it was destroyed or stolen, would you buy it again or get something else?

Definitely buy it again. The tone of it blows away any built-in electronics that I've ever heard.

How long have you been playing? What other gear do you own?

I'm mainly an electric player, but recently realized I don't play acoustic nearly enough. Been playing about 12 years, and my acoustic rig is basically just my Ibanez acoustic. Want to upgrade to a Breedlove though...

What do you love about it? What do you hate?

The tone is what sold me on this - I first heard it on a buddy of mine's acoustic, and I was sold. I don't like the fact that it has no volume control, but since I use it rarely on acoustic, I guess it's OK. That's why I'm rating this a 9 instead of a 10.

Did you compare it to other products? Which ones? Why did you choose this one?

I compared it with other Fishman and LR Baggs models, and was able to get the most bang-for-my-buck out of this model.

Anything you wish it had?

Like I've already mentioned - a volume control.

Are you satisfied with this pickup or still searching for that sound?

Yes, very satisfied. This is the perfect pickup, and if the tone is lacking, it's not the pickup, but the guitar.

Active Hunbucker with mic on gooseneck

Taylor Big Baby

Not replacing any (completely acoustic guitar)

output - I've had various passive soundhole pickups in the past and in comparison the level from this is fairly good DI'd and very hot through a decent acoustic amp

Tone - fantastic! Adjustable not only between the blend of mic and humbucker, but you can position the mic for more or less bass (explains how in the manual)

What style of music do i play - I play mainly heavily strummed stuff and this pickup takes all the abuse i give it with out nasty distortion or inbuilt clipping that was such a problem with some of the passive ones i've tried

Positions - it suits just about everything. I run an open mic and have had many different players use it, and all have sounded great

If it was destroyed or stolen i would be devastated (1 because its so good and 2 because i cant afford another one!!!)

I love the tone of it. The big baby mic up sounds incredible and i wanted to capture this live, and the rare earth blend does exactly that! I hate the fact that the battery life is pretty short and the batteries cost a fair few bob! I'm also pretty upset at the price (i paid ??180 which is about $360 US) but hey, you get what you pay for so i cant moan too much!

I which it was phantom powered! the battery life is the only problem i've had with it!

At the time of buying it i was torn between either buying a new guitar (my eyes were set on a Taylor 414e) but didn't really want to as i love the 7/8 size big baby (i'm a short lad) so was thrilled to find a decent pick up.

I'd like to add i gig this A LOT and in the past year have only been let down 3 times by it due to battery problems (fortunately i carry spares but it's still embarrassing when your guitar dies 2 songs into your set and to replace the batteries requires loosening all of the strings, removing the pickup, changing the batteries, replacing the pickup, retuning the guitar!!!!)

Rare Earth Humbucking Blender.
I swithced to this pick-up from a Fishman Matrix.
The Rare Earth has less output but the sound is much more natural. I use it with a Fishman preamp to boost the output a little.
I never get complaints from sound persons and I think this is an excellent pick up. I also installed it myself, the end pin fits almost any previously installed pick up.
I had an RFI problem in a previous model (without the mic)and Fishman replaced it free of charge. Battery lasts a long time
This is an excellent gigging pick up

I have a 1990 Martin D28 (workhorse)
I replaced a Fishman Matrix with the Humbucker blend.
The Matrix was too bright and brittle sounding, also too loud for anything I play. It's probably good for a Rock Band with the acousitc guitar look.
The Rare Earth improved the sound of the guitar to be far more natural sounding.

Output is a tad low compared to previous matrix I had so I use a Fishman pre amp with it to boost the output a little. The tone is balanced and natural.
I have an old Trace Elliot 30 watt amp. I use it with the Cajun band I play with. It's super portable and I use it as a stage monitor.
I don't have to pester the sound guy for level and I send a direct pick up signal to the house.

I'd give it a 9. If it was lost or stolen I'd probably buy another one because they are cheaper now. I have the Rare Earth blender in a 1990 Martin D28 and the more simple Rare Earth Humbucker in a 1966 Guild D40 for a backup. I chose this after trying lots of other systems and found it easy to install and use and the sound is very good. Fishman also has great tech. support and a very responsive staff if you have any problems.

Pickup features: Humbucker magnetic pickup & Internal attatched condenser mic on gooseneck
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Larrivee L-03R
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Rare Earth Single Coil
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Fingerstyle
Reason for pickup change: I was Chasing the Holy Grail!! a more natural sounding acoustic sound.

Perceived output level: into an acoustic amp (using a Schertler Unico)the signal is hot, going straight in to a desk it will need a pre amp. I have used the Fishman Platinum Pro Pre Amp with great success
Tone: This Is the most natural sounding acoustic pickup i have used or heard. it accuratly reproduces the natural sound of my guitar. at last i think ive found the grail.
Sonic evaluation: I use this through a Schertler Unico 180W acoustic amp in smaller gigs, and via a fishman platinum Pro EQ when going straight into the desk.I modified the pickup and wired it to stereo (it explains how to do it in the fishman manual that comes with the pickup)this allows the 2 channels Mic & Pickup to be handled seperatly (a great advantage if playing at volume as the pick up can be sent to the onstage monitors via the desk, without sending the mic through the monitors thus avoiding feedback problems (a tip i picked up from an earlier review that has been very successful)it also allows for greater sound blending and control.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mainly fingerstyle and this pickup suits my style perfectly. I could not imagine a style that it does not suit.

Comments: I thought long and hard about purchasing this pickup and only after careful research (including reviews on this site) did i go ahead. I am so glad i did, if it was lost or stolen i would cry!! this is an amazing piece of kit!! the only fault i can find is the price it is rather expensive but hey!! the longer i have played the guitar the more it seems true, You only get what you pay for.

Pickup features: Humbucking, active, with condenser mic on gooseneck
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Taylor 810B
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Don't know
You musical style(s): varied
Reason for pickup change: First purchase for acoustic

Perceived output level: Very nice. Plenty of punch. I was pleasantly surprised, though I have never used a soundhol epick-up before..
Tone: Variable to the user's liking due to having both a humbucking active pick-up and a tiny microphone mounted on a gooseneck that hangs down from the pick-up body into the sound chamber of the guitar. You can adjust the signal strength between the pick-up and microphone, and adjust the microphone placement, to get the desired tone. I'm still toying with the setting variability but I have foiund with a 1/3 pick-up and 2/3 mic mix, that I get somme good snap and punch from the pick-up while still retaining a nice acoustic feel to the overall sound from the microphone.
Sonic evaluation: I'm putting the pick-up ina Taylor 810B (the "B" referring to a limited edition version of the 810 in Brazilian rosewood). So far I've just run it into a smaller (8 channel) Peavey power mixer and let it run through a Carvin floor monitor. The sound is really full and punchy without completely losing the tone of the Taylor. I opted for this P/U because I did not want to drill or modify my guitar in anyway whatsoever and thus the soundhole approach. The one drawback is that, while this P/U can be either permanently or temporarily (my use) installed, it is not designed to be slipped in and out with ease. Because it is active, and because there is the microphone extensing out from the underside of the pick-up, it is fairly bulky to be sliding in and out of a guitar. Overall, thoguh, not a bad tradeoff for the tone.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly electric blues, rockabilly, rock and have had a hankering to do a little acoustic. Bothe finger and flat picking. So far so good though I'm really just experimenting still. HAven't played out with it yet.

Comments:

Pickup features: Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Playing a Gibson J-185
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Great except for the buzz
Tone: Good except for the radio station it dialed in the other night at a gig in Los Angeles
Sonic evaluation: Everything about it is great until it goes under stage lights and then it buzzes to the point that it is near worthless. I understand that single coils buzz but this is ridiculous. I have been playing professionally for years and have never experienced anything like this. I use it with a noise gate which at least silences it when I am not playing. I've gigged with it several times and now have to stop. I figured a soundman would eventually fix the problem....nope. The soundmen hear the name Fishman and say that it should sound great. Then when it is plugged in a buzz fills the room. I have tried it through amps and PAs. The same problem exists. Time to get the Humbucker model.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It seems great for all styles under controlled circumstances, but under stage lights it turns to complete garbage..

Comments: It's worthless as it is. It should sound great but if you are a gigging musician, look elsewhere.

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ovation Balladeer 1112
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Dean Markley Pro-Mag Plus
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: ???
You musical style(s): varied
Reason for pickup change: Wanted a brighter acoustic sound

Perceived output level: good output level - needs no external preamp
Tone: highly variable: amplifier-dependcent
Sonic evaluation: This pickup DOES NOT produce a true acoustic sound. I woulod call the results "acoustically-flavored electric". The results are also highly dependent upon the amp you use. Through a good acoustic amp you can EQ in an interesting semi-acoustic sound, but going directly into a PA the sound is far less satisfactory - like an electric guitar. Even a Baggs Para DI does not help this baby much. I also experienced extreme feedback problems on certain bass notes, but this may be related mostly to the Ovation as othjers seem not to have reported such problems.

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

Comments: I bought this mainly because I wanted to avoid the piezo sound, and based upon some testimonials I read, but I would not buy another UNLESS I wanted an electric sound with a twist. This may be very good for certain applications like rock-a-bill, but for acoustic sound - forget it!

Pickup features: Magnetic PU: humbucking; Microphone: condenser, cardioid(I think); blend controls, active preamp
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Takamine GS-330S
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: a Dean Markley magnetic soundhole PU
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: I don't know
You musical style(s): acoustic rock/pop, fingerstyle ballad, some folk/blues/jazz (I play in a church group)
Reason for pickup change: didn't like the sound of my Dean Markley, too "plasticy" or whatever

Perceived output level: It was slightly better than my Dean Markley (I don't really know, this is only my second pickup)
Tone: Sounds very balanced from string to string, lacking in some treble for the fingerstyle stuff
Sonic evaluation: Right now, using my Takamine equipped with Elixer strings, I'm running it strait into the main board at church, using a Peavy Basic 50 as a moniter. It sounds just like my guitar unplugged through the mains, still slightly "electric" through the Basic 50. Sometimes the sound tech adds some chorus to the mix, and it still sounds great.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I listed "my " styles above...It does great in providing an authentic acoustic guitar sound no matter what. Like I said before, however, it really needs an extra treble boost for fingerstyle playing. Ideal blend for the system is 50/50 mic/mag.

Comments: Over all I am extremely satisfied with this pickup. I have been for the past 8 months or so looking for the perfect pickup: the magnetic pickups I've played with were ok, but still slightly unnatural sounding; I've always detested the sound of piezo pickups; other interesting pickups (Tacoma's Tone Bar, various other factory-installed pickups) sounded "ok," but I never found one that really met my expectations. I heard a lot about the Rare Earth Blend, so I bought it on faith that it would sound great: it does. Recently I helped out with the music at a friend's church: my only equipment was a basic direct box; they were using a very basic microphone amplification PA system. Later a guy pulled me to the side and asked me all about my pickup. His comment: "It sounded great. Just like your guitar, only louder." 'Nuff said.
The only thing I can think of that would be nice is a treble boost for the songs a finger-pick on. If I broke it, I would kick myself for the next month and-a-half, pull out the old Dean Markley, and save my shekels for another six months and get another one (other financial priorities).