Fishman Fluence Modern VS Classic (comparison)

The Fishman Fluence series has taken a radically different approach to both humbucker and single coil pickup design. Using stacked coil technology and reproducible "printed" coils, they've created completely hum-free pickups (even the single coils) that can capture the tones of both passive and active pickups.

You can read more about the story behind the Fluence's design if you want to get into more of the process and technical details. 

But on this page, we're comparing the two flagship humbuckers from this series: The Fluence Modern and Fluence Classic.

Which one is better? Up front, it's important to note that there's not really a "better" option here, as these two pickups are focused on a style difference and don't deviate from the Fluence template in terms of technical and tonal quality. 

So we'll give you the data, some sound samples, some price tracking tools, comparison tools, and let you make your own decision.

Fishman Fluence Modern vs Classic Comparison Table

This is a comparison table that covers basic humbucker feature points. Note that you can add additional pickups to the table after you select these ones, with the plus sign on the pop-up comparison table. Also note that we use Sweetwater links to support our site, and to make for a convenient way for you to browse gear. It costs you nothing extra and helps us out a lot, so check it out if you need/decide to buy.

Note that everything in this comparison applies to the seven and eight-string versions of these pickups as well.

Price Tracking Tools (Fluence Modern)

Sweetwater

Additional Vendors

Price Alert (based on Sweetwater Retail)

Price History (Sweetwater Retail)

Price Tracking Tools (Fluence Classic)

Sweetwater

Additional Vendors

Price Alert (based on Sweetwater Retail)

Price History (Sweetwater Retail)

Demo Comparison of Both Pickups

Gerry Trevino, who does the Fluence Modern demo below, actually does a similar demo for the Classic set. The only reason I didn't list the Classic demo by him, is that he focuses mostly on metal and high-gain, which I don't really think is what the Classic was intended for, though it can certainly handle it. Keep in mind, both pickups are more than capable of handling multiple styles. If you ask me, the Modern is slightly more versatile, but that's being awfully picky.

This is a more blues and classic-rock focused demo of the Fluence Classic:

Detailed Comparison Table

The main difference from a technical perspective is the ceramic pickup used alongside the Alnico 5 in the Fluence Modern. Otherwise, the technical differences are pretty subtle. They're both active pickups, which means they'll need a 9V battery installed for them to work. 

Which one would we buy?

Another small difference to consider is the price. The Fluence Classic is a bit more expensive than the Fluence Modern, at least at the time of publishing this piece. Check the pricing tools to get update-to-date numbers. We assume this difference  in price will hold and that the two humbucker sets will move up or down together.

As I mentioned, the Fluence Modern incorporates ceramic magnets which - on a personal note - I always prefer above alnico magnets.

But in this case, we get a little bit of both, which helps to further cement the remarkable versatility of these pickups. Again, it's splitting hairs to say that the Modern is "better" than the classic, but here are three reasons I would recommend the Modern first:

• Incorporates ceramic magnets (typically smoother, better for active pickups)
• Is slightly cheaper
• Is arguable more versatile

You can't go wrong with either set, but if I had to pick with a gun to my head, I'd pretty quickly go with the Fluence Modern.

If you have questions about our Fishman Fluence Modern vs Classic comparison, or you want to share your experience, feel free to reach out via the comments section below. We'll see you there.

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