If you’ve ever wanted to capture the natural, nuanced sound of your acoustic guitar on stage or in recordings, you may have wondered how to get the most from your Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom pickup. With so many options and settings, it can be tricky to figure out how to install, blend, and optimize this advanced pickup.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know, offering practical steps and expert tips for achieving rich, authentic tone.
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Understanding the Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom Pickup
If you’re searching for a versatile and natural-sounding pickup for your acoustic guitar, the Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom Pickup is considered a top-tier choice among musicians. This pickup combines advanced magnetic and microphone technologies, offering exceptional sound quality and flexibility whether you’re gigging, recording, or just practicing at home.
In this article, you’ll learn how the Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom works, how to install and use it, its benefits and challenges, plus plenty of practical advice to get the most out of your acoustic tone.
What is the Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom?
The Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom is an active soundhole pickup designed for steel-string acoustic guitars. It uniquely blends:
- A magnetic pickup: Captures your guitar’s string vibrations with clarity and minimal feedback.
- A mini condenser microphone: Picks up the body resonance and air movement, adding nuance and realism.
You can easily mix the levels of the pickup and mic using the onboard controls, letting you dial in anything from pure magnetic crispness to rich, airy acoustic detail. This hybrid approach creates a lively, natural sound that’s incredibly close to what you’d hear from your guitar in a room.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Dual-Source Technology
- Magnetic Pickup: Delivers steady, noise-free output. Great for live settings with loud bands.
- Condenser Microphone: Brings out the woodiness, air, and body resonance of your acoustic. Adds realism especially for fingerstyle and solo playing.
- Blend Control: Lets you mix between the two for a wide range of tones.
2. Easy, Non-Destructive Installation
- Fits Most Standard Soundholes: Installs with minimal or no modification to your guitar.
- Battery-Powered: Operates via a single 9V battery which sits inside your guitar, so no external battery packs.
3. Quiet, High-Fidelity Output
- Active Electronics: Ensures a strong, clean signal.
- Low-Noise Design: Minimizes hum and interference, even on noisy stages.
4. Durable, Gig-Ready Construction
- Robust Housing: Stands up to travel and extensive use.
- Secure Fit: Won’t shift or rattle once fastened inside the soundhole.
How to Install the Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom
One of the most attractive features of this pickup is its relatively straightforward installation process. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to help you:
1. Preparation
- Change your guitar strings or detune them for easier access.
- Ensure your workspace is clean, flat, and well-lit.
- Have a Phillips screwdriver and a 9V battery ready.
2. Mount the Pickup
- Fit the pickup into your guitar’s soundhole, positioning it close to the neck.
- Tighten the mounting clamps gently until secure, making sure not to overtighten and damage the finish.
- Attach the gooseneck mini microphone; position it so it floats freely inside the guitar body.
3. Install the Endpin Jack
- If your guitar doesn’t already have an endpin jack, carefully widen the endpin hole (consult a professional if needed).
- Insert the output jack and secure it from inside the guitar.
4. Connect the Battery
- Attach the 9V battery to the compartment or pouch provided.
- Place it inside the guitar where it won’t rattle.
5. Test and Adjust
- Plug in to an amp or PA system.
- Try the blend control, and move the mini mic for your preferred sound.
- Restring your guitar and enjoy the new tonal options.
Tip: If you’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable with modifying your guitar, a luthier or guitar tech can perform the installation quickly and safely.
Setting Up and Using Your Rare Earth Blend
Once installed, the pickup is simple to use:
- Plug Into Any Standard 1/4” Input
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Works well with amps, mixers, and audio interfaces.
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Use the Onboard Blend Control
- Turn toward the pickup for clarity and feedback resistance.
- Turn toward the microphone for a warmer, more acoustic feel.
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Adjust to taste or song style—some players use mostly pickup in loud bands and more mic for solo gigs.
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Position the Mini Microphone
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The flexible gooseneck can be aimed toward or away from the soundhole or specific parts of the body for tonal changes.
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Battery Maintenance
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The battery life is typically several hundred hours—but unplug the guitar when not in use to conserve power.
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Feedback Management
- In high-volume situations, blend less microphone and more pickup.
- Consider a soundhole cover (feedback buster) if you’re playing at very high stage volumes.
The Benefits You’ll Enjoy
- Natural, Lively Sound: Achieve a rich, open acoustic guitar tone for both live and recorded settings.
- Feedback Control: The ability to blend between mic and pickup helps avoid feedback issues common to pure mic setups.
- Flexibility: Perfect for musicians who play various styles or venues.
- Non-Permanent Installation: Can be removed or switched to another guitar without major modification.
Challenges and Possible Drawbacks
While the Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom is widely praised, it’s important to be aware of a few considerations:
- Potential for Feedback with High Mic Blend: In very loud stage environments, using too much condenser mic can still lead to feedback.
- Battery Access: Changing the battery requires detuning or removing some strings.
- Slightly Bulkier Soundhole Area: Some players may notice the pickup when strumming or fingerpicking near the soundhole.
- Installation Complexity: If your guitar lacks a predrilled endpin jack, professional installation is strongly advised.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Regularly Check the Battery: Mark installation date or carry a spare battery to gigs.
- Experiment With Mic Position: Subtle changes in the gooseneck placement can yield noticeable tonal differences.
- Keep a Small Screwdriver Handy: You may need it for periodic battery access or pickup adjustments.
- Test in Your Typical Performance Environment: Acoustic sound can change in different rooms—fine-tune your blend for each venue.
- Store Carefully: If you remove the pickup, keep it in its original box or a padded bag to prevent damage.
Understanding Cost and Shipping
- Price Range: The Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom sits in the mid- to high-end range for acoustic pickups, reflecting its advanced features and dual-source design.
- Shop Around: Compare prices on major music gear stores, local shops, and reputable online marketplaces.
- Shipping Tips:
- Ask about shipping costs and delivery times—pickups are compact, so shipping fees are usually modest.
- If buying internationally, check your local import duties or taxes.
- When possible, buy from local or regional dealers to save on shipping and waiting time.
- Consider Buying Used: Look for well-maintained used units for a lower cost—but ensure the original mounting hardware, battery pouch, and manual are included.
Summary
The Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom offers an impressive solution for acoustic guitarists who need both quality and versatility. Its blend of magnetic and microphone technologies allows you to shape your sound whether recording in a studio, performing on stage, or practicing at home. While installation may require a bit of care (and possibly professional help for some guitars), the rewards are substantial—a natural, dynamic, feedback-resistant tone that brings your acoustic playing to life.
With thoughtful use, regular maintenance, and some experimentation, you can unlock a world of acoustic possibilities with this clever pickup system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will the Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom fit any acoustic guitar?
The pickup is designed for most standard steel-string acoustics with round soundholes. For guitars with unusually small or large soundholes, or for classical guitars with wide necks, the fit may not be ideal. Always check your soundhole’s diameter and consult the specs before purchase.
2. How long does the battery last, and what type is required?
It uses a standard 9V battery. Expect several hundred hours of use, depending on your blend settings and whether you unplug after playing. Always unplug from the output jack when not in use to maximize battery life.
3. Can I install the pickup myself, or do I need a professional?
For most guitars, installation is straightforward and designed for DIY with basic tools. However, if your guitar lacks an endpin jack or you’re not comfortable making small modifications, a luthier or guitar technician can ensure a safe, clean install.
4. How do I prevent feedback when performing live?
Feedback can be minimized by blending more toward the magnetic pickup and positioning the on-board microphone away from the soundhole. In very loud situations, consider using a soundhole cover or minimizing microphone gain.
5. How does this pickup compare to just using a microphone or a single-source pickup?
The blended design gives you the sturdiness and feedback resistance of a magnetic pickup plus the realism of a condenser mic. Pure magnetic pickups tend to lack air and body, while all-microphone setups are prone to feedback. The blend system brings the best of both worlds, making it ideal for diverse playing situations.
Whether you’re performing for thousands or just enjoying rich tones at home, the Fishman Rare Earth Blend Custom can elevate your acoustic experience, providing clarity, control, and authenticity in every note.