Review: Fishman Fluence Acoustic Pickups Offer Tone-Targeted Models and Real-Time Voice Switching

Fishman’s new Fluence acoustic guitar soundhole pickups build on the company’s earlier electric Fluence models, which offer low noise and multiple selectable voices in traditional pickup formats. Bringing that technology to acoustic guitars is a natural move for a company long dominant in the field. But unlike in the electric market, these pickups compete not only with other brands but with Fishman’s own magnetic, sensor, and hybrid designs. Most acoustic pickups are one-sound-fits-all generalists. The Fluence models instead target specific sonic goals.

The Acoustic Spotlight, with a balanced response, is aimed at singer-songwriters and solo performers. The Nashville Legend reflects a warmer, more traditional acoustic sound, with reduced high-end emphasis. Built for louder settings, the Rock Icon offers higher output and a pronounced midrange intended to cut through a band mix.

All three models ($319 each, street) share the same look and controls: master volume, voice switch, and a boost level for Voice 2. I tested everything on a single guitar, my Taylor 914-BCE, and found the pickups all exhibited core qualities like low noise; articulate, balanced response across all six strings; and the versatility of switchable sounds—while also offering distinct tones fine-tuned to meet specific applications.

Installation and Fit

Though not as simple to install as some clip-in soundhole pickups, the Fluence models can be swapped without removing the strings. The Taylor’s large soundhole accommodated the arched housings, which clamp in place using two Phillips-head screws. The output jack can be mounted permanently to the endpin, but for this test I let it hang. Because the pickup connects via an eighth-inch plug, you can swap Fluence models without removing the jack. Once I got the hang of it, each swap took just a few minutes—too long to swap between songs, but not between sets.

To minimize noise, Fishman includes shims that allow the pickup to sit closer to the strings. I used them with the Spotlight but not with the other two; I raised the input gain slightly without introducing noise. The pickups run on a 9-volt battery, housed in a Velcro-mounted pouch inside the guitar. I’d welcome this battery option on Fishman’s electric Fluence line, which instead uses USB charging.

Voicing and Response 

Switching between voices is familiar on electric guitar, but still novel in the acoustic world. Voice 2 can be preset for higher output than Voice 1, though both voices on the Nashville Legend and Spotlight worked equally well for rhythm or lead. The Rock Icon’s Voice 2 had a noticeably stronger midrange, making it feel more like a true lead voice.

The boost knob affects only Voice 2, but it doesn’t have to function as a boost. With the knob set to zero, both voices match in level. On the Spotlight, I preferred Voice 1 for warmer leads and Voice 2 for brighter strumming. The Nashville Legend—my favorite overall—produced the most natural, woody tone, and both voices felt equally versatile. The Rock Icon offered the greatest tonal contrast between its two voices, which could be especially useful onstage.

Using the TRS output jack, I could run both voices simultaneously into a stereo rig. Recording directly into my UA Apollo interface produced a more complex and articulate sound than a mono pickup, with wide processing possibilities.

The Bottom Line

Fishman’s Fluence acoustic pickups provide a distinct and flexible alternative to standard soundhole designs. Their tone-targeted models and real-time voice switching let players adapt their sound to different musical contexts.

My only criticism is the naming: while Rock Icon fits its sonic intent, Spotlight and Nashville Legend are far more versatile than their genre-based labels suggest. I recommend trying all three with your own guitar and a stereo rig to find the voice that best matches your needs. fishman.com