Tech: fishman rare earth single coil

Subject: fishman rare earth single coil
From: alex s
Date: 25 May 09 - 10:37 AM

can anyone recommend a supplier in the States for the above? I love em but they are very expansive here in the UK.

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 May 09 - 12:41 PM

Well, they seem expensive here, too, from what I found at Musician's Friend, but then I don't know anything about them. :-) Hope that helps. In a google search, several came up at ebay, too. I didn't click to see if it was in the US or UK ebay, though. Good luck!

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 May 09 - 01:18 PM

Gee, I was stumped on that. I thought it was some sort of electronic fishing equipment. Kat's link says it's a soundhole-mounted pickup/microphone for an acoustic guitar.

Where's the name come from? Rare earth?-Wuzzat?
What are the characteristics of a single coil pickup?
Is there a reason you prefer these pickups to others, Alex?

Seems to me I could learn something about guitar pickups from Alex's search?

There's a closeup picture of the pickup here (click). $110 sounds like a pretty good price.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: Bill D
Date: 25 May 09 - 01:54 PM

"Rare earth" is the name of some elements that make very strong magnets, among other uses. I suppose they are quite useful in pickups & such.

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: alex s
Date: 26 May 09 - 05:37 AM

Thanks to all for the replies.

Joe, it's a very good soundhole pickup, does no damage to the guitar as it does not involve any body cutouts (I have one on my old Guild for that reason)

Many very good guitarists use them (John Renbourne etc). The sound reproduction is terrific.

There are several versions e.g. humbucking, blend, passive etc but I like the active single coil the best. Really easy to fit too. In fact the fitting doesn't have to be permanent if you want to swap between instruments, although I prefer permanent fixing.

Have a listen to one - you may be impressed.

Alex

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 May 09 - 10:12 PM

Gosh, I thought Rare Earth was the name of a Progressive Celtic band from Ontario but maybe that was Rare Aire.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: GUEST,ploppo
Date: 27 May 09 - 05:41 AM

..............or the Liverpool duo A Rare Pair o' Fair 'Aired Gairls...

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 27 May 09 - 06:20 AM

"fishman rare earth single coil" Stoner rock from the Pacific North-West. Obviously.

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: Jack Campin
Date: 27 May 09 - 07:31 AM

I hope Fishman have a recycling scheme for these, because rare earths are one of the most bloodstained commodities in world trade. The supply is nearly exhausted, and putting them in guitar pickups is a pretty frivolous use for them.

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: Mooh
Date: 27 May 09 - 07:52 AM

As soundhole pickups go, the Rare Earth is my favourite, based on many live performance listenings, though I've never owned one. Much better than the DiMarzio, Dean Markley, and others I've owned. The Seymour Duncans come close and are better bang for the buck, but it really depends on the guitar and intended use.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 May 09 - 07:55 AM

Alex - I PM'd you yesterday.

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: GUEST,Phil Beer
Date: 27 May 09 - 11:56 AM

Alex
Message me through the www.showofhands.co.uk. I have a couple of these pick ups somewhere at the bottom of a flightcase. I like them but they are unfortunately unusable in theatres as they are very prone to interference from lighting dimmer racks. I have no option but to use the humbucker version. If I can locate them you can have one. Just make a small donation to the Pegasus, Island trust.

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: GUEST,Johnmc
Date: 27 May 09 - 01:32 PM

I have a magnetic pick up and a gadget called GIG PRO which has enhanced it a lot.

Subject: RE: fishman rare earth single coil
From: alex s
Date: 28 May 09 - 07:35 AM

Many thanks to everyone for their contributions.