Originally available only in a 6-string version, requests quickly came in for 7- and 8-string models. This was due to the Fluence pickup’s ability to maintain its original sound irrespective of coil size.
Like all Fluence pickups, the new Modern Humbucker 8-String pickups have two voices. The Alnico version offers a full, round and boosted sound with good articulation and dynamics in Voice 1, and then a crisp, clean and fluid tone in Voice 2. This combination makes the Modern Humbucker 8-String Alnico perfect for the bridge position. Voice 1 of the Ceramic 8-string model delivers the ideal active tone—crisp, searing, big yet tight. The modern passive attack of Voice 2 provides organic and high output for exceptional distortion. This model is ideal for the neck position.
The Fluence Modern HB 8-String Black Plastic with Alnico magnet poles and covered is $181.75 MSRP, while the 8-String Ceramic is $181.75 MSRP. You can buy both together as an 8-String set at $324.61 MSRP.
Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer who has worked on over 30 gold and platinum records. He has recorded and/or mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs and more. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS and a contributing editor for Mix Magazine. barryrudolph.com
