Customer Reviews

Fishman Classic Series C-100 Cello Pickup

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I needed a quick fix for live performance with my cello and this pickup was very affordable. Well, you get what you pay for. It works, but just barely. I had to run my cello through an EQ pedal to boost the signal, which got me there, but the recreation of the sound was a little off. The bass generally didn't resonate very well and I tended to have an issue with hum (a ground loop @ 60Hz that had to be eq'd out). I've since bought a Shadow SH 955 Nanoflex Pickup and haven't looked back. The Fishman gets the job done, but expect to have to boost your signal A LOT to use it live. I'm told the preamp Fishman sells as an accessory will solve all the problems I had, but for the cost of both of them you can get a Shadow pickup or another one of the competitors.

I have owned one of these for several years. If you don't use suitable preamp of some kind then the sound will be unbalanced and more than likely thin, scratchy and nasal, particularly when bowing. These are popular pick-ups and for good reason, but you need to pay attention to the rest of the set-up. For more info on pre-amps read this:
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129 dollars!? PLEASE don't even consider buying this. It's a cheap piezo element hooked up to a 1/4 jack! You can do this yourself for $4 at a Radioshack! You'll save yourself 125 dollars minus a bit of gas money. Search around a little more for a cheaper pickup if you don't want to DIY, but don't spend $129 on $4 worth of materials!