Fishman Rare Earth Mic Blend

I had this pickup on my 'wish list' for a long time before ordering it. I waited under the assumption 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. This pickup is replacing a similar pickup (a microphone combined with a single coil), and this is so much better.

I usually take care of new purchases with the idea that if it's not exactly what I want, I'll send it back. But this one I knew was a keeper straight away.

I was already used to having a pickup wired in stereo, so I was perfectly setup to test everything out. What is also really great is that it ALSO works with a MONO jack, which is so much more flexible!

It will be a while before I'm able to test this onstage, but the main reason I got it now is because my previous pickup system was getting some humming - fine for most gigging situations, but really annoying for the live streams that I'm doing at the moment. This is a great system for a 'proper' live show, as the hum bucking pickup can be sent to the monitor, and the hum bucker combined with the microphone can be sent to front of house, so there's very little chance of feedback, even at high volume! With my previous pickup, I could play in a full band with no issues. Can't wait to go onstage again!

In summary, it sounds great, and the volume can go really high without unwanted noise or feedback.

My favorite system after many attempts. Solid performance, hot output- I installed it on my Martin 00018. Very easy to install with no need of a tech.
Even a tiny bit of mic signal blended in does make a difference (I typically use 30-40% and 70-60 magnetic), but I must say I was already a fan of the non-blend version. While being cardioid, the mic may pick loud external noises (e.g. loud wind instruments and the likes), as expected, but this is a non issue if you play solo gigs obviously, and if you play with others that minimal component is practically a non issue as well, because it is so quiet anyway with respect to that external source's own amplified signal.
For live/rehearsals use this is a fantastic tool.

I had my Ibanez Hummingbird refretted and set up by a professional. it has an amazing low action without any buzz. While inserting the Fishman REB was easy, didn't even have to loosen the strings, the pickup is relatively tall, and the only way to adjust the height a bit is by shaving some of the cork off. On my guitar the high E string touched the top of the pickup when fretted above the 10th fret. I don't think shaving off a bit of the cork would have solved it, it compresses when you tighten the screw anyway, so you don't have much to play with, less then 1 mm. Shame I had to send it back, otherwise looked like a solid product.