Fishman Preamp Systems: Instructions & Guides

Whether you're performing on stage, recording in the studio, or simply playing at home, having the right preamp system can make all the difference in how your acoustic guitar sounds and responds.

Fishman offers a range of high-quality preamps—like the Flex-T Mic Blend, Presys, INK series, and more—each designed to bring out the best in your instrument. From simple tone shaping to advanced mic blending and feedback control, these systems provide the tools you need for a clear, expressive, and professional sound. In this guide, we’ll break down the key features of each system to help you find the perfect fit for your playing style.

 

Fishman Flex-T Mic Blend Preamp System

The FLEX-T-MIC BLEND preamp is connected to a piezo pickup strip under the saddle of your guitar and also a condenser microphone in the body of the guitar. These signals are blended to create a premium amplified tone.

(1) (Volume) This is the master volume output control. When fully to the left, the volume is at its minimum; when fully to the right, it is at its maximum. 

(2) (PRESS-TUNER) Pushing the Volume knob inwards activates the tuner, muting the output. 

(3) (Tone) This innovative one-knob tone control allows you to choose between a natural, undersaddle sound with no EQ (flat) on up to a “Scooped” tone with emphasized treble and bass and reduced midrange. To make individual notes sound thicker and punchier, turn the Tone control to flat (full counter clockwise). Set the Tone control to the middle position for fingerpicking, when you need just a bit of midrange cut. Turn the Tone control all the way to the right (Full Clockwise) to add more depth and clarity to your sound, especially for hard strumming. 

(4) (PRESS - PHASE) Push the tone knob to reverse phase. Use this phase switch to improve bass response at low volume and suppress feedback at high volume. 

(5) (Blend) The Flex Blend system is equipped with a condenser microphone that delivers an additional level of sound quality and playing dynamics. Turn the blend knob clockwise to add the desired level of microphone signal to the undersaddle pickup. 

(6) (Hold-Tune) When the tuner is active (press the volume knob inwards), the display will indicate the note that is being tuned, and whether it is flat, sharp, or in tune, using a virtual needle that will move to the right and left. When in tune, the needle will be in the centre and the display will turn green.

 

 

Fishman PRESYS-VT PREAMP SYSTEM

The Presys VT preamp is connected to a piezo pickup strip under the saddle of your guitar It has traditional volume and tone control only.

(Right: VOLUME): For the cleanest noise-free sound, set the volume as high as possible without causing your amp or mixer to distort. 

(Left: TONE): Turning the Tone control counter-clockwise reduces the amount of treble in your sound.

 

HOW TO CHANGE THE BATTERY : FLEX-T-MIC BLEND & PRESYS VT PREAMP

(1) The PP3, 9-volt battery is stored in a bag inside the guitar, fixed to the underside of the guitar top. Loosen the strings, and carefully pull the bag away from the Velcro inside. 

(2) Open bag and replace battery, then 

(3) Replace bag inside guitar.

 

 

FISHMAN INK3 & INK BODY PREAMP SYSTEMS

The INK3 preamp is connected to a single piezo pickup strip under the saddle of your guitar. The INK BODY preamp is connected to a piezo pickup under the saddle, plus a sensor pickup mounted inside the guitar body, on the bridge plate.

(1) (volume) This is the master volume output control. When fully to the left, the volume is at its minimum; when fully to the right, it is at its maximum. 

(2), (3), (4) (bass, middle, treble) These dials allow you to boost or cut the level of low, mid or high frequency output 

(5) (battery low indicator) When the small light is illuminated, the battery is low and needs replacing. 

(6) (hold-tune) By pressing and holding the round screen, the tuner will activate. The output will mute while the tuner is in use. The tuner display will indicate the note that is being tuned, and whether it is flat, sharp, or in tune, using a virtual needle that will move to the right and left to indicate whether the note is flat or sharp or in tune. When in tune, the needle will be in the centre and the display will turn green.

*Applicable to INK BODY preamp only*:

(7) (notch) turn this dial to selectively reduce certain frequencies when feedback is experienced on stage. 

(8) (body) this dial controls the volume of body sensor sound that is included in the main output. A higher setting will deliver more tonal richness and guitar body noise into the mix. 

(9) (brilliance) This is a preset EQ boost to add extra high mid-range tones to the output signal. 

(10) (press-phase) By pressing the left hand side of the INK BODY tuner screen, the phase switch is activated. This will help combat onstage feedback. Use in conjunction with the (notch) control for more control.

 

 

PRESYS 1 / PRESYS 2 PREAMP SYSTEM

(1) (volume) This is the master volume output control. When fully to the left, the volume is at its minimum; when fully to the right, it is at its maximum. 

(2) (contour – Presys 1 only) By pressing the button you change the character of the sound, increasing the level of mid-range. 

(3) (bass – Presys 2 only) This allows you to boost or cut the level of low frequency output. 

(4) (treble – Presys 2 only) This allows you to boost or cut the level of high frequency output. 

(5) (phase) This button is designed to combat feedback on stage. If you experience feedback on stage, press the button and you will notice a helpful reduction. 

(6) (battery low indicator) When the light is illuminated, the battery is low and needs replacing soon. 

(7) (tuner) This button activates and deactivates the tuner. When the tuner is activated, the output from the preamp will be muted. When the tuner is deactivated, the output will unmute.

(8) (tuner display) The tuner visual display will indicate the note that is being tuned, and whether it is flat, sharp, or in tune, using coloured indicators to the left, right and top centre of the display.

How to use the tuner: NOTE: Guitars are tuned as follows: E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4 (the numbers indicating the octaves on a piano)

•Pluck one string on the guitar. Watch the name of the note that is indicated on the tuner screen.

•When you pluck the E string, and it registers as an E, the coloured indicator will flash either to the right (sharp) or left (flat) of the centre. If the note is too sharp, loosen the string a little. If it is too flat, tighten the string a little.

•Carefully increase or decrease the string tension until the coloured indicator shows stable in the centre of the display. Then the string is in tune.

•Do this for all strings, until the guitar is fully in tune.