Many complain about the louder output of Taylor Expression System 2. If you have two AA batteries as seen in image 1b below, the TaylorSense battery box is not compatible with your Taylor guitar and cannot be installed. (I am not very knowledgable about guitars). 16 At first it seemed simple enough: there was no sound coming out of the output jack. Touching the end of the cable with your finger should make a loud hum noise. Next I moved on to checking the preamp, and noticed upon closer listening that there was actually output at the jack when I turned up the treble on the preamp I got a slight hiss coming through the amp, which revealed two things: that the jack was working, and that the preamp was most likely not the cause of the trouble. Our El Cajon, California and Amsterdam, the Netherlands Factory Service Center staff can help with any service, maintenance or repair questions concerning Taylor guitars. Groundbreaking as it was at its introduction, this model is considered obsolete and most replacement components are no longer available. In Image 1h above, the red LED light and the two white switches all appear in the middle of the right side of the board. never connect to an amplifier. In 2016, the original ES2 preamp was modified to reduce gain and adjust the EQ curve. This is because the pickup system uses strings to generate sound. I love my Taylor 314ce guitar and the Expression System pickups, but the Expression System pre-amp is a problem. This is a complete Taylor ES1 Expression System in 100% working condition. / ACTUAL PRICES ARE SET BY GLOBAL DEALERS. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to try first to check for a simple fix. The Taylor Guitars Expression System is a series of proprietary electronics designed from the ground up to maintain the unique sound and aesthetics of Taylor Guitars. I ordered the XLR cable for use in a PA which I should get this week. Click here to proceed to TaylorSense Installation Instructions - Version 2. 1.1 is unique in that it is the only version to have featured a AA battery box. Many of the parts mentioned in our blogs are available for purchase at GuitarRepairParts.com Enter the code "TechTalk10" at checkout for 10% off your first order. Hold the guitar with the neck away from you and look inside the soundhole as pictured in Image 1e below. And here, at the very first step, is where the problems started presenting themselves. Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care. Simply remove the battery from the bottom of your guitar as seen in image 1a. It almost feels like working on a computer instead of a guitar, which is certainly a unique challenge. You really dont want, A common problem that we deal with often is loose, Things that make you go Hmmm The Patented ES2 Pickup. This version of the expression system features and upgraded preamp from the ES1.2 and uses a single body sensor in conjunction with the fingerboard extension pickup. It might help? you should opt for humbucker coils as it reduces the sound, Make sure that the battery is fully charged and connected to the pickup, the tube is damaged and needs to be replaced, In case you need a deeper tone, opt for heavy strings, clean the strings with the special guitar string cleaners, turn up the volume to a maximum level on the guitar, put the amp at a medium gain, and lower the guitars volume gradually, to create treble and bass sounds, its recommended that you lower the pickup position, fix the pickup height according to the output you are expecting, let a professional handle the installation and keep the pickup clean. I discovered fairly early on that the pickup tone was very magnetic. But some probable problems are also undeniable. So, fix the pickup height according to the output you are expecting. We bevel frets to a 35 degre, You can buy all the fancy tools, but if you don, Every acoustic guitar will need a neck reset at so, Martin Guitars have an epidemic problem: the bindi, Benjamin has owned this flat black PRS for 10 year, Happy birthday, Benjamin! Y our new Taylor guitar features the Ta ylor Expression System (ES) a groundbreaking concept in acoustic guitar amplification (500 series and up). After consulting with Taylor, I learned that the pickups on the Expression System are wired in series, which means they kind of function like a string of Christmas lights: if one goes out, all of them go out. On the other hand, if there is nothing wrong with the wiring, it could be a demagnetization issue. plugging into the loudbox mini's 1/4" input with an unbalanced should not automatically. First, start with the basics. The second solution you need to follow is to replace the single coils as they cause a buzzing sound. Problems with Taylor electrics - Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum The ES is an all-magnetic acoustic guitar pickup system that works like a microphone to produce a pure signal and a warm, natural acoustic sound. However, heavy strings are not a good option for beginners out there since they are not easy not manipulate. Hey guys, in this video we fix a Taylor 320CE with the Expression System 1 with the AA Batteries. Instead, its recommended that you switch to a ceramic magnet. Surely, the pickup is advanced and promising with the best amplification possible, especially when it comes to acoustic guitars. I pulled the knobs off the preamp to reveal this: The preamp is attached to the inside of the guitar via these ferrules around the pots, which are attached to the preamp directly. `{$tM`A#G sjg7(z,x/IN2c32XYCwTV_f`vU_bi20Yk| IO} endstream endobj 103 0 obj 249 endobj 52 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 47 0 R /Resources 53 0 R /Contents [ 61 0 R 63 0 R 65 0 R 67 0 R 73 0 R 77 0 R 83 0 R 85 0 R ] /MediaBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /CropBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /Rotate 0 >> endobj 53 0 obj << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text /ImageB ] /Font << /F1 55 0 R /F2 68 0 R /F3 70 0 R /F4 75 0 R /F5 81 0 R /F6 80 0 R >> /XObject << /Im1 96 0 R /Im2 97 0 R /Im3 98 0 R /Im4 99 0 R >> /ExtGState << /GS1 100 0 R /GS2 101 0 R >> /ColorSpace << /Cs6 57 0 R /Cs8 54 0 R /Cs9 59 0 R /Cs10 58 0 R >> >> endobj 54 0 obj [ /Separation /PANTONE#20195#20CVU 57 0 R 92 0 R ] endobj 55 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /FirstChar 32 /LastChar 170 /Widths [ 250 222 333 500 500 833 574 222 333 333 407 600 250 333 250 278 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 250 250 600 600 600 352 800 648 519 722 759 537 463 759 815 296 315 704 537 889 778 833 537 833 593 519 648 778 704 1000 630 630 667 333 278 333 600 500 259 426 519 444 519 444 296 500 537 259 259 481 259 759 519 519 519 519 333 352 315 481 463 685 463 500 463 333 222 333 600 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 500 0 0 0 0 0 800 990 ] /Encoding /MacRomanEncoding /BaseFont /BPJIFM+Weiss /FontDescriptor 56 0 R >> endobj 56 0 obj << /Type /FontDescriptor /Ascent 737 /CapHeight 706 /Descent -205 /Flags 34 /FontBBox [ -167 -214 1000 922 ] /FontName /BPJIFM+Weiss /ItalicAngle 0 /StemV 70 /XHeight 407 /StemH 70 /CharSet (/T/A/Y/L/O/R/space/G/U/I/S/E/C/H/slash/P/one/F/two/n/d/e/r/s/t/a/i/g/h/y\ /l/o/x/p/m/trademark/c/u) /FontFile3 87 0 R >> endobj 57 0 obj [ /ICCBased 95 0 R ] endobj 58 0 obj [ /Separation /PANTONE#20131#20CVU 57 0 R 91 0 R ] endobj 59 0 obj [ /Separation /PANTONE#201815#20CVU 57 0 R 90 0 R ] endobj 60 0 obj 3229 endobj 61 0 obj << /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 60 0 R >> stream 50 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 52 /H [ 1521 365 ] /L 149402 /E 76839 /N 2 /T 148284 >> endobj xref 50 54 0000000016 00000 n 0000001428 00000 n 0000001886 00000 n 0000002093 00000 n 0000002405 00000 n 0000002474 00000 n 0000003135 00000 n 0000003477 00000 n 0000003516 00000 n 0000003585 00000 n 0000003655 00000 n 0000003677 00000 n 0000006984 00000 n 0000007006 00000 n 0000010085 00000 n 0000010107 00000 n 0000012952 00000 n 0000012974 00000 n 0000015889 00000 n 0000016689 00000 n 0000017191 00000 n 0000017736 00000 n 0000018051 00000 n 0000018073 00000 n 0000020994 00000 n 0000021391 00000 n 0000021947 00000 n 0000021969 00000 n 0000025425 00000 n 0000025810 00000 n 0000026098 00000 n 0000026378 00000 n 0000026932 00000 n 0000026954 00000 n 0000030374 00000 n 0000030396 00000 n 0000033868 00000 n 0000040607 00000 n 0000044803 00000 n 0000048332 00000 n 0000052446 00000 n 0000053387 00000 n 0000054212 00000 n 0000055042 00000 n 0000060447 00000 n 0000061984 00000 n 0000064661 00000 n 0000066927 00000 n 0000070116 00000 n 0000074064 00000 n 0000076531 00000 n 0000076610 00000 n 0000001521 00000 n 0000001864 00000 n trailer << /Size 104 /Info 48 0 R /Root 51 0 R /Prev 148274 /ID[] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 51 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 47 0 R /Metadata 49 0 R /PageLabels 46 0 R >> endobj 102 0 obj << /S 116 /L 269 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 103 0 R >> stream The heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylors patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Below are photos of different preamps. You rock! Actually, I got new information from this thread so I didn't regard it as beating a dead horseIt just reinforces my preference that if I ever get my dream LKSM-12 it will probably get a B-band pickup with soundhole control not the ES. I read somewhere that early versions of Taylor's expression system had some problems - I think it was introduced in 2004. I traded in a 4 month old Takamine GD93CE for this guitar, ($550.) If the sound output from the pickup has reduced, you must inspect for phase cancellation. Login with username, password and session length. When pushed in, only 1 pick up work, the neck pick up. For your acknowledgment, there are strings available in different categories like heavy, medium, and light. However, before you perform these steps, try putting a piece of foam under the pickup and see if it resolves the squealing issue. sound has become dull Terms / Privacy Policy / 2021 Taylor-Listug, Inc. Identifying Your Expression System Pickup, If Image 1g matches your guitar, you have an Expression System 1 (ES1) pickup and can now. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More. I later purchased a GS Mini with the same pickup system, and a good friend bought the same full-sized Taylor (214CE Deluxe) that I have. Last but not least, look for a short circuit in the electric components of the guitar its better to hire an electrician if you dont have experience in checking the electrical components. Complete system replacement components are not available to the public and the service must be performed by an. If so, you have an Expression System 2 pickup (ES2). It's purpose is to eliminate low level feedback/hum when playing into a PA or amp, which I will almost guarantee is the quack you are hearing. So, always ensure full charge in the pickup battery. I own a 2005 Taylor that had the ES.1 system in it. Do you have a nylon-string Taylor guitar as seen in image 1c below? Fair enough but at the same time a awful lot of people buy a Taylor and then the same day run a search that brings up this forum as the ex-Taylor forum in order to fix the problems that this cutting edge system introduces them to. Again, the replacement comes with versatile features. If your guitar is making the incorrect sound when you connect Expression System 2, the strings should be inspected. Always make sure your amp is working and the cables are in good working condition. If yours looks like this, you have an Expression System 1 (ES1) pickup. I recently had the expression system electronics replaced as they were giving me problems (which were fortunately covered under warranty). Grrr. General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion. I upgrade my Taylor Expression It represents a departure from other versions in that it utilizes an under saddle piezo pickup.It can be positively identified by removing the instruments strings and saddleto confirmthe pickup underneath. Its important to add pickup leverage magnets for detecting the frequency. If it does have the ES1.1 (3 volt), you could consider having Taylor install a ES2 upgrade to it, I think they charge ~ $200. . You can check for demagnetization by tapping the poles with the help of a screwdriver to determine if there is magnetic resistance. Beautiful guitar until you plug it in. You're probably fine if it has a 9 volt battery. Important: Don't mix new and old batteries together. In case you need a deeper tone, opt for heavy strings because pickups will be able to capture the sound waves and string vibrations. Guitar Repair Long Island is the areas premier destination for fretted musical instrument care and maintenance. Copyright 2012-2022 TAYLOR-LISTUG, INC. All Rights Reserved Turns out r, Gary Brawer in the house! Since its introduction in 2003, the Expression System has gone through a few iterations as Taylor constantly searches to improve upon the state of the art. Thus, unless you own a Taylor guitar do not think of getting its Expression System 2 pickup. Poor Sound from Taylor ES2? | The Gear Page Thats because if the pickups are installed too high, the magnetic field of a pickup will create unwanted tones. Taylor Guitars' Expression System 2 (ES2) is the latest of Taylor's ongoing innovations in acoustic guitar amplification to bear the Expression System name. Hi, just purchased a brand new Taylor 214ce Deluxe, it plays great. Hey, you win some, you lose some. I pulled the pickups off the pre one by one and checked them with an ohm meter, and discovered that one of the pickups was completely dead. If the pickup is producing louder sound or music, there are chances that you have connected the pickup too close to the strings. Contact uswith any questions orbook your appointmenttoday. The pickup system works fine, you just have to be aware of some of the limitations noted above. Gary is one of the OG gu, PSA: Check your batteries! Image 1e- Hold the guitar with the neck away from you and look inside the soundhole. All three guitars have the same issue. At first it seemed simple enough: there was no sound coming out of the output jack. It works fine but you have to tweak it quite a bit to get rid of the dreaded piezo quack to which it's prone. The redesigned AA battery box uses a molex signal cable for compatibility with the redesigned preamp, while maintaining the same outward appearance as the original. That's pretty funny. In addition, lowering the pickups will help dilute the excessively heavy sound. Both of the retrofit options listed below are modified versions of later systems that have been adapted to fit the existing AA battery box body rout. Maybe playing really loud through a PA it may have had an impact. Taylor Expression System replacement. Complete system replacement components are not available to the public and the service must be performed by anauthorized service center. In addition, the cleaners help lubricate the fretboard, promising easier use of the guitar. Though it also lacks the bite bit of the original one, Taylor ES2 can make a consistent sound. Our very own wizard of w, Output Jack Repair on a Gibson Thunderbird, Fixing a Broken Headstock with Splines and a Backstrap Overlay, Removing and Replacing a Broken Truss Rod. Make sure that the battery is fully charged and connected to the pickup. The buzzing sound has become a common occurrence for this pickup system but it increases beyond the acceptable level if you play higher notes on the guitar. Vacation is over, and its time to get back to work. The ES Blue was a short lived lite version of the expression system. You probably just have some grounding issues that should be solvable. For controlling the gain, you need to turn up the volume to a maximum level on the guitar, put the amp at a medium gain, and lower the guitars volume gradually for leveling out the output. the guitar's electronics went through some significant changes but as far as I know all new guitars are fitted with the Expression System II I've only read about problems with the 9 volt battery size, which can differ from manufaturer to manufacturer. Hb``e``"b,/oa`z+`2vi#?vWq-i e'xPn @R56bO/ 8\X00:0`a` If yours looks like this, you have an Expression System 1 (ES1) pickup. Taylor 814ce Expression problems. Suggestions? - Ultimate Guitar Step 1: Confirm you currently have a 9V battery box system. Location: Not where I thought I was going, but probably where I need to be. Click here to proceed to TaylorSense Installation Instructions - Version 1. It is done to loosen the sensor pressure. thanks. May Weve seen a lot of methods for amplifying a res, Our buddy Michael always has some odd ideas for hi, Benjamin sucks! Another thing you need to check is the pickups height. The patented Taylor design uses a breakthrough behind-the-saddle placement of piezo sensors to capture more of a guitar's natural, dynamic properties. The Taylor guitars are one of the best in the market and they recently launched Expression System 2. Required fields are marked *. to proceed to TaylorSense Installation Instructions - Version 2. If the light doesn't come on, chances are you have a dead battery or the battery is installed backwards. In addition, it must be properly grounded. The original Taylor Expression System used a pair of AA batteries. Theres no way to disassemble this, nor is there a really good way to test it, so I had to abandon that idea for the time being. Image 1a- Remove the battery from the bottom of your guitar. The best thing about stainless steel strings is that they are resistant to rust and corrosion, promising maximum lifespan. This includes Taylor guitars that were factory equipped with systems ES1.1, ES1.2, ES1.3, or ES-T.We are the only shop in the tri-state area authorized to perform the upgrade in house. Another epoxy job complete! I was lucky to get this one off without tearing it: Once the neck was off, I discovered that one of the pickup magnets had come unglued and was stuck in the neck. You can find your nearest service center by visiting Taylor Guitars website. For identification without removing the strings, after assuring that there are no pickups mounted behind the saddle, indicating Taylors ES2, users will notice a preamp with an 1/8 jack and a phase switch protruding off of the back side. Recently purchased a Taylor 714ce 30th ltd edition. This preamp is most easily identified by peering through the sound hole to observe 2 switches on the preamp that allow for independent control of . The main formula is Taylors signature behind-the-saddle pickup. A dead battery surely will not allow the pickup to work. Therefore, the Taylor pickup has to have a full charge in its battery. The job requires significant modification to the instruments end-block that must be done with the aid of custom jigs; Taylor does not authorize outside service centers to perform this task. Is the amp/cable working with other guitars? The ES is not a bad system (it just was not for me). The above photo indicates how far you should expect to turn. Could anyone tell me what i should be looking for? Answer: First, plug the guitar in and turn up the volume. Older version of the Expression System take 2 AA batteries. I love my Taylor 414CE but I'm not in love at all with the Expression System. Taylor Guitars, 1980 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, CA 92020. If I pull out slighting, it will contact with both pickups, each pick up will work great separately, but when play them together you get that quack out of phase sound. It is almost like an "out of phase" tone. FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS $39.95+ FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE CONTIGUOUS US. On my first day back I fixed up a non-functional Taylor Expression System. This is another common issue for Taylor ES2 pickup specifically when you intend to play higher notes. The ESB is the current expression system lite offering. If you have a 9V battery inside, proceed to Step 2 below. For having proper control, the knobs create bumps while rotating back and forth. Also, if the strings are old, rusty, and corrosive then they will create a dull sound. This is a complete Taylor ES1 Expression System in 100% working condition. Not that you cannot install the pickup on guitars other than Taylor ones but it changes the tunes remarkably. You can also lower the pickup to make the heavy sound diluted. We will be happy to help you. I have a Taylor 910 CE from 2005. In such cases, stainless steel strings are the best deal. Simply remove the battery from the bottom of your guitar as seen in image 1a. It features a magnetic pickup/dummy coil mounted underneath the guitars fingerboard extension and two body sensor pickups located on the underside of the instruments top. I even purchased the TRS to XLR cable, didn't make a difference either, though my amp or a PA. Author Topic: Problems with Taylor electrics (Read 7077 times) Wikky. However, this problem takes place when the grounding wire of the guitar is not connected properly. Sharing the knowledge that we accumulate in this focused pursuit is at the core of what we do. Issues with Taylor ES1 pick up system? - The Acoustic Guitar Forum Fix Taylor Expression System buzzing Sound, Marshall DSL40C Vs DSL40CR Amp [Difference & Which is Better], Mesa Boogie Vs Marshall [Difference & Which Amp is Better], Victory v30 Vs v40 Amp [Difference & Which is Better], Mesa Boogie Vs Fender Amps [Difference & Which is Better], Tonewood Amp Vs Transacoustic [Difference & Which is Better], Marshall JCM 800 Vs 900 [Difference & Which is Better Performing], Fender Champion 100 Vs Boss Katana 100 [Difference]. The output jack is housed in a big plastic box that also functions as the battery compartment, and connects to the preamp with a ethernet plug. Can anyone help me? Flip the switch. Again, strings of nickel-plated steel are also a great option. Taylor Guitars Expression System 2 Upgrade - Guitar Repair After a great deal of fiddling and some cursing, I figured out a way to loosen the ferrules and remove the pre. Also, you have to ensure the battery is connected to the pickup. and the Takamine sounded better amplified through my Acoustic Amp and the PA. If you desire to produce deep sound but the pickup is making shrill or thin sounds, then be sure that there are problems in the strings. Acoustic vs Electric Guitars: Beginner Advice. I think that post needs to go in the FAQ section under a heading "Expression System". If the light doesn't come on, chances are you have a dead battery or the battery is installed backwards. Well, it wasnt that simple. No Sound When Plugging In | Taylor Guitars Taylor 320CE Expression System 1 w/AA Batteries Gets Fixed!! However, some guitarists complained that the original ES sounds more metallic rather than an acoustic guitar. It's possible to install it on other guitars but it can negatively impact the tunes, and in some cases, it doesn't fit in properly. The second iteration of Taylor's Expression system was used from 2007-2009. Electric guitars have exposed pickups that are easily adjustable. Owning a Taylor ES2 pickup, you may find yourself asking why your pickup is not working. The ES2, ES-T and ES-N have a small phase switch right near the battery light. I am a bassist, guitar tech, and founder of Strange Guitarworks. Permanent link to this article: https://www.strangeguitarworks.com/fixing-a-taylor-expression-system/, https://www.strangeguitarworks.com/fixing-a-taylor-expression-system/. If you have two AA batteries as seen in image 1b below, the TaylorSense battery box is . Still sounded "quacky" to me, but people told me it sounded good. In the majority of cases, the wiring on the pickup is installed in a backward position, which causes the issue. When you plug in, you'll hear the sound of your guitar, not the sound of . The system includes all cables plus: Active Preamp with Volume, Bass and Treble Controls. Both of the retrofit options listed below are modified versions of later systems that have been adapted to fit the existing AA battery box body rout. Taylor Expression System battery compartment in the position to remove the battery. Compatibility. This happens when you have turned up the gain on the amp. The 214ce Deluxe sounds great acoustically and plays great, but when I plug it in to my Fishman Loud box Mini, it has a "Quack Type" sound to it. Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories, to my ear, the ES1 in the 200DLX models has more of a magnetic electric overtone, https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-jessica-malone-music-project#/, http://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/2449-ES2-Tech-Sheet-2014.pdf, with more frivolous trivia than most infomercials. The original expression system uses 2 AA batteries. Do you see three Allen screws between the saddle and the bridge pins, as pictured in image 1d below? Secondly, if necessary, you may have to calibrate your Taylor ES2. Fortunately, Taylor opts to build its guitars with bolt on neck, with the bolts hidden by a conveniently placed sticker on the neck block inside the guitar. If you want to create treble and bass sounds, its recommended that you lower the pickup position. So, ensuring the correct string will promise the best signals. Thus, before you add a Taylor ES2 to your cart, you should be acknowledged for its share of problems as well. If youve gotten this far and do not know which pickup system you have, please call Taylor Guitars Customer Service at 1-800-943-6782. Controlling the gain is important as it helps ensure that the sound is in sync with the pickups. If you do not have an ES-T pickup, please continue below. Active Preamp with Volume, Bass and Treble Controls, Google "Taylor Expression System User Guide", or look for images.miretail.com/LMS/Content/0/3/0338F865-E9F6-4128-8B97-8DB5457315F8.pdf, Google "Understanding The Taylor Expression System", vialab.org/MEL/EquipmentManuals/TaylorExpressionSystem.pdf. In case you have a similar issue, you need to calibrate the pickup. They are suitable for producing warm sounds. A cheaper guitar like Cort with Fishman Prefix (blender) sounds worse, of course, but it doesn't have this annoying buzz. The problems include buzzing sound, squealing, louder output, amp issues, compatibility, tone issues, and others. Reach into the soundhole and flip the switch to one end or the other and try again. On the other hand, if you want a warm tone, you can opt for nickel-plated steel guitar strings. Its drop-in feature also includes an onboard microphone. It utilized the same magnetic fingerboard extension pickup as the regular system, but lacked the body sensor or external controls found on the full system. If the pickup has stopped working altogether, you have to check the battery. Ensuring minimal damage, the stainless steel strings offer strength for higher tensile. And remember to get all your ES problems resolved before the end of your one year warranty period. Please select the pickup that is in your guitar to proceed: Customer Service: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (PST) / Taylorsense Support. Nine time out of ten the output jack itself is the culprit, which is usually very easy to diagnose.