The ES2 system latest version has anyone upgraded to it

[Scottp]

Hello!

I have a 2011 614ce which I believe has the version 1 ES2 system.
I am wondering if anyone has upgraded to the latest ES2 system and if they are happy with the results? Going from ES2 v1 to ES2 v2.

Also does anyone know what the latest version of the ES2 system is?

Thanks so much!

[Guitars44me]

Pretty sure your axe has the ES1.3, or maybe the ES1.2. I think the ES2 came out in 2014 and was standard throughout the lineup by 2015.  Lots of info on the AGF:  https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=344779



Heck, Call Taylor support and ask. Easy peasy....

I like the ES2 version 2 better than the ES2 version 1.  I have swapped two.  I still like the ES1.3 better for what I do.
But I still prefer a K&K mini in everything.  I dislike having a bunch of electronics and wires and a battery in my guitars.  But if I was onstage in a band it might be worth it!

Since I play solo acoustic and usually completely unamplified I prefer the simple approach.

We all have different needs, but music works for us all

Cheers

Paul

[Earl]

Scott, I have owned the barn door Fishman, the ES1.1 (two AA batteries), plus ES1.2 and ES1.3 (both with 9V battery).  The ES1.3 system was my favorite, but I had no real objection to the barn door systems either.  They worked well enough and kept the controls right there handy. 

I have never owned an ES2 equipped guitar - it is a major obstacle preventing me from buying another new Taylor, candidly.  And I would never let them convert one of my guitars to ES2.  While the principle behind sensing vibration on the side of the saddle instead of underneath it is understandable, I disapprove of the exposed holes in the bridge no matter how well camouflaged.  There are less invasive ways to get better sound without permanent mods to the outside of the guitar.  Just my opinion, but you asked.

My understanding of ES2 v1 versus ES2 v2 is that they finally worked out some of the bugs (pre-amp boards, etc) that maybe never should have been released in the first place.  When discussing ES2 I can't help but use the phrase, "not ready for prime time".  YMMV.

[Guitars44me]

I agree with Earl completely. Over the decades I have owned Taylors with every pup system they offered.  Fishmans, Baggs under Saddle, all three of the ES1s and lately both versions of the ES2

Again my fave of all was the ES1.3.  Even Taylor's literature says it is the closest to a good condenser mic.  And I believe it can still be special ordered.

What are you plugging in to???

Remember, no pup will really sound just like the instrument it is in!  Sigh...

I would do some serious experiments with amps, cables and preamps before altering your instrument.

Best on this

Paul

[Frettingflyer]

A call to Taylor to verify would be in order, but, I agree with the ES1.3 being best and I upgraded my 1.1 to a 1.3 on my 314ce. If you already have 2.1 than maybe 2.2 could help.
Good luck.

[Strumming Fool]

I'm pretty sure that your 2011 Taylor has the ES1.3 pickup, which IMO, is the best version that Taylor has had to offer. Are you having problems with your current system?

[Edward]

Wait a minute ...I think this thread got a bit derailed with talk of the ES1 version this or that.

Scott, the OP, has an ES2-equipped guitar. 
Scott, can you confirm that your pickup is the ES2 ...ya got three small Allen heads behind your saddle, right?

The original post was ES2 orig vs the later preamp, which I think was fitted as standard in 2016 or so.  This update --which they made no public mention of if I recall-- was because the first ES2 guitars had pronounced bass that was a challenge to dial out ...man, seriously tubby tone!  While I don't know for a fact this was the factory's rationale, I know for a fact this was my biggest issue with the ES2, and many others as well.  Those with post 2016 Taylors seem to be pleased with the ES2, so who knows, maybe the revoiced preamp was the fix.  Likewise, I recall some who have had ES2 issues have their preamps replaced by the factory with the updated versions.

Edward

[Strumming Fool]

The first ES2 came out in 2013. A 2011 614ce would have had an ES1.3 system.

[Edward]

Hey SF,
Well that's good to know! ...perfect then

Hey Scott,
You have the ES1, third iteration which all we geeks call the 1.3 and it came out in 2010.  Just confirm that you do not have three hex heads behind your saddle.  FWIW, along with the others here, I have long since decided and proclaimed that the ES1.3 is of the best-sounding pickup systems for a band setting:
- it is not a piezo system so doesn't suffer from piezo quack so immediately sounds better than most
- the 1.3 preamp is voiced very well and precious little eq is needed for a good acoustic guitar tone in a PA
- it has the best gain-before-feedback short of a sound-hole mag pickup; priceless in a full band or loud stage setting
- and has a lo-z output capability: use a TRS cable and you get a 6db boost and a balanced output for a console or PA, as well as straight into an audio interface.  This is a genuinely pro-level feature rarely found in any pickup system.

There are those who like the ES2, to be sure.  I own both and pick the ES1.3 any day, any time, no question.  I still can gig with my ES2 and get decent tone, though with more dramatic EQing required to get me there.  The ES1.3 is closer to what an acoustic sounds like out of the gate, and thus easier to get it to sound like a good acoustic guitar through a PA.  What is the specific problem you are experiencing with your guitar when you plug in?

Edward

[Scottp]

Wait a minute ...I think this thread got a bit derailed with talk of the ES1 version this or that.

Scott, the OP, has an ES2-equipped guitar. 
Scott, can you confirm that your pickup is the ES2 ...ya got three small Allen heads behind your saddle, right?

The original post was ES2 orig vs the later preamp, which I think was fitted as standard in 2016 or so.  This update --which they made no public mention of if I recall-- was because the first ES2 guitars had pronounced bass that was a challenge to dial out ...man, seriously tubby tone!  While I don't know for a fact this was the factory's rationale, I know for a fact this was my biggest issue with the ES2, and many others as well.  Those with post 2016 Taylors seem to be pleased with the ES2, so who knows, maybe the revoiced preamp was the fix.  Likewise, I recall some who have had ES2 issues have their preamps replaced by the factory with the updated versions.

Edward

Yes, so many other comments not about what I am asking.  My guitar has the ES2 system. That is the system in question.

My guitar is a 2011 614ce Spruce/Maple.

Thanks for all the input though! 

[Scottp]

Hey SF,
Well that's good to know! ...perfect then

Hey Scott,
You have the ES1, third iteration which all we geeks call the 1.3 and it came out in 2010.  Just confirm that you do not have three hex heads behind your saddle.  FWIW, along with the others here, I have long since decided and proclaimed that the ES1.3 is of the best-sounding pickup systems for a band setting:
- it is not a piezo system so doesn't suffer from piezo quack so immediately sounds better than most
- the 1.3 preamp is voiced very well and precious little eq is needed for a good acoustic guitar tone in a PA
- it has the best gain-before-feedback short of a sound-hole mag pickup; priceless in a full band or loud stage setting
- and has a lo-z output capability: use a TRS cable and you get a 6db boost and a balanced output for a console or PA, as well as straight into an audio interface.  This is a genuinely pro-level feature rarely found in any pickup system.

There are those who like the ES2, to be sure.  I own both and pick the ES1.3 any day, any time, no question.  I still can gig with my ES2 and get decent tone, though with more dramatic EQing required to get me there.  The ES1.3 is closer to what an acoustic sounds like out of the gate, and thus easier to get it to sound like a good acoustic guitar through a PA.  What is the specific problem you are experiencing with your guitar when you plug in?

Edward

My 2011 614ce has the 3 allen adjustment screws on the saddle mount.

[Scottp]

Here is a bit more I found from the Taylor site.

https://www.taylorguitars.com/support/electronics/taylor-expression-system-2

My guitar does have the ES2 system.

I heard there was a preamp change. Is anyone familiar with the V2 preamp for the ES2 system?

Thank you all!

[Scottp]

More information from Taylor...

The ES2 electronics is the current system we're using. The only change we've done is a change in the preamp settings that has a lower gain and lower mid settings to have it less sensitive and quieter and give out a different tone than the original ES2. That was as of October 2016.

"you can purchase the current preamp, which is part # 84201 and costs $90 plus shipping"

This is the basis of my original question.

Has anyone upgraded the ES2 preamp to the latest version?

Thanks.

[Edward]

Glad you got that part cleared up, Scott.

So may I ask then, what specifically is it you're not liking about your ES2?  Is the system working fine but you're not satisfied with the tone, or are you experiencing something genuinely wrong with it when you plug in?

Edward

[Guitars44me]

Clarify, please

Your axe must have been "upgraded" to whatever was the current system if you do have the ES2.

So, You do have the three tiny hex set screws touching the back of the saddle?  That will be an ES2.

If you don't have the set screws you have an ES1

It would be good if we are all singing from the same proverbial page in the hymnal

This is interesting...

Paul