114e low output?

[acme97]

Hi,

I am not knocked out by the output of the ES2 system on my new 114e relative to some other acoustics I use at gigs.  Seems like I have to turn it almost all the way up on the guitar to get a good output.  It does sound fine there, but wondering if anyone notices that same thing.

I use LR Baggs Anthems in the other two...I switch every now and then.

I put a brand new, quality Duracell 9V and I did check it was fully charged.  That's not the issue.

Just wondering, thanks!

[g.man]

Is the pressure against the saddle correct?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLzGXaaM1lc

[troystory92]

Through my buying process, I encountered one Taylor (214ce) that would not turn up as loud as the other Taylors. Idk why, but it struck me as odd. It played and sounded great acoustic but just lacked being plugged in.

I'd compared it to another Taylor with an ES2, could be a faulty ES2 which I'm sure Taylor would fix if your under warranty.

[Marco Polo]

Are you using a balanced cable?  I had the same experience.  My 2009 110e volume was fine.  When I bought my 816ce last year...no volume.  Changed from an unbalanced to a balanced cable and was good to go.

[acme97]

Why would I use a balanced 1/4" cable?  I don't recall ever hearing about that with these guitars.

I mean I have balanced 1/4" stuff and balanced 1/4" to XLR for recording since all inputs are balanced for that, so I certainly could.

I'm curious....thanks!

[Marco Polo]

Playing my 110e (ES 1.2?), I used an unbalanced cable for years and the volume was fine...nice and loud.

When I bought the used 816ce (ES 1.3) in early 2016, I tested the electronics before buying and it 'seemed' fine (I didn't crank it up).  When I took it home and plugged in...very low volume.  I was disappointed.

After some research, on a hunch, I bought a new balanced cable and that cured the volume issue on the 816ce.

Hopefully something as simple as this will resolve your volume output issue.  As you seem to already own the cables...it's worth a try.

[acme97]

That seems awful weird to me given what electronics we're dealing with...but will give it a shot.

Thanks!

[Craig]

The older ES systems could indeed use balanced cables but ES2 is definitely unbalanced.
There has been talk about different ES2 preamps with lower outputs though.

Craig

[acme97]

The older ES systems could indeed use balanced cables but ES2 is definitely unbalanced.
There has been talk about different ES2 preamps with lower outputs though.

Craig

That's disappointing.  "Different" ES2 preamps?  Doesn't the same ES2 go in every model?

[g.man]

The older ES systems could indeed use balanced cables but ES2 is definitely unbalanced.
There has been talk about different ES2 preamps with lower outputs though.

Craig

That's disappointing.  "Different" ES2 preamps?  Doesn't the same ES2 go in every model?

Since this is an ES2, you have to guess there was an ES1    All ES2's should be the same.

[acme97]

The older ES systems could indeed use balanced cables but ES2 is definitely unbalanced.
There has been talk about different ES2 preamps with lower outputs though.

Craig

That's disappointing.  "Different" ES2 preamps?  Doesn't the same ES2 go in every model?

Since this is an ES2, you have to guess there was an ES1    All ES2's should be the same.

Yeah I got that man. 

Not totally happy with the ES2, then.

[Craig]

The older ES systems could indeed use balanced cables but ES2 is definitely unbalanced.
There has been talk about different ES2 preamps with lower outputs though.

Craig

That's disappointing.  "Different" ES2 preamps?  Doesn't the same ES2 go in every model?

Since this is an ES2, you have to guess there was an ES1    All ES2's should be the same.

ES2's are easily identifiable by the hex screws behind the saddle but I can assure you that there are different versions of the preamp boards out there and some were indeed supposed to cure problems with feedback and too high output that some complained of.

I don't know what the latest revision is but my latest are rev D.

Craig

[acme97]

The older ES systems could indeed use balanced cables but ES2 is definitely unbalanced.
There has been talk about different ES2 preamps with lower outputs though.

Craig

That's disappointing.  "Different" ES2 preamps?  Doesn't the same ES2 go in every model?

Since this is an ES2, you have to guess there was an ES1    All ES2's should be the same.

ES2's are easily identifiable by the hex screws behind the saddle but I can assure you that there are different versions of the preamp boards out there and some were indeed supposed to cure problems with feedback and too high output that some complained of.

I don't know what the latest revision is but my latest are rev D.

Craig

Now THAT answers my question regarding the ES2 on my new guitar.  Thank you.

[acme97]

SO...in case anyone finds themselves in a similar situation...

There are indeed two versions of the ES2 preamp, a lower output version is what now comes standard the 114e (and others, I assume).

I called Taylor.  They're going to provide me, free of charge, the original higher gain preamp.  But I have to drive 45 minutes to a Taylor authorized for installation.  They said it takes a special tool to mount the unit.  I don't know if I believe that, but what can you do.  And, at this place, I'll lose the guitar for about a week and a half which I'm not thrilled about, either.

Since I really only fingerpick on this guitar I'd like the higher output.  I prefer to pad hot signals at the mixer input anyway.

Thanks for all the information.  If anyone's interested I'll let folks know how the switch back to the older, hotter preamp sounds.

[Minnesotaman]

Yeah, you don't need a stinking special tool. Why would you need that? Taylor has built their reputation on lies and deceit. why would they stop now?