114e low output?

[Strumming Fool]

Wow that's a pretty strong statement - and it doesn't make sense. How does a company with the great reputation Taylor has (according to the general consensus) achieve it through lies and deceit? Most guitar makers like Taylor and Martin develop proprietary tools for both construction and repair of their guitars (I have seen it firsthand)  so why would their claim be unbelievable? While I haven't always seen eye to eye with Taylor on their policies, I do recognize that they have always been a reputable company - that's the reputation I have come to know and expect since 1997 with my first Taylor experience.  But I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion as long as it is solidly based on facts....

[Minnesotaman]

I think you misunderstood, that was sarcasm to the previous post.

[Strumming Fool]

Sorry, I guess I missed the nuance of your post.

[crgoddard]

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).

Interesting. I found myself in a similar position. The output on my 2016 Taylor 814ce was much hotter than on the 2017 514ce. When I checked the preamps they were different (es2.0 rev D = 2016 vs es-T rev H = 2017). I liked the newer version preamp better so far. Until the es2 preamp is switched out I am reserving making a final conclusion which I like best.

Taylor has been great about it. The newer preamp is on the way and a tech will switch in out once received.

I mostly strum which may account for my preference. Taylor rep mentioned the older es2 pre-amp was designed with more gain AND more midrange.

[Minnesotaman]

Sorry, I guess I missed the nuance of your post.

No worries. People misunderstand me all the time,. lol

[Craig]

You do need a special tool to remove the bushes that mount the pots, that doesn't mean you can't make one by filing a notch in a coin though!

Craig 

[acme97]

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?

I got your jest, pretty much.

In the first of two calls to them, it was mentioned quickly, in passing, perhaps I could "do it myself."  In the second call a "special tool" came up.  I have several LR Baggs systems in other guitars and can/have been able to work/swap some things on my own.  Looking at the bushes in question, I see the point.

[mgap]

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?

I bet that Taylor would rather have a pro do the work rather than a person that they don't know if they are capable of doing anything, after all, they don't know you. 
Plus maybe just maybe there is a tool you will need to make the job go right is involved.  But as far as the "Taylor has built their reputation on lies and deceit"  comment I think is so way off base.  The customer care department is nothing short of top shelf service.   

[acme97]

Yes, they said they would get the part out quick to help shorten the down time for that instrument, so I was grateful for that.

Unrelated, but I also got excellent customer service from LR Baggs when addressing an issue with an Anthem pickup.  A shout-out for them as well.