My '04 L7 has the old ES with AA batteries. I the sensors and board replaced a couple years back because one of the sensors went out and the local Taylor authorized service guys replaced it with a new system of the same setup. Honestly, not sure I like it as I've been wanting to upgrade to the 9V system for a while. Battery life seems ok but I really wish I had a way to monitor battery strength other than just by ear. There have been a couple times right before going on in a service or function that I've had to change batteries because the sound was lacking. My Martin OMC has a Fishman system with a battery monitor on it so I always know. With the ES, I don't have that. I play primarily at church as a worship leader in which I am running through a Fender Acoustasonic with a line out to the snake.
IMHO, you would do well to upgrade to the latest 2010 version. I had the AA ES and it was ok, but required lots of EQ just to get it to sound "ok" (for my tastes). The first 9v system is far better, and "livable" for me with some judicious EQing. But the current version is better still, with significantly more natural sounding mids and highs. Go straight into the board/snake and you're good to go. I still use a Baggs Venue, but that's just me as I like a mute and tuner on hand. But if you decide to keep your AA version, I'd personally try a good preamp (yes, I like the Venue, as well as the PADI which I had used for years) ...it will shape your tone much better than the Fender, IMHO. And even if you upgrade to the ES later, it's still useful.
Edward
Much thanks for your input Edward. I've wondered a lot about just using a DI instead of running through my amp. While I use the amp as a monitor, having just a DI would great improve mobility when I play out and about.
Has anyone ever sent their guitar back to Taylor for an electronics upgrade? I know they offer it in the service packages. Any input about how long it takes and the value?
Hey Chad,
A couple of things: your guitar can go into your DI (like the Baggs PADI or Venue) which will then go to the snake/board via balanced XLR nice and clean; but there is also a 1/4" out should you also want to use your Fender as a stage monitor. At least this way, you are utilizing the
much better preamp to shape your tone (and your FOH guy will likely be happier
), and the Fender is simply there for your personal monitor.
As for sending your guitar to Taylor, I personally wouldn't do it (unless maybe you were already taking it there for other reasons). When I was considering it a couple o years ago, the factory wanted around $X to do the upgrade (actually, someone just recently told me it is now $X, but I did not personally confirm that); add in shipping/insurance costs which is a pretty penny, not to mention the mental anguish as it travels on big brown, and you're in pretty deep.
What I did (
twice, that's how much I prefer the newest ES) was buy the whole system which consists of the preamp and body-sensor harness for around $X (you'll need to add in the cost of a 9v battery box at around $X, IIRC), and get one of their factory-authorized techs that is local to you to do the job. No one can be more expensive than SoCal, and it cost me around $X labor ...likely even less if you don't live in the peoples republic of california.
Like I had mentioned, you may be satisfied with going to a good preamp to dial out the mids inherent to the 3v system: it's not undo-able and can get you satisfactory results. But eq'd at its best, the 3v still has a "metallic" timbre that no parametric notching can completely alleviate; at least to my ears. If you can swing it, the newest ES is the ticket to go, IMHO.
Edward
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