Got my new (well used) Fishman Pro (600w) amp and it's great...though my ES system is totally not happening. Line level noise prevents me from turning the gain up on my amp. The sssssssssssssssssssssssss that comes out of the ES system is totally not gonna work.
Don't get me wrong....the guitar that I'm playing, an '09 414ce-LTD is a wonderful guitar. It's just a shame that electronics can make a great guitar sound super cheap.
So here's what I did...
1. tried the guitar straight into the amp...both channels...hiss
2. ran through my lr baggs venue di going 1/4 pin out...hiss
3. ran through lr baggs venue di going xlr out into xlr in...hiss
4. actually changed the ES preamp (same model)...hiss
This is how I determined it wasn't the amp...
1. unplugged everything and turned up gain and master volume...nothing (although reaching the max of the gain stage and volume produce some sound...but no hiss
2. plugged in a mic and cranked gain and volume...no hiss
3. called Taylor customer service...twice
The first time I called the rep was nice but only told me, "The ES has a noise floor and there's really nothing we can do about it." I asked whether the 2010 upgrade addressed these issues...he said "No."
I called customer service again and the next rep was much more giving of information. Again he mentioned the noise floor and suggested a new battery, etc. So I followed his instructions even to the point of trying out a completely different ES preamp.
I've seen numerous other posts on ES issues and I really want to like it, but alas it's development seems far from final. I guess I have a hard time believing that something both Taylor (renowed for their focus on great and consistent products) as well as Rupert Neve (a renowned developer of sound equipment) would be satisfied with any kind of "noise floor."
Incidentally, going through the Venue DI, I decided to exploit the gain stage on the Venue as much as possible. With the ES volume at detent I could never get the gain on the Venue to show red even with the hardest strumming. Even with a new battery, the signal level wasn't as hot as it should have been, IMHO.
I've decided to order an lr baggs anthem system. I've spent a combined 2-3 hours on the phone with Brian from LR Baggs and he is the most knowledgeable and patient customer service rep I've ever had the pleasure of speaking with. They've told me that if the Anthem doesn't work in my situation, they would help me get the components I need without any extra charge.
As for the ES...it will be removed and I will be purchasing this...
http://www.truplugusa.com/...to facilitate the ES removal and anthem install
What a bummer...but here's to no line level noise....hope the Baggs comes through.