Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: Noodler on February 19, 2019, 04:45:32 PM
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I know the issue of T5z tones has been aired before. My query is slightly different: No matter what I try with the EQ & Volume controls, anything played in position 1 (nearest to acoustic) and position 2 never changes. If I strike a note or chord for one of those positions, let it sustain and then switch to the other, there is no hint of a change in tone or sound. Doing the same thing and switching mid-sustain to position 3 and the change is obvious and instantaneous - but between positions 1 and 2 there is never the slightest difference in tone. Nothing. Nada.
Is it likely that the selector has failed?
Has anyone else experienced this effect --- well, non-effect?
UPDATE ... I've been re-watching the superb T5z demos by Wayne Johnson + 'Danish Pete' and 'The Captain' in an Andertons upload and I've come to the conclusion that the body sensor has failed completely. That would explain the problem. In position 1 any tapping on the body produces no distinctive 'clack' through the amp and switching to position 2 produces exactly the same sounds as at 1.
Can the body sensor be replaced. I looked into the innards and it looks to be glued in place VERY well.
Any thoughts or comments about similar experiences would be very welcome.
I play the T5z through a Fishman Loudbox Mini as well as a DV Mark.
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I was just thinking body sensor when I saw your update. I am sure it is replaceable, but you may need a tech or to learn how to get the old one out.
Good luck,
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Yes - now sure that's the problem. I'm in the UK and finding certified Taylor repair bases near me isn't easy. The one I've contacted has never bothered to respond and the dealer I bought from has been the same. I'll keep searching. Thanks for your own thoughts.
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Perhaps if you sent a note to Taylor's Customer Service directly explaining the issue, they would be able to point you to someone in your area who can deal with the issue for you?
How long have you owned the guitar? Be sure to let them know if you do write them, indications are they are pretty on the ball when it comes to things like warranties, etc.
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I have sent a query to Taylor's technical bods and am waiting for their response.
I've also identified a Certified Taylor Repair Dealership not too far from me.
I bought the guitar as 'Ex Demo' from Guitar Village here in the UK. They have a good three-part checking system which is usually excellent. This makes me wonder if any fault is maybe a result of the transit journey. I've looked under the hood and nothing obvious is loose or out of position. When tapped, the body sensor does produce the expected thump, so that IS working. There is little to see or check as far as the 5 position switch is concerned. I'm going to re-string with Elixir electrics - probably 11's or 10's just in case the guitar shipped with bronze acoustics (the BE strings do have a slightly yellowish gleam). If all else fails, I'll be driving to Manchester to hand it over to some techs at the CTRD.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Now off to post a 2nd enquiry about the inlay for my T5z which seems a bit unusual.
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I can't help with troubleshooting the pickups. However, I suggest CALLING customer service. (Old school, I know). Sending an email puts your inquiry into a pile of hundreds of incoming emails each day. Once you have spoken with a CS rep, they usually will give you their individual email address, and communication is much smoother.
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I'm in the UK and have managed to find that 'gold' level Certified Taylor Repair Workshop that is within driving distance. I'll be taking it there if I can't solve the problem for myself. I have had a response from Taylor in which they confirm that replacement body sensors (if that's what needed) can be bought from them.
Thanks for responding.