Taylor ES 2 / Acoustic Guitar Hum / Buzz

[bigX]

Hi all,

not a native speaker so not sure where to distinguish between hum and buzz. But.... I have a problem with it.

I have a 312ce from around 2015 I guess with an ES 2. If I plug it into an amp with proper grounding it just sounds awesome.

But since the beginning I've got hum/buzz issues if there is no ground. Lately I am playing at a location which is supposed to have proper ground but I get that darn buzz / hum. Route there is guitar into DI box.

Also, playing with headphones at home without having a connection to the grounded amp in unbearable. Other ways to silence that darn buzzing is to touch any metal parts of the cable or pedals after that. I'm assuming then that I am the ground.

Two things I'd like to understand:

1. Where is that buzz coming from? And why does it disappear with proper grounding? Physics explanation?

2. What to to if I have no or bad ground available? I am thinking of the location I am playing at but also in "road" setups / mobile amps? Actually, it would be nice to be able to play just with headphones without having to plugin an amp.

I know this is much discussed question but there was nothing really helpful in regard to my two questions?

[Edward]

Hello bigX,

Welcome to the forum!

The buzz/hum you are talking about seems to be a common instance when the fuse blows on the ES preamp.  And this fuse takes a little bit of work to replace; more complex than simply replacing a fuse like in a car, for example, but still is an easy fix.  But here is where you may want to contact Taylor directly: I know for a fact the various ES1 preamps have this fuse, but I am uncertain whether the ES2 preamp has this fuse.  But from your description, it sounds like this is the source of your noise.  Call/email the factory as they are very responsive and offer superb support!

Good to see you here ...chime back in on your results! 

Edward

[bigX]

Hi Edward,

thanks and that's what I did now. Will chime back in when I've got an answer.

[Edward]

Good deal!
By the way, the Grand Concert CE are great guitars ...I love that body style. 

Edward

[bigX]

Yes. I played all of them (which were available at the time in a big musicstore). The 312ce struck me. Awesome guitar.

And awesome Taylor support btw. Got the  answers. Not sure whether it is ok to publish them 1:1 here so I will summarize it as:

1. When your guitar and amp are properly grounded, any unwanted electrical noise is effectively directed away, leading to a clearer sound. In the absence of a ground, your body can serve as a ground when you touch metal parts, which is why the noise diminishes in those instances.

2. For scenarios without a grounded amp (such as headphones or mobile amps), some level of noise is unfortunately typical. Employing battery-powered gear or devices with proper isolation can help reduce this. HOWEVER, there are also pickup improvements regarding shielding from 2018 on. And I can tell you that they were awesome in this regard

Best,
Julian

[Edward]

Hi Julian,

Yup, excellent Customer Service from the factory, literally the best in the business of the big brands, in my experience over decades.  So is your noise issue getting sorted out?

Edward

[bigX]

It is getting sorted out. By improving the shielding and optionally by adding a string ground.