Uprgrade to 2010 Expression System

[TaylorLover]

I have a 2009 Taylor Dread BTO that I would like to upgrade to the 2010 Expression System.  Has anyone here done this? Can I do it myself if I order the parts? Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks.

[Edward]

About $XXX in parts from the factory.  If you put your mind to it, you could probably figure out how to remove the old preamp and replace it for the new one, and the single-body sensor simply needs to be affixed to the proper place on the soundboard.  Not rocket surgery, I'm sure
But with around $XX shop labor from an authorized Taylor Tech, I figured why bother messing it when they can get it perfect w/o fuss.

Edward

[Steve]

About $XXX in parts from the factory.  If you put your mind to it, you could probably figure out how to remove the old preamp and replace it for the new one, and the single-body sensor simply needs to be affixed to the proper place on the soundboard.  Not rocket surgery, I'm sure
But with around $XX shop labor from an authorized Taylor Tech, I figured why bother messing it when they can get it perfect w/o fuss.

Edward

It's not that simple.

Not only does the sensor have to be placed correctly, the north/south orientation needs to be correct, as well. That's something you probably won't be eyeballin' anytime soon...

[TaylorLover]

Ok. Thanks.  I need to find who in my area is Taylor authorized to do the work.

[egkor]

Call Taylor CS and ask them.

They can direct you to Taylor-auth. repair that would do you a great job.

And the parts and labor should be warrantied.

-Gary K

[Iplay2]

Call Taylor CS and ask them.

They can direct you to Taylor-auth. repair that would do you a great job.

And the parts and labor should be warrantied.

-Gary K

I don't think an upgrade would fall under warranty, unless there was an issue with the original ES. 

[egkor]

I'm saying the installation and parts for the NEW ES should be warrantied since a Taylor authorized service facility does the install.  You still have to pay for parts and labor to do the install.

-Gary K

[Iplay2]

I'm saying the installation and parts for the NEW ES should be warrantied since a Taylor authorized service facility does the install.  You still have to pay for parts and labor to do tje install.

-Gary K

Ah, yes.  I misunderstood you.

[Steve]

If you're replacing a failed, older ES, then it would be covered under warranty.

If you just want to upgrade a perfectly good system, you get to pay for that.

Something to keep in mind: If I remember correctly, the ES does not technically come with a lifetime warranty. That said, I've never seen Taylor not fix one that's failed...

[pottski]

If you're replacing a failed, older ES, then it would be covered under warranty.

If you just want to upgrade a perfectly good system, you get to pay for that.

Something to keep in mind: If I remember correctly, the ES does not technically come with a lifetime warranty. That said, I've never seen Taylor not fix one that's failed...

My AA ES in my 2006 714ce was experiencing a little crackle when I turned the volume knob and Taylor replaced it no questions asked. Unfortunately, it was with another AA system because I had it done in early 2009 I think. My guitar was also at the service center getting the neck replaced, so I think that might have had something to do with their willingness to completely replace the electronics without putting up too much of a fuss. I had to wait five weeks for Taylor to make a new neck for the guitar and ship it to Indiana so I was not a happy camper.

[Steve]

Would you have preferred they not make you a new neck?

They don't have necks just hangin' around. Each neck on the production floor is already destined for a particular guitar...

[gerald germany]

The ES system upgrade is a $XXX upgrade, but it also includes the "Refresh" service package, which is:

•Stabilize guitar at proper humidity level
•Tuner tightening and adjustment   
•Fretboard cleaning and conditioning
•Installation of new Elixir strings
•Installation of new battery on acoustic/electric models
•Truss rod adjustment
•Cleaning and polishing

I would not expect this to be a Warranty covered item since the damage was caused by what really amounts to negligence on the owner's part.

[TaylorLover]

Maybe this deserves its own thread, but is it worth the price for the upgrade. Is the 2010 that much better?

[gerald germany]

To me it would be worth every penny. This not an upgrade I would attempt myself. I've installed several pickup/preamp systems, but I wouldn't try this one.

[pottski]

Would you have preferred they not make you a new neck?

They don't have necks just hangin' around. Each neck on the production floor is already destined for a particular guitar...

I wasn't upset that they were putting a new neck on the guitar. I'm glad they did because the new neck was perfect. I was just upset that the neck was faulty to begin with. Taylor's customer service and certified repair techs are great to work with. It just sucks when a guitar has a defect like that. I'm sure it wasn't evident when it went through QC at Taylor, so it wasn't their fault. I bought the 2006 guitar new in 2008 from GC, so that may have contributed to the problem too. Either way, I just wasn't happy about going without my first high end guitar for 5 weeks when I hadn't even had it that long.