Taylor Expression System 2 User manual

Connections
The Expression System 2 is designed to be
plugged-in using a standard quarter-inch guitar
cable, which will work in every circumstance:
with an acoustic guitar amplifier, a standard
direct box, or any other guitar-ready application.
Note: The ES2 is designed with different
circuitry than previous versions of the ES
and will not work with a balanced TRS jack.
You’ll want to plug into a DI (Direct Input)
box to convert to a balanced signal for long
runs to a mixer or snake.
Tone Controls
Three soft-touch knobs allow for simple, ac-
curate control of your guitar’s amplified tone.
Using the knobs to adjust the bass, treble and
volume will give you the ability to shape your
tone considerably. We encourage you to experi-
ment with different control settings.
Control Arrangement
Volume: Closest to front of guitar
Treble: Center position
Bass: Closest to back of guitar
The Taylor Expression System® 2
TAYLOR GUITARS TECH SHEET
All three controls on the Expression System
2 are designed to indicate a center position,
commonly known as a detent. By rotating each
knob back and forth, you should feel a small
“bump” at the center marker. For bass and
treble, the center position indicates the “off”
or “flat” mode. The center point of the volume
knob indicates half of the highest volume output.
Tone-Shaping Control
The Expression System 2 opens up new fron-
tiers in sound, and will enable you to create a
wide range of tones using simple adjustments
of the onboard controls. The built-in equalizer
reacts to subtle changes in bass, treble and
volume, emphasizing individual characteristics
of the guitar’s natural sound. Turning the bass
or treble controls clockwise past the center
detent will add bass or treble. Turning the same
controls counterclockwise from the center de-
tent will reduce bass or treble.
Tip for midrange control: Turning both the
bass and treble up past the center detent
will automatically create a dipped mid-
range. Turning both the bass and treble
down and increasing the volume control
will boost the midrange.
Plugging In
Follow these simple steps to set the proper
volume and tone levels when you first plug in.
1) Turn all three controls on the guitar to the
center detent position. In this position the bass
and treble are flat and the volume is at the mid-
way point.
2) Turn the volume knob on your amplifier or
mixer all the way down. Plug in the guitar.
3) Set the tone controls on your amplifier or
mixer to flat or a neutral position.
Note: Some acoustic guitar amplifiers
do not have an active EQ (tone controls).
If so, finding a neutral tone spot can be a
bit more challenging but is not impossible.
Setting all the tone controls on the same
number is a good place to start.
4) Slowly raise the mixer or amplifier volume
level to a comfortable level, then adjust the
tone controls on your guitar to suit your per-
sonal taste.
Battery Usage
The Expression System 2 requires one 9-volt
battery. Taylor recommends Duracell®for op-
timal performance and long life. A new battery
will provide 40-50 hours of plugged-in use.
The ES2 conserves battery life using a stan-
dard, automatic on/off system. The pickup is
in an “off” state until a cable is inserted, which
activates the preamp. Removing the cable will
return the system to “off” mode and conserve
battery life. An LED battery life indicator is vis-
ible and located inside the soundhole on the
preamp circuit board.
If your amplified tone begins to sound distorted,
the battery most likely needs to be replaced.
To change the battery, release the clip on the
battery carriage (located along the tail line of
Your Taylor guitar features the Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2), a revolutionary pickup
design that delivers the latest in Taylor’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The
heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three
uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. The location of the sensors enables
a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before. Together with Taylor’s
custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone
and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into
recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your Taylor guitar.
The Taylor Expression System 2 also operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and
easy-to-use volume and tone controls.
Expression System 2 tone controls:
(L-R) Volume, Treble, Bass
continued on back

the guitar) by pushing it toward the input jack.
Remove the battery and replace with a new
one, paying close attention to the positive/
negative orientation shown inside the carriage.
Tip: Batteries can leak if left unused for
long periods of time. When you replace
your battery, write the date on it with a
permanent marker to track how long the
battery has been in the guitar.
Phase Switch
A phase switch has been included on the pre-
amp to help reduce low-frequency feedback
should it occur in a live situation. The switch
can be accessed through the soundhole of the
guitar and is located on the side of the circuit
board (see photo above). If low-frequency feed-
back becomes an issue in live performance,
changing the phase on either your amplifier or
the guitar will help resolve the problem.
Pickup Adjustments
The Expression System 2 utilizes three uniquely
positioned, individually calibrated pickup sen-
sors located behind the saddle. The individual
pickup pressures are factory set and will likely
only need to be adjusted if the saddle is being
removed or replaced. Pressure on each sensor
is controlled by turning the adjustment screws
(visible behind the saddle; see photo below).
The small, visible circles behind the bridge
contain tiny adjustable arms. The small adjust-
ment screws on top move the arms forward and
backward, increasing and decreasing the pres-
sure of the pickup sensors against the lower
rear portion of the saddle, similar to pushing on
a brake pedal in a car.
©2014 Taylor Guitars. All rights reserved. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. 2449-6.2.14 2503-0030
1980 Gillespie Way El Cajon, CA 92020-1096 1-888-2TAYLOR taylorguitars.com
Note: The saddle should not be removed
or replaced without first loosening the
adjustment screws located on the top of
the pickup housings. Otherwise the pickup
could be damaged.
To remove the saddle: The pickup sensors
must first be loosened (backed away from the
saddle) by loosening the pressure adjustment
screws located on top of the housings behind
the saddle. The adjustment will require a .050
hex key (Allen wrench). Not included.
Turning the hex key counterclockwise 1-½
turns will back the sensor arms away from
the saddle so it can be removed from the slot
easily. Once the saddle is placed back in the
slot, the pickup sensors can be reset with the
saddle by turning them clockwise 1-½ turns.
Fine Adjustment
Very light pressure on the sensors is all that is
needed to make the system work well. Changing
the tension on the sensors will change the timbre
of the sound and volume of the pickup slightly.
Approximately one full turn of the tension screw is
the maximum amount of pressure variance.
We suggest that any adjustments for sound be
made using the following process:
1) Plug the guitar in and turn the volume up.
2) While plucking sets of two strings at a time,
turn the adjustment screw associated with
those strings (E/A - D/G - B/E) one turn coun-
terclockwise until the sound of those strings
diminishes. This will loosen the pressure on the
sensor.
3) To engage the pickup for those strings, turn
the screw back again clockwise ¼ turn at a
time while plucking the strings until the sound
of the strings returns. This will increase the
pressure on the sensors. Repeat the process
for the other string pairings (D/G - B/E).
Additional Note: The pickup system is
held in place in the guitar by the
pressure of the sensors against the
saddle. If the pickup is accidently pushed
out during saddle replacement, it can
easily be put back into the bridge by
pushing it up through the three pickup
holes. The top of the pickup housing
should be flush with the top of the bridge
to be accurate.
Three pickup adjustment screws are located between the saddle and bridge pins
A phase switch located on the circuit board
helps reduce low-frequency feedback
Expression System 2
battery carriage