The Taylor guitars are one of the best in the market and they recently launched Expression System 2. This is an advanced pickup design that promises the best amplification for acoustic guitars. Taylor Guitars has added a behind-the-saddle pickup with three pickup sensors.
It results in improved output quality and reasonable amplification of the tunes. Overall, the design is exceptional but it comes with its share of problems that everyone needs to know, especially if they want to invest in it.
Taylor Expression System 2 Problems
- Compatibility
The biggest issue with this pickup design is that it only works with Taylor guitars, given the compatibility errors. It’s possible to install it on other guitars but it can negatively impact the tunes, and in some cases, it doesn’t fit in properly.
For this reason, you should only opt for this pickup system if you are using a Taylor guitar or plan on purchasing one.
- Buzzing Sound
The buzzing sound has become a common occurrence for this pickup system but it increases beyond the acceptable level if you play higher notes on the guitar. The buzzing sound is the result of grounding wire issues.
To begin with, you have to check the grounding wire of the guitar and make sure it’s tightly connected to the guitar. In case the grounding wire is damaged or has bent, you should replace it. In addition, it must be properly grounded
Last but not least, check the pickup’s positioning under the guitar strings and make sure it’s not touching the strings during picking. The second solution you need to follow is to replace the single coils as they cause a buzzing sound. Instead, you should opt for humbucker coils as it reduces the sound.
That’s because the humbucker coils have two wire coils to acquire polarity, which works as a noise-canceling component. In addition to eliminating the buzzing sound, it also softens the default humming sound of the guitar. The third and last solution is to check the height of the pickups.
That’s because if the pickups are installed too high, the magnetic field of a pickup will create unwanted tones.
- Pickup Not Working
If the pickup has stopped working altogether, you have to check the battery. This is because a dead battery is the most common culprit behind pickup functionality issues. Make sure that the battery is fully charged and connected to the pickup.
For this purpose, inspect the wiring around the battery and pickup and make sure there are no damages. In addition, the pickup must be tightly connected to the battery’s terminals to optimize the current supply.
- Squealing At Low Level
When you use the pickup at a low volume level or low gain and it creates a squealing sound, it’s likely to be feedback. This happens when you have turned up the gain on the amp. In that case, you need to mute the strings.
On the other hand, if the squealing happens when you set the amp to clean sound, it’s likely that the tube is damaged and needs to be replaced. However, before you perform these steps, try putting a piece of foam under the pickup and see if it resolves the squealing issue.
- Pickups Produce Shrill Sound
If you want to produce sound with a deeper and more substantial tone while the pickups are producing a thin and shrill sound, you need to change the guitar strings. The pickup system is connected with the sensor that detects the string’s vibration. So, ensuring the correct string will promise the best signals.
The strings are available in light, medium, and heavy categories. In case you need a deeper tone, opt for heavy strings because pickups will be able to capture the sound waves and string vibrations. However, keep in mind that the heavy strings are difficult to manipulate.
- Incorrect Sound
If your guitar is making the incorrect sound when you connect Expression System 2, the strings should be inspected. This is because the pickup system uses strings to generate sound. This is why if the strings are damaged, the sound will be wrong.
Usually, the old strings lead to a dull sound, so inspect the strings for discoloration, rust, or corrosion. It is recommended that you clean the strings with the special guitar string cleaners (these cleaners can be applied directly to the guitar strings). In addition, the cleaners help lubricate the fretboard, promising easier use of the guitar.
While you are replacing the strings, opt for stainless steel strings as they are balanced and promise a bright, nice, and clean tone. The best thing about stainless steel strings is that they are resistant to rust and corrosion, promising maximum lifespan.
In addition, these strings have a higher tensile strength, promising minimal damage. On the other hand, if you want a warm tone, you can opt for nickel-plated steel guitar strings. These strings are more flexible and don’t break easily.
- Sound Is Not In Sync
Controlling the gain is important as it helps ensure that the sound is in sync with the pickups. For controlling the gain, you need to turn up the volume to a maximum level on the guitar, put the amp at a medium gain, and lower the guitar’s volume gradually for leveling out the output.
As a result, the sound will be in sync with the pickup.
- Extremely Loud Output
If the pickup is producing louder sound or music, there are chances that you have connected the pickup too close to the strings. In addition, improper placement of the pickups results in feedback, echo, and distortion.
In case you have a similar issue, you need to calibrate the pickup. If you want to create treble and bass sounds, it’s recommended that you lower the pickup position. In addition, lowering the pickups will help dilute the excessively heavy sound.
- Pickup Is Not Detecting The String Vibrations
The pickup needs to detect the string vibration to produce music. However, if the pickup isn’t producing music, it’s likely that the pickup is unable to detect the frequency of strings. It’s important to add pickup leverage magnets for detecting the frequency.
In the majority of cases, the guitars are integrated with an alnico magnet but it’s not a viable option. Instead, it’s recommended that you switch to a ceramic magnet. These magnets are extremely magnetic and have a smaller size.
These magnets are integrated with the strong windings coils, so they can detect the vibrations more efficiently and produce thick and heavy sound if that’s what you need. On the other hand, if you are using acoustic guitars, it’s recommended that you opt for a neodymium magnet as it boosts the frequency response.
- Reduced Output
If the sound output from the pickup has reduced, you must inspect for phase cancellation. In the majority of cases, the wiring on the pickup is installed in a backward position, which causes the issue. So, if that’s the case, you need to swap the ground and hot leads.
On the other hand, if there is nothing wrong with the wiring, it could be a demagnetization issue. You can check for demagnetization by tapping the poles with the help of a screwdriver to determine if there is magnetic resistance. In case there is no magnetic resistance, the magnets should be recharged.
Last but not least, look for a short circuit in the electric components of the guitar – it’s better to hire an electrician if you don’t have experience in checking the electrical components. Another thing you need to check is the pickup’s height.
This is because if the pickup is installed too low, the tone will be underwhelming and weak. So, fix the pickup height according to the output you are expecting.
The Bottom Line
Expression System 2 is a great pickup and the majority of sound and performance issues are caused by the incorrect height of pickup and using low-quality strings on the guitar.
For this reason, it’s better that you let a professional handle the installation and keep the pickup clean because dust buildup can also result in sound issues.
never connect to an amplifier.
have Taylor 512ce 12 fret
have recent good strings
sound has become dull
does the battery need to be changed from time to time, even though I do not amplify ?
thanks