Taylor expression version 1.3 or 2.0?

fuman · #1 02-01-2017, 05:07 PM

I have a 2009 Taylor GS with Expression v1.2. Not real crazy about it. Taylor will replace it with the 2.0 for about $300, plus two-way shipping. This includes a refresh and I hear they do a great job with that. Or they will sell me the parts for $140 and I can have an authorized local shop install v1.3 at the shop's labor rate. I've heard good things about both pickups. I have a general hybrid flat/finger pick style, not much of a strummer. Just looking for a more natural acoustic sound. Anyone with opinions based on comparisons? Anyone know what the general install cost is for the 1.3 upgrade? Thanks.

Vancebo · #2 02-01-2017, 11:43 PM

2.0 by a long shot for me.

Gutch · #3 02-02-2017, 12:15 AM

Try both before you decide. Between the two, I prefer the 1.3 over the 2.0.

pieterh · #4 02-02-2017, 01:49 AM

2.0 definitely. The difference between 1.2 and 1.3 is minimal and although the revoiced preamp does smooth out the excessive mids of the ES1 it doesn't go nearly far enough.

ES2 puts the pickup back to the bridge, behind the saddle, and the response is far more acoustic in character. What's more, as you play up the neck it will still sound right, whereas for me the real problem with the ES1 was its magnetic neck pickup which affected the tone more and more the higher up the neck I played.

Also, as it is a "normal", non-balanced system it is far easier to connect it to regular pedals and preamps. When using my Taylor with 1.1 or 1.3 I always used to have to try and dial in a usable sound which could take a long time. Nowadays I don't even have to take my Pz-pre with me if I don't want to.

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Cuki79 · #5 02-02-2017, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pieterh

2.0 definitely. The difference between 1.2 and 1.3 is minimal and although the revoiced preamp does smooth out the excessive mids of the ES1 it doesn't go nearly far enough.

ES2 puts the pickup back to the bridge, behind the saddle, and the response is far more acoustic in character. What's more, as you play up the neck it will still sound right, whereas for me the real problem with the ES1 was its magnetic neck pickup which affected the tone more and more the higher up the neck I played.

Agree, the sound of ES1.3 is not bad... but it is not an acoustic sound. It does sound somehow more HiFi thant the ES2 that I find a bit dark. But from the two, ES2 is the more woody/acoustic sounding.

If you don't like ES1.2 go for the ES2.

Cuki

SpruceTop · #6 02-02-2017, 09:26 AM

2.0 for sure! Look at my signature because prior to what's in there I owned a dozen Taylors with the ES1.2/1.3 and they're all gone.

Joe F · #7 02-02-2017, 10:05 AM

I've had all versions of ES1 and now have ES2.

ES2 is the winner for me. More "acoustic sounding" and no magnetic signature at all which was always present in all versions of ES1.

briggleman · #8 02-02-2017, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuman

I have a 2009 Taylor GS with Expression v1.2. Not real crazy about it. Taylor will replace it with the 2.0 for about $300, plus two-way shipping. This includes a refresh and I hear they do a great job with that. Or they will sell me the parts for $140 and I can have an authorized local shop install v1.3 at the shop's labor rate. I've heard good things about both pickups. I have a general hybrid flat/finger pick style, not much of a strummer. Just looking for a more natural acoustic sound. Anyone with opinions based on comparisons? Anyone know what the general install cost is for the 1.3 upgrade? Thanks.

Seriously, Play both at one of your local music stores. Your playing style has a lot to do with how a guitar responds. Not only in the guitars natural tone but how the electronics respond to your playing style.

I like my 1.2 version and I have played the 1.3 and 2.0. If I ever upgrade it will be to the 1.3 but I am a heavy strummer and that has a lot to do with the sound that projects from the electronics and my guitar. With your picking style you may like the ES 2.0 better. I will agree, to some extent, as you pick up the neck on a 1.2 ES system, the tone does seem to follow a hollow body sound rather than pure acoustic....but I like that so I can not be your judge.

Really, try them both out rather than be surprised when our opinions and experiences do not match what you want.

Enjoy the ride

Brad

jonfields45 · #9 02-02-2017, 10:47 AM

For $300 plus shipping, I would consider having a local shop put in one of the more popular (on the AGF therapy group for perfectionists -- oops I meant Acoustic Amplification Forum) SBTs; for active the Trance seems to be the popular vote, for passive, Dazzo or K&K. Should cost less and get done faster. A fret dress you don't need, fingerboard oil, and a finish buffing don't strike me as have-to-have things and would be cheap to have done locally too.

The Growler · #10 02-02-2017, 02:21 PM

I like the 2.0 better. I have a friend who did this on an older 810Ltd and he is very happy also (also did the refresh).

fuman · #11 02-06-2017, 06:41 AM

Thanks, everyone.

Steely Glen · #12 02-06-2017, 07:01 AM

I've not owned a Taylor with ES2 but in all the recordings, it sounds good. I've owned 2 Taylors with ES1.3 and loved them acoustically, but ended up selling them precisely due to the ES. I played plugged in a lot and I made excuses for the ES for years--even defended it--but in the end, I had to admit that to my ears it sounded just awful. Magnetic, artificial, etc.

I go back now and listen to direct recordings of my ES1.3 guitars and it confirms why I moved them along. Here's an 816ce I loved:

I've shifted gears now to preferring aftermarket, less invasive options (mainly the K&K Pure Mini) because I don't ever want to be in a position where I'm "stuck" with a certain pickup system and have to choose whether to keep the guitar along with the pickup, or sell it like I had to do my Taylors.