Taylors and 9V batteries

[slowesthand]

I have Energizer and Duracell"duralock", both fit my 2015 314.
I have found that they vary in length and also in width.

[Monk of Funk]

Originally Posted by Lister

Believe it or not, there are no size standards for batteries. As you've found out, one batch of Duracells might not be the same size as the previous set.
Here's an old Taylor video that shows how they address this situation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZXc...ature=youtu.be

Hope this helps.

Has anyone ever tried this? I realize this is a Taylor video, but... I'm worried about the connection being strong, and rattling. I'd clip mine right now, if I knew it would work. Or, I can order one from Taylor guitars, and then hope that works, or then snip the cradle.

But if I could save the 15$ for the new cradle and shipping, I'd rather do that.

[619TF]

Originally Posted by Monk of Funk

Has anyone ever tried this? I realize this is a Taylor video, but... I'm worried about the connection being strong, and rattling. I'd clip mine right now, if I knew it would work. Or, I can order one from Taylor guitars, and then hope that works, or then snip the cradle.

But if I could save the 15$ for the new cradle and shipping, I'd rather do that.

Well it's a Taylor official video so it should work with no issue. Worst case scenario is you'll have to order the new one in the end anyway. BTW cost is $5 not $15 (https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylor...tery-cartridge). Actually, if you're registered as original owner it's covered under your warrantee and you'll likely just be sent get a free newer one (according to what I've read and my experience with Taylor customer service).

[SteveR5]

Hi Guys
I can confirm that here in NZ (and most likely Australia too) we have had the same issue with the fit of the batteries in Taylor guitars. I have a GS Mini and a 416CE both 2017 models and there are NO local 9v batteries which fit. The duracells here are made in Malaysia and are fatter than the US version. Energizer and Panasonic are also no good. Only Procell batteries fit and we get charged a hideous price for these from specialist Audio shops! Also these are now made in China and I heard bad reports.
So today I am ordering 2 new Taylor battery cartridges from Thomann in Europe. Believe it or not I have to to get it shipped to my sister in the UK and she will send it on to me. Thomann can ship to NZ but it more than doubles the cost of the order!! Hopefully the new cartridges will work better - thanks so much to you guys for letting us know Taylor had changed them.

[vindibona1]

Originally Posted by SteveR5

Hi Guys
I can confirm that here in NZ (and most likely Australia too) we have had the same issue with the fit of the batteries in Taylor guitars. I have a GS Mini and a 416CE both 2017 models and there are NO local 9v batteries which fit. The duracells here are made in Malaysia and are fatter than the US version. Energizer and Panasonic are also no good. Only Procell batteries fit and we get charged a hideous price for these from specialist Audio shops! Also these are now made in China and I heard bad reports.
So today I am ordering 2 new Taylor battery cartridges from Thomann in Europe. Believe it or not I have to to get it shipped to my sister in the UK and she will send it on to me. Thomann can ship to NZ but it more than doubles the cost of the order!! Hopefully the new cartridges will work better - thanks so much to you guys for letting us know Taylor had changed them.

This is a long going issue Steve. As with so many things Taylor, they made a mistake and are trying to put lipstick on a pig. For whatever reason, Taylor changed the manufacture of their battery boxes sometime after 2011. The box in my 2011 614 easily handles all sizes of batteries. What they must have done (my speculation) is found a cheaper source for the manufacture of this part. Whoever designed the specs for the injection probably used one of those short Duracell batteries, which are just a few hundreths inch shorter than MOST standard 9v batteries. Thus the problem. I personally own three Taylor guitars but have a love/hate feeling about the company, as IN MY OPINION many of the "upgrades" of "innvations" or "improvements resemble The Emperor's New Clothes if you get my drift.

However I did a deep dive to find this video to show you how to modify your battery box to fit most 9v batteries. It's a good thing that you're getting replacements so if you screw one up it won't be the end of the world. Taylor themselves seems not to want to admit their boo-boo and continues to double down, insisting that we should all be using Durablock batteries in our Taylor guitar...even if they're not available. The following video with modification instructions came from "Taylor Training Videos" from 2013. The modification starts approximately 1:45 in.



Edit: One more thing... Something else you can so is trim down the "skin" on the top and bottom of a battery that is slightly too long. I've done that to a couple before I found batteries that would actually fit without any modification to the battery or the box. I'll come back and edit again if I can find on and take a quick pic of it.

Additionally, for some reason Taylor does not "recommend" using rechargeable batteries in their guitars. I'm not sure why, because I've run nothing be rechargeables. The one good thing you can say about the Taylor ES2 system (and later ES1-9v) is that you can change batteries very quickly. With rechargeables I am always assured that I have a freshly charged battery when I play a gig. Here is a photo of the batteries that I use with my Taylor. They've always been depdendable, hold a good charge and last a long time.



I should probably change my screen name to "Taylor Skeptic" because while do make some wonderful guitars (and again, I own 3 Taylors) every time they change something I have to ask myself why they made the change. The battery box is just one example of many.

Good luck.

[SteveR5]

Thanks for the information Vindobona1, I like the rechargable option you have there too. I am open to that option too - I use rechargables in my Zoom effects pedal because I had discovered noise issues from power supplies. BTW noticed your location - some time ago we lived in Geneva IL for a very happy 3 years. Thanks, Steve

[leew3]

Vindibona1 I have four Taylors and love them all so initially wanted to disagree with your assessment of the company. However, I have to agree with you, I ordered the new larger battery compartments for two of my Taylors and these work fine but should not have been necessary.

Additionally, my GS Maple from 2006 is a $2K guitar that Taylor recommends the wrapping of AA batteries with a 'post it' note to fix the battery rattle. As you note, no admission of a problem, just a lame fix for an otherwise beautiful guitar.

[Mr. Jelly]

So does Taylor guitars own stock in the battery industry? I'm just asking .......

[MikeBmusic]

Old thread....

The $5 new battery 'boxes' from Taylor take care of the problem.
https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylor...tery-cartridge

[dnf777]

Originally Posted by hillin

Hey that's DANGEROUS! Old battery tends to leak corrosive plasma, which is not only gross, but also might destroy your electronic device eventually! If you don't plug in very often, please remove the battery.

Another good reason to use the newer eneloop rechargeables. No acid to leak!

But also, if a duracell ever leaks and ruins a piece of equipment, you can go to their website and request reimbursement up to a limit. ($500, I think). Wont replace a guitar, but should cover repairs. I trashed a Nikon flash unit that way, but duracell bought a new one for me. Took a while, but came through. You need to send them the actual batteries, so dont throw them out. And the device, if possible.

DAve

[Br1ck]

Originally Posted by bluesfreek

I would assume any good quality alkaline battery should work. I have no idea why Taylor would recommend only using Duracell batteries.

Here's one. They are quality batteries and Duracell made them a deal if they'd recommend them.

[leeplaysblues]

Originally Posted by Dickey Clapton

I am an HVAC tech by day. Duracell has been manufacturing in Malaysia and/or Indonesia for the last couple of years instead of USA. These third world batteries are junk, usually leaking in less than 1.5 yr instead of typically lasting 5+ as USA did. A very frequent cause of service calls for me for inoperative thermostats. You get what you pay for!!!

I think you need to rephrase this post.
Malaysia is not a ‘third world country’.

Malaysia is now a modern, advanced country with many sophisticated and high tech manufacturing centres, including facilities that manufacture the latest electronics and IT.
After visiting there many times (often for extended periods) then comparing it to most US cities, Malaysia's infrastructure is often as (if not more) advanced and modern, and its workforce is as well educated.

Indonesian, while still lagging Malaysia and Singapore in manufacturing, is also rapidly advancing, producing high quality sophisticated goods. Even Yamaha manufacture pianos there.

[vindibona1]

Originally Posted by leew3

Vindibona1 I have four Taylors and love them all so initially wanted to disagree with your assessment of the company. However, I have to agree with you, I ordered the new larger battery compartments for two of my Taylors and these work fine but should not have been necessary.

Additionally, my GS Maple from 2006 is a $2K guitar that Taylor recommends the wrapping of AA batteries with a 'post it' note to fix the battery rattle. As you note, no admission of a problem, just a lame fix for an otherwise beautiful guitar.

You're entitled to disagree with me. We just think about it differently.

But where did you find "larger" battery compartments? Does Taylor have them now, or are they a 3rd party purchase?

[vindibona1]

Originally Posted by rschultz

OK, so does 600 mA-hr last longer than normal non-rechargeables? About the same? Less?

I just had my Taylor die during a gig. Worked fine for the first half, then with no warning, done. Got home and checked the voltage, 4.0V. Definitely dead. Never had that happen before.

Years ago I tried 9v rechargeable and thought they sucked. But they have come a long way, based on this advice, I'm going to try it again. I'll be more willing to swap batteries out knowing that it's not costing me anything.

I would have to say the 600mah do last longer than "normal" 200mah batteries for sure. As far as outlasting regular batteries, it's hard to say as regular alkaline or chloride batteries are unrated. The Li Ion batteries are reputed for long life, which is why they are widely used in cell phones, RC drones and cares and devices that depend on them for both power and longevity.

Because of the logistics of the acoustic gigs that I do, it is much more convenient to run my pedals off of batteries than from wall warts due to lack of AC outlets. When I first started using rechargeables, 200mah NiMh batteries I for sure had to change them out about half way through. The 600mah hours can carry me through all the way without changing them with time to spare, I would imagine.

Part of the protocol of running with rechargeables is to rotate them regularly; when practicing as well as gigging. If a battery is going to fail or malfunction you want to provoke it to so that you can take it out of rotation. But what I like better about rechargeables, especially Taylor ES systems is that it takes only 10 or 15 seconds to change out a battery, especially if you have a spare compartment (only $5) so you could "reload" almost as fast as a semi-auto pistol if needed (plus time to remove the strap and chord). But that's the thing... If you're using $4 super-alkaline batteries you're going to try to run it to the very last drop because they get expensive. The EBL 600mah batteries only cost $5 each and you can recharge them hundreds of times. My guess is that in a guitar the EBL's won't last quite as long as a top rated super-alkaline. But so what? You don't need to get every last mah out of them like with throw-away batteries. JMO YMMV

[leeplaysblues]

Prior to the ES system Taylor predominantly used Fishman Prefix pickups. These were a reliable industry standard and caused very few problems, in fact most of those fitted seem to be still working flawlessly, and if not, are easily upgraded.

Then the ES systems were introduced with the fanfare of paid magazine shill reviews, forum influencers and a blitz of magazine advertising. They were touted as the greatest electronics advancement to date and unique in their sound and performance.

They sure were, but not as Taylor wanted them to be.....

How many remember the AAA batteries rattling away onstage every time you strummed a chord? Taylor's solution to the rattling batteries was to wrap them in a post-it note AS BATTERIES VARY IN SIZE..., Honestly.... that was their advice.

Hot B string anybody?

Strum or pluck an open B string and you had instant Ravi Shankar; great if you were playing Norwegian Wood. So many furum posts and saddened owners affected by this.

How about the sudden system failures requiring weeks or months without the guitar as Taylor was inundated with returns that required them to frequently remove the neck so the unit could be fixed?

OK . maybe more so overseas where parts and technicians were scarce.

14 or so years later and Taylor STILL has a battery problem? What third world doggy engineering designers can't design a battery compartment that accepts a common battery after all this time?

It's not as though they never understood that batteries vary between makers and countries. THEY DID.

Has Fishman, Shadow, LR Baggs etc. encountered this problem? Maybe they have but I'm scratching my head to remember an incident.

After 14 years of these design cockups by Taylor its become apparent Taylor should ditch the ES and follow Martin's example.

That is.....

Get back to core business Taylor is known and loved for, design and build brilliant guitars!

Leave the electronics to the adults in the industry and start sourcing the best non-invasive electronics out there and fit these.

Customers will be the beneficiaries of this.