Anyone remove the ES2 from their Taylor?

[duaneallen]

I'm thinking of getting a Taylor again because of the cutaway and great playing neck. I want this to mostly be a stage guitar. I really don't like the ES2 system though, and want to go with an Anthem. Has anyone here removed the ES2 and done something like this? I know that I can order a new one without electronics, but was wondering how much of a pain this process was. Also, I'm wondering it the controls on the side could possibly work with the Anthem system. Thanks for all help.

[jonfields45]

ES-2 plus an IR such as ToneDexter is worth considering. All the unused holes would bother me. Mi-Si does sell a rechargeable preamp that fits in the holes left behind by an ES preamp.

[rmp]

Originally Posted by duaneallen

I'm thinking of getting a Taylor again because of the cutaway and great playing neck. I want this to mostly be a stage guitar. I really don't like the ES2 system though, and want to go with an Anthem. Has anyone here removed the ES2 and done something like this? I know that I can order a new one without electronics, but was wondering how much of a pain this process was. Also, I'm wondering it the controls on the side could possibly work with the Anthem system. Thanks for all help.

I think the only route you can go is a Mi-Si

besides, what to do with the three sensors that are imbedded in the bridge?

IMHO, I think the Es2 does a far better job then other systems, and I've had an Anthem. It sounds good, but the preamp housing is rather large, and the one on my J200 after while, started to rattle and it drove me nuts. I replaced it with an Matrix Infinity, and eventually bought a tonedexter.

[fingeryoga]

I removed the es-2 out of my 514ce. Had a baggs lb-6 and internal mic installed , works perfect. Luthier filled up the three holes in the bridge and the three holes in the side I use as a soundport

[duaneallen]

Any more thoughts on this subject? I really don't want to put an Anthem in any more guitars since it does change the sound just a little bit. I really love its sound plugged in though. I'm thinking of going with a guitar that is just meant for the stage, and Taylors are great for that. Should I just get a Taylor and learn to live with the ES2? I really haven't gigged with one yet, so maybe its not that bad?

[AeroUSA]

You can buy a Taylor without electronics. I would probably go that route although I do think the ES2 is an excellent system.

[SpruceTop]

I, too, like a well-adjusted (three Allen-head screws) ES2.

[Petty1818]

Originally Posted by AeroUSA

You can buy a Taylor without electronics. I would probably go that route although I do think the ES2 is an excellent system.

You can, but it's a custom order and you don't get to play the guitar first. I tried looking for a Taylor without electronics back when I was still interested in the brand and it was impossible to see any without the ES2 or original ES installed. I think one of the Grand Pacific models is offered without electronics but that's about all that comes to mind.

It's not the ES2 but I removed the original ES system. I was shocked by how much stuff was in the guitar!

[thirdie2002]

Get the voiceprint or the tonedexter and you dont have to remove the es2.

[rule18]

Originally Posted by duaneallen

Any more thoughts on this subject? I really don't want to put an Anthem in any more guitars since it does change the sound just a little bit. I really love its sound plugged in though. I'm thinking of going with a guitar that is just meant for the stage, and Taylors are great for that. Should I just get a Taylor and learn to live with the ES2? I really haven't gigged with one yet, so maybe its not that bad?

If it were me, I'd actually do a gig or two before I started messing around with all that. I've always found the ES2 to be good.

[cliff_the_stiff]

Originally Posted by duaneallen

I'm thinking of getting a Taylor again because of the cutaway and great playing neck. I want this to mostly be a stage guitar. I really don't like the ES2 system though, and want to go with an Anthem. Has anyone here removed the ES2 and done something like this? I know that I can order a new one without electronics, but was wondering how much of a pain this process was. Also, I'm wondering it the controls on the side could possibly work with the Anthem system. Thanks for all help.

Not sure how to handle the plastic battery box/ strap button with a different pickup.

[CoryB]

You can buy a plug kit on Etsy for the three button holes and the battery compartment hole and it looks to support a strap button. Search Etsy for Expression Plug Taylor Acoustic Guitars. You’d probably have to find someone to cut some ebony plugs for the bridge though.

[Petty1818]

Originally Posted by CoryB

You can buy a plug kit on Etsy for the three button holes and the battery compartment hole and it looks to support a strap button. Search Etsy for Expression Plug Taylor Acoustic Guitars. You’d probably have to find someone to cut some ebony plugs for the bridge though.

It's probably the one I got for my Taylor. I highly recommend it. The plugs are lightweight medal but perfectly stick in place.

[rmp]

I have an 814CE DX V, and a tonedexter..

I can add a bit credence to the comments suggesting this setup.

I love the tone I get with this combination.

Be a lot easier than what you're proposing...

[AeroUSA]

Originally Posted by cliff_the_stiff

Not sure how to handle the plastic battery box/ strap button with a different pickup.

You can reuse it.