Taylor 414 annoying vibration

Jonesy79 · #1 04-07-2020, 05:38 PM

Evening all.
I’m after some advice please.

My brand new Taylor 414ce-R is only 5 weeks old and it’s developed a strong buzz/vibration by the tone controls.
I know I can arrange to take it back to store but obviously in the current climate the store is closed and it’s a good 60/75min drive each way.

Here’s a link to a video of the issue. Excuse the heavy plucking
https://app.box.com/s/t503yxwzrfh6s9vt5w7maspomaihcabs

I’ve read a few things regarding taking the tone buttons off and tightening or placing a rubber basket before the circuit board but if it could be more serious (like the bracing) then I’ll have to wait and return it

Dbone · #2 04-07-2020, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonesy79

Evening all.
I’m after some advice please.

My brand new Taylor 414ce-R is only 5 weeks old and it’s developed a strong buzz/vibration by the tone controls.
I know I can arrange to take it back to store but obviously in the current climate the store is closed and it’s a good 60/75min drive each way.

Here’s a link to a video of the issue. Excuse the heavy plucking
https://app.box.com/s/t503yxwzrfh6s9vt5w7maspomaihcabs

I’ve read a few things regarding taking the tone buttons off and tightening or placing a rubber basket before the circuit board but if it could be more serious (like the bracing) then I’ll have to wait and return it

Link doesn’t work
For me anyway

Jonesy79 · #3 04-07-2020, 05:54 PM

Weird, how about a Dropbox link?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uauiki8jpy...35-48.mov?dl=0

jklotz · #4 04-07-2020, 06:34 PM

Link doesn't work for me either. I doubt many folks will download the video, viruses and whatnot. You'll probably get a better response if you upload to youtube and post.

B. Adams · #5 04-07-2020, 07:37 PM

Pull the strings off and feel around inside for anything loose. I've had the cable clips be a little loose on some of my Taylors, and the cable can rattle slightly against the side on certain notes. It could also be something in the preamp, but the cable is certainly something to check.

Tahitijack · #6 04-07-2020, 07:53 PM

I agree with B Adam's my favorite Taylor has a loose cord that runs to the onbord Fishman blender. Its annoying and some day I'll wrap it with foam to keep it from vibrating against the body.

Jonesy79 · #7 04-08-2020, 01:30 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. That’s this mornings job sorted

jonfields45 · #8 04-08-2020, 06:02 AM

Maybe one of the nuts that mount the PCB is loose. You can tighten them by hand. The knobs pull off easily. I have the official Taylor tool:

SpruceTop · #9 04-08-2020, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonfields45

Maybe one of the nuts that mount the PCB is loose. You can tighten them by hand. The knobs pull off easily. I have the official Taylor tool:

Jon,

I don't see that tool listed on the Taylor Store website. Do you have the Taylor name for it and its item number? Also, are you aware if this "Fat Max" tool is available elsewhere? Thanks!

Ken

B. Adams · #10 04-08-2020, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Jon,

I don't see that tool listed on the Taylor Store website. Do you have the Taylor name for it and its item number? Also, are you aware if this "Fat Max" tool is available elsewhere? Thanks!

Ken

"Fat Max" is a Stanley brand. This tool looks like a normal screwdriver that's had an adapter welded to it. I've heard of an official Taylor tool that they send to their dealers, and my guess is that's what this is. I'm not sure if it's available to the general public, but there are other options out there:

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=318371

jonfields45 · #11 04-09-2020, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Jon,

I don't see that tool listed on the Taylor Store website. Do you have the Taylor name for it and its item number? Also, are you aware if this "Fat Max" tool is available elsewhere? Thanks!

Ken

I actually tried to use a T5z as my only gigging guitar for 3 years. The physical design of the electronics is not up to that task. Taylor sent me the tool and a refurbed preamp PCB (I had already purchased a spare switch) so that I could have one in the guitar and the other repaired on my bench. I also bought a solder vacuum in that time frame to deal with the relative fine pitch lead-silver solder. Who ever makes that tool for Taylor is not carried away with making it look super nice.

For the OPs purposes, any work around should get it tight enough to not rattle, if that is the problem.

SpruceTop · #12 04-09-2020, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonfields45

I actually tried to use a T5z as my only gigging guitar for 3 years. The physical design of the electronics is not up to that task. Taylor sent me the tool and a refurbed preamp PCB (I had already purchased a spare switch) so that I could have one in the guitar and the other repaired on my bench. I also bought a solder vacuum in that time frame to deal with the relative fine pitch lead-silver solder. Who ever makes that tool for Taylor is not carried away with making it look super nice.

For the OPs purposes, any work around should get it tight enough to not rattle, if that is the problem.

Thanks, Jon!

I located a camera-based, small, adjustable spanner wrench ($14.99) that I may order for not only Taylor preamp swap-out but for other tasks as well: Neewer Professional Curved Tips DSLR Camera Lens Spanner Wrench Repairing Opening Tool Stainless Steel for Most DSLR Cameras