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Hi Guys

I can build acoustic instruments but I confess I'm not great with electrics. I have a Taylor 214ce that I said I would look at for a friend. It is very poorly set up but I can deal with that easily. The other problem is that the top E string is much louder through the electrics than any other string thus creating a very harsh sound when played through an amp. The owner wants to gig it but can't because of this problem.

I will check the saddle pressure and saddle slot etc but just wondered if anyone had any ideas of what else could be causing this. I don't know much about the electrics but on the Taylor site it says that the "under-saddle transducer has individual elements for each string". It would seem likely that the 'individual' element might be causing the problem.

I haven't taken the strings off yet to look but just thought I'd ask here first in case anyone had any experience with a similar problem.

Many thanks in advance for your advice.

Mat

I'd check the bottom of the saddle slot to make sure everything is flat and even as it should be.

I'm not familiar with the electronics in the 214ce. Is that the expression system?

_________________
Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
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House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
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Install a LR Baggs Anthem or Lyric

They are mic based and sound eons better than the flappy Taylor systems (especially the piezo based older ones)

Sounds like this is a piezo one. Probably an uneven saddle as was suggested above.

Thanks for the replies.

I will check the saddle.We're trying to avoid a replacement due to cost reasons.

Josh - It's called 'ES-T' but It's on their lower grade models so is probably different to what they call their 'Expression System'

Fresh battery I assume? If you check the slot for grit or whatever else might be causing uneven contact and it all checks out then it is possible the under saddle element has gone bad. If your friend is the original purchaser and has registered the guitar he should take it to an Authorized Taylor Repair facility. Chances are it would cost your friend nothing. They may have replacement transducers in stock. Say what you will about the sound of Taylors but their customer service is second to none.

_________________
Stay with the happy people.
--Reynolds Large

The LR Baggs Lyric is a very reasonably priced unit @ just $199.00, not bad for the improvement in sound if the dude is making money gigging.

Similar Taylor ES model (UST)
http://www.dougyoungguitar.com/pickupte ... 314_ES.mp3

LR Baggs Lyric (UST & Mic blend)
http://www.dougyoungguitar.com/pickupte ... _Lyric.mp3

Just thought I'd throw that out there, good luck.