this issue is well documented in taylor talk forums...the earlier(2013 to 2018 ish) es2 modules have higher output and pronounced string attack noise...

two, of many, partial corrections(improvement?) are; turn volume and high knobs down and loosen treble contact(maybe 1/10th of a revolution); ask taylor to sell/ send you a newer(2020 onwards) processing module, which is easy to swap, that produces a lower output and less string noise eq...

 

The es2 system I have is only a year old. Hearing from you that this was an improvement from the older version is kind of scary! Taylor makes very fine acoustic guitars, but their amplification efforts seem more focused on being different rather than being better. (despite their claims to the contrary)

 

I'm finding the ES-2 system on my Taylor GS Mini to be way too sensitive. Any hint of string noise is far more noticeable than other K&K or piezo pickups in other guitars I have. I've adjusted the three sensors numerous times, but the lower volume level needed to reduce any scratchy sounds makes it almost useless to use. Using flat wound strings helps, but they're expensive and dull quickly.

Have any others had this issue, and better yet, found a solution? I'm not a sloppy finger picker. (at least I think I'm not!) 😉

From what I understand you can adjust the output sensitivity of each pickup, with a simple adjustment.
The pickup elements sit on the end of the housing, each poking through the holes in the guitar top and bridge, behind the saddle.
Each pickup contacts the back of the saddle and senses vibrations from the guitar strings.
Each pickup element uses a hex-head screw that moves the pickup backward and forward slightly, allowing the pressure to be adjusted to the saddle...this pressure is what converts mechanical energy(vibrations) to electrical energy.
Balancing the pickups is accomplished by turning the .050” hex head, so each string pair (E/A, D/G, B/e) has an adjustable but limited output.
It may require some tweaking to obtain the sensitivity where you want it.

 

Thanks for your input! I've fiddled with those hex screws many times and while it does help to some extent, it doesn't fix the problem. What makes it even more frustrating is that Taylor has made swapping out the ES2 system for anything else such as an LR Baggs or K&K one a uniquely tricky and expensive task. Oh well ....

 

such as an LR Baggs

Were you considering the LR Baggs Anthem system?

tricky and expensive task.

I agree with you on that statement. I ended up putting a low-cost Donner system in my mandolin and it works well however, I will admit to being a somewhat casual listener.

 

The few times I've had my Mini plugged in it has sounded pretty good. FWIW I liked it better than my 414ce plugged in.

Guess I'm not helping

 

If you like to experiment, you can convert a piezo-electric buzzer into a piezo-pickup. These transducers, work both ways.