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Connections

The Expression System 2 is designed to be 
plugged-in using a standard quarter-inch guitar 
cable, which will work in every circumstance: 
with an acoustic guitar amplifier, a standard 
direct box, or any other guitar-ready application. 

 

Note: The ES2 is designed with different

 

circuitry than previous versions of the ES

 

and will not work with a balanced TRS jack.  

 

You’ll want to plug into a DI (Direct Input)

 

box to convert to a balanced signal for long

 

runs to a mixer or snake. 

Tone Controls

Three soft-touch knobs allow for simple, ac-
curate control of your guitar’s amplified tone. 
Using the knobs to adjust the bass, treble and 
volume will give you the ability to shape your 
tone considerably. We encourage you to experi-
ment with different control settings. 

Control Arrangement

Volume: Closest to front of guitar
Treble: Center position
Bass: Closest to back of guitar

The Taylor Expression System

®  

2

T a y l o r   G u i T a r s   T e c h   s h e e T

All three controls on the Expression System 
2 are designed to indicate a center position, 
commonly known as a detent. By rotating each 
knob back and forth, you should feel a small 
“bump” at the center marker. For bass and 
treble, the center position indicates the “off” 
or “flat” mode. The center point of the volume 
knob indicates half of the highest volume output. 

Tone-Shaping Control

The Expression System 2 opens up new fron-
tiers in sound, and will enable you to create a 
wide range of tones using simple adjustments 
of the onboard controls. The built-in equalizer 
reacts to subtle changes in bass, treble and 
volume, emphasizing individual characteristics 
of the guitar’s natural sound. Turning the bass 
or treble controls clockwise past the center 
detent will add bass or treble. Turning the same 
controls counterclockwise from the center de-
tent will reduce bass or treble. 
 

 

Tip for midrange control: Turning both the

 

bass and treble up past the center detent

 

will automatically create a dipped mid-

 

range. Turning both the bass and treble

 

down and increasing the volume control

 

will boost the midrange. 

Plugging In

Follow these simple steps to set the proper 
volume and tone levels when you first plug in.

1)  Turn all three controls on the guitar to the 
center detent position. In this position the bass 
and treble are flat and the volume is at the mid-
way point. 

2)  Turn the volume knob on your amplifier or 
mixer all the way down. Plug in the guitar. 

3)  Set the tone controls on your amplifier or 
mixer to flat or a neutral position. 

 

Note: Some acoustic guitar amplifiers 

 

do not

 have an active EQ (tone controls).

 

If so, finding a neutral tone spot can be a

 

bit more challenging but is not impossible.

 

Setting all the tone controls on the same

 

number is a good place to start. 

4)  Slowly raise the mixer or amplifier volume 
level to a comfortable level, then adjust the 
tone controls on your guitar to suit your per-
sonal taste. 

Battery Usage

The Expression System 2 requires one 9-volt 
battery. Taylor recommends Duracell

®

 for op-

timal performance and long life. A new battery 
will provide 40-50 hours of plugged-in use. 
The ES2 conserves battery life using a stan-
dard, automatic on/off system. The pickup is 
in an “off” state until a cable is inserted, which 
activates the preamp. Removing the cable will 
return the system to “off” mode and conserve 
battery life. An LED battery life indicator is vis-
ible and located inside the soundhole on the 
preamp circuit board. 

If your amplified tone begins to sound distorted, 
the battery most likely needs to be replaced.
To change the battery, release the clip on the 
battery carriage (located along the tail line of 

your Taylor guitar features the Taylor expression system 2 (es2), a revolutionary pickup 
design that delivers the latest in Taylor’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The 
heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three 
uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. The location of the sensors enables 
a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before. Together with Taylor’s 
custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone 
and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into 
recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your Taylor guitar.

The Taylor Expression System 2 also operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and 
easy-to-use volume and tone controls.  

Expression System 2 tone controls: 
(L-R) Volume, Treble, Bass

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