What is the difference the Taylor ES delivers?
"We believe the ES voice is more pleasing and more musical than previous acoustic amplification systems. And in addition to distortion-free playing at almost any volume, the Taylor ES faithfully captures the dynamics of how you play. From soft to hard, the Taylor ES delivers the feel of your attack. And holds the notes for as long as the guitar does. And virtually no feedback. When you show up with the Taylor ES, your gear is the best in the house."

What are the limits of current amplified acoustic technology?
"For the past 30 years, the vast majority of acoustic pickups have used a source known as piezo crystal. Piezo is a 'square law' device, meaning that if you double your attack, the output of the pickup quadruples, and so on. The harder you play, the worse it sounds. Piezos require a preamp just to function, both to match the high impedance levels and to correct the undesirable native sound that the pickup itself produces. In the end, however, you still hear the voice of the piezo crystal as well as the distortion it produces when you play hard."

What's the technology behind the Taylor ES?
"In a word, it's magnetic. But the dynamic sensors of the Taylor ES are not at all like the magnetic pickups on an electric guitar. The pickups on an electric guitar capture the movement of the guitar's steel strings. One of the Expression System's three dynamic sensors acts in roughly the same way. The other two, however, capture the actual vibrations of the guitar top. In the realm of magnetic pickups, no such sensor existed. So we had to invent it ourselves."

Will I really hear the difference?
"Yes, you will. And after you've heard the tone you'll begin to feel its dynamic range. Play soft, then attack hard. Play in a range of styles. Once you've heard the difference, you'll never forget it. And if you're like others who've discovered what the ES delivers, you'll smile and keep on playing."

Can I retrofit the ES into a non-Taylor guitar?
"The Expression System is exclusive to Taylor guitars. No other guitar possesses ES technology and no other guitar can — because the ES system builds on the optimum sensor locations made possible by the unique Taylor NT neck." [Note: ES retrofits are now available for all Taylors, including pre-NT Taylors. Contact our Customer Service Department for more details.]

How does the Expression System affect the look of a Taylor guitar?
"With only three small knobs visible, we think you'll agree that the Expression System is the 'stealthiest' amplification system available."