What is the Taylor ES-Go?

The Taylor ES-Go is a magnetic soundhole pickup specifically designed as an aftermarket add-on for Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitars. It allows players to amplify their instrument for use with amplifiers or PA systems.

Which guitars are compatible with the ES-Go?

It is exclusively compatible with the Taylor GS Mini series. These guitars feature a pre-installed internal bracket designed specifically to hold this pickup model.

Do I need a professional luthier to install the ES-Go?

No, it is designed for DIY installation. The process involves snapping the pickup into a bracket and replacing the endpin, which can be done in about five minutes with a screwdriver.

Does the ES-Go require a battery?

No, the ES-Go is a passive magnetic pickup. It does not require an internal battery to function, though an external preamp can be used to boost the signal if desired.

What tools are needed for installation?

You generally only need a standard screwdriver to replace the endpin jack. The pickup itself snaps into the pre-existing bracket without tools.

How does the ES-Go sound compared to a piezo pickup?

Being a magnetic pickup, it has a warmer, more electric-leaning character. It avoids the sharp, compressed 'quack' sound typically found in undersaddle piezo pickups.

Is the ES-Go a humbucker or single coil?

The ES-Go is a stacked-coil humbucking design. This helps to reduce unwanted 60-cycle hum and noise during performance.

Can I use the ES-Go on a GS Mini Bass?

No, the ES-Go is designed specifically for the steel-string GS Mini acoustic guitar. The GS Mini Bass requires a different electronics system suited for bass frequencies.

Does the ES-Go come with a volume control?

The standard ES-Go pickup does not have onboard volume or tone controls. The V-Cable (a separate Taylor product) is often recommended if you require volume control at the guitar.

What is included in the ES-Go package?

The package includes the magnetic pickup unit and a replacement endpin jack socket with the necessary internal wiring to connect the two.

Does installing the ES-Go require drilling holes?

No drilling is required for GS Mini guitars. The hole for the endpin jack is already sized correctly to fit the jack provided with the ES-Go.

How much does the Taylor ES-Go typically cost?

The typical retail price for the Taylor ES-Go pickup is approximately £74.00, though this may vary slightly by retailer.

Gear article

Taylor Guitars ES-Go Pickup for GS Mini

The Taylor ES-Go is a magnetic soundhole pickup specifically engineered for the GS Mini series of acoustic guitars. It features a proprietary design that allows for tool-free installation into a pre-installed bracket, enabling users to convert their acoustic GS Mini into an electro-acoustic instrument in minutes.

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Background and Design

The Taylor ES-Go was developed as a dedicated solution for owners of the original acoustic GS Mini models. Recognising the popularity of the GS Mini as a travel and performance instrument, Taylor Guitars integrated a mounting bracket inside every GS Mini guitar manufactured. This design allows the ES-Go to be added as an aftermarket upgrade without the need for professional lutherie services or invasive modifications to the guitar's body.

Installation and Mechanics

The ES-Go is designed for user-friendly installation, requiring only a screwdriver and approximately five minutes. The process involves:

Removing the strings or loosening them sufficiently to access the soundhole.
Snapping the pickup unit into the pre-installed plastic bracket located under the fingerboard extension.
Replacing the existing strap button (endpin) with the supplied 1/4" output jack socket.
Connecting the internal wire from the pickup to the new endpin jack.

This 'plug-and-play' approach eliminates the need for soldering or drilling, preserving the structural integrity of the instrument.

Sound Character

As a magnetic pickup, the ES-Go captures the vibrations of the steel strings directly. It provides a warm, humbucking-style tone that is less prone to the 'quack' often associated with piezo-electric undersaddle pickups. While it is designed to enhance the playing experience for stage and studio use, the output is passive, meaning it does not require an internal battery. For the best tonal results, users often pair it with an external preamp or an acoustic-specific amplifier.

Market Context and Compatibility

The ES-Go is a proprietary accessory exclusive to Taylor's GS Mini line. While other brands such as Yamaha, Hartwood, and Tanglewood offer semi-acoustic models like the Northstar Pro or the Hartwood Sonata which come with factory-fitted electronics, the ES-Go provides a specific path for GS Mini owners to reach equivalent stage readiness. It is priced competitively at approximately £74, making it an accessible upgrade for student and professional players alike.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Taylor ES-Go?: The Taylor ES-Go is a magnetic soundhole pickup specifically designed as an aftermarket add-on for Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitars. It allows players to amplify their instrument for use with amplifiers or PA systems.
Which guitars are compatible with the ES-Go?: It is exclusively compatible with the Taylor GS Mini series. These guitars feature a pre-installed internal bracket designed specifically to hold this pickup model.
Do I need a professional luthier to install the ES-Go?: No, it is designed for DIY installation. The process involves snapping the pickup into a bracket and replacing the endpin, which can be done in about five minutes with a screwdriver.
Does the ES-Go require a battery?: No, the ES-Go is a passive magnetic pickup. It does not require an internal battery to function, though an external preamp can be used to boost the signal if desired.
What tools are needed for installation?: You generally only need a standard screwdriver to replace the endpin jack. The pickup itself snaps into the pre-existing bracket without tools.
How does the ES-Go sound compared to a piezo pickup?: Being a magnetic pickup, it has a warmer, more electric-leaning character. It avoids the sharp, compressed 'quack' sound typically found in undersaddle piezo pickups.
Is the ES-Go a humbucker or single coil?: The ES-Go is a stacked-coil humbucking design. This helps to reduce unwanted 60-cycle hum and noise during performance.
Can I use the ES-Go on a GS Mini Bass?: No, the ES-Go is designed specifically for the steel-string GS Mini acoustic guitar. The GS Mini Bass requires a different electronics system suited for bass frequencies.
Does the ES-Go come with a volume control?: The standard ES-Go pickup does not have onboard volume or tone controls. The V-Cable (a separate Taylor product) is often recommended if you require volume control at the guitar.
What is included in the ES-Go package?: The package includes the magnetic pickup unit and a replacement endpin jack socket with the necessary internal wiring to connect the two.
Does installing the ES-Go require drilling holes?: No drilling is required for GS Mini guitars. The hole for the endpin jack is already sized correctly to fit the jack provided with the ES-Go.
How much does the Taylor ES-Go typically cost?: The typical retail price for the Taylor ES-Go pickup is approximately £74.00, though this may vary slightly by retailer.