Taylor T5 Electronics Issue

[Brian T. Williams]

Hi, I have done a "search" regarding my issue but alas no result, so I am hoping someone can help me please.

I am a player, not a luthier, currently playing a Taylor T5-12 string that is prone to cutting out intermittently for a split second or two.

At first I suspected the 5 way selector switch; contacted Taylor who suggested treating the contacts with very fine grit abrasive paper but I do not feel confident enough to remove and disassemble what seems to be the very complicated selector switch & volume/tone pots module.

I applied some "switch cleaner" but this has had no effect on the issue but further testing has led me to believe it is not the switch, but as the problem is intermittent it is difficult to target!

As the problem mirrors the issues of a dry solder joint, I have re-soldered the cables at the 4 way jack socket but again, this has not solved the issue. I have also checked the battery & battery compartment connections etc.

I noticed (completely accidentally) that if I shake the guitar in any way (eg. pull/tension the neck, a la vibrato effect), the sound re-connects.

Apart from re-soldering the earth connection on the underside of the metal coated bridge plate (something I haven't done as yet, before checking if this would be a wise course of action, given the fine electronics setup), the rest of the electronics look very complicated and a bit of a mystery to me and something I would not attempt to repair myself.

I was just hoping that one of you good folks on the forum may have come across this issue with the Taylor T5 before, and can help me solve it with a quick, simple, obvious (maybe I've missed something)  solution, before having to send the guitar away for what may be a lengthy and costly repair.

Thanks for looking..........Brian

PS. I have (obviously) checked all the other links in the signal chain....cables etc., the issue is definitely with the guitar.

[Mark A. Kane]

Taylor connections are accomplished through the use of Molex connectors (MC) and are prone to malfunction. The good news is that they are serviceable. Most commonly, one of the brass terminals is not fully seated in the MC body and therefore not fully seated on it's corresponding board terminal. You can disconnect the MC and check that the terminal is fully engaged in the MC. There are small brass locking tabs that are visible through the small windows on the MC. The windows also allow you to disassemble the MC by depressing the locking tab and withdrawing the terminal. These MC connection issues are fairly common, and are many times the cause of problems such as you describe.

[Brian T. Williams]

Hi Mark thanks for your response.......I'm on the case already!!

The Molex connectors appear to be connected to a what I assume is the "junction box" between the pickups and the pickup selector switch; would this be correct?

Would you recommend cleaning these Molex connectors with any sort of fluid cleaner and what is the best way to test and be assured that all the connectors have a secure and positive connection?

[Mark A. Kane]

I would not use a cleaner and have yet to see any reason to in about 15 years of repairing Taylor pickups. As to testing, continuity is the first thing to check (assuming the components are functional). Beyond that, you'll have to take it to a Taylor Authorized repair shop. The components have their own specific values and can be tested for functionality. 

[Brian T. Williams]

Hi Mark,

Thank you for the tip about the Molex connectors!!

I did check them. I have cleaned them with Isopropyl Alcohol on a tiny interdental (flossing) toothbrush and re-seated them a couple of times, hoping to make sure of a clean connection.

Bingo!!     So far..............it appears that the issue is solved, so thank you once again for taking the time to help.

Brian.

[Brian T. Williams]

Mark, you helped me recently regarding an issue with my Taylor T5 and your advice regarding the Molex connectors solved the problem.....many thanks for that!!

I was hoping that, with your experience of T5's you might be kind enough to help with one more issue.

My T5 is prone to an intermittent electronic "crackle" that seems to be an earthing issue.

The problem is negated when I earth the guitar by touching the cable input (Neutrik metal) jack, and is only apparent when playing the guitar!

It also doesn't appear to be linked to my previous problem as the selector switch now works perfectly and the crackle is common to all switch positions.

I originally thought it was issue with my home electrics (when rehearsing), but as it happened recently on gigs, further investigation (testing my cables and other instruments) I have isolated the problem to the guitar itself and I was wondering if this might be another common T5 issue, with a possible easy fix.

Many, many thanks for your time and help Mark and to anyone else who might be able to shed some light on this issue.

Cheers........Brian