Taylor Guitars 410 Acoustic

You can read the basics of this guitar below. My goal was to get an acoustic without dealing with cutaways or electronics or anything like that. The instrument was intended to be for personal satisfaction mostly, and I'm not a big fan of cutaways (who actually plays up there?) or the sound of most amplified acoustic guitars anyway. This guitar has all the features an acoustic needs. The look is simple and understated, though the ebony wood and neck binding are a nice touch which set it off a bit from other dreadnoughts.

So I spent an afternoon in a store specializing in acoustic guitars. I tried out everything in the area of this price range, from $750 to $1100. This means mostly Taylors and Martins, though there was another brand or two in there. Started with two Martins around the $1000 range, one with rosewood back/sides and one with mahogany. They were nice enough, nicer than any other acoustic I'd played (electric player for four years, very limited acoustic experience). I tried a Taylor 310, not impressed at all. So it looks like it's going to be the rosewood Martin until I run into another, cheaper Martin, with laminated wood for around $750. Notciably crisper than my current front-runner, with nicer highs. Maybe this is the instrument. The store clerk, who had been appearing occasionally to check my progress, offers a Taylor 410 from the wall. This instrument had not been considered, it was on the highest end of the price range and I hadn't liked the 310. I sit down and play for a minute. Now I see what was missing from those first two Martins. Their highs were subduded at best, and if you laid into the bass strings all the way you ended up with mud, no note-to-note definition at all. I had almost made the mistake of buying a guitar that would have forced me to hold back sometimes. This Taylor was completely different- the highs shimmered gorgeously, and the bass responded at any volume with piano-like definition. Honestly, I have no understanding of midrange in acoustics, but I'm going to trust that it's there and that it's good. I did a blind A/B test of the Taylor and the cheaper Martin, the Taylor won for having the same general sound but fuller and more complex. By instinct I focus on highs more than lows, and this guitar just shimmers. Lovely. Now when I go to music stores I play the most expensive acoustics I can find, and I'm still satisfied with my midrange Taylor. 10 - Although I know that there are better-sounding guitars, probably not for this money.

Set up was very nice, and I didn't feel too much pain converting from electric. No noticable flaws of any sort. The elixir strings are wonderful- they really do last longer and sound great.

I can't forsee any problems here. It's a mid-priced dreadnought with no frills, a workhorse by design. Taylor warranty is excellent, here's hoping I never need to take advantage of it.

Never dealt with Taylor, although there were generous amounts of information included with the guitar and even more is available on Taylor's website.

Been playing for 4+ years, also own a Fender '72 Tele Thinline reissue and a Fender Prosonic combo, plus assorted effects. I play indie, blues, and classic rock, pretty much anything that's interesting, challenging, and fun. This guitar was purchased specifically as an instrument to take to college (no Prosonic in a dorm room!), and if it were stolen I'd be mighty pissed as I went to buy another one. I feel kind of silly giving this thing all 10s, but that's how I feel. I've made it a point to play acoustics since buying this every chance I get, and not once have I said 'gee I'd like this one more.' Though I still love playing electric, there's something honest, trustworthy, and comforting about an unadorned dreadnought, and for the money you're not going to find a better one of those.

1994 Taylor 410
Solid Top
Satin Finish
Mahogany back and sides
Taylor Hardshell Case

Husky sounding, probably becuase of the finish.
Nice even tone, great intonation all the way up the neck.

Very nice finish. No marks, gaps, glue, etc. anywhere. Neck did shrink a little bit the first winter I had it. I was using a sound hole humidifier but the humidity couldn't escape past the cover. No I just clip the hmidifier to a string and drop it in the soundhole without the little plastic cover and the neck came back.

I tried several guitars in this price range before deciding on thhe 410. I liked the sound of the Martin D1 but the workmanship seemed a little shoddy. I also considered the Gibson Gospel but thought it played sloppy.

I think the 410 is a lot of guitar for the money.

This 2001 Taylor 410 has all I could ask for. Sitka spruce top, Ovangkol back and sides, ebony fingerboard, Grover tuners, great hard shell case. The Ovangkol is mottled and has much more character than most tone woods. I think Taylor has a winner with that wood. It has everything I want in an acoustic.

Rich, full, consistent sound down full fretboard. Not as bassy as some, but I don't play in stadiums. Sound very even. High E never sticks out like it does with many acoustics.

Action great. Very easy to play. I also won Guild, Martin and Tama guitars and this is hands down the easiest to play. Changed strings the first day I had it and everything worked fine. Took me a half hour, which is about as quick as I do it.

I only recently purchased it so it's hard to say. However, some fret over satin finish, but not me with Ovangkol. It's so hard that the satin feels totally differnet than the satin on, say, the Martin mahoganys. I expect this will be a rugged performer.

I haven't had to deal with Taylor. They do a lot to provide information, which is a good sign.

Been playing off and on for 30 years, much more seriously in last year or two. I made a lot of progress with my Martin, but this guitar seems to be taking me to new levels. And as another reviewer said, the smell of the Ovangkol is awesome. Taylor really is on to something with this wood. "mottled" like the nose of an appaloosa horse. (bet you didn't read that in another review.

I bought my Taylor in 1999 but I believe it was made in 1997. It is a 20-fret beauty w/ ebony fret board and bridge. The bridge is the string thru type and it the guitar has a satin finish. It has a sitka spruce top and ovangkol back and sides. It is a very basic standard dreadnought w/ chrome grover tuners and comes w/ a very nice skb hard-shell case

I like to play anything and everything from blues to bluegrass; I mostly play folkish style music w/ my father and uncle. The guitar is a whole lot more versatile then I am. I think it would sound good w/ any type of music (within reason). It has a very bright rich full sound and a very distinct tone. The guitar really projects sound quite well and has plenty of bottom end. I haven?t played many guitars that sound as good as this one, not even other Taylor?s.

The guitar was set up perfectly when I got it; I don?t know it that was done at the factory or at the place where I bought it. The action is low but there is very little if any fret buzz. The top is book matched quite well but not perfect. It seems to be really well made and the bridge setup is outstanding.

This guitar seems to be very well made and I think I will have this guitar for many years to come. I would gig w/out a backup but I would rather have one. Very solid guitar!!!!

I did not get any papers w/ my guitar for registration, and have had no need to contact the company for anything although I think I need to try and register it soon. The store I bought it from (Strings in Things in Memphis) is one of the worst music stores I have ever dealt w/ as far as customer support. I got a good price on the guitar but I can?t even get anyone to wait on me to buy strings in the place.

I have been playing guitar for over a decade now and I also own another dreadnought (my first one which is a kay). I have an Alvarez classical guitar, a Kramer bass, a Gibson Les Paul smart wood and several amps, pedals etc. If this guitar was lost or stolen I would by another Taylor but I don?t think I could replace this guitar ever. Even thought it was manufactured it is still a one of a kind guitar. I have thought about adding a thin-line pickup to it but I am afraid that might change the guitar and I couldn?t stand that. In short this is one of the finest guitars I have ever played. It easily ranks up there w/ the Martin?s and Gallagher?s that I have had the pleasure to play on. In short, if you are looking for a good acoustic guitar give Taylor a long hard look, you might not be able to find anything better but always buy the one your heart tells you to buy.

Built in 82, the last year before Taylor bought their CNC machine, so still carved by hand. Solid mahogany dreadnought, solid spruce top, long scale, simple electronics, dot inlays. Nothing fancy, just what you need for tone.

This is where it gets wierd. I've played most things you can find out there-spent an afternoon at Gruhns playing everything he had, several afternoons at Daves Guitar shop, plus high end stores across the midwest. I find myself gravitating towards high end Froggy Bottom and Santa Cruz. The only reason I ended up with a lower end Taylor was a trade. The sound is hard to describe, it's a swirling, midrangey sound with lots of bass and sparkle. Not has hard as a rosewood Martin, not as warm as a Maple Gibson, just an incredibly rich tone that suits well for fingerstyle or flatpicking and records beautifully.

A flatter neck than a modern Taylor, great action, slight upbowing of the body behind the bridge but still very playable (no neck reset needed, and even when it is, it'll be easy with the bolt on neck). It's worn and played and looks every bit the part of a 20 year old acoustic...

20 years, still going, should be fine.

Never tried, but I understand they're quite good.

20 year player, good not great, church, classic rock etc. Many guitars have come and gone, this is a keeper... Hey, and a lot cheaper than that Froggy Bottom

1998 Taylor 410,this is a standard 20 fret,all solid wood instrument.It has a sitka spruce top and ovangkol back and sides.I added a Martin Thinline Gold Plus(made by Fishman)which includes a built in pre-amp and converts the output to lo impedence.The neck is made of mahogany with an east indian rosewood veneer on the headstock.It has chrome grover tuners with a gloss finish on the top and a satin finish on the rest of it.This is a basic no frills dreadnought with ivaroid binding,however I choose to buy a guitar based on sound,playability,durability and quality,not frills.It comes with a Taylor-SKB hardshell case which does a very adequate job.

I think the tremendous sound of this guitar would suit most any style, as it is very versatile.I tend to have a little more of a heavy strumming style and generally run it through a sound system.I am a song leader for our worship team at our church,and using the sound system,it very easily fills the room.In my opinion it has outstanding resonance with very clear intonation and a rich,full sound.I do however feel that as the strings begin to age a little it becomes very ordinary sounding rather quickly.It takes 7 to 8 years for a guitar to reach it's full potential in terms of both sound volume and quality,so since I have only had this guitar a little over 3 years,I know it will continue to get better and better.I was very impessed to be able to get scalloped bracing in this price range-but then all Taylor's include this feature.

This guitar is typical Taylor,with a very low action,making it very easy to play.The action was great,easily adjustable and with almost no string buzz.The top is bookmatched perfectly,you can't see any difference in the pieces used.I have not found any flaws related to fit and finish other than one small barely detectable scratch on the top.The quality of workmanship is amazing.

In my opinion this guitar seems as though it will be very durable long term,that is one of the reasons I selected it.Taylor is the only manufacturer in the world that uses ebony on the fretboard and bridge,and ivory tusq on the nut and saddle,on every guitar they make.This guitar withstands live playing very well and the hardware seems to be very durable.The satin finish is a bit of a concern,so far it has been very durable,however how it will hold up long term remains to be seen.It would be nice to have a gloss finish,but I guess to get a guitar of this quality,at this price range,you have to give up something.My 410 has been extremely reliable and dependable!

As all Taylor guitars,the 410 has limited lifetime warranty.What dealing I have had with the company,with registration and receiving quarterly newsletters/magazines,has been very impressive;although the initial recognition of registration took many months.

I have been playing seriously for about eight years.I also own a Dean acoustic amp,various EV mic's and various other small items.I would definitely consider this a good buy and I would buy it again,although I do kind of covet the idea of owning a Taylor 810 someday,based on the reputation that rosewood Taylor's have.I think Taylor's are some of the most playable and durable guitars made today,like something built with old world craftsmanship.I set out to purchase the best,thinking that was a Martin,but soon found out that Martin simply doesn't stand up to Taylor any more.I think anybody with a good ear and a knowledge of guitars would be impressed with anything Taylor makes.

1998 Taylor 410,this is a standard 20 fret,all solid wood instrument.It has a sitka spruce top and ovangkol back and sides.I added a Martin Thinline Gold Plus(made by Fishman)which includes a built in pre-amp and converts the output to lo impedence.The neck is made of mahogany with an east indian rosewood veneer on the headstock.It has chrome grover tuners with a gloss finish on the top and a satin finish on the rest of it.This is a basic no frills dreadnought with ivaroid binding,however I choose to buy a guitar based on sound,playability,durability and quality,not frills.It comes with a Taylor-SKB hardshell case which does a very adequate job.

I think the tremendous sound of this guitar would suit most any style, as it is very versatile.I tend to have a little more of a heavy strumming style and generally run it through a sound system.I am a song leader for our worship team at our church,and using the sound system,it very easily fills the room.In my opinion it has outstanding resonance with very clear intonation and a rich,full sound.I do however feel that as the strings begin to age a little it becomes very ordinary sounding rather quickly.It takes 7 to 8 years for a guitar to reach it's full potential in terms of both sound volume and quality,so since I have only had this guitar a little over 3 years,I know it will continue to get better and better.I was very impessed to be able to get scalloped bracing in this price range-but then all Taylor's include this feature.

This guitar is typical Taylor,with a very low action,making it very easy to play.The action was great,easily adjustable and with almost no string buzz.The top is bookmatched perfectly,you can't see any difference in the pieces used.I have not found any flaws related to fit and finish other than one small barely detectable scratch on the top.The quality of workmanship is amazing.

In my opinion this guitar seems as though it will be very durable long term,that is one of the reasons I selected it.Taylor is the only manufacturer in the world that uses ebony on the fretboard and bridge,and ivory tusq on the nut and saddle,on every guitar they make.This guitar withstands live playing very well and the hardware seems to be very durable.The satin finish is a bit of a concern,so far it has been very durable,however how it will hold up long term remains to be seen.It would be nice to have a gloss finish,but I guess to get a guitar of this quality,at this price range,you have to give up something.My 410 has been extremely reliable and dependable!

As all Taylor guitars,the 410 has limited lifetime warranty.What dealing I have had with the company,with registration and receiving quarterly newsletters/magazines,has been very impressive;although the initial recognition of registration took many months.

I have been playing seriously for about eight years.I also own a Dean acoustic amp,various EV mic's and various other small items.I would definitely consider this a good buy and I would buy it again,although I do kind of covet the idea of owning a Taylor 810 someday,based on the reputation that rosewood Taylor's have.I think Taylor's are some of the most playable and durable guitars made today,like something built with old world craftsmanship.I set out to purchase the best,thinking that was a Martin,but soon found out that Martin simply doesn't stand up to Taylor any more.I think anybody with a good ear and a knowledge of guitars would be impressed with anything Taylor makes.

10, becuase anything else is not needed. It had all the features a good acoustic guitar should. Don't be putting any electronic crap in my acoustic, wood is all a great guitar needs. The Ovangkol sides and back have a very nice grain and slight webbing, very nice. I could do without the bearclaw on the sitka spruce top, but it adds character. Who cares if the tuners aren't gold plated, did oyu buy your guitar to look at it or to play it. The new 410s like mine, a 2000, have a bound neck. Binding is about the only extra feature I go for, because its easier to fix a chip or ding in a bound neck than have the whole fretboard redone. It came with a hardcase.

That last guy must always play jumbos because this puppy has bass. Tons of it for a dreadnaught, more than my Guild JF30 or any martin. This thing puts the sound out there. You can even get good volume fingerstyle if your fingers are strong enough. Play this thing in open D and it is very boomy. Good for folk, rock, country, celtic, etc.

The action measured out exactly as the Taylor website said it should. It is so good that medium strings fell like lights. My repair guy looked at it and asked me how bad it buzzed, but it never has. The new neck design is very tight.

The gloss finish on the top is a little soft. The bindings will take the brunt of the punishment and can be easily replaced if need be. I don't use the strap buttons because I play seated. If I played in one tuning I could gig woth just one guitar, but I usually take this one and National resonator for my blues gigs.

Unlike the last post, I got my affirmation of warraty registration right away, as well as a video. I also get a Tayloer newsletter each month or so, as well as invitations to clinics that Taylor holds at music stores around the country for their customers. When you buy the guitar there are many pamphlets inside the case telling you how to care for the guitar. I feel very strongly that Taylor is a great company.

Talk about a bargain. Yes there are other all solid wood acoustics for less dinero, but none have the little touches like a bound neck, or a deluxe case. The time and effort Taylor went through to design and build these guitars is well worth the money. Much better than a guitar desinged to make a quick buck off extra lumber like some other previously mentioned company (cough, tacoma, cough). A new Taylor is like what a Martin used to be before the decided to become a huge corporate moneymaker. Here's the kicker, the satin finished ovangkol smells like cocoa, mmm mmm good.

2001 model (Ovangkol; yes --- there is a "g" in the correct spelling of this West African wood)--- back and sides with satin finish
solid spruce top (glossy finish), not all that well bookmatched
standard off the shelf features and tuners, no electronics
neck / headstock fingerjoint is much too plainly visible
nice binding (white "ivoroid" [plastic])on a wonderfully playable neck
non-beveled edges to the cutesy Taylor pickguard annoy me a bit
precision fit plastic case is very nice indeed
can't say I much like the appearance of Taylor's "smiley face" bridge

I play primarily folk and folk/rock (I've never much liked that latter "hybrid" description). Some fingerstyle, mostly flatpick.

When I purchased this guitar from a small local shop on something of a "got some extra cash" impulse in late August, 2001, I was drawn to the clear, "woody" sound and the ringing sustain of this guitar. However, once back in my own familiar sound surroundings, I promptly started asking myself "Where's the bass?". I've been asking myself that same question ever since. Compared to my Martin SPD-16R (of comparable cost), the Taylor 410 doesn't have much discernible bass / low end at all, a shortcoming which will undoubtedly lead me to part with this guitar in the months ahead. Too bad too ---I sure do love the feel of the neck, but ---no bass, no keep.

Action is fine, although the higher profile frets (i.e., compared to Martin)are noticeably different to me and take some getting used to. I experience some fret buzz on one fret of the low E string, but that might be my own imperfect playing style --- I have not yet had a luthier take a good hard look at the instrument, so I am not prepared to blame the factory set up. The construction of this guitar leaves very little to be criticized, although I admit I dislike the Taylor pickguard (and bridge shape). The top spruce pieces are not all that well bookmatched either. The Ovangkol is unique and lovely to me.

Having owned this guitar for only a few months, I am not entitled to an opinion on its long term durability. However, it is clearly very well made. I didn't particularly want a strap button (but it's there pre-installed anyhow, like it or not), but the strap button is clearly solid and secure. I'd be surprised if there was to be any reliability issue with this guitar down the road. I won't be keeping it, but certainly not because of any concerns with its durability.

Well, I completed and submitted the (non-transferable) warranty papers to Taylor immediately upon purchase --- over three months ago now.
I received no acknowledgement of any kind (Martin provides its registered owners with a dated owner's card identifying the instrument by model, serial number and name of original purchaser in about a week, just by way of comparison). Also, I have yet to receive a single copy of Wood 'n Steel, Taylors publication which is supposedly sent out to all registered owners --- but you couldn't prove that by me, having never received a single one.

I've been playing guitar for about 32 years (I'm a competent player, but I make no claims to expertise or artistry). I likely won't keep this guitar. It's very solidly constructed and I love the feel and playability of its neck, and I like the clear, ringing sustain. But I expect more bass out of a dreadnaught. Low end tone in this guitar is more a rumor than a reality. Whether it't the hardness of the Ovangkol (which is 102% as hard as oak), I don't claim to know, but it just plain lacks the tonal warmth I expect (demand) from a dreadnought. I also don't like the smiley face bridge or its cutesy pickguard either, but it's the absence of low end tone which is the REAL issue. I'll probably sell this 410 and replace it with another dreadnaught --- a Martin, model yet undetermined --- but with solid rosewood back and sides, spruce top. I really and truly wanted to like this Taylor 410, but for me it just plain doen't cut it tonally. It's not about brands, it's about the tone --- it's always about the tone......

I purchased this guitar mail order if you can believe....and for $600.00 new in 1991. This is taking a real chance but for where I live trying out a lot of great guitars is not possible. Anyway it is Mahogany back and sides with a spruce top....Mahogany neck and Rosewood fretboard. It has Grover tuners and a satin finish all packed in its own custom case

I was simply elated by the sound very well balanced and with great volume. I put a set of medium John Pierce strings on it and what a sound. A friend of mine with a 70's Martin D28 wanted to trade right on the spot.

The guitar has not seen a Luthier since I bought it and the action is just right for my style of playing which is pretty forcefull. I think for fingerpicking you would want it a little lower. One thing the neck is sure great.

Its a pretty tough guitar although the finish is a little thin. I have a couple of small dings in it...but it is a guitar to play!

After 10 years I would say they get an A as I never needed anything done....I do believe it has a limited lifetime warranty.

Been playing about 30 years I also own a 70's Fender Precison Bass which I bought new...good stuff! My Taylor is an acoustic guitar to use..one that you are not afraid to take it out because it my get a thumb print or scratch. I would by another in a heartbeat but....looking at the Taylor lineup now there are so many versions of what I have the question would be which variation!