Taylor Guitars 410CE

2003 bought new for ~1800. See Taylor website for construction details. My comments are that the African Ovangkol is slightly brighter than Indian Rosewood but every bit as beautiful.

Taylor necks are without a second. Their patented joining system is absolutely amazing. I went to one of their road shows and watched a tech take off the neck, shim it, & replace in < 10 minutes.

The custom electronics package likewise is amazing. The controls are minimally invasive, not like the hunk of side wood that Martin & Gibson take. I play onstage with PA amplification and talk about well-behaved. Very feedback resistant and pristine sound quality. I often get comments about the clarity of the amplified sound.

I have tried many strings but have setled on nanoweb 80/20 12's.

Of course this is subjective. I also like Koa and Rosewood as tone woods, not Maple so much. I play acoustic & electric rock/blues. I also play in an acoustic duo. This guitar is perfect for my style of playing. It's very percussive when alternating chords & muting. Very open & melodic when strummed gently or played w fingers. I occasionally add a touch of chorus when I want a really syrupy sound.

Setup was as factory spec however I brought it down another 32nd 'cause I use all 22 frets. It would easily take another 32nd without buzz.

From a woodworking point of view this guitar was A-1 from the start. It is not as ornate as the 800's of course but with Taylor that's the only real difference from 400-800 series. Playability & sound (tonewoods notwithstanding of course) are analagous between my 410 and an 810.

Taylor is very roadworthy if you keep it on a stand or in a case. I keep it on a stand at home in a 40-45% humidity.

Taylor guys are amazing. When I first started gigging with this guitar I noticed a little fizz in the high end when amplified. I called T rep they said first generation electronics, send it back. They replaced it no charge. I know many taylor owners and every customer support story I hear is the same; they will bend over backwards for their customers.

Catch a Taylor Road Show if they are in your area. There was the marketing hype but thewe guys know their stuff and answered the tough questions.

Been playing 40+ years. Gigging probably 15 of those. If this guitar got stolen or demolished I would go buy another one the next day. I bought this guitar so I wouldn't have to take my '63 J-45 on gigs and my poor Gibson is the jealous one now.

Has been covered already, though I must say I am very impressed
with the Ovangkol Back and Sides. Looks lovely !!

I am also impressed with the tone and volume this guitar has.
The Ovangkol Back and Sides give a rich, warm, Bassy bottom
end reminisient of Rosewood! It actually sounds as good as my
Martin D-35, well almost!

Overall, the finish is great, except for 2 light coloured marks on the soundboard, which are obviously factory flaws. I'm surprised
it passed inspection. The neck is a dream to play. Binding appears to be holding up Ok, nicely trimmed. The spruce top has aged nicely
and looks stunning.

This is a used instrument I have recently bought. Several years old
and seems to be standing up well. The real test is the tropical climate I live in.

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I've been playing 30 years on and off. Only wish I had this
Taylor when I was Restaraunt gigging! instead of my Mahogany Cort. With the Martin Goldplus I'm having installed, it should sound awesome! As I said, My Martin cost 4 times what I payed for this, and sounds every bit as good. I love how loud and punchy
this Taylor is most of all, and it will be a Keeper!