Taylor Guitars 310-CE

I went for the 310 as I wasn't overly impressed with the electronics on the ce. The 310 is the most wonderful guitar. It play beautifully, has lots of character and a strong bottom. The overtones and harmonics have blown me way.
I installed a L R Baggs iMix pickup which is fantastic. It is clear and accurate and allows to to set a contour which balances both pickups with little wheels in the sound hole for adjustment on the fly. Combined with the L R Baggs Para DI I have yet to hear a guitar that compares with it.

I use it for praise and worship and when left in the lurrch by team members it more than holds it own as the only instrument for congregational singing. The resonance and sustain give it a really full sound

I had a fairly serious action setup done - some of the higher frets (18th and 19th) had to be filed down a bit and it took a bit of tweaking to sort out buzzing on the 2nd and 3rd frets when using a capo. Once done the action and feel are perfect.

It looks like it will last a long time. It is ight to handle but really solidly made. I make sure I use a planetwaves guitar humidifier in the dry months.

I have been playing for forty years and this is the best guitar I have ever bought. My favourite prior to buying this one was a 1980 USA made Guild (also fitted with an L R Baggs pickup). It served me really well but the freshness and spark of the Taylor has given my guitar playing a new lease on life. It was a bit pricey but you get what you pay for.

...2003 Model
...Made in USA
...Solid Top
...Fishman Prefix Pro
...Sapele back and sides
...solid sitka spruce top
...ebony fingerboard
...dreadnought w/ cutaway
I think this particular model is limited because most of the 3 series taylors that I have seen (and any other series as well) comes with Taylors signature electronic system which is the ES.
Mine is having Fishman Prefix Pro and I just love the sound and pick-up response that its giving. Very versatile, although it does not come with a tuner.

When I first played the guitar, I was not that convinced because my first choice was a Martin. I am more on the Bassy side that is why, and taylor is more of brilliance. Although everyone else around me says that the guitar sounds nice whenever I play, I still was seeking for a particular sound which is seemingly not coming out from this guitar. However, while playing consistently over time, I have noticed a dramatic change in the sound. Bass response was inceased not leaving the innate natural brilliance. Now it sounds perfect for me. And I swear, I cannot think of any guitar that can replace this my life! I can say that the sound is well balanced all through out. Brilliance and bass punch blends so well that you do not have to strike the strings hard in order to achieve your sound of desire. I am still looking forward to have a Martin though because I want to see what It has to offer to me.

Action as for me, cannot be set or defined by anyone else than the person who is going to use the guitar. I have tried a lot of good/comfortable playing guitars but still, my hands seek for a particular smoothness and string height that suites my style of playing and kind of music. From the box, action was quite high as for me. It comes with .12 gauge Elixir strings. Thick indeed but surprisingly the playability was comfortable. Hence, I had to set the action of my desire. I find this normal and so I am giving a perfect score. Construction was perfect. No flaws, no scratches whatsoever.

I have used this on a lot of gigs already and as I can see, this can last forever as long as proper maintenance is observed. The wood finish is just enough to make the guitar to last.

I bought this from a taylor distributor in Thailand. The owner was quite hesitant to show all his stocks because as I can see from him, he just wanted to make sure that I know how to handle such prestige guitars and that I am no bystander. That is so OK with me because from there, I felt that his stocks are well kept and maintained because no one can just go sit there and grab and play whatever axe he wants to. It gave an idea that when I leave the doors of his store I am gonna come out with a virgin guitar! Although he was kinda rude at the start, It is still fine because I know what I want and I know that we will meet somewhere someway smiling and contented. Sorry but I did not care about the warranty. "This is more becoming a blog entry"

Perfect for me...

Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides. Actually its Sapale a cheaper type of Mahogany. Fret board is Ebony. Grover tuners (nice tuners, these are becoming standard on higher end acoustics) a Taylor built in pickup. Cut away body style, comes with own case. I'm giving it a 9... its a simple setup with great wood choice and none of the inlays/frills that are added to expensive models.

Here's where I'm hooked. I played one of these after seeing my voice teacher play one and other musicians around my area. The bass on this guitar comes out really full, I think its due to the curved back. With the elixer strings the top end has a crisp to it. I have not played it plugged in so I can't comment on that. Guitar has good volume acoustically. Probably not a lot of different tone options in an acoustic... thats why people tend to look around a lot more for the perfect one.

I think most people would agree that Taylors have a lower finish. Good action, not to hard on the finger tips. I'm sure since its a lower level Taylor that some guitars might have finish imperfections but the one I checked out was solid and free of any flaws. Just make sure you look your guitar over, its part of the audition process.

I've been in music for 5/6 years. I own mostly value priced instruments, I tend to go for for sound than cosmetics. If it were stolen I would look around at other Taylors. I've been looking around for a few week for a reasonibly priced higher end acoustic. I've played a 1974 vintage martin D35 that I thought would put this guitar to shame and another taylor 610 made in 1988. The Martin was really bassy, over time the age made it really mellow but it had low volume and poor mids. I was ready to buy it and was disapointed when I tried it out. The other Taylor was much nicer and I'm still considering going for it but its in fair condition and the guitar owner didn't humidify it or do much upkeep. I doubt that this (310ce) guitar will appreciate much in value or become a collector's piece, but I've started to figure out that it's not all price or reputation.To me this guitar outplays and sounds better than the dozens of other guitars I've looked at so far.

Its gotta purdy mouth!

It sounds like a Pudry song!

Its Tighter than my sister on prom night... well before pa's done with her!

Its as reliable and Durable as Burt Reynolds Mustache!

Well I reckon that I wouldn't usually use it to stand on but it probably would if I did!

I've played this guitar for years. Taylor is Hands down the best. This guitar is Elegant the exterior isn't flashy but the craftmanship gives it a bueaty unsurpassed. The 301-CE has a sound that gets better over time I write a new song everytime I pick it up. Many guitars (i.e. Breedlove Dean some same price level Martins)tone worsen over time it is the perfect balance of highs and lows that age sweeter over time. Everytime you pick it up at home or go up on stage people know your a serious musician and "A serious Musician Requires a serious Guitar". Taylor Guitars: We have what every other guitar and guitar makes lacks.... BALZ!!!

Solid wood construction, Gloss spruce top, satin Sapele back & sides
Grover tuners, Fishman Prefix Plus electronics (2001 Model)
Venetian cutaway, scalloped X-bracing

Beautiful full rich sound, plugged and unplugged. String balance is pretty good, not quite as good as my Gibson J-45. My number one guitar for acoustic solo work. Also owned a Taylor 514ce, but liked and used this one more.

Here is where Taylor really shines. Top notch. The neck is perfect and it plays like a dream.

I've owned this guitar for almost 5 years and it has been solid. I did have to have the pickup replaced after 4 years. The finish has held up very well, but I do take good care of it.

The pick-up replacement was not covered under the warranty. I did have a warranty repair from Taylor with my 514ce, and they took care of the problem fairly quickly.

For the money, this is and excellent guitar which has held up well after 5 years of use. It's easy to play and sounds great, and I'd have to say the feel of the neck is my favorite feature. I had been playing Martin's, which I still enjoy, but wanted to add a Taylor for the tone and playability.

I purchased a Taylor 310-CE about 3 years ago and it plays like it did when I first put it into my hands. I have had many local and Nashville based musicians play it and they always comment how great it plays and sounds. It is a botom end Taylor, but I like the action and sound on it better than the high end Taylors that I have played. Bravo Taylor, for a great instrument and TOTAL Customer Service that has been given me by the Company. I will never play another brand of guitar!
Donnie Mills

Mobile, AL

I believe they have been detailed by other submitters. As compared to other EA guitars I would give it a 9...a built in turner would rate a 10.

This is an incredible sounding guitar especially when played thru a good PA. Taylor has done it's job....

This is why I'm sending this review: anyone who is willing to spend a thousand plus dollars on this guitar or any guitar should really READ TAYLOR's DOCUMENTATION on humidity control. One of the previous submitter's (2001) realy slamed Taylor...if the action was not set correctly they should not have bought the guitar. Musical instruments that are made of real wood need real care. If the action is an 1/2 inch high then the guitar is "wet" and has too much humidity...and no matter how much you adjust the truss road you won't get it down. If you don't like the action of a guitar don't buy it or get the dealer to adjust it before you agree to the purchase. My guitar was and is in good shape...and I intend keep my RH around 40 like Taylor recommends.

So far it has been very durrible compare to previous guitar's I've owned.

N/A

I've been playing for 30 years and currently play blues, folk and country. My main weapon is a 1990 Fender Strat Plus played thru an IPod into a Mesa Boogie F-30 for clean tube sound. I've started to play mellower music and so the Taylor is a perfect fit. There are more expensive guitars...buy a watch if you want a peice of jewerly. The Taylor 310 gives you more for your money as compared to Martin...don't get me wrong I really like Martin's but they the 310 compares to the D-28 vs the D-16 in the same price range.

Beautiful...

When I bought the guitar 4 months ago it was in perfect condition..

This guitar did not withstand live playing for me.. I treat my guitar well and keep it in it's hard case as much as possible. During soundcheck this past weekend I noticed there was a crack by the head stock of my guitar. This guitar is my baby and this discovery killed me. Obviously noticable new taylors have those ridges that connect the head and the neck of the guitar. That is exactly where the guitar cracked. I don't know it happened but I'm sending it in to Taylor to see if it makes it for the warranty. My fingers are crossed but I thought I throw the info out there because I'm just not so sure about the new way they are making their guitars.

Taylor was very helpful when I called. I had left them a message because no one answered and this morning they called me back to my surprise. They sent me an e-mail with the info I needed to send them my guitar. Hopefully they will be just as kind with the warranty.

Like the 310 ce-great sound-2003 model-quality not as good as I expected..Jack pin loose already--very hard to get to and tighten.
Sound excellent but notice when a company gets bigger quality starts to be compromised. Fishman kewl-tuners kewl-spruce top-mogh. sides
Hope Taylor can maintain quality control..Good parts need to make sure their assembled properly..Mikee

action good--parts not assembled properly electronics (jack already loose..)

REmains to be seen..

24 years--several electrics-acoustics-dobro-bass- etc.
Like the sound--hate the lack of durability.

2003 Taylor 310 CE US made. This is a beautiful guitar that had me in an heightened emotional state when I got it home and really played it (I can never really let go in a guitar shop!)
A single cutaway solid wood guitar, dreadnought body with a mahogany neck and ebony fretboard (with a perfect factory set action) - Fishman prefix electrics.

This guitar has depth of sound when played acoustically that I do not possess the eloquence to describe it - an awesome guitar. I gig with this through a Fender 100 watt amp, they compliment each other and the Fishmans prefix gives one many options, I gig with a popular band in north England, many of our songs are acoustic based and this guitar blows the Martin and Yamahas out of the water.

I have not altered this action since I bought it six months ago, we headlined a local festival last summer and this guitar brought joy to 3000 people (absolutely nothing to do with my playing!!)- the factory setting was perfect, the guys at 'Academy of Sound' in Leeds had not touched it

I play a mixture of blues, rock and reggae and have really hammered this guitar - it just gets better

Living in England I have never accessed Taylor for support - saying that, so far I would not wished to have done so - this is as perfect a guitar as I have ever played. This giutar has a 2 year warranty from 'Academy of Sound'.

I have been playing for sixteen years, gigging for about eight. I have played Martin, Guild, Yamaha, Lowden and Fender acoustic and a whole array of electric guitars - this is easily the finest guitar I have ever played, it has a superb action producing a rich deep sound that puts hairs on the back of my neck - play 'Redemtion Song'or 'Wonderwall' on this guitar and you will get the message!!