Taylor 110e

I've had a Taylor 110 for a few years now that I've used as a "beater" acoustic guitar for road acoustic gigs for a few years (done gigs throughout Australia and around the U.S. with it). I bought it back in 2004 for $500 at Guitar Solo in San Francisco (a really cool all acoustic guitar shop not far from SBC Park, for all you Giants fans). I was recently at a songwriting convention (the TAXI road rally), and I played the new 110 "e" version with the same mic'ing system that is in the high end Taylors, and I was really impressed. I don't think you could get a better electric acoustic guitar for under $1300. It has everything the 714e has but with less laminate and compressed wood instead of solid wood (both of which make very little difference in the sound of the instrument compared to a 714). We played it side by side to some higher end Martins, Taylors, Lunas, and other decent domestic & foreign acoustics, and it played/sounded much better at half the price. Some chic even bought one on the spot when she heard me playing it and comparing it to other instruments with my buddies.

I put an L.R. Baggs pick up in my 110, but when I A/B'd it to the system in the 110E, there is no comparison. The 110E sounded "pure" and more realistic....and the system is completely non-obstructive look (3 simple controls on the top/side of the body). My L.R. Baggs looks like I stuck a single coil pickup in the soundhole!

I am feeling the hum of the VISA card again....Maybe I can convince my wife that it's my 110 and swap it out....

Buy Taylor 110-E Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar at Musician's Friend

At $650, this is a steal. I wouldn't be surprised if you could talk the sales people at Guitar Center to sell it to you for tax included (particularly if you bought a case....they make a higher margin /commission on accessories....so if you want a discount on bigger ticket items....buy a stand, case, tuner, cable...and they will generally take between 5%-10% off the entire bill). Also, they generally match prices with Musician's Friend and other online retailers.

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Went to Guitar Center yesterday as the shipment of new stuff was arriving, and I couldn't resist. I picked up a fresh Taylor 210E which is basically the same as the 110E but with rosewood back and sides (as opposed to the laminate).

Buy Taylor 210e Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar online at Musician's Friend

It's everything the 110 that I currently have is with a bit better build quality, great electronics, and some binding around the top. I paid $800 out the door with a nice hard shell case. The 110E is also a great instrument, but never in stock....so I figured for ~$100-150 more, it was worth it to get a guitar I loved, played in the store, and with some nicer finishing touches plus a real case (rather than a gig bag). I think I'll keep my 110 as a beater for the beach, outdoor stuff...and use this new 210E for acoustic gigs (which have been my only gigs for the past year or so). They had an older 214CE in the Auditorium body that had a bit more bass response for ~$900, but I liked the fact the that 210E was coming right off the truck and pretty much felt identical to the 110 I know and love.

I also spent some time with a Purple Gibson "Robot" SG....which is surprisingly a great guitar (especially for playing slide)....more on that in another post.

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