Taylor 110E Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Gig Bag)

Feature:
The only drawback to this guitar is that you don't have an onboard EQ. Fortunately, it has such a nice even tone that I more than likely wouldn't use an onboard EQ anyway. If I need an EQ for live or recording purposes, I would EQ it on a mixer or recorder and leave the sound just the way it is coming OUT of the guitar. One other possible minus is that it could be a little bit of a pain to change the internal 9-volt battery (for the built-in preamp) in a hurry.. I haven't had to change it yet though.

Quality:
Great craftmanship. The guitar can almost feel a bit fragile because of it's light weight and the light finish if you are used to carrying a dumptruck of a guitar around your neck (as I was), but those things actually ADD to the quality in the big picture. I have no worries about gigging and I see this guitar outlasting ME in the long run :)

Value:
Like I said, I had the opportunity to buy a much more expensive guitar.. and I actually prefered this model to most of the high-end guitars in blind sound/playing-tests. For the money, you can't get a better acoustic guitar in my opinion.

Desirability:
It's a no-nonsense dreadnaught-shaped guitar. Not too flashy, but VERY tasteful. I personally like the dull finish of the guitar as compared to your everyday "gloss" finish of most other acoustics. It's simple, but it's still different.. and that is what matters to me. I feel confident when I play it, that the sound speaks for itself and the looks just "compliment". "Tasteful" is my take on the "sexiness" of this guitar.

Sound:
I spent several weeks visiting music stores, playing every decent acoustic I could get my hands on. When it came down to it.. I actually prefered the sound of this Taylor in blind tests to 99% of the high-end guitars with a price-tag 2 or 3 times the size. I'm a very percussive, rhythmic, and somewhat aggressive acoustic player, and this guitar SHINES for my style of playing. It has amazing overall clarity, and an unbelievably "punchy" bass response. In my opinion this guitar sounded as good, if not better, than every other guitar in the high-end acoustic guitar room found at most music stores.

Ease of Use:
As simple as it gets, it almost plays itself!

Support:
I haven't needed any support.

Overall:
This is a guitar I will NEVER get rid of, no matter what I get (or can afford to get) in the future. I've owned more instruments of every sort than any person ever should, and I can honestly say that this was the best purchase of a musical instrument that I have made yet.

Sound:
This is an excellent instrument. The neck is as straight as an arrow and the quality is obvious...I mean, it is a taylor. The higher strings have a brilliantly loud ring that you cannot find on other instruments. The sound is bright and clear. Gibson fans may find it does not have the warmth of the J-45 or Dove, but for averyone else it is an exceptionally well balanced, greath sounding guitar. Also, if you are a slide player, you will be thrilled with the sounds you can produce with this instrument. Taylor states that this guitar makes a great second guitar for the seasoned player. I disagree. I feel that this guitar is brighter and clearer than some of their 400 series instruments. I play through an old marshall 50 watt and the sound is clear and true to the acoustic tone. This is also a very versitile instrument for recording. I found using a thinner pick will give a warmer sound for strumming while a metal thumb pick gives lead and slide amazing presence and clarity. The oil finish on this does make it a slightly fragile instrument. Dings or knicks will appear easily if not taken care of. (similar to the Martin DM finish). All in all, if you want a taylor that you will keep forever and an instrument you can be pround of owning, then go with this guitar.