When comparing guitars it is important to match strings, shape, woods, and bracing. I have 2 Martins, and this is my first Taylor purchase. Taylor SHINES when plugged in. The warm tone is amazing! If you play in church and the sound guys don't know how to properly mix a perfectly balanced guitar (like a Martin), and you don't play unplugged a lot... then buy a Taylor! If you amp with a microphone, or if mixed properly, or if you play unplugged.. then buy a Martin. Quality wise.. I would give it a 7 (out of 10). Solid wood and bound together nicely. The ebony fingerboard and bridge are closer to striped ebony. I can feel the fret wires catch my fingers as I run my hand along the sides of the fretboard. Overall I would buy a Taylor again because I play plugged-in A LOT.

I've been playing acoustic guitar for 31 years, 23 professionally. I have played everything I could get my hands on...Martin,Yari,Gibson, etc. Nothing matches the Taylor. I have 5 of these beauties, but without a doubt my favorite is the 310CE. It plays like a dream and sounds better than it plays. I've had the 310 for about 3 years and prefer it's feel and tone to my very expensive 810.It rings like a bell when finger picking and it doesn't lose a thing when I grab a flat pick. The action is fast and smooth and the neck is slim and perfect. There is absolutely nothing at all I would change about this guitar.

great guitar this fills a great slot with a great pro level guitar at affortable price. the electyronics are tricky but sound great if set up properly