Overview of the Taylor 110ce
The Taylor 110ce is an acoustic-electric dreadnought guitar that delivers impressive value as part of Taylor’s highly regarded 100 Series lineup. Some key specs of the 110ce include its layered sapele back and sides paired with a solid Sitka spruce top, 25.5" scale length, and the onboard ES-T pickup system for amplified performance.
With its combination of premium tonewoods and Taylor’s meticulous attention to detail in construction, the 110ce punches above its weight across both acoustic and plugged-in playing. The dreadnought body provides a balanced and articulate voice, while the ES-T electronics accurately translate those pristine acoustic tones when plugged into an amp or PA. For players looking for an affordable way into the Taylor line without sacrificing their renowned playability and build quality, the 110ce is an excellent option to consider.
Tonewoods and Sound
The Taylor 110ce’s tonewood combination of Sitka spruce top with sapele back and sides produces a wonderfully balanced and articulate acoustic tone.
The Sitka spruce top is prized for its clarity and responsiveness. It has excellent headroom to handle both gentle fingerpicking and aggressive strumming. Notes ring out with pristine articulation. Sitka spruce is also known for its balanced tone across the frequency spectrum, with sparkling highs and tight low end.
The sapele back and sides add a touch of warmth to the mix. Sapele has a rich, musical tonality while still allowing the spruce to shine as the dominant voice. It provides some sweet overtones to fill out the midrange. The sapele adds depth and body without muddying the sound.
Together, the spruce and sapele create a guitar voice that is clear and articulate yet warm and well-rounded. It’s an extremely versatile tonal palette suitable for various playing styles and genres. Fingerpickers will appreciate the crisp note separation while strummers can dig into the guitar with aggressive rhythms.
The dreadnought body shape further enhances the 110ce’s capabilities. Its large size produces impressive volume and projection, allowing the guitar to hold its own in jam sessions or live performance settings. Notes sustain beautifully as well. The dreadnought design takes full advantage of the tonewoods to deliver outstanding presence and dynamics.
Playability and Feel
The Taylor 110ce features a slim, comfortable neck profile that feels great in the hand. The nut width provides ample room for fingerpicking while still being manageable for chord work.
Right out of the box, the 110ce has a very playable factory setup. The action is set low and even, allowing easy fretting across the neck without buzzing. Intonation is accurately set, with the guitar staying in tune even during aggressive bends high up on the fretboard.
The fretwork from Taylor’s factory is impeccable, with smoothly finished medium jumbo frets. The frets are perfectly leveled and crowned for comfort. The nut and saddle are cut from quality bone, providing a smooth feel during slides and bends.
Overall, the 110ce excels in terms of playability and feel. The comfortable neck profile, quality fretwork, and accessible factory setup make this guitar a joy to play right off the shelf. Players looking for easy playability will appreciate the 110ce.
Electronics and Plugged-In Performance
The Taylor 110ce comes equipped with Taylor’s ES-T undersaddle pickup and preamp system, designed to faithfully translate the guitar’s inherent acoustic tone when plugged in. The preamp provides volume, bass and treble controls to shape the amplified sound, along with a built-in tuner for quick on-stage tuning.
The undersaddle pickup combined with the ES-T preamp does an excellent job of capturing the 110ce’s balanced tone, with all the warmth and clarity of the acoustic sound. The controls allow you to add more low-end thump or sparkling highs as desired, but the preamp is voicing to be neutral and true to the guitar’s unplugged voice.
In terms of feedback resistance, the 110ce holds up quite well at higher stage volumes thanks to its undersaddle pickup placement. Guitarists can confidently use this model for larger gigs without feedback issues even when cranking up the preamp volume. The tuner also makes it easy to keep the 110ce in tune song after song when playing live shows or recording in the studio.
Overall, Taylor’s ES-T system provides an easy-to-use and great-sounding plugged in experience with the 110ce. It’s a reliable stage and studio companion that accurately captures the impressive acoustic tone and playability that makes this guitar so enjoyable to play unplugged.
Aesthetics and Appointments
The Taylor 110ce has a simple yet elegant aesthetic, with a gloss finish on the top and satin finish on the back and sides. This shows off the guitar’s spruce top grain while giving the sapele back and sides a smooth, muted look.
Subtle appointments like the white binding on the body and neck help elevate the 110ce’s premium fit and finish. The rosette inlay around the soundhole and the small diamond fretboard inlays also lend a touch of class.
The 110ce comes in several classic color options including natural, black, and sunburst finishes. The natural model really highlights the blonde hues of the spruce against the rich brown sapele.
Overall, the guitar’s excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail is evident, which is not surprising from a storied builder like Taylor. The 110ce looks, feels, and plays like a much more expensive instrument. Fit and finish is flawless, as we’ve come to expect from the Taylor line.
Taylor 110ce vs Other Models
The Taylor 110ce can be compared to other popular Taylor models in the same price range, such as the 114ce. The main difference is that the 114ce has a layered walnut back and sides, which gives it a slightly warmer, richer tone compared to the 110ce’s sapele back and sides.
The 110ce offers great value as an affordable entry point into Taylor’s lineup of high-quality acoustic-electric guitars. It provides impressive Taylor craftsmanship and sound at a reasonable price point. Many guitarists step up to the 110ce as their first serious acoustic-electric after starting on an entry-level guitar.
The 110ce is part of Taylor’s standard production line and is not currently offered in any special edition or limited run models. Some past limited editions have included all-koa models and presentations with custom inlays and appointments.
Overall, the 110ce holds its own against the 114ce and other Taylor models in this price tier. The balanced Sitka and sapele tonewoods give it a great all-around voice at an accessible price point for intermediate players. It’s an excellent choice as a quality workhorse acoustic-electric guitar.
Who is the Taylor 110ce Best For?
The Taylor 110ce is an excellent choice for beginners who are ready to graduate from their very first entry-level guitar. While still priced affordably, the 110ce provides a major step up in terms of sound quality, playability, and construction.
With its clear and balanced tone provided by the Sitka spruce top and sapele back/sides, the 110ce is well-suited for playing a wide variety of musical styles. Fingerpickers will appreciate the articulate note separation for intricate playing, while strummers can take advantage of the warmth and projection.
The slim neck and comfortable string spacing make the 110ce accessible for newer players still developing their fretting hand technique. And the quality setup right out of the box, along with Taylor’s signature playability, means beginners can easily form chords up and down the neck.
Considering its premium appointments and electronics package, the 110ce packs a ton of value at this price point. The onboard ES-T preamp system makes it easy for beginners to plug in and perform live or record in the studio. And it looks, feels, and plays like a more expensive instrument.
If you’re a beginner ready to invest in your first serious acoustic-electric, the Taylor 110ce should be at the top of your list. You’d be hard-pressed to find another guitar that delivers this level of quality and features for under $800. The 110ce will grow with you, sounding and playing beautifully as your skills progress.
Pricing and Where to Buy
The Taylor 110ce typically has a street price around $799 when purchased brand new from an authorized Taylor dealer. However, used models in good condition can often be found in the $500-600 range if you keep an eye out for deals.
Some major retailers where you can find the Taylor 110ce include:
Online retailers like Amazon and eBay also frequently have new and used 110ce models for sale from various sellers.
One tip when buying a guitar like the Taylor 110ce is to try before you buy if at all possible. Even though it’s a very consistent and well-made instrument, there can always be slight variances that make one particular 110ce a better fit for your playing style and needs. Visiting a local guitar shop to test out the 110ce in person is highly recommended to find the right one.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Taylor 110ce
Properly maintaining your Taylor 110ce is key to keeping it sounding its best for years to come. Here are some tips:
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Use a humidifier, especially in dry climates, to prevent the top from cracking or the neck from warping. The optimal humidity level for acoustic guitars is 45-55%. Place a hygrometer inside your case to monitor levels.
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Wipe down the strings, fretboard, and body after each use to prevent grime buildup. A microfiber cloth works well. Clean the fingerboard periodically with a specialty fretboard cleaner.
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The guitar may need a basic setup after being shipped or when moving between different environments. Have a technician check the neck relief and action height to get the strings sitting properly for optimal playability.
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Consider coated strings like Elixir Nanoweb or Polyweb to preserve tone longer between changes. The coating reduces gunk buildup and string corrosion. Still change at least every few months.
Following these care tips will help your Taylor 110ce age gracefully while staying in top playing form. Be sure to keep it stored in its case when not in use and away from direct sunlight and heat sources. With basic maintenance, this guitar will provide many years of musical enjoyment.
Summary
The Taylor 110ce delivers an excellent blend of warmth and articulation thanks to its Sitka spruce top and sapele back/sides. Its slim neck and quality fretwork provide great playability right out of the box, while the ES-T electronics faithfully translate the acoustic tone when plugged in.
Some of the key pros of the 110ce include:
- Balanced, clear tone from the Sitka spruce and sapele tonewoods
- Very playable neck profile and action
- Quality onboard preamp for live performance
- Premium look and appointments for the price
Potential cons to consider:
- Those seeking more bass response may prefer a different body shape
- No blend control for the pickup system
With its great sound, playability and electronics, the Taylor 110ce punches above its weight class. It provides a lot of guitar for the money, making it an excellent value for around $799 new. For beginners stepping up or players needing a stage-ready acoustic, the Taylor 110ce is easy to recommend.