Introduction
Taylor Guitars is renowned for building exceptional handmade acoustic guitars that are played by some of the world’s top musicians. The American company was founded in 1974 and has built a reputation for premium quality and consistent craftsmanship over the decades. The 900 Series sits at the pinnacle of Taylor’s line as their flagship range of rosewood and spruce guitars.
The 900 Series combines the warm, rich tones of Indian rosewood back and sides with the crisp articulation of solid Sitka spruce tops. This classic tonewood pairing produces a beautifully balanced and nuanced acoustic sound. As the top-of-the-line dreadnought model in the 900 Series lineup, the 910ce showcases Taylor’s expertise in crafting fine acoustic guitars. With its impressive projection, singing overtones, and cutting high-end, the 910ce is designed with performing musicians in mind.
Taylor 910ce Specifications
The Taylor 910ce features a dreadnought body shape with a Venetian cutaway for easy upper fret access. This gives it the booming bass response and impressive projection the dreadnought design is known for, while still allowing comfortable playability across the entire fretboard.
The back and sides are constructed from solid Indian rosewood, which produces a warm, resonant tone with clear, ringing highs and rich lows. The top is solid Sitka spruce, a popular acoustic guitar top wood prized for its dynamic range and crisp articulation.
Other specifications include a tropical mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard and 20 frets, 25.5" scale length, and 1.75" nut width. The 910ce has forward-shifted bracing for enhanced bass response.
Premium appointments include an ebony bridge and bridge pins, compensated saddle for improved intonation, gloss finish, abalone rosette, and ornate Cindy mother-of-pearl inlays. This attention to detail highlights the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into the 910ce.
Electronics and Plugged-In Performance
The Taylor 910ce is equipped with Taylor’s proprietary Expression System 1 (ES1) pickup and preamp system, designed to accurately capture the guitar’s natural acoustic tone and dynamics. The ES1 uses an undersaddle piezo pickup with three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated sensors to pick up the guitar’s soundboard vibrations.
The ES1 preamp has simple but effective controls including master volume, treble, and bass EQ knobs to shape your amplified tone. There is also a gain control knob to prevent feedback at higher volumes. A built-in digital chromatic tuner makes quick tuning adjustments easy with the LED display mounted on the side of the preamp.
When plugged in, the 910ce produces a clear, balanced amplified tone comparable to its impressive unplugged sound. The ES1 manages to capture the warmth and low-end response from the rosewood back and sides, along with the crisp highs and shimmer from the spruce top. There is enough dynamic range to hear subtle playing articulations and you can dig in without overwhelming feedback. The preamp EQ controls allow shaping the amplified tone to suit different playing styles and environments. Overall the ES1 system provides a natural amplified tone that stays true to the 910ce’s unplugged voicing.
Unplugged Tone and Projection
The Taylor 910ce delivers an exceptional unplugged acoustic tone thanks to its premium tonewood combination. The solid Indian rosewood back and sides produce a rich, warm low end along with sparkling highs. This is nicely balanced by the solid Sitka spruce top, which offers impressive headroom and dynamic range.
Together, the rosewood and spruce create a nuanced, well-rounded acoustic tone. There’s enough depth in the lows to provide a solid foundation, while the articulate high end shimmers without getting harsh. Even when strumming hard, the 910ce retains note definition.
The dreadnought body shape also allows the 910ce to project loudly when played unplugged. It has no trouble filling a room with its acoustic volume. Notes sustain for a satisfying length, and there’s enough punch on the low end to provide rhythmic drive when needed.
Compared to smaller-bodied guitars, the full dreadnought produces better bass extension and increased projection. The tradeoff is slightly more difficult playability for smaller players. But for tone and volume, the 910ce dreadnought delivers in spades.
Overall, the all-solid-wood construction and optimal bracing allow the 910ce to produce exceptional unplugged volume and acoustic tone. It’s well-suited to any playing style where nuanced tone and note separation matter. The rosewood and spruce pairing offers a versatile tonal palette.
Playability and Action
The Taylor 910ce comes set up from the factory with low action and very playable feel right out of the case. The action can be further adjusted to preference, but the factory setup provides a nice starting point for most players.
The ebony fretboard is smoothly finished and dressed, with no sharp fret ends to irritate your hands during long practice or playing sessions. The frets are accurately leveled and dressed for consistent intonation up and down the neck.
In terms of comfort, the 910ce has Taylor’s standard 1-11/16" nut width, which provides a nice balance of playing space without feeling too wide. The rounded neck profile is comfortable and ergonomic, allowing your thumb to wrap around easily for chords and single note playing.
The 25-1/2" scale length and moderate string tension also contribute to the 910ce’s overall playability. The strings have enough tension for good tone and volume, but not so tight that complex chord shapes and lead lines are difficult to fret. The scale length is a versatile middle ground that most players will find comfortable.
Overall, the 910ce lives up to Taylor’s reputation for fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. From the slick ebony fretboard to the ergonomic neck shape, it’s clear this guitar was designed for optimal playability right from the factory.
Build Quality
The Taylor 910ce exhibits exceptional build quality and attention to detail, as expected for a premium instrument in this price range. The guitar has a flawless high-gloss finish that really allows the beautiful grain patterns of the rosewood back and sides to shine through. The edges are all smoothly finished with no sharp corners or uneven spots.
Examining the guitar up close, it is clear that Taylor’s master luthiers take great pride in their work. The rosette and fingerboard inlays are meticulously cut and set. The fret ends are smoothly finished with no sharp edges. The bridge and saddle are precisely cut and positioned for optimal intonation. Even small details like the neck joint and heel cap show great care and craftsmanship.
There are no visible glue spots, gaps, chips, dings or other defects, indicating Taylor’s strict quality control standards. All components are tightly fitted and sturdy with no loose parts. The hardshell case included also provides excellent protection for the 910ce during transport and storage. Overall the immaculate attention to detail makes it obvious this guitar was constructed by skilled artisans.
Value and Price Point
The Taylor 910ce has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $3,499, which positions it firmly in the premium price bracket for acoustic-electric guitars. However, when you consider the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and performance the 910ce delivers, it represents solid value for money in this price range.
The all-solid wood construction of Indian rosewood back and sides paired with a Sitka spruce top puts the 910ce in the same league as high-end Martin, Gibson, and Larrivee rosewood dreadnoughts. The guitar’s clear, balanced tone and impressive projection rivals models costing well over $4,000.
While not cheap, the 910ce justifies its price tag with the exceptional tonewoods, expert craftsmanship, and road-ready appointments Taylor is known for. The guitar plays, sounds, and feels like a lifetime instrument for discerning players. The premium materials and hand-built quality will only improve with age.
Compared to similar all-solid wood dreadnoughts, the 910ce holds up very well at this price point. It may cost more than Taylor’s lower 800 and 700 series models, but serious players will appreciate the tonal nuances only premium tonewoods can deliver.
Overall, while not an inexpensive guitar, the 910ce offers solid value for money considering the quality Taylor has built into this flagship model. For intermediate to advanced players who can afford the price of admission, the 910ce should provide many years of rich, expressive tone and playing enjoyment.
Alternatives to Consider
Taylor offers several other high-end rosewood/spruce acoustic-electric guitars that may be worth considering as alternatives to the 910ce.
Taylor 810ce
The Taylor 810ce features Indian rosewood back and sides paired with a solid Sitka spruce top, similar to the 910ce. It comes in the same dreadnought body shape with a Venetian cutaway. The main difference is it uses simpler appointments like a standard fretboard inlay and no body binding. It also lacks the beveled armrest. The 810ce has a street price around $2,999, making it a more affordable option compared to the 910ce while still providing great tone.
Taylor 710ce
Another step down in price is the Taylor 710ce at around $2,499. This model substitutes ovangkol wood for the rosewood back and sides. The top is still solid Sitka spruce. While ovangkol doesn’t have the same tonal richness as Indian rosewood, it still sounds balanced and clear. The 710ce could be a good choice for players who want great Taylor craftsmanship and sound at a lower cost.
Taylor 910ce First Edition
At the higher end, the limited edition 910ce First Edition features Taylor’s new V-Class bracing. This provides more volume and sustain than traditional X-bracing. It also has a Lutz spruce top rather than Sitka. With a price around $4,499, this special model upgrades the 910ce formula. However, only a limited number were produced.
Taylor Builder’s Edition Models
The Builder’s Edition 912ce and 914ce offer the next step up in Taylor’s range. They cost $4,999+ and come with premium features like protein glue construction and special bracing. These customizable models deliver the ultimate in Taylor tone and playability. But they are over-budget for many players. The 910ce provides excellent value by comparison.
Conclusion and Final Verdict
The Taylor 910ce is not an inexpensive guitar, but in my opinion, it is worth every penny for the right buyer. This is a professional-grade instrument crafted with the utmost attention to detail, using premium tonewoods selected for their exceptional acoustic properties.
When played unplugged, the 910ce delivers the balanced, nuanced tone that players expect from a high-end rosewood and spruce dreadnought. It projects with authority and sustains beautifully. Plugged in, the guitar’s ES1 pickup system reproduces the natural acoustic tone exceptionally well. The onboard preamp gives you control over your amplified sound.
The playability is buttery smooth, thanks to Taylor’s hand-friendly neck profile and impressive fretwork. The guitar feels immediately comfortable to hold and play for extended periods. Visually, the guitar exudes quality with its flawless gloss finish and ornate appointments.
For intermediate to advanced players who are serious about their tone, I wholeheartedly recommend the Taylor 910ce. It is a lifetime instrument that will reward you with inspiring sound night after night. The 910ce is built to deliver an exquisite playing experience on stage and in the studio. If you can justify the price, you won’t be disappointed.
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