Yet another subjective review of a few guitars and such.

[ataylor]

Originally Posted by jazzguy

Oh...the thrill of the hunt! Enjoy.

Thanks — the research and auditioning of good options is half the fun.

Originally Posted by bil40272

I purchased a 510e last year about this time, from Sweetwater. they assured me that I could return the guitar if I didn't like it.
No one locally carried that model, and they still don't.
As soon as I pulled it from the case and tuned it up, I knew this one was a keeper.
I promptly took it to my local dealer who sells Martins, and compared them. The D 18 was a recent addition to the wall at the store.
The Taylor won out on almost all accounts.

Playability- Taylor
Tone /Sustain-Taylor
Looks- Taylor
Volume- Martin

I still love D18s, and if I found a great deal on a one I would probably buy it.
If possible you might want to give the 510 a look.

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve played the newer 510, and completely agree that it’s a cool guitar. Because of the short scale, the slotted headstock, and Taylor’s slightly shallower dreadnought depth, I found it more similar to something like a 000-18 than the D-18, which isn’t a bad thing.

But the main reason I’m not likely to end up with one right away is that I’ve got a fantastic old 210 (solid sapele back/sides) that is still my favorite Taylor dreadnought I’ve ever played. That and I’m genuinely curious what Taylor’s V-bracing does to the models of theirs that I like. But if I come across another 510 in the meantime, you better believe I’ll give it a try!