Taylor DN3 vs 310

Mattyfatz · #1 03-10-2018, 12:20 PM

I apologize if this has already been covered. I. Looking at a used Dread preferably a Taylor or Martin. I've come across a few used models online DN3 and 310 by Taylor. From what I can tell, they are both all solid, with Sitka Spruce top and Mohogany back and sides.. (Similar to the Martin Custom D which I'm also considering)
Does anyone know the difference between these two models? Are there advantages to one over the other?

Thank you in advance

kcnbys · #2 03-10-2018, 12:24 PM

Main differences are just cosmetic. They have different color bindings, and the DN3 has no pickguard. Also, if you're looking at a new 310, it has black fill in the rosette, where older 310's and the DN3 have white. The bracing may be slightly different, as well. The DN3 is one of the best dreads I've ever played, and certainly one of the top two Taylors I've played.

fazool · #3 03-10-2018, 12:32 PM

The DN3 was part of something Taylor called the "acoustic line" this included the GC, GA, DN and GS shapes. The concept was the same guitars but stripped down with less cosmetic appointments, no cutaway and no option for electronics.

I think they made more profit on those add-ons and discontinued this line.

However, IMO these are the best Taylor for the money you can get. I own two and they are fantastic amazing guitars for the money.

Which is great because I prefer less bling, no electronics and no cutaway.

AZLiberty · #4 03-10-2018, 12:37 PM

DN3 has white/cream binding; 310 is black

DN3 is mercifully free of Taylor's pickguard; 310 has the pickguard.

That's pretty much it.

I went out of my way to find a GA3-12 when looking for my Taylor because I don't like pickguards and really dislike Taylor's electronics.

mischultz · #5 03-10-2018, 01:20 PM

IIRC, Taylor employed a different bracing concept (forward shifted/relief route) in the lettered series to contrast with their numbered counterparts. I don’t know whether those concepts were incorporated into the standard lines afterward but it’s worth mentioning. I’ve had both and generally find the DNs to carry a little more character in the mid/low mid area. Enough that you might discover you have a preference for one over the other. But they’re quite close, and a good guitar is a good guitar, independent of nomenclature.

Zissou Intern · #6 03-10-2018, 01:39 PM

The DN3s are my favorite Taylors. Strong bass but still articulate and crisp in the trebles. I like the 310s too.

Daveyo · #7 03-10-2018, 01:43 PM

I've owned both
I'm my opinion,I think the dn3 sounds more
Bassy than the 310,but I feel the neck is better on the 310
I know they should be the same,but they were not
Both very good guitars!
David

HodgdonExtreme · #8 03-10-2018, 01:59 PM

Hmm, I'm wondering what the deal is regarding bracing on the DN# vs -10 models are - also the GA# vs -14...

I was under the impression there were no bracing differences; just less bling, no electronics and no cutaway option...

kcnbys · #9 03-10-2018, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HodgdonExtreme

Hmm, I'm wondering what the deal is regarding bracing on the DN# vs -10 models are - also the GA# vs -14...

I was under the impression there were no bracing differences; just less bling, no electronics and no cutaway option...

DN3 - Forward Shifted Pattern with Relief Rout
310 - Performance with Relief Rout

12barBill · #10 03-10-2018, 02:27 PM

The current 310s, and for the last couple of years, are short scale (24 7/8).

DukeX · #11 03-10-2018, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattyfatz

...they are both all solid, with Sitka Spruce top and Mohogany back and sides.. (Similar to the Martin Custom D which I'm also considering)

I believe they are both Sapele B/S.

ii Cybershot ii · #12 03-10-2018, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HodgdonExtreme

Hmm, I'm wondering what the deal is regarding bracing on the DN# vs -10 models are - also the GA# vs -14...

I was under the impression there were no bracing differences; just less bling, no electronics and no cutaway option...

prior to 2016, there were no differences in anything except some cosmetics. Starting in 2016, the 310 has performance bracing and short scale 24 7/8.

So the year of manufacture matters a lot in this case.

baw3 · #13 03-11-2018, 01:31 AM

I have owned a Taylor dn3 and I thought it was an ok guitar. I also have owned a Martin custom D. This is just my 2 cents but as far as I'm concerned the Taylor didn't even come close to the Martin. But its your penny. The playability of the Taylor wasn't even as good as the Martin. Musicians friend has the Martins on sale for 900 bucks. I think a Taylor 310 is around 1500. I know I'm never going to replace the dn3 but I'm seriously thinking about picking up another custom D. If you can go somewhere and play both of these guitars I think you will see a difference between them. And maybe you will like the Taylor better. But I would sure find out for certain before I shelled out 1500 bucks. Just saying. Good luck in your search. Of all the guitars I have owned and sold the Martin custom D is the only one I regret selling.

Ramesses · #14 03-11-2018, 01:36 AM

the acoustic dn3s ga's gc's etc etc have slightly thinner back and sides. The worst dn3 I've played sounds better than the best 310, and I've played a bunch.

mischultz · #15 03-11-2018, 07:08 AM

So to summarize: structural and cosmetic differences between contemporary/concurrent 310s and DN3s. Also structural and cosmetic differences between various iterations of the 310 itself.