DN3 comparison to 310

[grantly]

Longtime lurker, first time poster.
I'm looking for a guitar in the low $xxxx's range, and I've been playing a lot of things over the past year, saving my money and trying to find something that speaks to me.
Recently I was surprised by a 2008 DN3 that I messed around with in a local music store. Since then, I've sought out and played 2 more with consistent results, they all "spoke" to me and were on target with my price range. I've still got a little ways to go before I'll have saved enough to make the purchase.

I have a couple questions for you all:

I just found out the DN3 is discontinued, and is "replaced" by the 310. The construction appears to be similar, a little more bling on the 310 (which I don't care about). Has anyone done a side-by-side comparison to see how the DN3 compares to the "new" 310?

And, tell me what other guitars, based on your experience, I should check out. What I liked about the DN3 was both the playability and the tone. Most Taylors I've found have been too "sparkly" for me. I liked the solid mid-range and dynamic response when you dug in. Most guitars described as good "bluegrass" dreadnaughts I've enjoyed.

Perhaps the DN3 is the ultimate guitar for me, they are still out there, but I am still exploring all options. And, I'd rather wait and save a few more hundred dollars if that's what it takes to get something really stellar. I just need to know what to check out.

Thanks all

(modified for price, as per forum rules )

[Edward]

Hi there grantly,

Welcome!  Glad to have you aboard! 

Taylors just reworked their nomenclature, so a DN3 is a 310, aesthetic differences notwithstanding as you had mentioned.  That said, Taylor has different tops and bracings they've used over the years, so even comparing one DN to another DN may not be as "equitable" as one would think, let alone compared with a 310.  I'll let someone smarter chime in on what year the bracing changes occured (or even if that's true on the 3xx series), but like all things guitar, each one has its slightly unique timbre, despite being the "identical" model, so try-before-you-buy is always the safest mantra.  The good news is there are a few shops that offer return rights so being truly satisfied with a sight-unseen purchase is possible

Edward

[grantly]

Thanks, sorry about the price range faux-pas. I'm hoping to try out a 310 this afternoon, I'll post what my impressions are.

[PureTone]

The 'original' 310 was introduced in 98, when the 400 Series went to Ovangkol, and remained through 06. The major changes were NT neck in 99, 1 3/4" standard nut width in 01, chrome Taylor branded Ping sourced tuners in 03,  'African Mahogany' (Khaya) back and sides with unbound fretboard 04-06 (Sapele from 98-03) and Standard II forward shifted bracing with relief rout in Fall 06.

The DN3 replaced the pure acoustic non cutaway 310 (the 310CE was still available) in 07, with the Acoustic Series. The fingerjoint headstock was replaced by a scarfjoint, creme binding rather than black, 4mm MOP dot fretmakers in place of 6.33mm and no pickguard standard.

The 310 returned this year, with black binding and 2.5mm dot Pearloid fretmakers, along with the Mahogany top (satin finish) 320, standard black hardshell case made in Tecate and a slight reduction in MSRP.

[grantly]

I just got back from a few errands including going to the music store where I played a couple things.
First up was a DN4. Liked it. Had a brighter tone than I could recall from the DN3.
Next I picked up a 2013 310. First impression was that it was a heavier guitar. It had more growl than the DN4. Liked it too. I like the growl. Bet that's the back and sides talking.
Then I quickly messed with a new 410 and an older 410. Liked them too. Seemed like they'd be a little more versatile.
I could be happy with any of these guitars, all inspiring to play.
I will say that the DN4 (and DN3) seemed a bit more comfortable to play, maybe because of the lighter weight?

Still looking for responses from anyone who's compared a recent 310 with the DN3.

[grantly]

Quick update - I'll be pulling the trigger on a DN3 from 2007 soon. I'll post pics when I have them!

[Edward]

Great guits, these Taylor dreds!  Congrats! 

Edward

[ataylor]

Great guits, these Taylor dreds!  Congrats! 

Edward

I think there's something particularly nice about the spruce/sapele combo paired with Taylor's dreadnought shape and bracing. The 310 (and the 210 back when it was all-solid) is a great all-around Taylor that is -- in my opinion -- the best bang for buck in the lineup.