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Low-End Taylor vs High End Cobalt?


rla128

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Posted

I'm looking at the following guitars (shipping for Cobalt, and guitar cases included)

 

Taylor 110 - $620

Taylor 210 - $750

Taylor 310 - $1000

 

Carvin Cobalt C850 - $678

 

I'm leaning towards a Taylor 210 or 310, depending on whether I can get my parents to chip in or not...

 

I played the Taylor 110 at a local guitar store, and really liked it. They said they had a 210, but not on display. I'm thinking if I go in seriously looking, they'd get one out for me to try. They only had a 310 acoustic-electric which cost too much, so I put that down pretty quickly.

 

However, I've heard lots of good things about Cobalts for the price. Seeing as how the most expensive Cobalt is about the same price as the 210, I'm wondering how much better the 210 would really be.

 

Any suggestions/thoughts?

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Posted

I can vouch for the Carvin 850.(Cobalt). Very nice. I've owned it about two years. I am still intriqued by Taylor's nice crisp, clean sound though...

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Posted

Ever thought about the Larrivee D-03? In my opinion, it's the equivalent of the 310 and it's less expensive. You can get a new Larrivee D-03E(mahogany w/ pickup) for $850 or a new D-03R(rosewood) for $750. I love the 310 but I think the Larrivee is a better value. But as always, you should try a guitar for yourself to see if you like it. Just my 2 cents.

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Posted

I like high-end Taylors. I don't care for the low-end ones I've played.

 

I'd go for the Larivee' or the Carvin Cobalt. Martin also makes a nice little guitar in the $500 price range. I was very impressed with it when I played one.

 

Oops. I don't get out much. The Martin I liked was the D-15 Mohagony. Apparently it's going for $650 now. I was very impressed with the sound. It reminded me of an old Guild D-25.

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Posted

I currently own a 310 that I picked up used. Excellent sounding and playing guitar for what I paid. Back when I was looking, I played a high-end Cobalt at GC in Ohio. It was 3 bills and I came really close to walking out with it. Went back a few days later and it was gone. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either. But if you can't find a good deal on a used 310, go with a Cobalt series. Also, don't forget the new Breedlove Atlas series. Not all solid wood, but I've heard rave reviews.

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Posted

 

Originally posted by GreatestGains

I currently own a 310 that I picked up used. Excellent sounding and playing guitar for what I paid. Back when I was looking, I played a high-end Cobalt at GC in Ohio. It was 3 bills and I came really close to walking out with it. Went back a few days later and it was gone. Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with either. But if you can't find a good deal on a used 310, go with a Cobalt series. Also, don't forget the new Breedlove Atlas series. Not all solid wood, but I've heard rave reviews.

 

 

 

 

As far as I know, only the new 500 series and up have the

revoiced bracing. That wouldn't stop me from the 100, 200, 300

and 400 series, though.

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Posted

 

Originally posted by piannatunah

.... only the new 500 series and up have the

revoiced bracing. ....

 

I think you're right, but then again I feel like I rememebr hearing they extended it down last year???... Wouldn't hurt to call Taylor. But I agree, the non-revoiced Taylors are great anyway. My older non-revoiced 514C is my personal grail for sure.

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Posted

Don't worry about it being "re-voiced" or not. If it sounds good buy it. I'd pick any of the Taylor's over the Carvin but again it's your decision. I'm not crazy about guitar built overseas.

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Posted

Even though I have a Taylor I love, at the range you're talking about I'd probably go for a Larrivee. I like their L-series in Mahogany or their D-series in rosewood.

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Posted

It's not looking like either of the places I'm looking for guitars at have Larrivee's.

 

Poo.

 

Any more comments on to Cobalts? I might only be able to go for the Taylor 210, again depending on whether I can get my parents to chip in or not, and my own funds...

 

What with Carvin's 10 day trial thing? I see that shipping is $20, so would that mean to send it back it'd be $40 total? Not sure I want to spend $40 just to find out I don't want a Carvin...

 

It'd sure be nice if my town had a better guitar store. I'll have to hit up the little one to see what kind of selection they really have...

 

More comments, PLEASE!

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Posted

I'm pretty sure Carvin only sells their guitars direct so you won't find one at any dealer. I'd recommend the Taylor from your dealer. That way they can help you with the set-up and any other needs you have without a bunch of shipping.

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