re: Taylor 110e vs Martin DX1AE

I'll echoplex what's been said. Both sound and play nice, get the one which you enjoy under your hands and in your ears more.

If I had to pick between the two, I'd go with the Taylor. I prefer the sound of the Martin DX, but I have had several Martin DXs on my bench with backs separating from the sides. It's due to a synthetic, non-porous back material and the adhesive the factory uses not being strong enough for the task to which its charged.

The DX back separations in every case, however ... dropped while inside the case, fell off stand, tipped over while leaning on couch, etc. Any cracks were at the point of impact on the flat of the material, not the joint itself - separations have been unsplintered, uncracked and simple glue joint failures. And they were easy and cheap fixes on the bench ... I simply re-glued using clamps specifically for the task and a MUCH better glue for the job.

So your takeaway ... if you plan to travel and/or bang around the guitar, if you leave guitars on stands with kids or grandkids running around, or you yourself are kinda clumsy, definitely get the Taylor :)