Taylor Guitars - Model Identification

Model Identification

Most Taylor guitars can be identified by their model number. It is made up of three numbers that are divided into three groups to identify the tonewood, shape and number of strings, six or twelve.

As of 2013, the Taylor line of guitars is organized as follows:

First digit identifies the series. All guitar models within each series share the same back and side tonewoods and appointments (decorations).

Second digit indicates whether it’s a 6-string (identified by the number 1) or 12-string (identified by the number 5).

Third digit identifies the body shape. (Shapes are also abbreviated as DN, GC, GA, JB, GS, GO respectively)

0=Dreadnought

Named after a battleship and introduced by C.F. Martin in the early 20th Century in rise of the popularity in American Country Music. It was the very first Taylor guitar shape with refinements made to make it unique to the Taylor brand. It has a boxy shape with a shallow waist.

2=Grand Concert

Smallest full-sized Taylor. Introduced in 1984, it was designed as a response to a resurgence in acoustic fingerstyle music. It’s shorter, shallower, and narrower than a GA.

4=Grand Auditorium

Introduced as an Anniversary model in 1994, it soon became one of Taylor’s most popular shape because of its tonal balance and versatility. The GA is the same width and length overall as the DN, but the tighter, deeper waist of the GA gives it a more rounded look.

5=Jumbo

First addition to the Taylor lineup after the dreadnought. Inspired by Gibson, it was used mainly as a 12-string. 2011 was the last year this body shape was produced.

6=Grand Symphony

Introduced in 2006, this body relates closely to a GA, but with subtle expansions that include a slightly higher and wider waist and a bigger, more rounded lower bout for more bass response.

8=Grand Orchestra

The latest Taylor Guitar introduced in 2013, it was redesigned as a successor to the Jumbo. The GO shape features a slightly bigger footprint and a deeper body, creating more air volume to help produce a deeper low-end response. It is Taylor’s biggest, most complex voice while maintaining tonal balance.

The model number can also contain letters after to indicate the following options:

“C” to indicate a model with cutaway

“E” to indicate models with onboard electronics.

“-N” at the end to indicate Nylon String option

As an example, a Taylor Guitar with model number 614ce would indicate: a 600 series guitar (6), 6 string (1), Grand Auditorium Shape (4) with a cutaway (c) and the Expression System® electronics. (e)