April 11, 2023
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DATING TAYLOR GUITARS BY REFERENCE OF SERIAL NUMBERS

Since 1974, Taylor guitars have been manufactured with 3 different serial number systems. The present dating method is straightforward and allows one to determine the precise year of production and provides supplementary details.

Where to find the serial number

You can find the serial numbers on the label in the sound hole of the guitar or on the inside of the neck block.

If you want to know the production year of your Taylor guitar, you can decipher it with Taylor serial numbers decoder or find it in an explanation about the dating system PROVIDED BELOW.

DECODER coming soon… see tables

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Taylor history in short

Taylor Guitars is a well-known name in the music industry and has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality acoustic guitars since 1974. The company was founded by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, who met in a repair shop for musical instruments a year earlier. Bob had extensive experience in building acoustic guitars and Kurt was looking to start his own business. Together they became a successful partnership, with Bob as the professional and innovator in guitar making, and Kurt handling the business side of things.

The company quickly gained a reputation for producing acoustic guitars of exceptional quality, craftsmanship and sound, with innovative designs and construction techniques. Taylor Guitars’ early success can be attributed to their unique approach to guitar making. They use modern, state-of-the-art manufacturing methods and innovative technology, combined with traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail, to create instruments that are both beautiful and functional.

The company is known for its high standards of quality control and its use of sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly materials. Taylor Guitars was one of the first companies to use sustainable woods like ebony and koa, and they continue to explore new ways to reduce their environmental impact while producing top-quality guitars.

Taylor Guitars has used three different serial number systems over the years, but the current dating method is one of the simplest to decipher. You can find the serial numbers on the label in the sound hole of the guitar or on the inside of the neck block. If you want to know the production year of your Taylor guitar, you can decipher it with the serial number decoder or find it in an explanation about the dating system.

The company has always been committed to innovation and has introduced many groundbreaking designs and technologies over the years. One of their most famous innovations is the Taylor Expression System, which uses a unique pickup design to capture the full tonal range of an acoustic guitar. The company also pioneered the use of computer-controlled milling machines to produce guitar necks and bodies, which allows for greater precision and consistency in their instruments.

Taylor Guitars has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named one of the “Best Companies to Work For” by Fortune magazine. They have also been recognized for their commitment to sustainability, receiving the Forest Stewardship Council’s Leadership Award for their efforts to promote responsible forestry practices.

Today, Taylor Guitars continues to produce some of the finest acoustic guitars in the world, with a wide range of models to suit every player’s needs and preferences. Their guitars are played by some of the world’s most renowned musicians, and the company is widely recognized as a leader in the industry. With their commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, Taylor Guitars is sure to remain a top choice for guitar players for many years to come.

Serial numbers

1974 – 1992

Halfway through 1977 a switch was made from a 5-digit to a 3-digit serial number.

serial number

SERIALSYEAR
No serial numbers1974
00109 en 10109 – 101461975
20147 – 203151976
20316 – 4501977
451 – 9001978
901 – 13001979
1301 – 14001980
1401 – 16701981
1671 – 19511982
1952 – 24451983
 2446 – 32061984
3207 – 38881985
3889 – 47781986
4779 – 59811987
5982 – 78311988
7832 – 100701989
10071 – 124971990
12498 – 152491991
15250 – 179471992

4 digit serial number
When the model 410 was introduced in 1991, it was given a unique serial number.
The serial number has a 4- plus four more digits. For example: 4-1133.
This system was only used for two years, 0001-1121 in 1991 and 1122-3152 in 1992.

9 digit serial number
A nine-digit serial number was used from 1993 to the end of 1999. The production date and model were processed in this.
Example 960522434
The first two digits indicate the year. – 96 = 1996.
The third and fourth digits represent the month. – 05 = May.
The fifth and sixth digits are the day of the month. – 22 = 22th (May).
The seventh digit indicates the model. – 4 = Big Baby.
[0 = 300 or 400 Series, 1 = 500 through Presentation Series, 2 = 200 Series, 3 = Baby or Big Baby , 4 = Big Baby, 5 = T5, 7 = through 2002, 8 = 100 Series, and 9 = Solid Body Series.]
The last two digits indicate the sequential production number for that day. – 34 is the 34th guitar of 22 May 1996.

11-Digit Serial Numbers
For a four-digit year designation, the 9-digit serial number was
replaced by an 11-digit from January 2000 to October 2009.
The coding is the same as with 9 digit serial numbers, only not the
first 2 digits but the first 4 digits do determine the year.
Example: 20080605812
The first four digits now indicate the year. – 2008 = 2008.
The fifth and sixth digits represent the month. – 06 = June.
The seventh and eighth digits are the day of the month. – 05 = de 5th (June).
The ninth digit indicates the model. – 8 = 100 Series.
[0 = 300 or 400 Series, 1 = 500 through Presentation Series, 2 = 200 Series, 3 = Baby or Big Baby , 4 = Big Baby, 5 = T5, 7 = through 2002,
8 = 100 Series, qnd 9 = Solid Body Series.]
The last two digits indicate the sequential production number for that day. – 12 is the 12th guitar of 5 June 2008.

10-Digit Serial Numbers
The current serial numbering format has 10 digits and was introduced in November 2009. There has go back to a 2-digit year designation. The location of manufacture is also included in this format.
Example: 1108137123
The first digit indicates the location where the guitar was
produced. – 1 = El Cajon, California, USA.
[1 = El Cajon, California, USA; 2 = Tecate, Baja California, Mexico]
The second and seventh digits indicate a 2 digit year. – 17 = 2017.
The third and fourth digits represent the month. – 08 = August.
The fifth and sixth digits represent the day
of the month. – 13 = 13th (August).
The last three digits indicate the sequential production number for
that day. – 123 is the 123th guitar of 13 August 2017.

FAQ

  1. How can I tell what year my Taylor guitar was made?

    Taylor Guitars has used 3 different serial number systems over the years, but the current dating method is one of the simplest to decipher. If you want to know the production year of your Taylor guitar, you can do it with the serial number decoder or find it in an explanation about the dating system.

  2. How do I find Taylor guitar serial number?

    You can find the serial number of your Taylor guitar on the label in the sound hole or on the inside of the neck block of the guitar.