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Taylor Serial Number Lookup & Checker: Decode Your Guitar Instantly

A Taylor serial number lookup is the fastest way to identify when and where your guitar was made. Taylor Guitars has been building world-class acoustic instruments in El Cajon, California since 1974, and added a second factory in Tecate, Mexico in 2000. Over the decades, Taylor has used four different serial number formats—and each one encodes different information about your guitar's production date, factory location, and model series.

Whether you own a flagship 814ce from El Cajon, a GS Mini from Tecate, or a vintage 810 from the 1980s, the serial number tells the story. Use our free Taylor serial number checker tool above to decode yours instantly—no sign-up required.

Taylor Serial Number Checker

The tool at the top of this page is a free Taylor serial number checker. Enter your Taylor guitar serial number and it instantly returns your guitar's production year, factory location (El Cajon or Tecate), and model series. No sign-up required—use it as often as you need to verify a single guitar or compare multiple instruments.

Our Taylor serial number decoder handles all four formats automatically: 10-digit (2009-present), 11-digit (2000-2009), 9-digit (1993-1999), and sequential (1975-1992). Just enter the number exactly as it appears on your guitar's label and click Decode. The Taylor serial number lookup tool does the rest.

🎸 What's Next? Now that you know your guitar's year, the next step is setting it up to play its best. Acoustic setup specs—action height, neck relief, saddle height—vary by body shape and era. Want the exact specs for your Taylor? Check out our Acoustic Guitar Setup Guide and Factory Specs Lookup.

Where to Find Your Taylor Serial Number

Taylor serial numbers are located in different places depending on the model:

• Acoustic guitars (1999-present): On the label inside the soundhole, visible through the sound opening
• Acoustic guitars (1998 and older): On the heel block, visible by looking deep into the soundhole
• T5, T5z models: Inside the bass-side f-hole
• SolidBody electric guitars: On the bridge adjustment access panel on the back

Pro tip: Use a flashlight and angle it inside the soundhole. The label is typically on the back brace or the inside of the back panel. On older guitars, the serial may be stamped (not printed) on the neck block.

How to Read Your Taylor Serial Number

Once you've found your Taylor serial number, understanding its format is the key to decoding it. Taylor has used four different systems over the years, and the number of digits tells you which format you have.

10-Digit Format (2009-Present):

• Format: FYMMDDSYNN where F=factory, Y+Y=year (split), MM=month, DD=day, NNN=sequence
• Example: 1107064001 = El Cajon, July 6, 2014, first guitar that day
• The year digits are split between positions 2 and 7—this is the most common source of confusion

11-Digit Format (2000-2009):

• Format: YYYYMMDDXNN where YYYY=year, MM=month, DD=day, X=series, NN=sequence
• Example: 20070615102 = June 15, 2007, 500+ Series, second guitar that day
• The first four digits directly give you the year

9-Digit Format (1993-1999):

• Format: YYMMDDXNN where YY=year, MM=month, DD=day, X=series, NN=sequence
• Example: 980715102 = July 15, 1998, 500+ Series, second guitar that day
• The first two digits are the year (93-99)

Sequential Format (1975-1992):

• Format: Simple sequential numbers (109 through ~17,947)
• No date encoding—match the number to the year range table below
• Early guitars (1975-1977) may have a "10" or "20" prefix

Taylor Serial Number Formats: Complete Reference

Taylor has used four distinct serial number systems. The format depends entirely on when your guitar was built.

Format 1: 10-Digit (November 2009 – Present)

This is the current format used on all Taylor guitars.

Example: Serial 1107064001

• Digit 1 = 1 → El Cajon, California
• Digits 2 + 7 = 1 and 4 → 2014
• Digits 3-4 = 07 → July
• Digits 5-6 = 06 → 6th
• Digits 8-10 = 001 → First guitar built that day

Result: First guitar built in El Cajon on July 6, 2014.

Example: Serial 2209151002

• Digit 1 = 2 → Tecate, Mexico
• Digits 2 + 7 = 2 and 1 → 2021
• Digits 3-4 = 09 → September
• Digits 5-6 = 15 → 15th
• Digits 8-10 = 002 → Second guitar built that day

Result: Second guitar built in Tecate on September 15, 2021.

Format 2: 11-Digit (January 2000 – October 2009)

Example: Serial 20070615102

• Digits 1-4 = 2007 → Year 2007
• Digits 5-6 = 06 → June
• Digits 7-8 = 15 → 15th
• Digit 9 = 1 → 500+ Series
• Digits 10-11 = 02 → Second guitar of that series built that day

Format 3: 9-Digit (1993 – 1999)

Example: Serial 980715102

• Digits 1-2 = 98 → 1998
• Digits 3-4 = 07 → July
• Digits 5-6 = 15 → 15th
• Digit 7 = 1 → 500+ Series
• Digits 8-9 = 02 → Second guitar of that series built that day

Format 4: Sequential Numbers (1975 – 1992)

Before 1993, Taylor used simple sequential numbering. Match your serial to the range table:

Note: Early Taylor guitars (1975-1977) used 5-digit serials with a "10" or "20" prefix (e.g., 10109, 20147). The 410 model used a special "4-XXXX" format in 1991-1992.

Taylor Series Codes Reference

For 9-digit and 11-digit serial numbers, the series code digit identifies the model line:

Note: The 10-digit format (2009+) does not include a series code digit. The series must be identified from the model name on the label.

Taylor Factory Locations

El Cajon, California (USA) — Factory Code "1"

Taylor's original and primary factory, located in El Cajon, California (east of San Diego). This is where Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug founded the company in 1974. The El Cajon facility produces all premium models (500+ Series, 800 Series, 900 Series, Presentation Series, and Builder's Edition). It's also home to Taylor's R&D, the wood mill, and the company's famous factory tours.

Tecate, Mexico — Factory Code "2"

Opened in 2000, the Tecate facility produces Taylor's more affordable lines: 100 Series, 200 Series, Baby Taylor, GS Mini, and Academy models. Despite the lower price point, Tecate guitars are built to Taylor's exacting standards using the same CNC machinery and quality control processes as El Cajon. Many players consider the GS Mini (built in Tecate) to be one of the best travel guitars ever made.

Lemon Grove, California (Historical)

Taylor's very first workshop was in Lemon Grove, California (1974-1980). Guitars with sequential serials below ~1,400 were built here. The company moved to El Cajon in 1981 for more space.

Decade-by-Decade Changes: What Your Taylor Serial Number Reveals

Your Taylor's production era tells you more than just its age—it reveals the bracing, electronics, body shapes, and tonewoods used during that period. Here's what changed in each era:

1974-1983: The Founding Era

Serial Range: 109-2,445 (sequential)

• Body Shapes: Dreadnought and Grand Concert only
• Bracing: Traditional X-bracing, hand-shaped
• Tonewoods: Sitka spruce tops, Indian rosewood or mahogany backs/sides
• Electronics: None (purely acoustic)
• Value: $2,000-$8,000+ (very rare, low production of ~37-493 guitars/year)
• Notable: Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug founded the company in a Lemon Grove workshop. Every guitar was hand-built. These are the rarest Taylors in existence.

1984-1992: The Growth Era

Serial Range: 2,446-17,947 (sequential)

• Body Shapes: Grand Auditorium introduced (1994 prototype in late 1992)
• Bracing: Refined X-bracing patterns
• Tonewoods: Sitka spruce, Indian rosewood, koa (800 Series), maple (600 Series)
• Electronics: Optional Fishman pickups on some models
• Value: $800-$3,000 (growing production, 760-2,700 guitars/year)
• Notable: Taylor established its reputation for playability. The bolt-on neck design was refined. Production moved to El Cajon in 1981.

1993-1999: The Expansion Era

Serial Range: 9-digit date-coded serials

• Body Shapes: Grand Auditorium (GA) became Taylor's signature shape
• Bracing: Standardized X-bracing across all models
• Tonewoods: Expanded tonewood options including ovangkol, sapele, and blackwood
• Electronics: Expression System (ES1) introduced in 1999—a game-changer for amplified acoustic tone
• Value: $600-$2,500 (rapid growth, production exceeded 10,000 guitars/year)
• Notable: The 314ce and 814ce became best-sellers. Taylor became the #1 acoustic guitar brand in the US by the late 1990s.

2000-2009: The Innovation Era

Serial Range: 11-digit date-coded serials

• Body Shapes: Grand Symphony (GS) introduced (2006), Baby Taylor and Big Baby expanded
• Bracing: Forward-shifted X-bracing on some models
• Tonewoods: Hawaiian koa, cocobolo, and sustainable alternatives explored
• Electronics: ES1 standard on most models, NT (New Technology) neck joint standard since 2001
• Value: $500-$2,000 (Tecate factory opened in 2000, production doubled)
• Notable: The NT neck joint revolutionized acoustic guitar manufacturing. Taylor opened the Tecate facility for affordable models. The GS Mini concept was developed.

2010-2017: The Modern Era

Serial Range: 10-digit date-coded serials

• Body Shapes: GS Mini (2010), Grand Orchestra (GO, 2013), Grand Pacific (GP, 2019 prototype)
• Bracing: X-bracing refined, forward-shifted options
• Tonewoods: Urban wood program launched (reclaimed city trees), neo-tropical mahogany
• Electronics: ES2 (Expression System 2) introduced in 2014—behind-the-saddle sensors
• Value: $500-$3,500 (GS Mini became a phenomenon)
• Notable: The GS Mini became one of the best-selling acoustic guitars ever. Andy Powers joined as master builder in 2011.

2018-Present: The V-Class Era

Serial Range: 10-digit date-coded serials

• Body Shapes: Grand Pacific (2019) added, full range of 6 body shapes
• Bracing: V-Class bracing introduced in 2018—Taylor's biggest innovation since the NT neck
• Tonewoods: Urban ash, urban ironbark, sustainable sourcing emphasis
• Electronics: ES2 standard, some models with ES-B (bass-optimized)
• Value: $400-$4,000+ (V-Class models command premium)
• Notable: V-Class bracing replaces X-bracing with a V-shaped pattern that increases volume, sustain, and intonation accuracy. Andy Powers' design is now standard on most Taylor models. Builder's Edition models represent the pinnacle.

Key Takeaway: Your Taylor serial number's era determines not just age, but the entire spec profile. A 1998 814ce (ES1, X-bracing) plays and sounds quite different from a 2020 814ce (ES2, V-Class bracing), even though they share the same model number.

Taylor Model Number Reference

Taylor uses a logical 3-digit model numbering system. Understanding it helps you identify any Taylor guitar at a glance:

First Digit — Series (Quality Level):

Second Digit — Body Shape:

Third Digit — Tonewood Variation:

• 2 = Mahogany top variant
• 4 = Standard (spruce top)
• 6 = Maple top variant
• 8 = Special tonewood (koa, etc.)

Example: A Taylor 814ce = 800 Series (premium) + Dreadnought body + standard spruce top + cutaway (c) + electronics (e).

Serial Number Mysteries Solved: Real Case Studies

Case 1: The Confusing 10-Digit Year Split

A player had serial 1108234012 and couldn't figure out the year. The trick with 10-digit Taylor serials is that the year digits are split: digit 2 and digit 7 combine to form the year. Here, digit 2 = 1 and digit 7 = 4 → year 2014. Month = 08 (August), day = 23. This was the 12th guitar built in El Cajon on August 23, 2014.

Case 2: Is My GS Mini USA or Mexico?

A GS Mini owner found serial 2205121003. The first digit "2" immediately tells us: Tecate, Mexico. All GS Minis are built in Tecate. Digits 2+7 = 2 and 1 → 2021. Built on May 12, 2021. Many owners are surprised to learn their GS Mini is Mexican-made, but Taylor's Tecate facility produces excellent instruments.

Case 3: The Vintage 1987 810

A collector found a Taylor 810 with serial 5500. Using the sequential range table: 4,779-5,981 = 1987. This was during Taylor's "Growth Era" when production was ramping up from ~1,200 guitars/year to nearly 2,000. A 1987 Taylor 810 is a pre-Expression System guitar with the original bracing pattern—quite collectible.

Case 4: 11-Digit vs 10-Digit Confusion

A player had serial 20090915102 (11 digits) and wondered why the decoder said 2009 but their friend's 2009 Taylor had a 10-digit serial. The answer: Taylor switched from 11-digit to 10-digit format in November 2009. Guitars built January-October 2009 use 11-digit; November-December 2009 use 10-digit. Both are correct.

Case 5: The V-Class Bracing Date Cutoff

A buyer was told a Taylor 814ce had V-Class bracing, but the serial decoded to early 2017. V-Class bracing was announced at NAMM in January 2018 and began shipping in spring 2018. Any Taylor with a serial decoding to before mid-2018 has traditional X-bracing, not V-Class. The seller was either misinformed or dishonest. Always verify the serial date against the V-Class introduction timeline.

Case 6: The Koa vs Rosewood 800 Series

A collector found two Taylor 814ce guitars—one with serial starting "1" (El Cajon) from 2016 and one from 2020. The 2016 model had Indian rosewood back and sides, while the 2020 model had a different look. In 2020, Taylor began offering the 800 Series with both rosewood and koa options (the K14ce is the koa variant). The serial number alone doesn't tell you the tonewood—you need the model number from the label.

Case 7: The Baby Taylor Age Mystery

A parent bought a used Baby Taylor with no visible serial number. Baby Taylors (BT1, BT2) sometimes have the serial on a label that peels off over time, especially in humid climates. The solution: look for a date stamp on the inside of the back panel (visible through the soundhole with a flashlight). If nothing is visible, Taylor's customer service can identify the guitar from photos of the headstock and body.

Case 8: The Expression System Version Check

A buyer wanted to confirm whether a used Taylor 314ce had ES1 or ES2 electronics. The serial decoded to 2012. The Expression System 2 (ES2) was introduced in 2014. Any Taylor with a serial decoding to before 2014 has ES1 (if it has electronics at all). ES2 uses behind-the-saddle sensors and has three control knobs (Volume, Treble, Bass) on the upper bout. ES1 has body sensors and a different control layout.

Authentication Tips for Taylor Guitars

How to Verify a Genuine Taylor

1. Check the label: Genuine Taylor labels are professionally printed with the model name, serial number, and "Taylor Guitars, El Cajon, CA" (or Tecate). Counterfeit labels often have font inconsistencies or spelling errors.

2. Verify the serial format: The serial must match the era. A guitar claiming to be from 2015 should have a 10-digit serial starting with 1 or 2. An 11-digit serial on a "2015" guitar is a red flag.

3. Inspect the neck joint: Taylor's patented NT (New Technology) neck joint has been standard since 2001. It uses a precision-machined bolt system with shims. If a guitar claims to be post-2001 but has a traditional dovetail joint, investigate further.

4. Look for the Taylor logo: The headstock logo should be cleanly inlaid (higher models) or silk-screened (entry models). The font and positioning are consistent across production years.

5. Contact Taylor directly: Taylor's customer service (1-800-943-6782) can verify any serial number. They maintain complete production records.

Red Flags

• Serial number format doesn't match the claimed year
• Label looks hand-written or poorly printed
• No NT neck joint on a guitar claimed to be post-2001
• Suspiciously low price for a premium model (800/900 Series)
• Seller refuses to provide the serial number

Troubleshooting Guide

Step 1: Check All Common Locations

Look inside the soundhole for a label on the back brace or back panel. On pre-1999 guitars, check the heel block (where the neck meets the body). For T5/T5z models, look inside the bass-side f-hole. For SolidBody electrics, check the back access panel.

Step 2: Serial Number Is Unreadable

On older Taylor guitars (especially pre-1993), the stamped serial can wear over time. Try using a flashlight at an angle to create shadows in the stamped characters. A magnifying glass helps. If the label is damaged, Taylor can often identify the guitar from photos of the headstock, label remnants, and internal bracing.

Step 3: Serial Number Doesn't Match Any Format

Verify you're reading the correct number. Taylor labels sometimes include model numbers, order numbers, or other codes alongside the serial. The serial is typically the longest number on the label. If it contains letters, it may be a model designation rather than the serial.

Step 4: Serial Number Format Is Ambiguous

Some 9-digit numbers could theoretically be either a 9-digit date-coded serial (1993-1999) or a phone number / other code. The key test: do digits 1-2 fall between 93-99? Do digits 3-4 represent a valid month (01-12)? Do digits 5-6 represent a valid day (01-31)? If all three pass, it's a valid 9-digit Taylor serial.

Step 5: Still Can't Identify It?

Contact Taylor Guitars directly at 1-800-943-6782 or email support@taylorguitars.com. They maintain complete production records and can identify any genuine Taylor guitar from its serial number, photos, or physical description.

Found Your Year? Get Your Taylor's Setup Specs

Now that you know when your Taylor was made, the next step is finding the correct setup specifications for your specific model and body shape:

Taylor Factory Setup Specs (General):

• Action at 12th fret: 6/64" treble, 7/64" bass (2.4mm / 2.8mm)
• Neck relief: .006"-.008" at 7th fret with capo at 1st and finger at 14th
• Nut slot depth: .010"-.015" above first fret
• Saddle height: Varies by model—check the Factory Specs Lookup for your specific guitar

Just Got a Used Taylor?

If you're looking up a Taylor serial number, you probably just bought a used guitar—congratulations! The next step is getting it set up properly. Used guitars almost always need a fresh setup after changing hands.

Why a setup matters: Acoustic guitars are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. A Taylor that was stored in a dry climate may have a low, buzzy action. One from a humid environment may have a high, stiff action. A proper setup restores the guitar to its optimal playing condition.

Your next steps:

1. Decode the serial using the tool above to confirm the year and factory
2. Look up factory specs using our Factory Specs Lookup to find the correct measurements
3. Follow the setup guide — our Acoustic Guitar Setup Guide walks you through action, neck relief, and intonation
4. Save your guitar in My Gear Tracker to track serial number, specs, and setup history
5. Check the value — see the value guide below to understand what your Taylor is worth

Pro tip: Taylor guitars with the NT neck joint (2001+) are among the easiest acoustics to set up. The bolt-on design allows precise neck angle adjustment without a luthier.

What's Your Taylor Worth?

Understanding your Taylor's era, model, and condition helps estimate its market value. Serial numbers reveal the first two factors—condition is up to you.

Factors That Affect Taylor Guitar Value

Beyond the serial number, these factors significantly impact what your Taylor is worth:

• Model series: 800/900 Series hold value best (60-70% of retail). 100/200 Series depreciate more (40-50% of retail).
• Condition: Mint condition with original case commands a 15-25% premium over "good" condition.
• Electronics: Working ES2 electronics add value. Dead or crackling pickups reduce it.
• V-Class bracing: Post-2018 V-Class models are increasingly preferred by buyers, commanding a slight premium over same-model X-braced versions.
• Special editions: Koa, cocobolo, and limited-run tonewoods hold value well. Builder's Edition models are particularly sought after.
• Original case and documentation: Original Taylor hardshell case, warranty card, and hang tags add $50-$150 to resale value.

Comparison: El Cajon vs Tecate Production

Understanding where your Taylor was built helps you evaluate its specs and value:

Key Takeaway: Taylor's Tecate facility uses the same CNC machinery, quality control processes, and NT neck joint technology as El Cajon. The difference is in materials (solid vs. layered wood) and appointments, not build quality. Many professional players use GS Minis and 200 Series guitars from Tecate as travel and recording instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I read a Taylor 10-digit serial number?

The 10-digit format (2009-present) encodes factory, date, and sequence. Digit 1 = factory (1=El Cajon, 2=Tecate). Digits 2 and 7 combine for the year (e.g., digits "1" and "4" = 2014). Digits 3-4 = month. Digits 5-6 = day. Digits 8-10 = daily production sequence. Use our free Taylor serial number checker above for instant decoding.

2. What Taylor models are made in Mexico?

Taylor's Tecate, Mexico factory (factory code "2" in 10-digit serials) builds the 100 Series, 200 Series, Baby Taylor, Big Baby, GS Mini, and Academy models. All 300 Series and above are built in El Cajon, California. Tecate uses the same CNC machinery and quality control as El Cajon.

3. How do I tell if my Taylor has V-Class bracing?

V-Class bracing was introduced in 2018. If your Taylor serial number decodes to mid-2018 or later, it likely has V-Class bracing (check the label inside the soundhole—it will say "V-Class"). Pre-2018 Taylors have traditional X-bracing. V-Class increases volume, sustain, and intonation accuracy.

4. What is the difference between Taylor 200 and 300 Series?

The 200 Series (Tecate-built) uses layered rosewood or koa back and sides with a solid spruce top. The 300 Series (El Cajon-built) uses all-solid sapele back and sides with a solid spruce or mahogany top. The 300 Series has richer, more complex tone due to solid wood construction and typically costs $500-$700 more.

5. How do I date a Taylor guitar without a serial number?

If the serial is missing or unreadable: (1) Check for a date stamp inside the body visible through the soundhole. (2) Look at the headstock logo style—it changed over the decades. (3) Check for NT neck joint (post-2001). (4) Check for ES2 electronics (post-2014). (5) Contact Taylor at 1-800-943-6782 with photos—they can identify any genuine Taylor from construction details.

Other Brand Serial Number Decoders

We're the guitar serial number experts—and we cover more than Taylor. If you own multiple brands, these tools will help:

• Fender Serial Number Lookup — Decode USA, Mexico, Japan, and Squier from 1950 to present
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• Martin Serial Number Lookup — Decode Martin guitars from 1898 to present with complete serial chart
• Squier Serial Number Lookup — Identify Squier production year and factory
• Epiphone Serial Number Lookup — Decode Epiphone guitars from Qingdao, Korea, Japan, and Indonesia
• Ibanez Serial Number Lookup — Decode Ibanez guitars from FujiGen Japan, Cort Korea, Indonesia, and more
• PRS Serial Number Lookup — Decode PRS USA Core, S2, CE, and SE models
• Yamaha Serial Number Lookup — Decode Yamaha guitars from Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia
• Jackson Serial Number Lookup — Decode Jackson guitars from USA, Japan, Indonesia, and Korea
• Charvel Serial Number Lookup — Decode Charvel guitars from San Dimas USA, Japan, and modern production
• Gretsch Serial Number Lookup — Decode Gretsch guitars from USA Custom Shop, Japan, Korea, and China

Setup & Maintenance Guides

• Action Height Guide — Learn how to measure and adjust string action
• Truss Rod Adjustment — Safely adjust neck relief for optimal playability
• String Gauge Guide — Choose the right strings for your playing style
• Acoustic Guitar Setup Guide — Complete acoustic setup from neck relief to intonation

More Tools

• My Gear Tracker — Save your guitar's serial number, specs, and setup history
• How to Use Serial Number Lookup — Detailed guide for all brands

Whether you're dating a Taylor, a Martin, or a Gibson, we've got you covered.

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• Taylor
• Guitar Setup
• Buyer's Guide