Understanding Acoustic Guitar Model Numbers

The first digit (or letter) identifies the Series. Most guitar models within each series share the same back and side woods and appointment package.

516ce = A 500 Series model

The second digit designates two things:
1. Whether the guitar is a 6-string or a 12-string
2. Whether the top features a softer tonewood like spruce or cedar, or a hardwood like mahogany or koa.

6-String
The middle number will be 1 or 2:
516ce = softwood (spruce) top
526ce = a hardwood (mahogany) top

12-String
The middle number will be 5 or 6:
556ce = a softwood (spruce) top
566ce = a hardwood (mahogany) top

The third digit identifies the body shape according to this numbering system:

0 = Dreadnought (e.g., 510ce)
1 = Grand Theater (e.g., 511ce)
2 = Grand Concert (e.g., 512ce)
4 = Grand Auditorium (e.g., 514ce)
6 = Grand Symphony (e.g., 516ce)
7 = Grand Pacific (e.g., Builder's Edition 517e)
8 = Grand Orchestra (e.g., 518ce)

If a "c" comes after the number it indicates a model with a cutaway. An "e" indicates a model with onboard electronics.

516ce = model with cutaway and electronics
510e = model with electronics, no cutaway
510 = model with no cutaway, no electronics

Taylor nylon-string models are integrated into the 200-800 Series and are designated by the letter “N” at the end of the model name.

514ce-N = 500 Series nylon-string Grand Auditorium with a cutaway and electronics