i've noticed a few changes this year. with none of them being
what i would consider to be too extremely 'radical' (imho)
* Acoustic/Electric - (was CE in 98-06) now includes 12 string
models (were 'listed' separately in 07) & - N models, with the
aesthetics now in-line with the 300/900 steel strings (was NS) &
additions are the 316, 356 & 456ce & X56ce's replace the X54ce's
* Acoustic Non-Cutaway - was Acoustic series in 07,
includes an 'e' designation for 3-8 series with ES
(the GA3/4-12s stay, with 'e' models added) &
organization is now by Series, in the same way the
Acoustic Electrics have been, rather than by body shape.
for example
6 series - DN6, GC6, GA6, GS6, GS6-12,
rather than DN series 3-8, GC series 3-8, etc
W & S describes the Acoustic non-cutaways by series (3&4, 5-8 & K),
but shows organizaton by shape (on the sidebar, with 33 'e' models),
as there is a very small section used to show them (no other changes)
* Specialty Models have separate 'section' -
Baritone (6 & 8 string) & 12 fret, GS & GC models, rosewood & mahogany
800/900 steel strings are unchanged (save for the X56ce replacing the X54ce),
the 100s are unchanged & the 200s add the -BLK (was DDX), SB & -N models
100/200 series are 'separate', as their designations remain the same -
the 110/114/210/214 & 214e-N are unchanged & the aesthetics of these 5
non-cutaways are the same as on the CEs (no DN1/GA1/DN2/GA2 & GA2e-N)
the reason i believe the restructuring has been going on (since 07) is to
allow the movement of adding or replacing models as the need arises -
if all of the models & designations were kept, in addition to the new ones,
there would be well over 400 standard models, compared to just under 200
just one example
600 series
610, 610e, 610ce, 612, 612e, 612ce, 614, 614e, 614ce, 615, 615e, 615ce
616, 616e, 616ce, 654, 654e, 654ce, 655, 655e, 655ce, 656, 656e, 656ce
612ce-N (was NS62ce), 614ce-N (was NS64ce)
600 Acoustic Electrc
610ce, 612ce, 614ce, 616ce, 656ce, 612ce-N, 614ce-N
6 Acoustic Non Cutaway
DN6, DN6e, GC6, GC6e, GA6, GA6e. GS6. GS6e
there was not a standard 614 offered (there was a 02 LTD model) &
the 610, 612 & 615 turned into C & CE models in the mid/late 90's &
by offering the DN6, GC6, there are 'standard' configurations that
have not been seen, in some cases, for a good number of years
the 12 string GA (except for 3/4) & all JM models have been removed
from the standard line, with the X56ce taking the place of the X54ce,
these models can be BTO'd & a designed JM is in the near future
true, the designations might be able to be simplified further, but i'm
wondering if a GS6-12ce would be more easily understood than a 656ce ...
or a GS-C OSgte (GS cutaway Ovangkol Sitka gloss top ES), rather than a 416ce
i've heard that the wood thickness for the back & sides on the acoustic,
now acoustic non-cutaway was specific to the woods being used & that
on the acoustic electric (CE models) the specs being used were to help
facilitate the build process (especially in bending the side for the cutaway)
as specifications are subject to change without notice, imho, contacting a Taylor CSR
would likely be the best option, or your favorite dealer, for the most up-to-date info,
to ensure that there is no misnterpretation & specific areas can be clarified in detail
ymmv