Acoustic Guitar Identifiers (like SCE) Explained
If you’ve ever looked at an acoustic guitar listing and thought, “What do all these letters mean?” You’re not alone.
Maybe you see the letters S, C or SCE. Those letters actually tell you a lot about the guitar before you ever pick it up. Once you know how to read them, shopping for an acoustic guitar gets a whole lot easier.
Let’s break it down using a common example: CD-60SCE.
🎸 Step 1: The Model Name
In this case, CD-60 is the model name. That tells you the name of the guitar and which line it belongs to within the brand’s lineup. In this case, it belongs to Fender’s CD, or Classic Design, line.
Think of this as the guitar’s “family name.” Everything after that usually describes features.
🔍 Step 2: What the Letters Mean
Now for the important part: the letters.
“S” = Solid Top
The S usually means the guitar has a solid top (in this case, solid moahogany).
That matters because solid tops:
Sound better over time
Open up as the guitar ages
Offer more depth and clarity than laminate tops
For many players, this is one of the most important features to look for.
“C” = Cutaway
The C stands for cutaway.
A cutaway gives you easier access to the higher frets. If you like playing leads, solos, or moving up the neck, this is a big plus.
“E” = Electronics
The E means the guitar has onboard electronics.
That includes a pickup and preamp, so you can plug straight into:
An amp
A PA system
An audio interface
In other words, it’s stage-ready right out of the box.
🎯 Putting It All Together
So when you see SCE, you know the guitar has:
S = Solid top
C = Cutaway body
E = Built-in electronics
That’s a lot of useful information packed into just three letters.
Why This Matters When You’re Shopping
Understanding guitar model names helps you:
Compare guitars more confidently
Spot features you actually care about
Avoid paying for things you don’t need
Make better decisions without guessing
Once you learn how to decode these letters, listings stop feeling confusing and start working for you.
Need Help Reading a Guitar Listing?
At Morris Guitar Company, we’re always happy to help explain model names, features, and specs - whether you’re buying your first acoustic or upgrading to something new.