How to Read a Guitar Listing Before You Buy

When you’re shopping for a guitar online, the model name can tell you almost everything you need to know if you know how to read it.

Instead of guessing, let’s break a guitar listing down from broad to specific, using a couple real-world examples from my shop: one acoustic and one electric.

Once you understand this order, shopping online gets a whole lot easier.

🎸 Step 1: Brand

The first thing you’ll typically see is the brand.

This gives you a general idea of:

• Build quality

• Style

• Overall feel

For example: both of these guitars are made by Fender.
Most players already have a mental picture of what to expect from a Fender guitar before reading anything else.

📂 Step 2: Series

Next is the series, which tells you where the guitar sits within that brand’s lineup.

• On the acoustic: CD-140
  This tells us it’s part of Fender’s CD (or Classic Design) Series.

• On the electric: Standard Series
  That gives us context for quality level and features within Fender’s electric range.

The series helps you compare guitars within the same brand.

🔍 Step 3: Model Name

Now we get more specific.

• On the acoustic: CD-140
  This is the exact acoustic model.

• On the electric: Stratocaster
  This tells you the body style and overall design.

At this point, you should have a solid idea of what kind of guitar you’re looking at.

⚙️ Step 4: Guitar-Specific Identifiers

This is where the letters really matter.

• Acoustic example: SCE

  • S = Solid top

  • C = Cutaway

  • E = Electronics

• Electric example: SSS

  • Three single-coil pickups

These letters tell you key features without needing to read a full description.

🎨 Step 5: Finish

Finally, you’ll see the finish.

• Sunburst

• Aqua Marine Metallic

The finish doesn’t change how the guitar plays or sounds, but it does matter. You’re going to see this guitar every time you pick it up, so liking the look is part of enjoying the instrument.

🎯 Why This Matters

Once you learn to read a guitar listing this way - Brand → Series → Model → Identifiers → Finish - you can:

• Shop online with confidence

• Compare guitars quickly

• Understand listings at a glance

• Avoid buying the wrong guitar by accident

No guesswork required.

Need Help Reading a Listing?

At Morris Guitar Company, I’m always happy to help you understand listings, specs, and model names. I want you to be confident in your purchase!