How to Identify Your Vintage Guitar by Physical Features: A Guide for Non-Guitarists

Meta Description: Found a guitar with a tremolo bar, two horns, or holes in the body? Learn how to identify vintage Fender, Gibson, and Martin guitars by their distinctive physical features and discover what makes them valuable.

Introduction: "I Have This Guitar, But I Don't Know What It's Called"

If you've inherited a guitar, found one in storage, or are handling an estate, you might be describing it by what you see rather than its model name: "It's a Fender with a whammy bar," "It's a Gibson with two pointy horns," or "It has holes in the body like a violin."

You're not alone—and those physical features are actually the key to identification.

At Edgewater Guitars, we regularly receive calls from people who describe guitars exactly this way. The good news? Many of these distinctive features indicate valuable vintage instruments. A "Gibson with two cutaways and holes in the body" could be a highly sought-after ES-335. That "Fender with three pickups and a whammy bar" might be a collectible pre-CBS Stratocaster.

This comprehensive guide will help you:

• Identify your guitar by the physical features you notice

• Understand what makes these features significant

• Determine key value factors based on age and condition

• Learn whether you have a guitar worth selling to a premium buyer

Let's decode what you're seeing—and what it might be worth.

Understanding the Physical Features You're Noticing

The "Tremolo Bar" or "Whammy Bar"

What You're Seeing: A metal arm attached to a plate on the guitar's body, usually near the bridge (where the strings attach at the bottom).

What It Means: This is a vibrato/tremolo system that allows pitch modulation. Different systems indicate different guitars:

Fender-Style Synchronized Tremolo

• Found on: Stratocasters (most common)

• Appearance: Chrome plate with 6 individual string saddles, arm angles downward

• Value indicators:

  • Pre-1965 models (pre-CBS Fender): Highly collectible

  • 1965-1980: Good collector interest

  • Post-1980: Value depends on specific model

Dating clues: Pre-CBS Stratocasters (pre-1965) have smaller headstocks, clay dot position markers (not plastic), and typically show patent numbers on the headstock rather than later serial number formats.

Fender Floating Tremolo (Jazzmaster/Jaguar)

• Found on: Jazzmaster, Jaguar models

• Appearance: Larger rectangular plate, arm may be shorter and point upward

• Value indicators:

  • 1958-1965 models: Premium collectible status

  • 1966-1975: Strong collector demand

Key distinction: These guitars have offset waist body shapes (asymmetrical) and distinctive control layouts with multiple switches.

Bigsby Tremolo

• Found on: Various Gibson, Gretsch, Fender models

• Appearance: Ornate aluminum casting with a curved arm, mounted on top of the guitar body

• Value impact: Original Bigsbys significantly enhance value

What to check: Look for "Bigsby" engraved on the unit. Earlier models (1950s-1960s) are more desirable than later replacements.

"Gibson with Two Horns" or "Pointy Gibson"

What You're Seeing: Gibson guitars with distinctive dual cutaways or angular body shapes.

Gibson SG ("Two Horns")

• What you're seeing: Double cutaway, thin flat body, two pointed "horns"

• Often described as: "Devil horn guitar," "Gibson with two pointy ends," "thin Gibson with two cutaways"

• Identification features:

  • Slim, flat body (not thick like a Les Paul)

  • Two sharp cutaways allowing upper fret access

  • Usually 2 humbucker pickups

  • Vibrato arm on some models

Value breakdown by era:

• 1961-1965 (earliest SGs): Most valuable period

  • Check for "Les Paul" on the truss rod cover (early models)

  • Patent number pickups (not humbuckers with stickers)

  • Side-pull vibrato on some models

• 1966-1969 (transitional era): Strong collector demand

  • Large pickguard

  • "Patent Applied For" (PAF) or patent number pickups

• 1970s: Solid collector interest

  • Wider "batwing" headstock

  • Three-piece maple necks common

• 1980s+: Modern era values

Critical details: Original SGs from 1961-1965 that still say "Les Paul" on the truss rod cover are extremely valuable. Check the back of the headstock for "Made in USA" stamps and serial numbers.

Gibson ES-335 ("Gibson with Two Cutaways and Holes")

• What you're seeing: Semi-hollow body with two rounded cutaways and f-holes

• Often described as: "Gibson with violin holes," "hollow Gibson with two cutaways," "red Gibson with holes in body"

• Identification features:

  • Two symmetrical rounded cutaways

  • Two f-holes (shaped like italic lowercase f)

  • Thin-line semi-hollow body

  • Typically 2 humbucker pickups

Value breakdown:

• 1958-1964 (dot neck era): Premium vintage status

  • Small pearl dot inlays

  • PAF pickups (no stickers, double row magnets)

  • Factory Bigsby adds value

• 1965-1969 (block neck): Highly collectible

  • Rectangular pearl block inlays

  • Patent number pickups

• 1970s: Good collector demand

  • "Norlin era" (1970-1985)

  • Walnut finish common

• 1980s-1990s: Modern collector interest

Dating method: Check the serial number inside the f-hole (visible with a flashlight) and on the back of the headstock.

Gibson Flying V and Explorer ("Really Pointy Gibson")

• Flying V: Distinctive V-shaped body

  • 1958-1959 originals: Extremely rare, museum-quality pieces

  • 1967-1970 reissues: Highly collectible

  • 1971-1980s: Good collector interest

• Explorer: Angular "modernistic" body shape

  • 1958-1959 originals: Among the rarest guitars ever made (fewer than 100 produced)

  • 1976+ reissues: Strong collector demand

Red flag: If you think you have an original 1958-1959 Flying V or Explorer, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN OR RESTORE IT. Contact a specialized vintage guitar buyer immediately—even damaged examples are extraordinarily valuable.

"Fender with Three Pickups"

What You're Seeing: Three single-coil pickups arranged between the neck and bridge.

Most Likely: Fender Stratocaster

Identification features:

• Three single-coil pickups (look like long bars)

• Double cutaway body (one deeper than the other)

• 3-way or 5-way pickup selector switch

• Tremolo bar (usually present)

• Bolt-on neck with 4 screws visible on the back

Value indicators:

• Pre-1965 (pre-CBS): Premium vintage status

  • Smaller "spaghetti logo" headstock

  • Clay dots (not plastic)

  • Serial number on neck plate only

• 1965-1971 (CBS transition): Highly collectible transitional period

  • Larger headstock introduced in 1965

  • Transitional features

• 1972-1980: Good collector interest

  • 3-bolt neck (1971-1981)

  • Bullet truss rod adjustment

• 1980s-1990s: Modern era values

Critical check: Remove the neck (4 screws on back) to see the date penciled in the neck pocket or on the neck heel. Pre-CBS Strats are significantly more valuable than later models.

"Gibson with Carved Top" or "Thick Gibson"

What You're Seeing: Gibson Les Paul

Identification features:

• Thick, heavy solid body

• Carved (arched) top

• Single cutaway (only one horn)

• Usually 2 humbucker pickups (wider than Fender pickups)

• Set neck (no visible screws on back)

Value breakdown:

• 1952-1960 (goldtop and sunburst): Most valuable Les Paul era

  • Goldtops (1952-1957): Highly sought after

  • Sunburst "Burst" (1958-1960): Among the most valuable guitars ever made

• 1961-1963 (SG body, still called "Les Paul"): Rare transitional models

• 1968-1969 (reissue): First reissue era

  • Goldtops reintroduced

• 1970s: Solid collector demand

  • Various models (Standard, Custom, Deluxe)

• 1980s-1990s: Modern production era

Critical authentication: The most valuable Les Pauls (1958-1960 sunbursts) often have finish checking (small cracks in lacquer), flame maple tops visible under sunburst finish, and PAF pickups with no stickers.

Red flag: There are many Les Paul replicas. Check for "Gibson" on the headstock (with the correct font for the era), "Made in USA" stamp, and proper serial numbers.

"Hollow Guitar with Holes in Body"

What You're Seeing: Likely a Gibson ES series, Gretsch, or high-end archtop

Gibson ES Series

• ES-175: Single rounded cutaway, 2 pickups

  • 1949-1971: Classic jazz guitar, strong collector demand

  • Often in sunburst or natural finish

• ES-335/345/355: Covered above (semi-hollow, dual cutaway)

• L-5, Super 400: Premium archtops

  • 1950s-1960s: Top-tier collector instruments

  • Often 17-18" wide bodies

Gretsch Hollowbody

• Distinctive features:

  • Bigsby tremolo common

  • "G" logo on pickguards

  • Often orange or two-tone finishes

• Key models:

  • 6120 Chet Atkins: Iconic rockabilly guitar (1954-1965 most desirable)

  • White Falcon: Gretsch's flagship model (1955-1965 premium era)

  • Country Gentleman: Professional-grade instrument

Value factors: Original Gretsch Filter'Tron pickups (rectangular with visible pole pieces) significantly add to value.

"Martin with Fancy Inlay" or "Pearl Decorations"

What You're Seeing: High-end Martin acoustic guitar

Abalone/Pearl inlay indicates premium models:

D-45 (Most Common High-End Martin)

• Features:

  • Dreadnought body (large, square shoulders)

  • Abalone trim around top, back, and soundhole

  • "Snowflake" inlays on fretboard

  • Three-piece back (bookmatched rosewood)

Value breakdown:

• Pre-1942: Prewar instruments, extremely valuable

• 1968-1969 (reintroduced): First modern D-45s, highly collectible

• 1970s: Strong collector demand

• 1980s-1990s: Modern production era

• Current production: Contemporary premium instruments

D-28 (Herringbone Trim)

• Pre-1947 with herringbone purfling: Premium vintage status

• 1947-1969: Classic era

• 1970s+: Modern production

OM-45, 000-45 (Smaller Bodies with Abalone)

• Pre-war examples: Rare and highly valuable

• Post-war: Premium collector instruments

Dating Martin guitars: Look inside the soundhole for a date stamp and serial number. Pre-1932 Martins may not have serial numbers.

Authentication and Dating: What to Check

Serial Numbers and Date Codes

Fender:

• Pre-1976: Often on neck plate (back of guitar where neck attaches)

• 1976+: On headstock decal

• Remove neck to find penciled date codes in neck pocket

Gibson:

• 1961+: Stamped on back of headstock

• Pre-1961: Often on paper label inside f-hole or stamped inside body

• FON (Factory Order Number) can indicate exact production date

Martin:

• Inside soundhole on neck block or back strip

• Pre-1898: No serial numbers (dated by features)

• Consult Martin's serial number database for exact dates

Pickup Identification

Gibson PAF (Patent Applied For) Pickups (1957-1962):

• No sticker on pickup cover

• Two rows of magnets visible from underneath

• Highly valuable if original

• These significantly increase guitar value

Fender Pickups:

• Pre-CBS (pre-1965): Cloth-covered wiring, gray fiber bobbins

• Look for dates stamped on pickup bottoms

• Original pre-CBS pickups add substantial value

Finish and Hardware

Original Finish:

• Nitrocellulose lacquer (pre-1970s) shows "checking" (hairline cracks)

• Polyurethane finishes (1970s+) remain glossy without checking

• Original finish significantly more valuable than refinished guitars

Hardware:

• Chrome plating wear patterns should match guitar age

• Original tuners, bridges, and pickguards add value

• Replaced parts reduce value considerably

What's Your Guitar Worth? Value Factors

Condition Grading

Excellent (9.0-10): Minimal wear, all original parts, plays perfectly

• Premium market value

Very Good (7.5-8.5): Some wear, all original, fully functional

• Strong collector value

Good (6.0-7.0): Noticeable wear, possible minor repairs, plays well

• Solid collector value

Fair (4.0-5.5): Heavy wear, replaced parts, structural issues

• Reduced collector value

Poor (below 4.0): Significant damage, major repairs needed

• Primarily parts value

Originality Premium

All Original: Full market value Refretted (if done well): Minor value reduction Replaced Tuners/Hardware: Moderate value reduction Refinished: Significant value reduction Repaired Headstock Break: Substantial value impact Replaced Pickups/Electronics: Moderate to significant value reduction

Market Demand Factors

High Demand (Premium Prices):

• Pre-CBS Fender (pre-1965)

• Gibson PAF-era (1957-1962)

• 1950s Gibson Les Paul goldtops and bursts

• Pre-war Martin dreadnoughts

Moderate Demand (Fair Market Value):

• 1970s Japanese Fenders

• 1970s-1980s Gibson Les Pauls

• 1960s-1970s Gretsch

Lower Demand (Below Market Average):

• Budget model imports

• Heavily modified guitars

• Refinished vintage guitars

Why Sell to Edgewater Guitars?

We Pay Significantly More Than Typical Guitar Shops

Why the difference?

1. We're specialized vintage buyers, not retailers—we don't need retail markup

2. We understand the collector market—we know what features drive value

3. We move guitars to serious collectors—faster sales mean better offers to you

4. We evaluate based on details—original parts, specific features, and authenticity factors

Expertise in Physical Feature Identification

If you're describing your guitar by what you see rather than model names, that's exactly what we specialize in. We help non-guitarists identify:

• Exact model and year based on physical features

• Original vs. replaced parts

• Authentication of vintage features

• True market value based on collector demand

Fair, Transparent Evaluation Process

1. Send us photos (front, back, headstock, serial numbers, close-ups of pickups/hardware)

2. We provide identification and estimated value range within 24 hours

3. You decide whether to sell—no pressure, no obligations

4. We handle logistics—shipping, insurance, or local pickup available

5. Fast payment—check, bank transfer, or PayPal within 24 hours of inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have a "Gibson with two horns" but it says "Epiphone" on the headstock. Is it still valuable?

A: Epiphone is Gibson's sister brand. Vintage Epiphones (1950s-1960s, made in USA) can be quite valuable, but they're generally worth less than equivalent Gibsons. Japanese-made Epiphones (1970s+) have moderate collector interest. Send photos—we buy quality vintage Epiphones.

Q: How do I know if the tremolo bar/whammy bar is original?

A: Original Fender tremolo bars match the era's hardware finish (nickel, chrome) and thread pattern. Aftermarket bars often don't fit quite right or show different wear patterns. Photos of the entire bridge assembly help us determine originality.

Q: The guitar has a crack in the finish but no actual damage. Does this hurt value?

A: "Finish checking" (fine hairline cracks in lacquer) is normal on vintage guitars with nitrocellulose finishes and doesn't reduce value—it actually indicates original finish. Actual cracks in the wood, however, do affect value depending on location and severity.

Q: It says "Made in Japan" on a Fender. Is it worthless?

A: Not at all! Japanese Fenders from the 1980s-1990s are increasingly collectible. Early 1980s "JV" (Japanese Vintage) series Fenders are particularly desirable.

Q: I found this in an attic and it's very dirty. Should I clean it before selling?

A: NO. Do not clean, polish, or attempt repairs on vintage guitars. Original patina, even dirt and tarnish, helps authentication. Improper cleaning can damage original finishes and reduce value significantly. Send it as-found.

Q: The guitar still has the original case. Does that add value?

A: Yes! Original cases add significant value to vintage guitars. Original case candy (warranty cards, hang tags, literature) adds even more. Include case and all accessories when contacting us.

Q: Can you make an offer based just on photos, or do you need to see it in person?

A: We can make preliminary offers based on quality photos (front, back, headstock, serial numbers, hardware close-ups). Final offers require in-hand inspection, but our photo-based estimates are typically very close to final offers.

How to Get Your Guitar Evaluated

Step 1: Take Photos

Essential shots:

1. Full front view

2. Full back view

3. Headstock (front with logo, back with serial number)

4. Close-up of pickups

5. Close-up of bridge/tremolo

6. Serial number (neck plate, inside f-hole, inside soundhole)

7. Any unique features, damage, or repairs

Helpful additional photos:

• Control cavity (remove plate on back)

• Neck pocket (remove neck on bolt-on guitars)

• Case and accessories

• Close-ups of inlays, binding, hardware

Step 2: Contact Edgewater Guitars

Email: [Your Email] Phone: [Your Phone] Website: edgewaterguitars.com

Include in your message:

• Photos attached or linked

• Description: "I have a [description based on physical features] that I found/inherited"

• Location (for potential local pickup)

• Any history you know about the guitar

Step 3: Receive Expert Identification and Offer

We'll respond within 24 hours with:

• Exact model identification

• Year/era determination

• Originality assessment

• Fair market value assessment

• Our purchase offer (if you're interested in selling)

Step 4: Make Your Decision

No pressure, no obligations. Whether you sell to us or keep your guitar, you'll have expert knowledge about what you own.

Regional Coverage

Edgewater Guitars is based in Valley City, Ohio, and we actively purchase throughout:

• Ohio (all regions)

• Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, surrounding areas)

• Michigan (Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, all regions)

• Indiana (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Northwest Indiana)

• West Virginia (all regions)

National shipping available for valuable guitars. We provide fully insured, pre-paid shipping labels for guitars meeting our purchase criteria.

Conclusion: Your Physical Description Could Mean Serious Value

When you describe a guitar by its physical features—tremolo bars, pointy horns, holes in the body, carved tops, fancy inlays—you're often identifying exactly what makes vintage guitars valuable. These distinctive features are how manufacturers differentiated their premium models, and they're what collectors seek today.

What you're seeing could be highly valuable:

• "Fender with whammy bar and three pickups" → Pre-CBS Stratocaster

• "Gibson with two horns" → Vintage SG

• "Hollow Gibson with holes and two cutaways" → ES-335

• "Thick Gibson with carved top" → Les Paul

• "Martin with pearl decorations" → D-45 or other premium model

At Edgewater Guitars, we:

• Speak your language (physical descriptions, not confusing model numbers)

• Identify exactly what you have based on the features you notice

• Pay premium prices for quality vintage instruments

• Provide fast, professional service throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia

• Handle all logistics, shipping, and insurance

Don't let unfamiliarity with guitar terminology prevent you from discovering your guitar's value. Contact Edgewater Guitars today for expert identification and a premium offer on your vintage guitar.

Edgewater Guitars Valley City, Ohio Specializing in Premium Vintage Guitar Acquisitions Serving OH, PA, MI, IN, WV | National Shipping Available [Contact Information]

"When you know what to look for, every distinctive feature tells a valuable story."