How to spot a fake Gibson
- Thread starter TNT
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oldrockfan
Well-Known Member
good info TNT and I will add that the look of the fakes is getting better so be careful. i've actually seen a couple of the newer chinese made Gibson fakes and they didn't have the easy giveaway of 3 screw truss covers. headstock shape was also much closer to real thing. Scary to think what kind of fakes will be coming out in another year or two of practice if Gibson doesn't really crack down on the fakes.
Very excellant info TNT! 8) An intro must read for any Gibson buyer....... especially the first time buyer.
They already caught a guy here a few months ago .... He claimed he didn't know! Seems he bought in bulk from Ebay, surprise! , ;D
Sgfreak101
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Printing this out for when I shop for my SG :).
Thank you so very much for posting this mate.
Thank you so very much for posting this mate.
q-4000-SG Guy
New Member
ive been looking for a fake gibson for some time now i found one on eBay but it got pulled befor i got a chance to get it had the Gibson logo 2 trusrod cover screws and everyting if anyone know where one is let me know
TNT
Active Member
Look for a Gibson being sold in China and knock yourself out! :roll:
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This is condensed from Gibson's site but well worth the read, especially you are buying used guitars.
To ensure the authenticity of a Gibson, consumers can check any of the references below when examining a guitar:
To report incidents, consumers should file a police report, and may also visit http://www.ic3.gov/.
For questions about a guitar’s authenticity, contact the Gibson Customer Service team at [email protected] or 1-800-4GIBSON.
To ensure the authenticity of a Gibson, consumers can check any of the references below when examining a guitar:
[li]Measure the guitar to check that it's not undersized. Correct measurements can be found on www.Gibson.com. [/li]
[li]Examine headstock and headstock logo to determine that they match those of authentic Gibson guitars. [/li]
[li]Check to see that all pearl is inlaid. [/li]
[li]Check that Les Paul model script is always in cursive. [/li]
[li]Verify that there's not a three-screw truss rod cover. [/li]
[li]Check the control and pickup cavities for sloppy routing or wiring. [/li]
[li]Make sure the pickup cavity is not painted black inside. [/li]
[li]Always ask for the Gibson Owner’s Manual and Gibson Warranty Inspection card. [/li]
[li]Check the wiring. If it's plastic it isn’t a true Gibson. [/li]
[li]When all else fails, contact Gibson Customer Service at 1-800-4GIBSON. [/li]
To report incidents, consumers should file a police report, and may also visit http://www.ic3.gov/.
For questions about a guitar’s authenticity, contact the Gibson Customer Service team at [email protected] or 1-800-4GIBSON.
q-4000-SG Guy
New Member
most of that is out dated now the fakes are getting better! most have 2 screws in the trussrod cover now and full sized pots the neck angles mostly have been fixed the best way to tell is the SN most dont get it right for some reason alot will start with a U and have the made in the usa directly under it (they are silk screend on)
SGPlayer
Member
Thanks for that info Tom. I learn something new everytime I come to this forum! O0
Zeppelin Rules
Active Member
Ironically the shysty cavity and a lot of those other things pointed out are trademarks of Epiphones.
q-4000-SG Guy
New Member
Maybe the Korean factory where they are coming from now is spiting them out or maybe its the factory they left in china
q-4000-SG Guy
New Member
If the SN looks like this:
ITS FAKE!
ITS FAKE!
Larry
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I like those tuners with the pearl inlay!
guitarweasel
Well-Known Member
[quote author=Larry link=topic=17289.msg215599#msg215599 date=1215636787]
I like those tuners with the pearl inlay!
[/quote]
On which one of your guitars Larry? ;D
I like those tuners with the pearl inlay!
[/quote]
On which one of your guitars Larry? ;D
Larry
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Uhh, you mean the ones I have now, or the ones I'll have next week?
old mark
Active Member
about 20 years ago, I was in a local music shop that was selling put together Gibsons - looked like copy bodies with Gibson necks grafted on. Paint didn't quite match, poorly fit neck joints, etc, and some obviously wrong necks.
Sales guy told me they were "special order models"....
For the kind of money you pay for a real Gibson, learn about what you are buying to make sure you are geting a REAL Gibson.
mark
Sales guy told me they were "special order models"....
For the kind of money you pay for a real Gibson, learn about what you are buying to make sure you are geting a REAL Gibson.
mark
Very good advice! :coolsmiley:
pantera66689
New Member
this is great I will definitely look for all of those qualities when and if I buy a Gibson.
