They should extend all the way to the binding. For acoustic instruments, the serial number is typically located inside the sound hole at the neck joint or on a piece of paper glued inside the guitar and visible through the sound hole. Very wrong. To report incidents, consumers should file a police report, and may also visit http://www.ic3.gov/. Many counterfeit guitars that claim to be “American” made will have “Made in USA” stamped off-center on the back of the guitar’s headstock. Several days later, S**** re-posted an ad for a fake Les Paul, and again, Gibson managed to have it removed. “I’d only played Les Pauls in the guitar shops, but something tipped me off, and I ended up going on the Internet to see what some typical signs are for a fake guitar,” Jakubowski says. Correct measurements can be found on www.Gibson.com. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Chinese counterfeiters are starting to improve their fakes to the point where it's almost impossible for a beginner to know whether a Gibson is made by Gibson USA or some factory in China! Here are two more fake headstocks. The high school sophomore alerted police, and following an investigation, the North Carolina man who’d acquired the guitar from a Chinese website and resold it to Jakubowski was arrested on two felony counts of criminal use of a counterfeit trademark. Still, Olsen cautions that it can be difficult for a non-professional to distinguish between fake and real. How to spot a fake Gibson: Measure the guitar to check if it’s undersized. All Rights Reserved. Next, look at the frets. 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. Another thing to look for is whether the numbers … Watch for alteration marks. Only the newer ones have the year on them so it's not necessarily a fake if it's not there. Consumers are also encouraged to contact Gibson’s Customer Service team, whether the guitar in question is new or used. If a guitar is up for an online auction at a fraction of what it would typically cost, consumers are taking a great chance by purchasing it. “There were victims who really had no idea what they were getting was fake,” Olsen says. Acoustic Guitars. We’re trying to protect their investments by thwarting the counterfeit problem.”, The majority of the Gibson counterfeits appear to originate on e-commerce sites based out of major cities in China such as Beijing and Shanghai, though Olsen says, “That’s not to say we don’t have domestic problems, too. Check that Les Paul model script is always in cursive. On the real one, you can see the binding actually rides up, just a little, on the fret. Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information and entertainment. CONTACT ME--Go to content. Next, check for the serial number on the back of the headstock. The real one is solid. In this live stream, I talk about how to identify fake Gibsons and Epiphone Signature guitars. some data are taken from the 11th Edition of "Blue Book of Electric Guitars", By Zachary R. Fjestad -----1952 - 1960 SOLIDBODIES-----When Gibson start the production of solidbody guitars in 1952, a new serial number system was developed. Make sure the pickup cavity is not painted black inside. They’ll know that a wire that was used was incorrect.” Consumers may even send Gibson Customer Service pictures of a guitar that they have questions about—full front and back photos and close-up shots of the front and back of the headstock are best. Next, look at the truss rod cover. Check the logo on the guitar’s headstock and compare it to pictures on the maker’s official website. They are only made to look like a Gibson, and they do a poor job of that.”. Correct measurements can be found on. How to spot a fake: Gibson warns of counterfeit guitars sold in USA . You can make a difference in the fight against counterfeit goods by sharing any pages on this site that you find helpful! On fakes, however, there will be a few subtle touch-up differences that reveal the guitar as a counterfeit, such as the black lines bleeding … Be careful of sellers who justify an extremely low price by claiming it was a gift or part of an inheritance that they just want to sell, or other similar stories often used to deceive prospective buyers. Next, look at the bridge. “We have professionals that know these pieces inside and out,” Olsen says. To link to this page from your website, simply click inside the box, then copy and then paste the code to your web page. Gibson advises all consumers to purchase new Gibson instruments, or any new instrument from Gibson’s family of brands, only from our network of authorized dealers. The fake Gibson guitar blog, don't fall for the fakes, don't fall for a fibson! [/li] It should also have "Made in USA" underneath the serial number. Verify that there’s not a three-screw truss rod cover. “Until you actually plug the piece in or take the truss rod cover off and notice that there’s Teflon in there rather than the metal nut, it can be hard to tell to many consumers.”. Check to see that all pearl is inlaid. Click each image for a larger view. Submitted by GSite_Editor on Tue, 07/05/2011 - 05:15. Examine headstock and headstock logo to determine that they match those of authentic Gibson guitars. The fake one has a screw slot where the bridge recesses on it. By ... Spot 23 Advanced Member; Members; 23 1,096 posts; Location Londres; Report post ; Posted February 20, 2011. i think my main concerns are the stamped ink instead of the impressed serial and "made in usa" AND the headstock shape... ..just contact Gibson directly and ask them! Though some guitars are especially deceptive, Gibson’s Customer Service Manager Jason Davidson says, “Usually we can spot a fake right away. The one on the left is pretty bad. Correct measurements can be found at Gibson’s site. If it was me, I 'd either check the guitar at an authorized Gibson dealership, and If that isn't possible, then I'd put off buying one until genuine guitars can be viewed in person. Locate the serial number on your Gibson. “We hope that by issuing this warning our consumers will be armed with the right information to protect themselves and understand what they need to do to ensure that what they are purchasing is indeed an authentic Gibson instrument.”. Gibson Serial Numbers. Counterfeit guitars have even been advertised on many well-known sites across the globe including Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, Alibaba, Aliexpress, and Taobao. Only the newer ones have the year on them so it's not necessarily a fake if it's not there. With so many variables to take into account—the weight and finish of a guitar, the tone and playability, electronics and hardware, among other things, Gibson urges consumers to leave the detective work to its Customer Service department. Last year, 15-year-old Jonathan Jakubowski of Cary, North Carolina emptied out his savings account to purchase a Les Paul he found advertised in the local newspaper. Thankfully it is quite easy, and the ultimate two rules are: If it … Sign in to follow this . Check that Les Paul model script is always in cursive. Gibson J-45 fake? > the ability of a guitarist to get a Gibson sound out of it. “The ultimate goal here is that we want people to be happy Gibson customers. Here's an example of a fake headstock. community app, message board, free community tool, community chat, community forum, community platform, mobile community, group app, group communication Examine headstock and headstock logo to determine that they match those of authentic Gibson guitars. 5 or 6 DIGITS number ink … Check the control and pickup cavities for sloppy routing or wiring. To ensure the authenticity of a Gibson, consumers can check any of the references below when examining a guitar: We use cookies to understand how you use our site, give you an awesome experience, and deliver our services. To ensure the authenticity of a Gibson, consumers can check any of the references below when examining a guitar: Measure the guitar to check that it’s not undersized. Followers 0. Start at the headstock and examine the guitar completely. Keep in mind, Gibson never inked serial numbers on the Gibson Les Paul Standard but they did ink the custom shop series and some Les Paul Classics. “We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our consumers and the integrity of our family of brands,” says Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. The real one is thin and the fake one takes up over half of the headstock thickness. Other sources for counterfeit instruments are auction websites like eBay, which currently have hundreds of instruments resembling not just Gibson guitars, but also other brands. Etched into the trussrod cover is “Les Paul Custom,” and on the back of the headstock are the words “Made in U.S.A.”, along with an embossed nine-digit serial number. How to Spot a Fake Gibson. How To Spot A Fake Guitar. The real Gibson, on the left, shows the Gibson is an inlay of Mother of Pearl. The fake has much more and is crudely cut. Next, look at the binding on the headstock. Their agents are highly trained in spotting a fake versus the real thing – and not because they know what a fake look likes. The staff at a local guitar shop confirmed Jakubowski’s suspicions—the guitar was a counterfeit. I opened the sealed, toxic, styrofoam sarcophagus, and, sure enough, right on the headstock is the Gibson logo. Gibson Serial Numbers - Guitars Collector. Consumers should also be wary of sales that offer exorbitant shipping prices that exceed the price of the guitar. Is there a difference between a fake “Chibson” and a real Gibson? The fake Gibson image is on the left and the genuine Gibson on the right unless stated. “Protecting our consumers’ investments and the Gibson name is paramount,” says Ric Olsen, Director of Security and Loss Prevention at Gibson. © 2014 Detect-a-Fake. Verify that there’s not a 3-screw truss rod cover. Gibson Acoustic ; Gibson J-45 fake? If you … Basically, if you have doubts about a recent purchase—or if you just want to be prepared for the future—tou might find some valuable information here. Well, if it is possible to spot the fake this easily then it doesn't really pass the 'if it looks like a gibson' test. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our, Gibson Leads Industry Fight Against Counterfeit Gibsons, http://aws2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/CounterfeitGibsons.aspx, Measure the guitar to check that it’s not undersized. On electric guitars, the serial number is generally printed on the back of the headstock. > a Gibson? A vertical ‘Gibson’ on the truss-rod cover is a bad sign. This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. Is the Gibson inlay or transfer right? The guitar arrived by courier in a black sedan – all very Men In Black-ish. This is but one of several reports that have prompted Gibson to lead an aggressive industry fight against the growing problem of counterfeit instruments being shipped from and sold by outlets and individuals in China. If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field or ask the community. A catalogue of fake Gibson guitars found for sale with descriptions of what to look for in identifying a forgery. China Gibson Guitar wholesale - Select 2020 high quality Gibson Guitar products in best price from certified Chinese Guitar manufacturers, Electric Guitar suppliers, wholesalers and factory on … Decipher your serial number if it's eight digits. “The first thing that struck me was that there were three screws in the truss rod cover instead of two.”. Gibson Guitar continues to protect its intellectual property rights and provide consumer protection against the growing problem of counterfeit instruments being shipped from and sold by outlets and individuals in China. Intending to purchase the advertised Les Paul Standard, Jonathan and his father visited the seller at his house, where they were persuaded instead to purchase a Wine Red Les Paul Custom, which the man said he’d bought off a traveling musician. It should have a serial number on top. The fake doesn't make it to the edge. “They know if a knob was the wrong year. Examine headstock and headstock logo to determine that they match those of authentic Gibson guitars. They play terribly, they feel terrible. - The headstock and headstock logo should match those of authentic Gibson guitars - Pearl should always be inlaid - Les Paul Model script is always in cursive - If the guitar has a 3 screw truss rod … Check the wiring. The United States Secret Service is responsible for policing crimes of counterfeiting money in the US. How to Spot a Fake Martin Guitar Martin uses real abalone mother of pearl shell sections on the logo that have a depth and sparkle that a thin veneer can't duplicate.Using a real Martin 000-45 as reference, there are many notable features to look for in an authentic Martin guitar. When all else fails, contact Gibson Customer Service at. It doesn't have the Mother of Pearl "Gibson" or crown inlay. Check that the pickup cavity is not painted black inside – if it is it could be a fake. Correct measurements can be found on www.Gibson.com. They’re absolute garbage. For questions about a guitar’s authenticity, contact the Gibson Customer Service team at [email protected] or 1-800-4GIBSON. https://brokeandtalented.com/where-can-i-buy-good-quality-replica- SERVICE. Pricing can also be one of the easiest giveaways for a phony guitar. ON SALE! Check the routing of the pickup and control cavities – it should be neat and tidy. They know what the real thing looks like. Always ask for the Gibson Owner’s Manual and Gibson Warranty Inspection card. Of his decision to buy a Gibson, Jakubowski explains, “Eric Clapton is my main influence, and he played Les Pauls for a long time.”. People will try to make up their own version of a Les Paul and start selling it, but the major battle is this China crisis.”. How to spot counterfeit Ibanez guitars: Tremolo: The differences between tremolos on fake and real Ibanez guitars are very easy to spot, most notably on the six string pegs. Jonathan paid the man $1,000 for the guitar, but once he got it home, he could tell that something wasn’t right. I think he does address the issue of sound in that the electronics have Fakes usually have the serial number either engraved too deep into the wood or inked (with too much ink). Modern numbers are 9 digits but older/vintage Gibson guitars are much shorter. To curtail the growing problem, Gibson advises all consumers to purchase Gibson instruments only from Gibson’s network of authorized dealers, found on the company’s website at www.gibson.com. Are the tuners what you would expect? GIBSON. Here are the things I identified as fake: poor binding, the truss-rod cover, the fret inlays, the bridge, the serial number, the headstock, logo, tuners and more." Headstock design: Authentic Ibanez guitars have a clean, defined headstock design around the logo. notice that the "Gibson" is painted on. On the top screw, the real one has very little space between the screw and the outside of the cover. Ditto the wiring – make sure it’s tidy and well executed. Very credible. [/li] [li]Examine headstock and headstock logo to determine that they match those of authentic Gibson guitars. I don't understand why anyone would ask people at what is essentially a fanboy site to verify whether a guitar is genuine or a fake, based on a few photos. Some even feature trademarked headstocks and logos, but upon close inspection the guitars don’t feel or sound like a true Gibson, the serial numbers aren’t registered with Gibson, and most are not of good standard of quality overall. In other > words, it it looks like a Gibson, plays like a Gibson, then it is (?) Is the headstock tilt angle right? If it’s plastic it isn’t a true Gibson. C.O.A. After $1million worth of fake Gibson, Fender and Ibanez guitars were recently seized in New Jersey, it's clear that guitarists need to know how to spot a fake, especially when trading online. Know these pieces inside and out, ” Olsen says Gibsons and Signature! All else fails, contact the Gibson is an inlay of Mother of Pearl `` Gibson '' or crown.! It to pictures on the headstock Gibson ’ s suspicions—the guitar was a counterfeit neat and tidy, the. Then it is (? and is crudely cut fight against counterfeit goods by any! The cover prices that exceed the price of the headstock for a!! 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Of authentic Gibson guitars and they do a poor job of that. ” Men in Black-ish actually rides up just! Giveaways for a phony guitar pickup cavities for sloppy routing or wiring ] examine headstock and headstock logo determine... A bad sign and out, ” Olsen says older/vintage Gibson guitars found for sale with descriptions of to. A forgery fake: Gibson warns of counterfeit guitars sold in USA cautions it. Gsite_Editor on Tue, 07/05/2011 - 05:15 to identify fake Gibsons and Signature... Script is always in cursive you … in this live stream, I talk about to. Or wiring contact the Gibson Customer Service at is always in cursive more and is crudely.... Identifying a forgery that Les Paul model script is always in cursive a guitar s. Service team at Service @ gibson.com or 1-800-4GIBSON Gibson Customer Service at on electric guitars, the real one you... Other > words, it it looks like a Gibson, and, sure enough, right the. The first thing that struck me was that there were victims who really had no idea what they getting! Any pages on this site that you find helpful bad sign it should also have `` in...
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