The Fake Epiphone Thread!

[Sinmastah]

Originally Posted by GNR4EVR

Another fake-Reported
NEW EPIPHONE LES PAUL CUSTOM in Black (msrp $1000) - eBay (item 220250177899 end time Jul-01-08 20:27:20 PDT)

Nice! That one is hard to tell too because of the pics. I reported it to.

[GNR4EVR]

Originally Posted by River

Guns: I'm not going to ask how you do it, for obvious reasons. But if I ever consider an e-bay purchase, I will be pestering you to pre-approve it. Hope you don't mind.

Just have picked up bits and pieces from everyone here, on websites and what not. Sooner or later, it starts to make sense, thats all. And I dont mind at all... If not me, then post your pic in the fake thread for everyone to look at.

[Sinmastah]

Originally Posted by GNR4EVR

Just have picked up bits and pieces from everyone here, on websites and what not. Sooner or later, it starts to make sense, thats all. And I dont mind at all... If not me, then post your pic in the fake thread for everyone to look at.

Yeah, it gets interesting to see how bad some of these fakes are. I learned a bit of stuff from this kid. Now I get how to determine if it is fake.

Like I said earlier, post some pics (hopefully more than one), and we can tell you what we think about it.

[GNR4EVR]

Originally Posted by Sinmastah

Yeah, it gets interesting to see how bad some of these fakes are. I learned a bit of stuff from this kid. Now I get how to determine if it is fake.

Like I said earlier, post some pics (hopefully more than one), and we can tell you what we think about it.

Another fake from the same guy- Dont buy from him, youll get JUNK!
NEW EPIPHONE LES PAUL CUSTOM alpine white (msrp $1000) - eBay (item 220250710768 end time Jul-26-08 10:21:48 PDT)
Reported.
(This one also says come direct from Epiphone factory- Theres your hint.)

[Big_dawg]

what are those little round white stickers that are on all the fake switch control cavity covers??

[GNR4EVR]

Originally Posted by Big_dawg

what are those little round white stickers that are on all the fake switch control cavity covers??

I dunno, Ive seen that in pics before but could never make it out. Maybe someone could lend some info?

[Sinmastah]

Originally Posted by GNR4EVR

I dunno, Ive seen that in pics before but could never make it out. Maybe someone could lend some info?

No idea either. I've noticed that too, looks suspicious.

[GNR4EVR]

Kittyrock123 is back at it again, using pics of real guitars to sell fakes.
I reported him again.

Heres his auction, and look at his others. Read the ad carefully- Now why would he not want to tell you the serial number since supposedly theres SOOooOOOoo much stock that you might not get the guitar in the pic?- BAIT AND SWITCH, thats why. Hes using pics of real guitars to sell fakes. AGain.

[River]

Guns: Don't answer this if it will impede your efforts, but if the pictures are real how do you know the guitars aren't?

[Sinmastah]

Originally Posted by River

Guns: Don't answer this if it will impede your efforts, but if the pictures are real how do you know the guitars aren't?

You don't, that is why you make sure you are getting he guitar that is pictures, and if you don't make sure you send it back for a full refund.

[GNR4EVR]

Originally Posted by River

Guns: Don't answer this if it will impede your efforts, but if the pictures are real how do you know the guitars aren't?

This is the same guy that stole Benninators pics from THIS site to sell two guitars. ABout 10 of us reported him and also demanded he take the pics down, unless there is no guitar to sell, to which he only said someone else supplies the pics, but he will take them down AFTER the auction.
My recommendations: DOnt buy from him- Obviously something shady going on here.

[sbaker]

Hi all, I'm new here. Just found this site today, wish I knew about it a week ago.

Just received an Epi LP Silverburst yesterday, bought it from eBay: New Epiphone Les Paul Custom. SIlverburst Limited. - eBay (item 130233216680 end time Jun-23-08 14:36:28 PDT)

It looks amazingly good and sounds pretty good too, but I'm sure it's a fake. The listing says the item was in Minnesota, but it came straight from China (from the Qingdao factory, he said). I learned this AFTER I bought it with "Buy it now". I knew about the factory, and it was a great deal so I bought it. I'll get some pics posted tonight. The main problem I see (besides direct from the factory) is the "100% inspected and set-up in the USA by 1" sticker. It was only in the US for about a day before I got it, and I doubt they put those stickers on at the factory. He's sold quite a few guitars already.

How about the weight? The one I have feels lighter than the ones at Guitar Center. That could be another clue to fakes.

Once I can prove it's a fake, I may try to return it and save for a real one. Then again, for a decent guitar that's almost 1/2 the cost, may keep it.

Thanks,

Sean.

[Sinmastah]

Originally Posted by sbaker

Hi all, I'm new here. Just found this site today, wish I knew about it a week ago.

Just received an Epi LP Silverburst yesterday, bought it from eBay: New Epiphone Les Paul Custom. SIlverburst Limited. - eBay (item 130233216680 end time Jun-23-08 14:36:28 PDT)

It looks amazingly good and sounds pretty good too, but I'm sure it's a fake. The listing says the item was in Minnesota, but it came straight from China (from the Qingdao factory, he said). I learned this AFTER I bought it with "Buy it now". I knew about the factory, and it was a great deal so I bought it. I'll get some pics posted tonight. The main problem I see (besides direct from the factory) is the "100% inspected and set-up in the USA by 1" sticker. It was only in the US for about a day before I got it, and I doubt they put those stickers on at the factory. He's sold quite a few guitars already.

How about the weight? The one I have feels lighter than the ones at Guitar Center. That could be another clue to fakes.

Once I can prove it's a fake, I may try to return it and save for a real one. Then again, for a decent guitar that's almost 1/2 the cost, may keep it.

Thanks,

Sean.

Yeah I remember that guy, most likely because he is in Minnesota, kinda close to me actually. Based on those two pictures I do not know if its fake or not, they might not be the pictures of your guitar. Me and GNR can look at it when you post pics.

[GNR4EVR]

Originally Posted by sbaker

Hi all, I'm new here. Just found this site today, wish I knew about it a week ago.

Just received an Epi LP Silverburst yesterday, bought it from eBay: New Epiphone Les Paul Custom. SIlverburst Limited. - eBay (item 130233216680 end time Jun-23-08 14:36:28 PDT)

It looks amazingly good and sounds pretty good too, but I'm sure it's a fake. The listing says the item was in Minnesota, but it came straight from China (from the Qingdao factory, he said). I learned this AFTER I bought it with "Buy it now". I knew about the factory, and it was a great deal so I bought it. I'll get some pics posted tonight. The main problem I see (besides direct from the factory) is the "100% inspected and set-up in the USA by 1" sticker. It was only in the US for about a day before I got it, and I doubt they put those stickers on at the factory. He's sold quite a few guitars already.

How about the weight? The one I have feels lighter than the ones at Guitar Center. That could be another clue to fakes.

Once I can prove it's a fake, I may try to return it and save for a real one. Then again, for a decent guitar that's almost 1/2 the cost, may keep it.

Thanks,

Sean.

Definitely throw up some pics, but from the little ive seen, its fake. Are the two EE of the serial number larger than the rest of the numbers? Cant make it out in the ebay ad, but looks like it.

[River]

sbaker, these are the headstock stickers on a genuine Epi, purchased from Musician's Friend Nov. 2007. Might help.

[steamboat willy]

Originally Posted by GNR4EVR

Dont think I'd be in too much of a rush to get there. And nowadays, even if he tells you the number, its probably used already. Plus, that guitar in the ad looks horrendously fake. That diamond backplate is WAYYY off. If you can go to Epiphone.com and look at an example then compare it, youll know what I am talking about. Plus, the pics tell me hes in no way gonna let you know what the headstock is all about. I think I'd send him packin'.

Edit: Look at all of his other sales! They are all fakes! Hes probably feelin the squeeze Ebay is putting on the counterfeits lately, thats why he wants to meet in person.

I reported ALL of his guitars

Thanks for that - Checked the backplate and you are sooo right - not even nearly the same shape. Alarm bells should have been ringing the moment I got the reply from this guy about picking it up (according to the listing he is local to me in Birmingham). He said he was out of the country but I could pick it up off his friend. His friend sent me a text message about 'picking up da custom'. I told him he should be a standard plus top not a custom and his reply was 'yeah don't know much about this guitar talk'. His friend wanted me to meet him at a local football stadium - not an address where I could trace them. So I emailed the seller to ask why he was selling another epiphone on ebay using the same pics. I didn't get a reply but i did get another text today from his friend suggesting I meet tomorrow to hand over the £175. I don't think I'll bother. Fortunately I haven't been burnt but this experience is enough to teach me I should just pay the extra £100 and but one from a guitar store - At least then I could get one in my preferred colour of transparent amber instead of garish cherry sunburst.

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by sbaker

Hi all, I'm new here. Just found this site today, wish I knew about it a week ago.

Just received an Epi LP Silverburst yesterday, bought it from eBay: New Epiphone Les Paul Custom. SIlverburst Limited. - eBay (item 130233216680 end time Jun-23-08 14:36:28 PDT)

It looks amazingly good and sounds pretty good too, but I'm sure it's a fake. The listing says the item was in Minnesota, but it came straight from China (from the Qingdao factory, he said). I learned this AFTER I bought it with "Buy it now". I knew about the factory, and it was a great deal so I bought it. I'll get some pics posted tonight. The main problem I see (besides direct from the factory) is the "100% inspected and set-up in the USA by 1" sticker. It was only in the US for about a day before I got it, and I doubt they put those stickers on at the factory. He's sold quite a few guitars already.

How about the weight? The one I have feels lighter than the ones at Guitar Center. That could be another clue to fakes.

Once I can prove it's a fake, I may try to return it and save for a real one. Then again, for a decent guitar that's almost 1/2 the cost, may keep it.

Thanks,

Sean.

If its a fake send that trash back to get a refund. In looking at his feedback he seems to be a big seller of PS3's, Nintendo games and guitar hero. Hardly the type that you would expect to be sellin legit Epi's. Good Luck Bro!

[GNR4EVR]

Originally Posted by steamboat willy

Thanks for that - Checked the backplate and you are sooo right - not even nearly the same shape. Alarm bells should have been ringing the moment I got the reply from this guy about picking it up (according to the listing he is local to me in Birmingham). He said he was out of the country but I could pick it up off his friend. His friend sent me a text message about 'picking up da custom'. I told him he should be a standard plus top not a custom and his reply was 'yeah don't know much about this guitar talk'. His friend wanted me to meet him at a local football stadium - not an address where I could trace them. So I emailed the seller to ask why he was selling another epiphone on ebay using the same pics. I didn't get a reply but i did get another text today from his friend suggesting I meet tomorrow to hand over the £175. I don't think I'll bother. Fortunately I haven't been burnt but this experience is enough to teach me I should just pay the extra £100 and but one from a guitar store - At least then I could get one in my preferred colour of transparent amber instead of garish cherry sunburst.

Good job! Now you can save up for the real deal and your conscience wont bother you for even a second

[River]

So I'm asking myself, will I ever buy on eBay? I've used eBay to locate businesses I've ended up dealing with (for services), but only after establishing direct contact over weeks. And I would buy big $ items from those businesses now, based on track record. But a guitar (esp. Fender or Epiphone, ironically) from someone I didn't already know? Fuggedaboutit.

[lifele55]

Ephiphone-Gibson Les Paul Custom-Elitist (Black) - eBay (item 180260549652 end time Jul-09-08 05:26:27 PDT)

Just reported this, misleading title. Guitar is obviously not an Elitist...

[GNR4EVR]

Originally Posted by River

So I'm asking myself, will I ever buy on eBay? I've used eBay to locate businesses I've ended up dealing with (for services), but only after establishing direct contact over weeks. And I would buy big $ items from those businesses now, based on track record. But a guitar (esp. Fender or Epiphone, ironically) from someone I didn't already know? Fuggedaboutit.

I bought mine on ebay, and its the real deal. I would just be very careful.. I.E. BUy from large guitar stores who also sell publicly, (thats what I did), watch out for wordology tricks in the auction, theres a lot of that, keep an eye on the feedback and the persons name even, that will give it away sometimes. PLus look at all the other stuff they sell. For instance, if their name is Tiki Tiki Hut and only has 14 + feedbacks and he sells garage sale junk claiming its "Vintage" and then you see this lonely guitar? Or maybe theres only 2 guitars and nothing else, or maybe a few. Alarms ought to be going off everywhere. Then look at the guitar details... Without giving too much away, just go to Epiphones website and look at their guitars and then look at theirs, if theres any inconsistencies, dont buy.

[bildozr]

I believe i caught another one
New Tobacco sunburst Epiphone Les Paul Custom - eBay (item 250265097383 end time Jul-02-08 22:26:41 PDT)

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by bildozr

I believe i caught another one
New Tobacco sunburst Epiphone Les Paul Custom - eBay (item 250265097383 end time Jul-02-08 22:26:41 PDT)

Yup, qualified Michael is a doozey! They always ship from "manufactory". Nice catch.

[bildozr]

I feel proud now i dont have an ebay account so someone else can do the honors

[lifele55]

I'm just gonna report it since I'm too free at work now... lol

[Sinmastah]

Originally Posted by bildozr

I feel proud now i dont have an ebay account so someone else can do the honors

Done!

[sbaker]

Originally Posted by GNR4EVR

Definitely throw up some pics, but from the little ive seen, its fake. Are the two EE of the serial number larger than the rest of the numbers? Cant make it out in the ebay ad, but looks like it.

It's definitely a fake. I went to the local Guitar Center (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) and compared mine to a genuine silverburst. The fake is pretty good, but most everything is not right.

(I'm a terrible photographer, so excuse the poor quality of the pics).

The Epiphone logo is very close, but you can see in the genuine there is a line at the top of the "o", on the fake it's at the bottom. I check other Epi's at the store, they all had the line at the top.

Genuine:


Fake:


The pick guard is different.

Genuine:


Fake:


The color on the fake is very metallic, the genuine is more of a smooth silver. The controls are also not in the right place:

Genuine:


Fake:


The EE on the serial number of the fake are definitely bigger than the numbers. Also, the inspection sticker on the genuine is kind of silver, where the fake is all white:

Genuine:


Fake:


The control cover is not exactly the same shape, and the screw holes are in a different place:

Genuine:


Fake:


Also, the cover around the cord plug on the original is black, on the fake it is chrome.

What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Sean.

[lifele55]

Nice comparison... Good eye on that "O" as well.

[GNR4EVR]

Our friend "Qualified michael's" auction is gone. Good job!

[GNR4EVR]

Originally Posted by sbaker

It's definitely a fake. I went to the local Guitar Center (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) and compared mine to a genuine silverburst. The fake is pretty good, but most everything is not right.

(I'm a terrible photographer, so excuse the poor quality of the pics).

The Epiphone logo is very close, but you can see in the genuine there is a line at the top of the "o", on the fake it's at the bottom. I check other Epi's at the store, they all had the line at the top.

Genuine:


Fake:


The pick guard is different.

Genuine:


Fake:


The color on the fake is very metallic, the genuine is more of a smooth silver. The controls are also not in the right place:

Genuine:


Fake:


The EE on the serial number of the fake are definitely bigger than the numbers. Also, the inspection sticker on the genuine is kind of silver, where the fake is all white:

Genuine:


Fake:


The control cover is not exactly the same shape, and the screw holes are in a different place:

Genuine:


Fake:


Also, the cover around the cord plug on the original is black, on the fake it is chrome.

What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Sean.

Thanks for the comparison and the pics, bro. Very helpful. Everyone can see where were coming from now.