Is it fake or not ?

Tuncay · 05-10-2008, 05:25 PM

Hi all,
I am thinking to buy an Epiphone Les Paul Custom that's coming from China.
But I got some suspects about it's fake or not.
I'm gonna send ya a few of photos.
Can you help me how can I spot this guitar's authenticity?

Here's the pics.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...e/SNC11031.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...e/SNC11034.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...e/SNC11032.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...e/SNC11033.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...e/SNC11037.jpg

Thanks bros.
Tuncay.

Benniator · 05-10-2008, 05:30 PM

None of the links lead to pictures.

EDIT: Well, now they do.

Is this another "out the factory back door" auction?

Tuncay · 05-10-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benniator

None of the links lead to pictures.

Sorry, i have moved them.
Right now, they look good.

Tuncay · 05-10-2008, 05:41 PM

No, it's not ''out of factory back door auction''.
My friend brings these guitars from China for name of him company.

Benniator · 05-10-2008, 05:55 PM

I can't see anything wrong with the guitar, but I'm not the most knowledgeable about spotting fakes. Does your friend make it a habit to brings fakes over from China? What do you think is suspicious about the guitar?

ninny404 · 05-10-2008, 05:55 PM

I wouldn't trust anything coming straight from China as it's most likely fake or stolen. It looks like the serial says "UCxxxxxx" If that's the case, it's from the same factory as my SG and was probably stolen out of the factory

jkinnison90 · 05-10-2008, 08:26 PM

I'm not great at spotting fakes, but I think that guitar looks pretty real to me.

Termanator7 · 05-10-2008, 08:46 PM

Its real. Even though the last pic is a bit blurry, the serial number starts with EE. Thats means its from one of the real Epiphone factories.

Tuncay · 05-11-2008, 06:35 AM

This is my friends first guitar work.
He has a marble company and always deals with China for import/export.
He uses middleman for this work.
Middleman have noted that these guitars coming from one of the biggest dealer in China, not directly from factory.

I've seen a one of these guitar's that's SN EE070902744.
Also guitars come with their paper box, manual and one cable
I think it's not fake but a few of my friends have doubt about it.

ninny404 · 05-11-2008, 01:55 PM

The only way to really tell is to look at it hands on. The serial is kind of pointless as they will sometimes use real serial numbers to make it look legit.

ArchEtech · 05-11-2008, 01:58 PM

Why Fake an Epiphone?

ninny404 · 05-11-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchEtech

Why Fake an Epiphone?

You've got me haha. It's not like they're making much profit off of it since they sell it cheaper then retail price by hundreds of dollars

Eggy · 05-11-2008, 05:11 PM

It looks fine. I can't be sure without seeing the control cavity but it doesn't display any of the tell tale signs.

dennistruckdriver · 05-11-2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchEtech

Why Fake an Epiphone?

I often wonder that myself. Perhaps elsewhere in the world, Epiphone fakes are more desirable than here in the US.

diceman · 05-11-2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchEtech

Why Fake an Epiphone?

I agree, but it DOES happen - a lot. Maybe its easier to pull off than faking a Gibson - people don't look at them as closely either...

Inside Guy · 05-11-2008, 11:18 PM

Guys,

I think it's a fake. Look at how big the back control pocket is, and how big the screws are, especially on the toggle cavity plate. Also the hang tags are using an old logo.

Doesnt smell right to me.

diceman · 05-11-2008, 11:19 PM

Inside Guy - does Epi China release any guitars other than through authorized Gibson/Epi dealers? That is my big questions. Lots of guys w/ auctions saying "shipped to you directly from the factory in China" - I call BS on that. Doesn't make any sense to me...

DolmenRage · 05-11-2008, 11:25 PM

I say it's real, but I wouldn't trust myself.

Benniator · 05-11-2008, 11:49 PM

Personally I'd steer clear of anything not sold by authorized dealers. It's not like Epiphones break the bank in the first place. I'll gladly pay a bit of extra cash to know I have a legit guitar.

diceman · 05-12-2008, 12:20 AM

(For those who don't know - Inside Guy works at Gibson - I'm gonna take his word on this one... The "old logo" is something to add to the list of things to check regarding hang tags.)

dawn_dew · 05-12-2008, 12:40 AM

i got a case with that same logo.

from taht one seller from the "morality" thread

Inside Guy · 05-13-2008, 10:51 PM

For the record, Epiphone does not sell directly from the factory in China.

A few more things on this guitar that make it look fake:

The Grover tuners are HUGE
The knob placement looks off to me
The back pocket material has a matte finish
the pickups have an old sticker on them

diceman · 05-13-2008, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inside Guy

For the record, Epiphone does not sell directly from the factory in China.

There we have it...

lifele55 · 05-14-2008, 12:54 AM

Moral of story,

Don't buy anything coming out straight from China. Learn it already!

Custom For Christmas Plz · 12-08-2008, 09:27 AM

Hey everyone.

I've previously spoke to someone on this site about my problem but I wanted another opinion.

I've been on eBay and found an Epiphone Les Paul Custom in Ebony for £300. THe only thing I don''t want to do is buy a fake one. Can someone please look at the photos provided and tell me what you think. You're help is much appreciated.

Oh and the eBay used ID has been painted over.

Thanks again.

GNR4EVR · 12-08-2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuncay

No, it's not ''out of factory back door auction''.
My friend brings these guitars from China for name of him company.

Get a new friend, theyre all counterfeit and hes a trafficker. You dont wanna be around when the FBI comes knocking.

GNR4EVR · 12-08-2008, 09:42 AM

Guys, Tuncays a probe.

djwilbanks · 12-08-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GNR4EVR

Guys, Tuncays a probe.

How can make guitar more real from fake? We make excellent guitar right from factory you buy gibson epiphone fender ibanez taylor martin all from us directly and you be pleased.

GNR4EVR · 12-08-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djwilbanks

How can make guitar more real from fake? We make excellent guitar right from factory you buy gibson epiphone fender ibanez taylor martin all from us directly and you be pleased.

You buy Payress, you buy Payress now!

djwilbanks · 12-08-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GNR4EVR

You buy Payress, you buy Payress now!

You like payress guitah!? YOU BUY!

05-10-2008, 05:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tuncay Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Is it fake or not ? Hi all, I am thinking to buy an Epiphone Les Paul Custom that's coming from China. But I got some suspects about it's fake or not. I'm gonna send ya a few of photos. Can you help me how can I spot this guitar's authenticity? Here's the pics. http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...e/SNC11031.jpg http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...e/SNC11034.jpg http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...e/SNC11032.jpg http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...e/SNC11033.jpg http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...e/SNC11037.jpg Thanks bros. Tuncay.

05-10-2008, 05:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
Benniator Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 905 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Is it fake or not ? None of the links lead to pictures. EDIT: Well, now they do. Is this another "out the factory back door" auction? __________________

05-10-2008, 05:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tuncay Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? No, it's not ''out of factory back door auction''. My friend brings these guitars from China for name of him company.

05-10-2008, 05:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
Benniator Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 905 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Is it fake or not ? I can't see anything wrong with the guitar, but I'm not the most knowledgeable about spotting fakes. Does your friend make it a habit to brings fakes over from China? What do you think is suspicious about the guitar? __________________

05-10-2008, 05:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
ninny404 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 543 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? I wouldn't trust anything coming straight from China as it's most likely fake or stolen. It looks like the serial says "UCxxxxxx" If that's the case, it's from the same factory as my SG and was probably stolen out of the factory __________________ My Videos

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05-10-2008, 08:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
jkinnison90 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nelsonville, Ohio Posts: 1,379 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? I'm not great at spotting fakes, but I think that guitar looks pretty real to me.

05-10-2008, 08:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
Termanator7 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sacramento, Ohio Posts: 952 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? Its real. Even though the last pic is a bit blurry, the serial number starts with EE. Thats means its from one of the real Epiphone factories. __________________ ^^My #1 Guitar Influence, The Amazing Randy Rhoads.

05-11-2008, 06:35 AM	#9 (permalink)
Tuncay Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? This is my friends first guitar work. He has a marble company and always deals with China for import/export. He uses middleman for this work. Middleman have noted that these guitars coming from one of the biggest dealer in China, not directly from factory. I've seen a one of these guitar's that's SN EE070902744. Also guitars come with their paper box, manual and one cable I think it's not fake but a few of my friends have doubt about it.

05-11-2008, 01:55 PM	#10 (permalink)
ninny404 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 543 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? The only way to really tell is to look at it hands on. The serial is kind of pointless as they will sometimes use real serial numbers to make it look legit. __________________ My Videos

05-11-2008, 01:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
ArchEtech V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 1,042 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? Why Fake an Epiphone? __________________ 2007 Les Paul Custom 200x Fender Mary Kaye Relic V-Neck See thru Blond 2008 Fender Custom Classic V-Neck Daphne Blue 2003 MIM Strat Faded Green Metalic A couple of Alvarez Acoustics AMPS: VOX AD60VTX, Micro Cube

05-11-2008, 05:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
Eggy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cumbria UK Posts: 582 Thanks: 9 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Is it fake or not ? It looks fine. I can't be sure without seeing the control cavity but it doesn't display any of the tell tale signs. __________________

05-11-2008, 11:18 PM	#16 (permalink)
Inside Guy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 274 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Is it fake or not ? Guys, I think it's a fake. Look at how big the back control pocket is, and how big the screws are, especially on the toggle cavity plate. Also the hang tags are using an old logo. Doesnt smell right to me.

05-11-2008, 11:19 PM	#17 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16,267 Thanks: 304 Thanked 84 Times in 31 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? Inside Guy - does Epi China release any guitars other than through authorized Gibson/Epi dealers? That is my big questions. Lots of guys w/ auctions saying "shipped to you directly from the factory in China" - I call BS on that. Doesn't make any sense to me... __________________ My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

05-11-2008, 11:25 PM	#18 (permalink)
DolmenRage Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 98 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? I say it's real, but I wouldn't trust myself. __________________ And you run, to catch up with the sun but it's sinking. Racing around, to cover behind you again. The sun is the same in a relative way, but your older, shorter of breath, and one day closer to death.

05-11-2008, 11:49 PM	#19 (permalink)
Benniator Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 905 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Is it fake or not ? Personally I'd steer clear of anything not sold by authorized dealers. It's not like Epiphones break the bank in the first place. I'll gladly pay a bit of extra cash to know I have a legit guitar. __________________

05-12-2008, 12:20 AM	#20 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16,267 Thanks: 304 Thanked 84 Times in 31 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? (For those who don't know - Inside Guy works at Gibson - I'm gonna take his word on this one... The "old logo" is something to add to the list of things to check regarding hang tags.) __________________ My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

05-12-2008, 12:40 AM	#21 (permalink)
dawn_dew Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: St, Catharines , Ontario Posts: 88 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? i got a case with that same logo. from taht one seller from the "morality" thread

05-13-2008, 10:51 PM	#22 (permalink)
Inside Guy V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 274 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Is it fake or not ? For the record, Epiphone does not sell directly from the factory in China. A few more things on this guitar that make it look fake: The Grover tuners are HUGE The knob placement looks off to me The back pocket material has a matte finish the pickups have an old sticker on them

05-14-2008, 12:54 AM	#24 (permalink)
lifele55 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Reddot Singapore Posts: 2,341 Thanks: 53 Thanked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? Moral of story, Don't buy anything coming out straight from China. Learn it already! __________________ Ebony MIJ Epiphone Custom + Buncha Pedals. Laney LC15R www.youtube.com/psychotubes sis ♥ lin

12-08-2008, 09:42 AM	#27 (permalink)
GNR4EVR Epi Verification Expert Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Southern Maryland (No, Im not a SMIB) Posts: 4,298 Thanks: 131 Thanked 65 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Is it fake or not ? Guys, Tuncays a probe. __________________ MLP FAKE HUNTER 2005 Epiphone Elitist Standard Plus Honeyburst *MOJO-ED!* "If you always do what youve always done then youll always get what youve always got!!"

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