The Fake Epiphone Thread II

[davies]

Hi all!

Long-time lurker, first time poster...

Came across this one on eBay: EPIPHONE LES PAUL CUSTOM Electric guitar (Black Beauty) AS NEW | eBay

Only a couple of miles / kilometres down the road from me, and I'm considering bidding - but at this point, I say "fake", based on the black nut, positioning of the scratch-plate mount screw, and the rectangle in the split diamond logo - it's off-kilter! I've messaged the seller asking for photos of the serial number, and input jack (amongst other things!) - in the meantime, what's your opinion?

Many thanks in advance...

Welcome to MLP Dr.Keats.

As in my last post mate, will need pictures of

- the back of the headstock clearly showing the serial number
- a close-up side-on shot of where the headstock meets the nut/first fret showing how far into the first fret the headstock binding extends
- a decent, straight-on shot of the body (with no tilt or rotate)

to make a definite decision but at the moment I'm saying fake.

 

[Dr. Keats]

Welcome to MLP Dr.Keats.

As in my last post mate, will need pictures of

- the back of the headstock clearly showing the serial number
- a close-up side-on shot of where the headstock meets the nut/first fret showing how far into the first fret the headstock binding extends
- a decent, straight-on shot of the body (with no tilt or rotate)

to make a definite decision but at the moment I'm saying fake.

Thanks for the hyper-speedy reply, Davies - I've messaged the seller asking for a variety of shots (including serial number); I'll wait until (if) he gets in touch...

In any case, thanks to all of you for such a great online resource - there's a whole bunch of people who'd have gotten dudded if not for you...

 

[davies]

I have already asked the seller more pics, but the guitar is currently at Brazilian Customs Dept. Once he gets the guitar he will send me some more pictures!

Thanks a lot, my friend!

I am currently an Acoustic Guitar player (Taylor Jumbo Koa), but have already had an Epi Nighthawk like tis one (below) for 14 years!

Now I have electric guitar lessons again... going back to the "electric side"...

No problem mate - post the pics once you get them and we'll be able to say for definite. If it's any help, I've yet to see a fake Blackback and, like I say, yours looks ok so far.

Thanks for the hyper-speedy reply, Davies - I've messaged the seller asking for a variety of shots (including serial number); I'll wait until (if) he gets in touch...

In any case, thanks to all of you for such a great online resource - there's a whole bunch of people who'd have gotten dudded if not for you...

No worries man. Post the pics when (if) you get them and we'll be able to say for definite.

And yeah, this is a great source of information. In my early days here, I was saved from buying a couple of fakes by the then 'Epi Verification Experts' so it's good to be able to put something back and help others.

 

[charlieweasley]

Yay or nay?

I'm not sure what the colour is. I've been over to the seller's house to play it and it's not as dark as it looks in the picture.

Serial number begins with U but I can't remember the numbers.

Seller says it's 2004 but did they make them in Korea in '04? I thought they moved to China in '02?

Thanks.

 

[Hack]

Yay.


How much?

 

[charlieweasley]

200 pound English.

I was thinking nay because the screw on the scratchplate seems way off?

 

[Hack]

200 pound English.

I was thinking nay because the screw on the scratchplate seems way off?

Oh, if youre asking if its fake, then get an expert to check it, they will want a pic of the back of the headstock.

 

[charlieweasley]

Well yes, I am asking if it's fake.

What were you saying "Yay" to then?

Here's a picture of the serial number attached.

 

[Hack]

The color, looks hot. Good luck!

 

[cilizal]

Hello there, I found this bb and I say that is a fake!! what do you think?

My Les Paul Forums - cilizal's Album: fake epi black beauty

 

[charlieweasley]

Anybody?

I'm waiting to buy it. Just need to know if it's genuine or not.

Thanks.

 

[Dolebludger]

Hopefully, one of the experts (I'm not one) will answer you.

 

[paruwi]

Yay or nay?

I'm not sure what the colour is. I've been over to the seller's house to play it and it's not as dark as it looks in the picture.

Serial number begins with U but I can't remember the numbers.

Seller says it's 2004 but did they make them in Korea in '04? I thought they moved to China in '02?

Thanks.

200 pound English.

I was thinking nay because the screw on the scratchplate seems way off?

Well yes, I am asking if it's fake.

What were you saying "Yay" to then?

Here's a picture of the serial number attached.

Anybody?

I'm waiting to buy it. Just need to know if it's genuine or not.

Thanks.

It looks good to my eyes

Unsung, Korea made July 04

Epi still makes guitars at the Unsung factory in Korea

 

[charlieweasley]

It looks good to my eyes

Unsung, Korea made July 04

Epi still makes guitars at the Unsung factory in Korea

It plays proper sweet. I'm tempted to buy the thing on that basis regardless of whether it's real or not.

 

[cilizal]

Yay or nay?

I'm not sure what the colour is. I've been over to the seller's house to play it and it's not as dark as it looks in the picture.

Serial number begins with U but I can't remember the numbers.

Seller says it's 2004 but did they make them in Korea in '04? I thought they moved to China in '02?

Thanks.

I am not an expert but yes the knobs and scratchplate screw look weird... in my experience, if you are in doubt... better ney...

 

[charlieweasley]

Whilst we're waiting for an expert reply.... let's watch this...

New to me, might be new to some of you too. Certainly a nice Epiphone based noise...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t84xXXrzBhc&ob=av2n]Gary Clark Jr. - Bright Lights [Live from Dave Matthews Band Caravan Chicago 2011] - YouTube[/ame]

 

[paruwi]

I am not an expert but yes the knobs and scratchplate screw look weird... in my experience, if you are in doubt... better ney...

No !

They are good !

It is Korean made

 

[Hopey]

Hopey, I'd say your guitar is fine. Might need a little love and attention but if you can get it a good price, go for it.

Along667, we really need some pics to make any determination on a guitar. It's possible that Zakks with EMGs did not use the quick connect and maybe someone with a genuine Zakk will be able to confirm this. But no pics and we can't really say real or fake.

Barcham, many thanks for this, will find out tomorrow whether can get for the right price.

Thanks again.

 

[charlieweasley]

No !

They are good !

It is Korean made

Is that for definite then? Am I good to buy it?

 

[davies]

Is that for definite then? Am I good to buy it?

Yes and yes.