Is it just me...?

[Tudorp]

But, when looking at internet advertised Gibson Les Pauls (I am always looking for new projects), I get huge flags when I see pictures of Les Pauls or Gibson anything showcasing the guitar, but "conveneintly" cutting the headstock or logo out of the picture. There is yet another like that on Craigslist that shows the guitar, and lists it as a Gibson Les Paul, but the picture is cropped to 'exclude" the headstock. The only picture of the axe that has the whole guitar in it, is a backside shot, so ya still can't get a good look at the headstock and logo. This always throws flags up for me with the seller. You would think that being a true Gibson, is a selling point, and a seller would be sure to showcase the headstock and logo, so when they tend to or seem to 'hide" it, would make me shy away, even if it was real.. Just sayin..

 

[LOSTVENTURE]

The internet can be a wonderful and terrible place all at the same time.
If the situation were to present itself to me, I would ask for more photos immediatly.
I'm sure that's your thinking also, just being on the safe side. And, you have to assume that the instrument pictured is the actual guitar that you will be buying.
Even though I hear that there is some degree of protection on some sites, it seems that you could lose money in any case.

 

[The_Sentry]

Yes, it's just you.

 

[jfm07]

There was a thread, here, a few weeks ago in which an MLP'er asked for help pricing his "tribute." Since he didn't include headstock pics, I assumed it was an Epiphone and responded accordingly. I mean, how often do you see CL ads for "Gibsons" which are really Epi's?

So, no, not just you. I immedately assume it's a replica if there's no headstock pic.

 

[KenG]

Are we calling all illegal copies & counterfeits "replicas" now?

 

[jfm07]

I'm not quite sure of the distinction you're alluding to, KenG. I thought authentic Gibson Les Pauls were those made by Gibson and everything else was a replica including counterfeits. And when advertising a "Gibson Les Paul," the item for sale should simply be that: A Gibson-made Les Paul.

If it isn't, then ... what would you call it?

 

[KenG]

Even the best replicas won't try to totally fool you to my knowledge about their origin. Putting Gibson serial numbers and "Made in USA"stamped on chinese guitars has one purpose, to fool those unaware. Even if they had Gibson on the headstock |(or facsimile) but did their own s/ns and Made in China on the back, they could be called copies or replicas. That's not what's being done.

 

[KenG]

Double post! Aometimes this site behaves like ass (must be too popular for the resourches alloted).

 

[Seceded]

Like this?
08 Les paul Standard flametop

 

[jfm07]

Gotcha'

Agreed. That's not what's being done.