There were a couple of things that you missed. They are minor but easy. Firstly, the diamond is the wrong size and shape. Secondly, if you would’ve opened up the truss rod, you would’ve seen that the truss rod is not a Gibson truss rod. They are the only ones that use that particular truss rod there are more, but you got the big ones they are getting better about the serial numbers but they are still not stamping them and they are even creating fake COAs. Gotta be on your toes with these things.
The serial numbers on Gibson are not always stamped into the headstock, the 60s models, also the early 1990s Gibson Les Paul Classic models have ink stamped without the made in USA, many have been confused but that's how they did it
Also not all Gibson models have the same headstock, some are not as wide, have a longer style headstock, like the Classic, the Gibson Custom have a wider and shorter headstock, so the bottom stick of the G, does in fact line with the tuning peg, but on the Classic, the headstock is narrower, the stick does not line up with the tuning peg, so not always a way to tell either. The easiest way, is the material for starters. The abr 1 bridge, yes China now makes them, but they are made of cheap pot metal, also on a Gibson, if you take the bridge off, it will say Gibson, made of strong, quality materials. Also the truss rod itself, Gibson uses wrench style truss rods, Chibson uses the Epiphone style Alan key. Fret nibs on a Gibson, none on Chibson, also alot of the Chinese knockoffs, nothing aligns correctly, Gibson also always uses lettering inside the cavities to mark which model they are building, Gibson uses either Gibson or CTS potentiometers, knockoffs use cheap no name potentiometers
I saw Chibsons really well made even with 2 screws on the truss rod cover, the serial number with CS and the numbers, the logo very similar with a non genuine mother of pearl but very very similar
abalone.ihave a chibson its good but not branded as chines itvsays made in usa, the grovers are false the nut was terrible so i changed. it has a stamped in number, there is no wings to headstock, the truss rod cover has 3 screws and is called custom, biggest thing was the price 460 quid real one should be at least 1400 quid including import duty from china! the import duty contains vat the duty was fxxk all, so as vat is supposee to be a percentage in britain it should be zero too but was 0.45 p! abalone not mp trapezoids not perpendicular and one is badly cut in I changed strap buttons as a bit too cheap and cheerful and strap could fall off, i put shallers, fake bridge posts and intonation screws shit metal, bindings not really right. sounds wonderful though and plays real good.not maple but could be pau ferro, neck body not maple unless plywood, the problem is caused by a great guitar being copied why, though? because people want a bargain. and for home use why not! Like yer man sayz dont sell it for real gibson money. Also mine was advertised on ebay as an ace frehley signature model, it came without a signature to be seen? I guess a few pounds to northwest might improve matters but is it really worth it? as it sounds ok. cheers. if your going to make a cheaper copy do em like Vintage does mine does sound ok but a bit too trebley perhaps doesnt have the gutsy roar of a gibson. Pick ups seem right, electrical safety mmmn not sure?
also a signature custom shop model should cost more and more again! 5000 quid plus. its ok being woke and pc but could it be down to the 'inscrutablility factor'? But possibly made in a district of hong kong you dont know what the drivers are on the people there.
other things: 1) customs have ebony, you got a rosewood fretboard; 2) pickups, open up and have a look at the bottom for labels and screw placements, the cavity should be properly/neatly routed as well; 3) open the control cavity, dead giveaway by looking at the pots and wiring job; 4) open the trust rod cover, and inspect the screw and cavity; 5) look at the markings on the bottom of the tailpiece for era correct parts; 6) the diamond on the headstock for customs should be longer and not so stubby; 7) most important, if the asking is too cheap, it's 99% a fake.
Only on studios and lower end Les Pauls, plus they are putting nibs on the fakes now. The serial number and the truss rod bolt is usually the easiest way. Gibson always have brass truss rod bolt
What are you doing with that guitar? How did you come by it? No matter, I'm sure you're going to do the right thing and turn it over to Gibson so it can be properly disposed of.
For "Standard" LesPauls/SG’s: '52 - '67 = Celluloid Nitrate (MOP on Customs) '68 - '89 = Perloid (The same material used for pickguards; MOP for Customs/Anniversary models) '90 - Current = Figured Acrylic/Plastic/MOP/Abalone Customs/Supremes: Starting in or around '07, Gibson started substituting figured acrylic for MOP, and some, not all Customs have recieved these inlays instead. AFIAK, Supremes still get MOP.
The very first thing that stands out and should be #1 on the list is the rosewood fingerboard. You're not going to find a real LP Custom with a bright rosewood board like this one and if you do walk away. A real custom will have an ebony fingerboard that looks almost black.
There’s a 2014 Custom Shop Black Beauty that just popped up in my area, and it’s only $1,400. If he doesn’t have paperwork, I’m wondering if it’s even worth looking at.
Ok not 100 sure on the brand positioning. For example Joe Perry signature model (also no binding) the entire logo is above the tuning peg. Probably because they wanted more room for Joe Perry's sig. I've seen 1/2 dozen of these and they're all the same. Otherwise a great source of info, well done.
Here's one, the truss rod covers are almost always touching the nut on Chibsons with the two screw versions. You never see that with Gibsons. And look at the headstock angle on that fake. It's 14 degrees or less. Gibsons are 17.
Greetings Dog, I have a question for you? first off Interesting video .. but here it is.. you say you can spot a fake Gibson Visualy?.. well I have one that is a limited edition one of a kind 2006 Les Paul custom, since I have had it I have did many modifications.. First locking Grover gold plated tuners, next a tusq nut, I had the frets replaced in which they took off the fret nibs I changed the bridge to a Graphtech custom bridge and it came with the screw styled posts. I put a custom truss rod cover on it that they made a bit longer. the pickup guard is made a bit different, I replaced all the electronics in it as well as custom gold plated Dean Pickups that the rings are taller.. I changed the switch and jack and jack plate to switch craft that came with the mojo tone kit... I used mojo tone pots, vitamin T caps, and its solder-less wiring.. I added D'Addario Elliptical End Pins in Gold. Now how can you say that any guitar can be fake... This Guitar has been estimated by my insurance company worth over $6,000 easy. It has a one of a kind raspberry color and cream binding so as I ask again how can you say any guitar is fake? What would you say if one came in and the neck had been replaced? Would it be fake? Thank you for your time.... Natasha
Hello Natasha, No judgements here, but why would you buy a Gibson, then modify it this much, when you could buy a Chibson, perform the same modifications on it, and have basically the same guitar? Gibson $3500.00 or Chibson $250.00 and have enough money left over to take two vacations.
@@DogsharkGPS What if it its a LP and it says Gibson and is 20 quid? (24 quid with delivery?). It's a REAL Gibson, it's a 'Talent by Gibson' LP (and SGs), old stock/over stock from the Chinese factory.
So, under UK law it is legal to make, buy and own a counterfeit guitar, but selling one is illegal. The buying remains legal as it relies on you making the purchase in good faith. Clearly if you openly sell the guitar as a fake this is a big no-no but it's not illegal to buy one, never has been as far as I'm aware.
Great video. I knew a lot of this information, but it never hurts to learn more when I can. Interesting side bar: Great pic of queen Elizabeth on your wall, what is she wearing on (below?) her left breast? I'm sorry but this would be a distraction if I'd ever see her in person, always looking there. (Awkward).
you just got really a bad one, prob made in a small factory - that would be about 50 quid in china on Taobao. Start to spend about 120 quid and you are getting to the good stuff. * Live in china *
@@DogsharkGPS you live in china also? OK they are not as good as my kiesel/carvin guitars but they are close to my USA fenders and gibsons. It's only a chunk of CNC'ed wood at the end of the day and the electronics are still very basic in guitars.
@@Red-wave2024 what’s the point buying a fake Gibson only to carve the word fake in the back? You’re never going to convince anyone that what comes out of a Chinese factory is in anyway superior to what comes out of the Gibson factory. You’re mad for trying.
Honestly, I have a genuine Gibson Les Paul Standard (bought from Thomann) that has the binding messed up from the factory...
Rosewood fretboard on a Custom dead giveaway
Good one. Not something a lot of people would know how to spot but a certain giveaway.
Orange whip? Love John Candy, lol.. Great vid - rather thorough on pointing out the fake attributes. Many thanks.
Thanks Brother I usually just get comments about the things I got wrong or missed out.
If it stays in tune and has no cracks...it's a fake.
I miss the days when fake Les Pauls used to say "Epiphone" on them
@@silkroad1201 😂
There were a couple of things that you missed. They are minor but easy. Firstly, the diamond is the wrong size and shape. Secondly, if you would’ve opened up the truss rod, you would’ve seen that the truss rod is not a Gibson truss rod. They are the only ones that use that particular truss rod there are more, but you got the big ones they are getting better about the serial numbers but they are still not stamping them and they are even creating fake COAs. Gotta be on your toes with these things.
The serial numbers on Gibson are not always stamped into the headstock, the 60s models, also the early 1990s Gibson Les Paul Classic models have ink stamped without the made in USA, many have been confused but that's how they did it
Also not all Gibson models have the same headstock, some are not as wide, have a longer style headstock, like the Classic, the Gibson Custom have a wider and shorter headstock, so the bottom stick of the G, does in fact line with the tuning peg, but on the Classic, the headstock is narrower, the stick does not line up with the tuning peg, so not always a way to tell either. The easiest way, is the material for starters. The abr 1 bridge, yes China now makes them, but they are made of cheap pot metal, also on a Gibson, if you take the bridge off, it will say Gibson, made of strong, quality materials. Also the truss rod itself, Gibson uses wrench style truss rods, Chibson uses the Epiphone style Alan key. Fret nibs on a Gibson, none on Chibson, also alot of the Chinese knockoffs, nothing aligns correctly, Gibson also always uses lettering inside the cavities to mark which model they are building, Gibson uses either Gibson or CTS potentiometers, knockoffs use cheap no name potentiometers
I saw Chibsons really well made even with 2 screws on the truss rod cover, the serial number with CS and the numbers, the logo very similar with a non genuine mother of pearl but very very similar
They never ever get the diamond right on the customs. Its too small and wonky.
abalone.ihave a chibson its good but not branded as chines itvsays made in usa, the grovers are false the nut was terrible so i changed. it has a stamped in number, there is no wings to headstock, the truss rod cover has 3 screws and is called custom, biggest thing was the price 460 quid real one should be at least 1400 quid including import duty from china! the import duty contains vat the duty was fxxk all, so as vat is supposee to be a percentage in britain it should be zero too but was 0.45 p! abalone not mp trapezoids not perpendicular and one is badly cut in I changed strap buttons as a bit too cheap and cheerful and strap could fall off, i put shallers, fake bridge posts and intonation screws shit metal, bindings not really right. sounds wonderful though and plays real good.not maple but could be pau ferro, neck body not maple unless plywood, the problem is caused by a great guitar being copied why, though? because people want a bargain. and for home use why not! Like yer man sayz dont sell it for real gibson money. Also mine was advertised on ebay as an ace frehley signature model, it came without a signature to be seen? I guess a few pounds to northwest might improve matters but is it really worth it? as it sounds ok. cheers. if your going to make a cheaper copy do em like Vintage does mine does sound ok but a bit too trebley perhaps doesnt have the gutsy roar of a gibson. Pick ups seem right, electrical safety mmmn not sure?
also a signature custom shop model should cost more and more again! 5000 quid plus. its ok being woke and pc but could it be down to the 'inscrutablility factor'?
But possibly made in a district of hong kong you dont know what the drivers are on the people there.
other things: 1) customs have ebony, you got a rosewood fretboard; 2) pickups, open up and have a look at the bottom for labels and screw placements, the cavity should be properly/neatly routed as well; 3) open the control cavity, dead giveaway by looking at the pots and wiring job; 4) open the trust rod cover, and inspect the screw and cavity; 5) look at the markings on the bottom of the tailpiece for era correct parts; 6) the diamond on the headstock for customs should be longer and not so stubby; 7) most important, if the asking is too cheap, it's 99% a fake.
2015 they did not use fret nibs on all Les Paul’s.
Yea I remember that debacle I feel 2013-2015 were very bad LesPaul years
gibson does make guitars without fret nibs so you cant really use fret nibs as an indicator of a fake
Only on studios and lower end Les Pauls, plus they are putting nibs on the fakes now. The serial number and the truss rod bolt is usually the easiest way. Gibson always have brass truss rod bolt
What are you doing with that guitar? How did you come by it? No matter, I'm sure you're going to do the right thing and turn it over to Gibson so it can be properly disposed of.
🤣 you’re funny. It was borrowed. Now returned. Someone else’s problem now.
no i take it on chin.
I wonder if someone is interfering with the line stateside
Gibson has also printed numbers . Check troglys guitar show
For "Standard" LesPauls/SG’s:
'52 - '67 = Celluloid Nitrate (MOP on Customs)
'68 - '89 = Perloid (The same material used for pickguards; MOP for Customs/Anniversary models)
'90 - Current = Figured Acrylic/Plastic/MOP/Abalone
Customs/Supremes:
Starting in or around '07, Gibson started substituting figured acrylic for MOP, and some, not all Customs have recieved these inlays instead. AFIAK, Supremes still get MOP.
The very first thing that stands out and should be #1 on the list is the rosewood fingerboard. You're not going to find a real LP Custom with a bright rosewood board like this one and if you do walk away. A real custom will have an ebony fingerboard that looks almost black.
There’s a 2014 Custom Shop Black Beauty that just popped up in my area, and it’s only $1,400. If he doesn’t have paperwork, I’m wondering if it’s even worth looking at.
Ok not 100 sure on the brand positioning. For example Joe Perry signature model (also no binding) the entire logo is above the tuning peg. Probably because they wanted more room for Joe Perry's sig. I've seen 1/2 dozen of these and they're all the same. Otherwise a great source of info, well done.
Fakes have fret nibs now and Gibson style bridges also.
Awesome 👏
Here's one, the truss rod covers are almost always touching the nut on Chibsons with the two screw versions. You never see that with Gibsons. And look at the headstock angle on that fake. It's 14 degrees or less. Gibsons are 17.
How much does it weigh? That should be a giveaway too 👍🏻
I bought a filthy Chibson Slash copy and it's not too bad but I bought a Harley Benson SC Custom plus to actually play .
Bridge posts should not have screws for adjustment. Thumb wheel under the bridge is proper.
the binding looks terrible near the neck joint
the horn on this one looks too pointy also
Gibson doesn't press the serial number in the head stock. Its machine engraved.
@@JC-gd3cc The only people who complain about Gibson are the ones who can't afford them.
@troyheffernan1261 😂
Gibson DOES stamp them.
Broook up $4,500 chibson yes its mine part one and two good video thanks
Are expensive Epiphone Les Paul's made in China? Never noticed. Hope not.
Funny that I'm seeing a pic of Lizzy on the wall since she already packed her bags and met up with Phil down there where climate change is permanent.
It's like the fake Rolex of guitars!
Greetings Dog, I have a question for you? first off Interesting video .. but here it is.. you say you can spot a fake Gibson Visualy?.. well I have one that is a limited edition one of a kind 2006 Les Paul custom, since I have had it I have did many modifications.. First locking Grover gold plated tuners, next a tusq nut, I had the frets replaced in which they took off the fret nibs I changed the bridge to a Graphtech custom bridge and it came with the screw styled posts. I put a custom truss rod cover on it that they made a bit longer. the pickup guard is made a bit different, I replaced all the electronics in it as well as custom gold plated Dean Pickups that the rings are taller.. I changed the switch and jack and jack plate to switch craft that came with the mojo tone kit... I used mojo tone pots, vitamin T caps, and its solder-less wiring.. I added D'Addario Elliptical End Pins in Gold. Now how can you say that any guitar can be fake... This Guitar has been estimated by my insurance company worth over $6,000 easy. It has a one of a kind raspberry color and cream binding so as I ask again how can you say any guitar is fake? What would you say if one came in and the neck had been replaced? Would it be fake? Thank you for your time.... Natasha
That's multiple questions. Lemme keep it simple for ya. If it says Gibson on the headstock and it ain't a Gibson it's fake.
Hello Natasha, No judgements here, but why would you buy a Gibson, then modify it this much, when you could buy a Chibson, perform the same modifications on it, and have basically the same guitar? Gibson $3500.00 or Chibson $250.00 and have enough money left over to take two vacations.
@@DogsharkGPS What if it its a LP and it says Gibson and is 20 quid? (24 quid with delivery?). It's a REAL Gibson, it's a 'Talent by Gibson' LP (and SGs), old stock/over stock from the Chinese factory.
yes by the rules of antique roadshow it would be remodelled the modifications should be listed and who did them.
Mines all real other of pearl from the gibon shop
other of pearl thats a mother of a joke from the gibon shop either a b or a s missing? bit racist arent we today?
@@frankkennedy7831 that's funny. The phone spells what the phone wants
Let's ask
" Slash " what he thinks.
Slash never played a Chibson tho so what does he know?
any chanels not self rightous vertue signing that knows what chieses fakes are good?
So, under UK law it is legal to make, buy and own a counterfeit guitar, but selling one is illegal. The buying remains legal as it relies on you making the purchase in good faith. Clearly if you openly sell the guitar as a fake this is a big no-no but it's not illegal to buy one, never has been as far as I'm aware.
The most obvious giveaway on this guitar is the rosewood fingerboard. If it were a legitimate Gibson, that board would be ebony.
Great video. I knew a lot of this information, but it never hurts to learn more when I can. Interesting side bar: Great pic of queen Elizabeth on your wall, what is she wearing on (below?) her left breast? I'm sorry but this would be a distraction if I'd ever see her in person, always looking there. (Awkward).
Picture of Margret Thatcher
@@hhattingh Margret Thatcher. Thank you, I stand corrected.
I love Chibsons like Mao loved the peasants.
Also The G in Gibson is too slanted to be a real one
All the headstock flaws are because it's an Epi headstock specs faked up to be a Gibson....
C'MON it takes 5 seconds..
Ok, well number 1 qaa already wrong, and number 2 definitely isn't true
I meant look up. I've been drinking sorry
Gibson Gibsonan 😂
There must be 100,000 videos on UA-cam of how to spot a fake Gibson, please No More!!!! 😩
You know you don’t have to watch them right?
@@DogsharkGPS it’s a fetish I couldn’t resist
I printed my bro I'm not trying to fool anyone
It’s a fake
So I'm pretty happy I didn't pay too much for a decent copycat
you just got really a bad one, prob made in a small factory - that would be about 50 quid in china on Taobao. Start to spend about 120 quid and you are getting to the good stuff. * Live in china *
There is no good stuff for 120 quid
@@DogsharkGPS you live in china also? OK they are not as good as my kiesel/carvin guitars but they are close to my USA fenders and gibsons. It's only a chunk of CNC'ed wood at the end of the day and the electronics are still very basic in guitars.
Chips on. Chinese fake gibsons.
If you cant spot a fake Gibson buy holding one. That means you need to buy an Epiphone.
This is a strange judgment
I buy chibsons and the first thing I do is carve fake on the back of the headstock
Should carve it on the front and then burn them for good measure
@@DogsharkGPS naw....there perfect mod platforms! I have a chibson 1 piece mahogany body....how many gibsons you see w a 1 piece body? None!
@Dogshark it's quicker for the Chinese factory that I go through to cut 1 piece body's, instead of 3 or 4 and waiting for glue to dry.
@@Red-wave2024 what’s the point buying a fake Gibson only to carve the word fake in the back? You’re never going to convince anyone that what comes out of a Chinese factory is in anyway superior to what comes out of the Gibson factory. You’re mad for trying.
@@DogsharkGPSbonfire nights coming up, that half a inch of poly lacquer should flare up quite nicely.
The Serial Number is all u need to look at..they use same code for every one