How can you tell a fake Gibson from an authentic one? The fake ones sound better, actually stay in tune and are not an over priced piece of garbage. Thanks for the video!
Some of these identifying tells are obsolete. Within recent years, they’ve gotten the body shape right as well as the hardware placement. The headstock shape is better as well. They are even coming with Nashville style bridges with regular studs instead of split screw tops. It’s getting harder & harder for the trained eye even to tell. Of course, like you mentioned, the headstock markings are off. Many of the fakes even come with over the fret binding. I own both real Gibsons as well as fakes & Epiphones as well. I have 2 “Chibsons” with fret over binding, & the body & headstock shape & hardware placement is spot on
Thank you for the refresher about how to spot a chibson. I am not in a position to speak from authority when I say I think there are a probably more on the used market now, and perhaps even more in the future. Knowing a little about how to spot a fake will go a long way if you are in the used market. Please keep the great videos coming!!
Robert, I wish I could share photos of my Cibson Les Paul Custom on here. I've had it about 10 years now and have obviously made several upgrades to it. It was originally supposed to be a copy of Randy Rhoads guitar. Long story short, no one who has ever played it EVER suspected that it wasn't the real deal. Yes, it came with fret nibs, the only way you can tell it isn't real is to inspect the control cavity routing, or the truss rod . It's even has the 2 way rod in it. Although it's cost a fair amount to get it where it is, I have become truly very fond of it because it plays so damn well. Not encouraging others to go out and buy one, but I really have no complaints.
I can appreciate your knowledge Robert in identifying a real and a fake for the purposes of not getting ripped off. I have a Buckethead Chibby and it plays great for me, but I knew that it was fake from the word go. My point is….not all Chibbs are bad, but good on you for pointing out the tells so people don’t get took. Much love always my guy
@@scottcollins799 I'm saying it's a bullshit move buying a counterfeit. A knock-off is different. I don't even like Gibsons,never have but any counterfeit product ruins it for everyone. Just make your copy and put a different name on it.
My chibson is denoted by the myriad kibbled ply of hardwood. It does have Tufnel approved sustain and JB jazz set I had laying around installed. Sounds and plays well
In my opinion, I have never cared for the way Gibson cuts the binding with the frets! Just asking for the High E string to get caught in it! Plus overlaying frets just look better, and more professionally done. Not sure why Gibson insisted on doing this!
Got in a spot where I wanted a P90 black beauty (the early ones '54 thru early '57 with the staple bridge pickup) Had the opportunity to pickup a copy with fret nibs for under $300 bucks. Gibson want's $6,800 for the real deal. After mods I'm in for over $800 but I will never sell it. The pickups cost more than the whole guitar. Pretty amazing what they can do for the price.
At the end of the day you can own a First Act guitar and play and enjoy it, I have a Chib and a Gib less Paul, my luthier reworked the Chib and it plays excellent like butter I got $500 in it with case, my Gibson is $2500 and doesn’t stay tuned or play nearly as good but it sounds better? lDK? I play them both but love the look of my Chib, it’s beat, faded and feels like home.
This video was made a year ago and the chinese have already watched several of these to make the guitars better. A 2023 model Chibson has less indicators that it's fake now than ever before. Only a matter of time before they get it perfect or close enough that a large percentage of regular people will fall for it or not car enough to pay gibson prices.
Gibson Modern Tuners by Grover have the tulip style buttons. Most Chibsons have the kidney bean buttons. Also, Gibsons have engraved words on their multi-ply trussrod covers. Most Chibsons have silk screened words.
If it's got good quality build, and stays in tune, I don't care, some of the fakes are getting better than the originals, just as long as your not paying full Gibson prices I'd have a chibson
Like your work, bud. Fastest and surest way for me, for at least the last 10 years or so: If I could ever in my ENTIRE LIFE afforded it, it ain't a Gibson. In my youth, owned several lps& sgs. Back when working guys could save up. Prices are absurd.
The despicable price hikes on everything just to SURVIVE week to week, is by far the worst of all. Gas, food, utilities, rent, real estate prices, FORCED INSURANCE, licenses & permits, TAXES, etc..........all of these are far more absurd vs the higher prices of ANY American-made guitar. Why do ya think the vast majority of US manufacturing was forced to move overseas. Ya have to consider THE FACT that any American manufacturer is being plundered to death by the same evil, corrupt price hikes as everyone else living here in the US. Hell, I can't even afford to go to my favorite bass fishing lake 43 miles from my home, for trophy bass fishing here in central Florida using live wild shiners ( this bait costs $25 a dozen, and ya need at least 2 dozen ) at all.........and I used to go at least twice a month only 4 yrs ago. And to add insult to injury: I'M TOTALLY DEBT FREE. I don't owe ANY loans. Yet I still can't even afford to go trophy bass fishing.
So is it true if you try and sell a Chibson you can get in big trouble legally? I have never seen a Chibson in real life. I have seen people try and sell fake Fender Strats. Thanks for sharing, Robert.
If you’re trying to pass it off as a Gibson definitely. I’m no lawyer but Gibson might send you a nice letter if you were selling a lot of knock offs, even if you’re being truthful; they should anyway. But, if you’re only selling one and you’re being honest you’re probably fine. I’d love it if a major manufacturer started selling Chibson as a brand, just to see what Gibson would do
It’s not illegal to sell it as long as it’s disclosed up front what you’re actually selling. It’s HIGHLY illegal, however, if you try to sell it as an authentic Gibson. That said, platforms like eBay and Reverb, among others, have all banned counterfeit guitars whether they’re being sold honestly and legally or not. I personally don’t blame them for that.
Hi Robert, Good points to point out, I’m a huge Gibson fan ( Especially the SG’s ). I think the simplest solution and especially towards newer guitar players is to just purchase them from a reputable play ( aka Sweetwater etc… ). Of course if you’re buying used that’s not always so easy. Another place I’ve purchased some Gibson’s and Fenders was ‘The Stratosphere’, They’re pretty much on the up and up, I’ve purchased quite of few husks from there. That’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for something new and you don’t like the hardware that particular model comes with. Going this route allows you to simply install all the hardware you desire and with no worries if it’s real or a fake. Some of these ‘Chibsons’ I’ve seen as of late can definitely fool you if you’re not being real careful too. Thanks for the video as always man, really dig your channel 🤙
Great vid! My suggestion is to chk under the truss rod cover, look for wings behind the headstock along with serial depth chk etc Authenticity will be revealed quickly.
If they made Les Paul copies, instead of counterfeit guitars I might be interested but I’m not interested in encouraging a counterfeit market. If they literally indicated Chibson on the headstock, and didn’t lie about its country of origin, and China wasn’t being a dark lord of the syth, I might buy one, but right now I’m leaning into buying American, if I can afford to. And if I can’t I’m saving my money With its quality control problems, Chinese manufacturers had a real opportunity to make Chibson a real brand, and to beat out Gibson in the market by making a similar product at a drastically lower price point. If only they had invested in a long game. In 20 years Gibson will exist in some form and Chibson will be a story like lawsuit era Ibanez
My recently bought Chibsons headstock is more like Gibsons headstock than the fake one shown in the video. I think Chibsons come not all from the same factory.
If Gibson copies an Eart.... It can be called a Geart.... How can you differentiate?? The Geart won't have stainless steel frets but will have tooling marks on the fretboard and be quadruple the price....just an authentic critique
The counterfeits are getting a lot better. I’ve seen them with fret nibs now. Some of them are actually pretty good guitars. Thanks for the info though🍻🤙
I've owned about 5 or 6 USA made Gibson LPs in my time and became very curious about Chinese made Chibsons. First off i do Fender Strats and semi hollow body Tele's and semi hollow body PRS. As much as i wanted to bond with Gib. LP it just didn't happen so i sold them all. That's when i became curious of the Chibsons. I bought a Les Paul custom Black Beauty ...$375.00 ...needless to say for the feel and the sound i would'nt trade the Chibson Black Beauty for any of those expensive US GIB. LPs that i sold and money is not an issue with me. With some minor upgrades, the black beauty is a keeper.
Aside from a joke comment of "did you find it on Alibaba or WISH.......then it's a Chibson" I would say plug it in and hold a cell phone up to the pickups. Sound like a sci fi movie death ray, Chibson!
The Chinese builders are getting better step by step. I swapped a Schecter for my Chibson, and they did the fret NIBS, oh yes they did. The body shape is near perfect, ebony fingerboard....the dead giveaway is the CUSTOM emblem is too small, but they are making them better and better!
I think it was 2015 they didn’t have the “nibs” fret ends covered. I’d have to pull it out, but my 2015 Les Paul Special DC is like that. In 2016 it went back to nibs. I have them on my Les Paul Standard and Firebird. Kool info... thanks! 👍😎
Please include the all important truss rod. Almost all fake Gibsons do NOT have a nut adjustment. Instead they have an Alan key type that is used in Fender.
I don't care for fake guitars. I've heard the difference between the fake and the real Gibson. Sound quality makes a big difference. Stay away from fakes. Even Chibson's.
You never mentioned that the trust rod cover is sitting over the split diamond inlay. Sure the cover could be replaced but Gibson wouldn't have it leaver the factory like that, could easily take the cover off and check for the original screw hole.
I had a 73 Riki bass. Stolen.....flash forward: decided I want that Rik sound. $3000 Canadian....ouch. Imported a fake. Amazing how well it played. Budgets even added the made in USA stickers! But, not a Riki. Bought a real one two months later. Altered the headstock on the fake and sold. Love my American Jetglo!
Sorry, but chibsons do have proper fret nibs, depends on the level of quality and from what Chinese factory faked it.. the serial numbers are also done with a lazer and the numbers are perfect, not a hand stamp, but I have seen them painted over as well, depends on what Chinese factory faked it.
I've called some bluffs on some people attempting to sell Chibsons as an original by asking for a simple wiring gut shot. I will say it's been getting harder to tell these days if you are not careful. I've even heard tell of fake Epiphones making it out there in the market. Some great intel you just put out there Robert. Hopefully it helps people avoid making a bad purchase. Big ups on that Zack vertigo signature. She's a beauty!
I’ve seen a few fake Epiphones out there, as well. We actually had a fake Epiphone Zakk Wylde Les Paul pass through once during my store days. That one almost got past me until one of my employees pointed out the headstock shape compared to a real Epiphone. I looked a little closer and he was right.
@@RobertWJackson Dave Simpson (UK) purchased a Epi LP Custom that ended up being a fake. I think about two years ago now? He fortunately notified the seller who was unaware and he ended up getting it for a substantial discount. Pretty sure he still plays it, and possibly had some upgrade mods done? Not all stories end that way though. Especially if someone gets conned into paying the going price of the real deal. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
If it sounds good and plays well then what's the real problem? I have three genuine Gibsons and I've swapped pickups on all of them. If bad electronics are all that make a Chibson an issue then I don't really think there's an issue.
Many moons ago when in my early 20s, a sergeant in my army unit gave me an old counterfeit Gibson LP much like the white custom here...except it was made in the Philippines (I was told) and it was a hollowbody. It had lots of problems, was likely never a decent guitar. I had no idea how to fix them and it was a money pit if brought to a tech...so i pitched it in the bin. I also had a bit of an issue with it saying "gibson" on the head..even tho it looked like the inlay was done by a severely handicapped child with a butter knife. I kinda wish I'd kept it now...woulda made for a great video 😂
Ibanez, Burny, Tokia and Aria made the best knock offs. The only difference is that they put their company name on it instead of Gibson. My 1977 Aria Pro II Les Paul custom in a complete copy of the Norlin Gibson. Or should I say Jibson? Hey! Is that a late 80's Charvel? Looks fantastic!
Some of the shops in China are getting better at it by offering fret binding and small post abr 1 bridges. Ive seen a few that actually are up to par with some of Gibsons guitars. Look under the truss rod cover also if your not sure. But also , I dont think the Chibsons are offered with a nitro cellulose finish.
@P R Primarily the truss rod adjustment bolt itself. Gibsons have a nut-style truss rod that requires a 5/16” special nut driver to adjust. Most of the Chibsons take an Allen wrench like the Epiphones do.
Good video. Like my Chibson anyways and was way cheaper than 10 to 30 thousand USD. I was wondering what you think of chambered aluminum body guitars. Found a kit, a BexGears Koloss carbon fiber neck in black, blue or silver, Strat style aluminum guitar kit for like $350USD on Amazon. I like to build guitars and customize, but this thing is simply screwed together? Seems to have a mini toggle for coils split too. Body shape looks like a style cut that Prince would have approved of.
I demo’ed one on my channel awhile back, and I wasn’t kind to them. I really wanted to like those guitars, but they’re so loaded with defects, they have the shittiest bridge design ever, and the “carbon fiber” necks are actually a carbon fiber alloy mixed with a cheap plastic that warp from heating up under something as simple as stage lighting. (Philip McKnight demonstrated that on his channel.) The best thing about those guitars is the really nice gig bag that they come with. Like I said, I really wanted to like them, but unfortunately they’re just garbage guitars.
i recently got ripped off with a fake lp custom the pick ups had been changed to seymour duncans but ,everything else looked perfect,fret nbs,,seriel number,etc.it was perfect in everyway.it even had all the case candy....it was only when i took off the truss rod cover i got that sinking feeling..gibson truss rods are pretty unique compared to other brands.and this looked aweful...shame really cos it plays and sounds great, stay safe buddy
@@RobertWJackson I have a Les Paul and 335. I’ve been playing Gibsons for 40 years, but Gibson guitars became really bad and it disgusted me. I bought a Core PRS a year ago and it’s so well built. I’m looking for a PRS with a trem now. I’m a total convert to modern guitars. F*#k Gibson! Thanks for the video, Robert. Cheers, Max.
@@locnes2133 So you think looking up the neck pocket fender numbers, seeing if the Fender logo on the headstock looks correct, plus the fender words writing on each saddle piece or how about the correct fender used pots and pickups with markings from what fender uses/buys, makes me a moron? Is that all you have to bring to the conversation is "idiotic low brow" statements? Don't you have anything constructive to contribute?
Gibson suck now. It's not the same now. You can never find one that's setup correctly . Over priced to for what they are. Sorry but that's the truth....
I ment to say that I checked out a Chinese copy that was made for my granddaughters father in law. It had been made for him by a luther in Chine. I was taken back because it was even bound over the fret ends like Gibsons. Honestly I couldn't tell it wasn't genuine. Great channel.
I always look on the headstock too. If it says Res Paul Model that is a pretty safe assumption that it is not a real Gibson. Slash has a non Gibson that was made in California that he used to record the "Destruction" LP.
just saying its 'off' isnt helpful. theyre arbitrary shapes and typefaces. what makes it off? is the letter wider slimmer shorter? is the binding less consistent? some variance is good if expected/
@@RobertWJackson I paid full attention to your low vocabulary attempt at using adjectives and descriptive language, the whole video. its not difficult to sit passively using basic comprehension skills yes
Well, then clearly you’re a liar. Otherwise you wouldn’t have posted that diatribe of bullshit - TWICE 🤦🏻♂️ - much less tried to blame it on me by finding something else to troll about.
Please review your video before posting. You hold the head stock closer to camera to show what to look for. Would have been helpful to be able to see … instead of out of focus or off screen. Good topic good material just not presented in a way. That’s very watchable because the parts that you’re supposed to be able to see to tell if it’s a fake or not you can’t see it either out of focus or off camera which you would’ve noticed, reviewed it more carefully before you published it
I ended up with a Chibson today I thought the price was wonky it was 875 dollars the music shop said it was on consignment and that the guy changed the pickups to Symore Duncans honestly it had everything that was real on your video but the logo and diamond were off I thought i was getting the real deal but I guess it was to good to be true
None of your close-ups are in camera shot they're out of View how can we know what a real Gibson headstock looks like if you don't put it in the camera view??? Didn't you review your video before you posted it. Just asking
Sure would've been nice if ya posted BOTH images of the headstock of each at the same time, for a highly detailed comparison. Unless someone has a lot of experience, it's hard to remember the differences in the headstocks unless ya post them side by side. Not trying to be disrespectful, I know you're trying to help everyone.
I know a guy that is ordering chibsons but he is having an epiphone logo put on them selling like hot cakes 😂 you can order them to look just like the inspired by gibson paperwork serial number and an epiphone case for about 400 he usually gets 900 for them just warning everyone to watch out if you buy a second hand epiphone
Hello robert.... can you sell me cheap that fake gibson of yours? Here in my country we can even afford to own a real gibson junior even with our yearly salaries.... for like us factory yearly salary workers here is about RM10 - 11000 a year and a real gibson junior is RM12000 a piece...😅😅😅
No it’s not, dipshit. I even have the receipt with the serial number to prove it. You should actually KNOW what you’re talking about before you type out something stupid like this. 🤣🤣🤣🤦🏻♂️ #StupidPeopleExplainThingsToMe
@@RobertWJackson How do you know if a Gibson les paul junior electric is fake? there is one for sale in my area and they are claiming that it is a vintage guitar. There is no serial number on the head stock is the serial number somewhere else? Very good video very interesting and informative. Thank you
I paid 150 for a fake and it is better than your 7,000 dollar Gibson. I wont ever run from and great deal .So to the real 👎and to the Chibson👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🇯🇲🇯🇲👍👍👍👍👍
5 ways to identify a Ghibson.... 1. It stays in tune... 2. The bridge and string mount are copies of the better Epiphone design. 3. Volume knob angles. 4. Head stock shape. 5. You could afford to buy and upgrade it......
Well, since they didn't even get in frame on the close ups, I still don't know the difference on the headstock...
k
@@RobertWJackson He’s got a point. I would suggest at least showing clear stills of the real and fake next to each other onscreen.
How can you tell a fake Gibson from an authentic one? The fake ones sound better, actually stay in tune and are not an over priced piece of garbage. Thanks for the video!
Amen to that!!
This is the comment I was looking for. 😂😂
BS comments.🤬
😂
HAAAAAAACUUGHCOUGHCOUGHWEEEEEEEEZZ
Some of these identifying tells are obsolete. Within recent years, they’ve gotten the body shape right as well as the hardware placement. The headstock shape is better as well. They are even coming with Nashville style bridges with regular studs instead of split screw tops. It’s getting harder & harder for the trained eye even to tell. Of course, like you mentioned, the headstock markings are off. Many of the fakes even come with over the fret binding. I own both real Gibsons as well as fakes & Epiphones as well. I have 2 “Chibsons” with fret over binding, & the body & headstock shape & hardware placement is spot on
Chibson serial numbers are CNC routed, but pressed in. Very easy to spot. As always, Big thanks.
Thank you for the refresher about how to spot a chibson. I am not in a position to speak from authority when I say I think there are a probably more on the used market now, and perhaps even more in the future. Knowing a little about how to spot a fake will go a long way if you are in the used market. Please keep the great videos coming!!
Well said
Robert, I wish I could share photos of my Cibson Les Paul Custom on here.
I've had it about 10 years now and have obviously made several upgrades to it.
It was originally supposed to be a copy of Randy Rhoads guitar. Long story short, no one who has ever played it EVER suspected that it wasn't the real deal. Yes, it came with fret nibs, the only way you can tell it isn't real is to inspect the control cavity routing, or the truss rod . It's even has the 2 way rod in it.
Although it's cost a fair amount to get it where it is, I have become truly very fond of it because it plays so damn well.
Not encouraging others to go out and buy one, but I really have no complaints.
I can appreciate your knowledge Robert in identifying a real and a fake for the purposes of not getting ripped off. I have a Buckethead Chibby and it plays great for me, but I knew that it was fake from the word go. My point is….not all Chibbs are bad, but good on you for pointing out the tells so people don’t get took.
Much love always my guy
All counterfeits are bad. It's not a matter of playability.
@@vorpalblades BS. I've played as well or better on a fake as the original
Real real just jakes you feel better about yourself
@@scottcollins799 I'm saying it's a bullshit move buying a counterfeit. A knock-off is different. I don't even like Gibsons,never have but any counterfeit product ruins it for everyone. Just make your copy and put a different name on it.
@vorpalblades As long as their not being sold by falsely representing them as authentic Gibsons, who are the fake ones harming?
My chibson is denoted by the myriad kibbled ply of hardwood. It does have Tufnel approved sustain and JB jazz set I had laying around installed. Sounds and plays well
In my opinion, I have never cared for the way Gibson cuts the binding with the frets! Just asking for the High E string to get caught in it! Plus overlaying frets just look better, and more professionally done. Not sure why Gibson insisted on doing this!
Got in a spot where I wanted a P90 black beauty (the early ones '54 thru early '57 with the staple bridge pickup) Had the opportunity to pickup a copy with fret nibs for under $300 bucks. Gibson want's $6,800 for the real deal. After mods I'm in for over $800 but I will never sell it. The pickups cost more than the whole guitar. Pretty amazing what they can do for the price.
The real Gibsons like the one I own have a snapped headstock.
At the end of the day you can own a First Act guitar and play and enjoy it, I have a Chib and a Gib less Paul, my luthier reworked the Chib and it plays excellent like butter I got $500 in it with case, my Gibson is $2500 and doesn’t stay tuned or play nearly as good but it sounds better? lDK? I play them both but love the look of my Chib, it’s beat, faded and feels like home.
This video was made a year ago and the chinese have already watched several of these to make the guitars better. A 2023 model Chibson has less indicators that it's fake now than ever before. Only a matter of time before they get it perfect or close enough that a large percentage of regular people will fall for it or not car enough to pay gibson prices.
Not gonna happen. The closer they get, the less money they make on them...
Far from the truth. The Chinese are innovative and will come with ways to cut corners to make things affordable for them.
@@trevor4533
Worked in a guitar shop and we had a gorgeous Chibson Les Paul Suprome, yeah it was spelled like that on the headstock, hilarious!
Gibson Modern Tuners by Grover have the tulip style buttons. Most Chibsons have the kidney bean buttons. Also, Gibsons have engraved words on their multi-ply trussrod covers. Most Chibsons have silk screened words.
If it's got good quality build, and stays in tune, I don't care, some of the fakes are getting better than the originals, just as long as your not paying full Gibson prices I'd have a chibson
Like your work, bud. Fastest and surest way for me, for at least the last 10 years or so: If I could ever in my ENTIRE LIFE afforded it, it ain't a Gibson. In my youth, owned several lps& sgs. Back when working guys could save up. Prices are absurd.
The despicable price hikes on everything just to SURVIVE week to week, is by far the worst of all. Gas, food, utilities, rent, real estate prices, FORCED INSURANCE, licenses & permits, TAXES, etc..........all of these are far more absurd vs the higher prices of ANY American-made guitar. Why do ya think the vast majority of US manufacturing was forced to move overseas. Ya have to consider THE FACT that any American manufacturer is being plundered to death by the same evil, corrupt price hikes as everyone else living here in the US. Hell, I can't even afford to go to my favorite bass fishing lake 43 miles from my home, for trophy bass fishing here in central Florida using live wild shiners ( this bait costs $25 a dozen, and ya need at least 2 dozen ) at all.........and I used to go at least twice a month only 4 yrs ago. And to add insult to injury: I'M TOTALLY DEBT FREE. I don't owe ANY loans. Yet I still can't even afford to go trophy bass fishing.
Not to mention the truss Rod cover does not go over the Diamond.
It goes beside the Diamond.
So is it true if you try and sell a Chibson you can get in big trouble legally? I have never seen a Chibson in real life. I have seen people try and sell fake Fender Strats. Thanks for sharing, Robert.
If you’re trying to pass it off as a Gibson definitely.
I’m no lawyer but Gibson might send you a nice letter if you were selling a lot of knock offs, even if you’re being truthful; they should anyway. But, if you’re only selling one and you’re being honest you’re probably fine.
I’d love it if a major manufacturer started selling Chibson as a brand, just to see what Gibson would do
It’s not illegal to sell it as long as it’s disclosed up front what you’re actually selling. It’s HIGHLY illegal, however, if you try to sell it as an authentic Gibson. That said, platforms like eBay and Reverb, among others, have all banned counterfeit guitars whether they’re being sold honestly and legally or not. I personally don’t blame them for that.
I love that you make no bones about being the average gear nerd, Robert. That spread looks just like mine 😆
Just go to guitar center and you will get the real thing. You have great info if I’m buying a used guitar
Hi Robert,
Good points to point out, I’m a huge Gibson fan ( Especially the SG’s ). I think the simplest solution and especially towards newer guitar players is to just purchase them from a reputable play ( aka Sweetwater etc… ). Of course if you’re buying used that’s not always so easy. Another place I’ve purchased some Gibson’s and Fenders was ‘The Stratosphere’, They’re pretty much on the up and up, I’ve purchased quite of few husks from there. That’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for something new and you don’t like the hardware that particular model comes with. Going this route allows you to simply install all the hardware you desire and with no worries if it’s real or a fake. Some of these ‘Chibsons’ I’ve seen as of late can definitely fool you if you’re not being real careful too.
Thanks for the video as always man, really dig your channel 🤙
Great vid! My suggestion is to chk under the truss rod cover, look for wings behind the headstock along with serial depth chk etc Authenticity will be revealed quickly.
If they made Les Paul copies, instead of counterfeit guitars I might be interested but I’m not interested in encouraging a counterfeit market. If they literally indicated Chibson on the headstock, and didn’t lie about its country of origin, and China wasn’t being a dark lord of the syth, I might buy one, but right now I’m leaning into buying American, if I can afford to. And if I can’t I’m saving my money
With its quality control problems, Chinese manufacturers had a real opportunity to make Chibson a real brand, and to beat out Gibson in the market by making a similar product at a drastically lower price point. If only they had invested in a long game. In 20 years Gibson will exist in some form and Chibson will be a story like lawsuit era Ibanez
My recently bought
Chibsons headstock is more like Gibsons headstock than the fake one shown in the video. I think Chibsons come not all from the same factory.
If Gibson copies an Eart....
It can be called a Geart....
How can you differentiate??
The Geart won't have stainless steel frets but will have tooling marks on the fretboard and be quadruple the price....just an authentic critique
The counterfeits are getting a lot better. I’ve seen them with fret nibs now. Some of them are actually pretty good guitars. Thanks for the info though🍻🤙
Great info, I'll definitely put it to see when shopping
I've owned about 5 or 6 USA made Gibson LPs in my time and became very curious about Chinese made Chibsons. First off i do Fender Strats and semi hollow body Tele's and semi hollow body PRS. As much as i wanted to bond with Gib. LP it just didn't happen so i sold them all. That's when i became curious of the Chibsons. I bought a Les Paul custom Black Beauty ...$375.00 ...needless to say for the feel and the sound i would'nt trade the Chibson Black Beauty for any of those expensive US GIB. LPs that i sold and money is not an issue with me. With some minor upgrades, the black beauty is a keeper.
Aside from a joke comment of "did you find it on Alibaba or WISH.......then it's a Chibson" I would say plug it in and hold a cell phone up to the pickups. Sound like a sci fi movie death ray, Chibson!
Great info, I am clueless when it comes to this so thanks!
Its easy if it stay in tune than that is the fake one
The Chinese builders are getting better step by step. I swapped a Schecter for my Chibson, and they did the fret NIBS, oh yes they did. The body shape is near perfect, ebony fingerboard....the dead giveaway is the CUSTOM emblem is too small, but they are making them better and better!
Thank u for the review
I did ask for it
🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Thank you for the coffee!
@@RobertWJackson anytime bro
I think it was 2015 they didn’t have the “nibs” fret ends covered. I’d have to pull it out, but my 2015 Les Paul Special DC is like that. In 2016 it went back to nibs. I have them on my Les Paul Standard and Firebird. Kool info... thanks! 👍😎
Please include the all important truss rod. Almost all fake Gibsons do NOT have a nut adjustment. Instead they have an Alan key type that is used in Fender.
I don't care for fake guitars. I've heard the difference between the fake and the real Gibson. Sound quality makes a big difference. Stay away from fakes. Even Chibson's.
You never mentioned that the trust rod cover is sitting over the split diamond inlay. Sure the cover could be replaced but Gibson wouldn't have it leaver the factory like that, could easily take the cover off and check for the original screw hole.
There’s a number of other details that I left out like the bridge posts, the metric-sized hardware, etc. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.
My Eart EGLP-523 is a Beast and 'Slapped the Taste' of owing an expensive Gibson right outta my mouth. :-)
Thanks Robert for your Channel and content.
Check out the eglp 610
Newest model on Ebay
The color is nice
Great info - thanks!
Thanx for the video Robert,informative 🎸
I had a 73 Riki bass. Stolen.....flash forward: decided I want that Rik sound. $3000 Canadian....ouch. Imported a fake. Amazing how well it played. Budgets even added the made in USA stickers! But, not a Riki. Bought a real one two months later. Altered the headstock on the fake and sold. Love my American Jetglo!
Buggers, not budget
Well how much fake gibson les pauls sgs and es would cost?
Sorry, but chibsons do have proper fret nibs, depends on the level of quality and from what Chinese factory faked it.. the serial numbers are also done with a lazer and the numbers are perfect, not a hand stamp, but I have seen them painted over as well, depends on what Chinese factory faked it.
I had doubts about my guitar. Turns out it was a Chibson. 🙄 I'm not crying though: it sounds decent and it feels good to play on.
I've called some bluffs on some people attempting to sell Chibsons as an original by asking for a simple wiring gut shot. I will say it's been getting harder to tell these days if you are not careful. I've even heard tell of fake Epiphones making it out there in the market.
Some great intel you just put out there Robert. Hopefully it helps people avoid making a bad purchase.
Big ups on that Zack vertigo signature. She's a beauty!
I’ve seen a few fake Epiphones out there, as well. We actually had a fake Epiphone Zakk Wylde Les Paul pass through once during my store days. That one almost got past me until one of my employees pointed out the headstock shape compared to a real Epiphone. I looked a little closer and he was right.
@@RobertWJackson Dave Simpson (UK) purchased a Epi LP Custom that ended up being a fake. I think about two years ago now? He fortunately notified the seller who was unaware and he ended up getting it for a substantial discount. Pretty sure he still plays it, and possibly had some upgrade mods done? Not all stories end that way though. Especially if someone gets conned into paying the going price of the real deal.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hello,Robert thank you for the video...take care
Really appreciate this
If it sounds good and plays well then what's the real problem? I have three genuine Gibsons and I've swapped pickups on all of them. If bad electronics are all that make a Chibson an issue then I don't really think there's an issue.
i thought the gibson les paul studio had a solid neck with no binding?
Correct, unless they changed something that I don’t know about.
I bought a 2016 Les Paul Standard HP brand new from Gibson and it doesn’t have fret nibs so maybe that was one of the years they didn’t do them.
I had a Gibson 2016 standard that I sold. And it did have fret nibs. But maybe your run did not inlcuded them
Many moons ago when in my early 20s, a sergeant in my army unit gave me an old counterfeit Gibson LP much like the white custom here...except it was made in the Philippines (I was told) and it was a hollowbody. It had lots of problems, was likely never a decent guitar. I had no idea how to fix them and it was a money pit if brought to a tech...so i pitched it in the bin. I also had a bit of an issue with it saying "gibson" on the head..even tho it looked like the inlay was done by a severely handicapped child with a butter knife. I kinda wish I'd kept it now...woulda made for a great video 😂
helpful video but your comparative video is out of focus and not centered so can't really see what you were talking about
Ibanez, Burny, Tokia and Aria made the best knock offs. The only difference is that they put their company name on it instead of Gibson. My 1977 Aria Pro II Les Paul custom in a complete copy of the Norlin Gibson. Or should I say Jibson? Hey! Is that a late 80's Charvel? Looks fantastic!
Those Ibanez Les Paul are sometimes better then the actual Gibson
Don't forget Greco and Navigator lawsuit era brands
Some of the shops in China are getting better at it by offering fret binding and small post abr 1 bridges. Ive seen a few that actually are up to par with some of Gibsons guitars. Look under the truss rod cover also if your not sure.
But also , I dont think the Chibsons are offered with a nitro cellulose finish.
what does one look at under the truss rod cover?
@P R Primarily the truss rod adjustment bolt itself. Gibsons have a nut-style truss rod that requires a 5/16” special nut driver to adjust. Most of the Chibsons take an Allen wrench like the Epiphones do.
Good video. Like my Chibson anyways and was way cheaper than 10 to 30 thousand USD. I was wondering what you think of chambered aluminum body guitars. Found a kit, a BexGears Koloss carbon fiber neck in black, blue or silver, Strat style aluminum guitar kit for like $350USD on Amazon. I like to build guitars and customize, but this thing is simply screwed together? Seems to have a mini toggle for coils split too. Body shape looks like a style cut that Prince would have approved of.
I demo’ed one on my channel awhile back, and I wasn’t kind to them. I really wanted to like those guitars, but they’re so loaded with defects, they have the shittiest bridge design ever, and the “carbon fiber” necks are actually a carbon fiber alloy mixed with a cheap plastic that warp from heating up under something as simple as stage lighting. (Philip McKnight demonstrated that on his channel.) The best thing about those guitars is the really nice gig bag that they come with. Like I said, I really wanted to like them, but unfortunately they’re just garbage guitars.
@@RobertWJackson Okay, thanks! Good info.
i recently got ripped off with a fake lp custom the pick ups had been changed to seymour duncans but ,everything else looked perfect,fret nbs,,seriel number,etc.it was perfect in everyway.it even had all the case candy....it was only when i took off the truss rod cover i got that sinking feeling..gibson truss rods are pretty unique compared to other brands.and this looked aweful...shame really cos it plays and sounds great,
stay safe buddy
😡
Good explanation
Rather a "real fake" than a Fake?
There is a lot off Videos on this subject
Hi Robert. I always call the Henry J mess “The Unpleasantness”.
That’s a fitting description. LOL
@@RobertWJackson I have a Les Paul and 335. I’ve been playing Gibsons for 40 years, but Gibson guitars became really bad and it disgusted me. I bought a Core PRS a year ago and it’s so well built. I’m looking for a PRS with a trem now. I’m a total convert to modern guitars. F*#k Gibson! Thanks for the video, Robert. Cheers, Max.
Stamped in ?
Lazer Cut more like it
k
You know how I can tell if a guitar is fake when its in my hands? It doesnt have Fender Stratocaster written on it!!!!!!!!
k
Moron
@@locnes2133 So you think looking up the neck pocket fender numbers, seeing if the Fender logo on the headstock looks correct, plus the fender words writing on each saddle piece or how about the correct fender used pots and pickups with markings from what fender uses/buys, makes me a moron? Is that all you have to bring to the conversation is "idiotic low brow" statements? Don't you have anything constructive to contribute?
You saved me 1,000$ today, thank you!
You’re welcome!
👍 up robert
Good morning Robert
China could do us all a favour by renaming their fake Gibson to Chibson on the headstock lmao!!
That is amazing. How did you come to own the fake one? I want fake stuff.
A buddy gave it to me years ago.
Don't buy counterfeit shit.
Slash plays a fake Gibson guitar..
Gibson even copied it..
What is your honest views about chibson...
Why do you ask? Do you own one?
@@RobertWJackson no bro i have an idea to buy ...
Do you like it?
@@RobertWJackson yes ji...
Then who cares what I think! If you like it’s and you can swing the investment, go buy it! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Gibson suck now. It's not the same now. You can never find one that's setup correctly . Over priced to for what they are. Sorry but that's the truth....
Real Gibson's are now rubbish so take your pick
I was at a
I ment to say that I checked out a Chinese copy that was made for my granddaughters father in law. It had been made for him by a luther in Chine. I was taken back because it was even bound over the fret ends like Gibsons. Honestly I couldn't tell it wasn't genuine. Great channel.
#6 Bonus: If the guitar HAS NO QC problems, definitively is CHINESE:-7
I always look on the headstock too. If it says Res Paul Model that is a pretty safe assumption that it is not a real Gibson. Slash has a non Gibson that was made in California that he used to record the "Destruction" LP.
just saying its 'off' isnt helpful. theyre arbitrary shapes and typefaces. what makes it off? is the letter wider slimmer shorter? is the binding less consistent? some variance is good if expected/
So, in other words, you simply just didn’t pay attention when I pointed out exactly what is off about the fake one? Did you even watch the video?
@@RobertWJackson I paid full attention to your low vocabulary attempt at using adjectives and descriptive language, the whole video. its not difficult to sit passively using basic comprehension skills yes
Well, then clearly you’re a liar. Otherwise you wouldn’t have posted that diatribe of bullshit - TWICE 🤦🏻♂️ - much less tried to blame it on me by finding something else to troll about.
Finally when you get close enough it's blurry and out of focus.
Please review your video before posting. You hold the head stock closer to camera to show what to look for. Would have been helpful to be able to see … instead of out of focus or off screen. Good topic good material just not presented in a way. That’s very watchable because the parts that you’re supposed to be able to see to tell if it’s a fake or not you can’t see it either out of focus or off camera which you would’ve noticed, reviewed it more carefully before you published it
Gotta love shooting video on an iPhone! 🤣🤣🤣
Hi.
k
I ended up with a Chibson today I thought the price was wonky it was 875 dollars the music shop said it was on consignment and that the guy changed the pickups to Symore Duncans honestly it had everything that was real on your video but the logo and diamond were off I thought i was getting the real deal but I guess it was to good to be true
Did you go get your money back?
@Robert Jackson I plan to when i get back from vacation 930 I could get a Older Les Paul Studio
None of your close-ups are in camera shot they're out of View how can we know what a real Gibson headstock looks like if you don't put it in the camera view??? Didn't you review your video before you posted it. Just asking
k
Sure would've been nice if ya posted BOTH images of the headstock of each at the same time, for a highly detailed comparison. Unless someone has a lot of experience, it's hard to remember the differences in the headstocks unless ya post them side by side. Not trying to be disrespectful, I know you're trying to help everyone.
It’s in the thumbnail, bro. 🤦🏻♂️
I know a guy that is ordering chibsons but he is having an epiphone logo put on them selling like hot cakes 😂 you can order them to look just like the inspired by gibson paperwork serial number and an epiphone case for about 400 he usually gets 900 for them just warning everyone to watch out if you buy a second hand epiphone
Why have you not reported him to the authorities? Especially if you KNOW he’s committing fraud and ripping people off?
Why are you showing the headstocks when you're not showing the headstocks?
k
@@RobertWJackson 4:25 .
if gibsons had better quality control ...you should be able to tell its fake soon as you play the first chord
That doesn’t make any sense at all. LOL
@@RobertWJackson ?? ya ,you must be an amercan if that is your semblence of a retort
It wasn’t a retort. It was an observation that what you said doesn’t make any sense. And there’s nothing wrong with being an American.
Hello robert.... can you sell me cheap that fake gibson of yours? Here in my country we can even afford to own a real gibson junior even with our yearly salaries.... for like us factory yearly salary workers here is about RM10 - 11000 a year and a real gibson junior is RM12000 a piece...😅😅😅
Sure. Buy it via the eBay listing.
@@RobertWJackson have you list it robert... thanx
Nope.
Your so called authentic is fake has on bell on top three screws
No it’s not, dipshit. I even have the receipt with the serial number to prove it. You should actually KNOW what you’re talking about before you type out something stupid like this. 🤣🤣🤣🤦🏻♂️ #StupidPeopleExplainThingsToMe
@@RobertWJackson How do you know if a Gibson les paul junior electric is fake? there is one for sale in my area and they are claiming that it is a vintage guitar. There is no serial number on the head stock is the serial number somewhere else? Very good video very interesting and informative.
Thank you
There’s a number of ways to tell. The headstock shape, the logo, the serial number, the fretwork, etc.
Most of your photos of serial numbers are off camera you really shouldn't look at your videos before you publish
k
Is this a joke ??? This video is SO badly made 8t must be a joke 😂
#TRIGGERED 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I paid 150 for a fake and it is better than your 7,000 dollar Gibson. I wont ever run from and great deal .So to the real 👎and to the Chibson👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🇯🇲🇯🇲👍👍👍👍👍
$200 for a Epi class guitar with anything on the head is fine with me.
5 ways to identify a Ghibson....
1. It stays in tune...
2. The bridge and string mount are copies of the better Epiphone design.
3. Volume knob angles.
4. Head stock shape.
5. You could afford to buy and upgrade it......