| Fake Gibson guitars are flooding the market. While | | | | techniques may evolve, this is currently a good |
| Gibson has successfully sued a number of | | | | way to screen for fakes. |
| competing guitar manufacturers over the years, | | | | 3. Is the Pearl Inlaid? If the pearl looks cheap or |
| this new breed of phony axes are coming from | | | | "on top" of the guitar instead of inlaid, watch out. |
| China. Lawsuits are difficult, and online retailers | | | | 4. Price Too Good to be True? Then it is. You |
| facilitate the flow of these counterfeit goods. | | | | simply will not find a real Gibson is decent shape |
| If you get one of the counterfeits in your hands, | | | | on the the market in the $300 price range unless |
| the poor craftsmanship will make it obvious that | | | | it's stolen or phony. |
| you're not holding the real thing. If you're buying | | | | 5. When all else fails, contact Gibson Customer |
| online, however, heed these 5 tips: | | | | Service at 1-800-4GIBSON. These guys know |
| 1. Ask the Seller Where the Guitar Was Made. All | | | | their stuff. |
| Gibsons are made in the USA, and sellers of fake | | | | As counterfeiters evolve, the difference between |
| Gibsons often make the mistake of admitting the | | | | fake and real Gibsons may narrow. Always trust |
| guitar for sale was made overseas. This is any | | | | your instincts and seek out the latest information |
| easy giveaway to look for, especially if the sale | | | | online. |
| originates in China. | | | | The safest bet? Buy from an Authorized Gibson |
| 2. Look for 2 Screws on the Truss Rod Cover. | | | | dealer, online or in person. |
| The fakes often have 3 screws on them. While | | | | |