Decoding the Authenticity: A Comprehensive Guide on Spotting Fake Gibson Guitars

For guitar enthusiasts and collectors, the allure of owning an authentic Gibson guitar is unmatched. However, with the popularity and value of Gibson instruments, the market is flooded with counterfeit replicas attempting to deceive unsuspecting buyers. Spotting a fake Gibson guitar requires a keen eye, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of the characteristics that define a genuine Gibson instrument. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key aspects to help you confidently identify and avoid counterfeit Gibson guitars.

1. Serial Numbers: The Backbone of Authenticity

Gibson assigns unique serial numbers to each of its guitars, providing a crucial clue to their authenticity. Fake Gibson guitars often have poorly replicated serial numbers. Here’s what to look for:

• Location: Genuine Gibson serial numbers are typically located on the back of the headstock, above the tuners.
• Font and Style: Pay attention to the font, spacing, and alignment. Genuine Gibson serial numbers are clear, evenly spaced, and adhere to a specific font style.
• Inconsistencies: Counterfeit guitars may have inconsistent font sizes, misaligned numbers, or lack the Gibson logo accompanying the serial number.
• Application: The serial numbers are stamped in on a real Gibson. The fakes will often be routed out and too deep. The stamping on a real Gibson is done before the finish.

2. Headstock Logo: Precision Matters

Gibson’s headstock logo is a hallmark of authenticity and craftsmanship. Fake Gibson guitars often struggle to replicate the logo accurately:

• Font and Spacing: Genuine Gibson logos feature a specific font with consistent spacing between letters. Counterfeits may display variations in font style, size, and spacing. Sometimes, the “G” will be leaning slightly on the fake, as well as the inlay material is not correct.
• Alignment: Check the alignment of the Gibson logo and other elements on the headstock. Genuine Gibson guitars have precise and centered logos.

3. Truss Rod Cover: A Small Detail with Big Significance

The truss rod cover on a Gibson guitar is a small but crucial detail often overlooked by counterfeiters. Genuine Gibson truss rod covers have specific characteristics:

• Engraving: Authentic covers feature clean, precise engraving with deep, well-defined letters. Counterfeit covers may have shallow or poorly executed engraving.
• Spacing: Check the spacing between the letters and the edges of the cover. Genuine Gibson truss rod covers have consistent and balanced spacing.
• Truss Rod nut: The truss rod nut on a real Les Paul is brass with a cone shape. Fakes may use an Allen bolt or any other common truss rod adjustment mechanism. The Gibson has a single action truss rod.

4. Inlays and Binding: Craftsmanship Revealed

Gibson guitars are renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship, particularly in the inlays and binding. Counterfeit guitars often struggle to replicate these details:

• Inlay Materials: Genuine Gibson guitars use high-quality materials for inlays, such as mother-of-pearl and abalone. Counterfeits may use inferior materials that lack the depth and luster of the real thing.
• Binding: Examine the binding on the neck and body. Authentic Gibsons feature carefully applied, evenly spaced binding. Counterfeit guitars may have inconsistencies in binding width and quality.
• Binding and frets: On real Gibsons, the binding goes over the fret ends (not all models). Fakes will nearly always have the binding cut flush to the top of the fretboard. NOTE: If the guitar was re-fretted at some point, these portions of the binding could have been removed.

5. Finish and Color: Aesthetic Consistency Matters

Gibson pays meticulous attention to the finish and color of its guitars. Counterfeit instruments may fall short in achieving the same level of aesthetic consistency:

• Sunburst Finishes: Gibson is known for its iconic sunburst finishes. Counterfeits may have poorly executed sunbursts with uneven color transitions and inconsistencies.
• Paint Quality: Genuine Gibsons have a high-quality paint finish with a deep luster. Counterfeit guitars may exhibit paint imperfections, orange peel texture, or a lack of gloss.

6. Hardware and Electronics: Authentic Components Tell the Tale

Genuine Gibson guitars are equipped with high-quality hardware and electronics. Counterfeit instruments often cut corners in these areas:

• Tuners: Genuine Gibson guitars feature quality tuners and bridges with the Gibson logo. Counterfeit guitars may have generic or poorly imitated hardware. Fake Grover tuners will have a “Lazy” “Gover” emblem on them, and will not look evenly spaced or right.
• Bridge: When examining a fake Les Paul, the tailpiece is often further away from the bridge than on a real Les Paul. For instance, you will see the gap between the two will be more.
• Bridge Height Adjustment: The way you increase the action height of the bridge on a real Gibson is by a wheel under the bridge on its posts. On a fake Les Paul, there will be a slot you can raise the bridge with from the top.
• Electronics: Examine the pickups, controls, and wiring. Genuine Gibson guitars use quality components, while counterfeits may have inferior electronics with noticeable differences in appearance and performance. The wiring will not have quick-connect clips on a real Gibson. The wiring will also be minimal. Fakes will often have excessive wire lengths. Generally speaking, there will be some kind of plate shaped like the cavity under the electronics.
• Knobs: Look closely at the location of the knobs for the tone and volume. Many times the fakes have the knobs too far back or too far forward.

7. Weight and Feel: Trust Your Instincts

While not a foolproof method, the weight and feel of a guitar can provide additional clues to its authenticity:

• Materials: Genuine Gibson guitars use high-quality tonewoods, contributing to a specific weight and feel. Counterfeits may use inferior materials, resulting in a noticeable difference in weight and balance.
• Build Quality: Trust your instincts and consider the overall build quality. Authentic Gibson guitars showcase precision and attention to detail, while counterfeits may exhibit inconsistencies and flaws.

8. Woodworking differences

Many times a fake Les Paul will be made of one piece of wood for the neck. This generally isn’t the case for a real Les Paul. The real Les Paul headstock will have “wings” where two small pieces of wood have been glued to the sides.

9. Purchase Venue: Choose Reputable Sellers

Where you buy your Gibson guitar plays a significant role in ensuring authenticity. Be cautious when purchasing from:

• Online Marketplaces: Exercise caution when buying from online platforms. Reputable sellers provide detailed information and photos, while counterfeit sellers may use generic images.
• Unverified Dealers: Purchase from authorized Gibson dealers or well-established music stores. Avoid unverified sellers with limited or no reputation in the guitar community.

Conclusion: Arm Yourself with Knowledge

Spotting a fake Gibson guitar requires a combination of knowledge, attention to detail, and a healthy dose of skepticism. So, familiarize yourself with the specific characteristics of genuine Gibson instruments, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from experienced players or guitar technicians. Remember that authenticating a Gibson guitar is a holistic process that involves examining multiple aspects, from serial numbers to finish details. Moreover, by arming yourself with knowledge, you can confidently navigate the guitar market and ensure that your Gibson is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and authenticity.

As time goes by, just like counterfeit money, the fakes are looking closer and closer to the real deal. So, do your due diligence before any purchase.