While it can be easy to spot the difference, the Chibson copies are getting better. It is OK if you are aware that you are not getting a genuine Gibson, let’s face it Les Paul copies have been around almost as long as the genuine Les Paul. Having said that, you really don’t want to think that you are getting a Gibson when you are not.
Here are some of the things that may make you suspicious, slide left and right to compare.
Serial No
The image on the left is the fake. The genuine LP is stamped and is done before the final finish. The fake number is too well defined.
Truss Rod
Under the cover the genuine Gibson, on the left, will be a Nut and not Hex key (Allen Key) like the Epiphone on the right.
Bridge
The genuine Gibson Tune-o-matic has thumb wheels for adjustments not screwdriver slots at the top of the post
Control Cavity
Small pots are fake, Muti-colour wire and no shielding is usually fake as shown on the right, shielded braid is usually genuine. The finish / paint inside is usually better on a genuine Gibson.
These are perhaps the easier things to spot. You will need to dismantle to check some things. Here is a list of other things to look at.
- Binding – Genuine Frets under the binding
- Body Shape – Top Bout slight difference, Thickness of Body
- Headstock logo – Poor definition
- Nut – Fake too square
- Inlays – Not accurate / poor quality
- Pickups – Remove and examine will show obvious copies
- Jack Plate – Genuine is square and jack is flush, fake usually rectangular and sticks out
I will possible add more photos later.