Look for small differences in the Gibson logo, as pictured here
 

The growing problem, originating out of China, has been reviewed by the U.S. Trade Commission and currently has the attention of Washington. China regularly defends its record in fighting piracy and counterfeit production of merchandise, however many pirated consumer products continue to be sold in various Chinese cities which affect a multitude of international manufacturers across many categories.

“We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our consumers and the integrity of our family of brands,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. “We hope that by issuing this warning our consumers will be armed with the right information to protect themselves and understand what they need to do to insure that what they are purchasing is, indeed, an authentic Gibson instrument.”

Consumers can check any of the references below when examining a Gibson guitar in an effort to insure its authenticity:

-Make sure the size is not undersized

-The headstock and headstock logo should match those of authentic Gibson guitars

-Pearl should always be inlaid

-Les Paul Model script is always in cursive

-If the guitar has a 3 screw truss rod it is not authentic

-Check the control and pick up cavities for sloppy routing or wiring

-Real Gibson guitars use one piece necks

-Many fake Gibsons have their pickup cavities painted black inside

-If purchasing a Gibson always ask for the Gibson’s Owner Manual and Gibson/Warranty Inspection Card

-Check the wiring, if it is plastic it isn’t a true Gibson

Other information on spotting a fake guitar can be found on gibson.com

Auction web sites currently have hundreds of instruments which resemble Gibson Guitars and other brands. Some even feature trademarked headstocks and logos. Many of these items carry a very low sale price but exorbitant shipping costs. Upon close inspection the guitars will not feel or sound like a true Gibson and most are not of good standard of quality overall. If a guitar is up for an auction for a straight price or a fraction of what one would cost typically, the consumer is taking a great chance in purchasing it. Gibson Guitar warns against such action. Consumers should be wary of such sales that also offer shipping prices that are more than the guitar.

Illegal merchandise entering the country offer great damages on many levels; and counterfeiting in the United States is a serious crime punishable in a court of law. By Federal statutes, selling and also owning counterfeit merchandise is a felony. By issuing this warning, Gibson Guitar hopes to educate its loyal consumers about such wrongdoings and protect them. For more information on how to protect themselves and report incidents, consumers should contact their local policing agency and can also go to www.ic3.gov.

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