The New FAKE Epi thread
Looks like it probably reads FT-120, or 125, since Epiphone only had ''FT'' models in the ''F'' series. I couldn't see anything else on the label. This is just my opinion.
Hi,
I have this Epiphone Les Paul Custom from 2008 and I'm wondering whether it's a fake. I bought it brand new back in 2008 off of eBay for £165, which is what makes me think it could be a fake. It was a bidding auction and as far as I remember it arrived from China.
I only used it for a couple of weeks and then it ended up in my parents' loft, where it spent the last 13 years. Being stuck at home for 10 months in a row now makes me want to start playing again, but I'm not sure whether I will make myself a favour by learning on something that may or may not be a decent quality instrument.
I am a complete newbie and unable to judge it, but a colleague who knows a few chords said it feels okay to play - nothing immediately ringing a bell such as a bent neck for example.
Any help will be appreciated
I have this Epiphone Les Paul Custom from 2008 and I'm wondering whether it's a fake. I bought it brand new back in 2008 off of eBay for £165, which is what makes me think it could be a fake. It was a bidding auction and as far as I remember it arrived from China.
I only used it for a couple of weeks and then it ended up in my parents' loft, where it spent the last 13 years. Being stuck at home for 10 months in a row now makes me want to start playing again, but I'm not sure whether I will make myself a favour by learning on something that may or may not be a decent quality instrument.
I am a complete newbie and unable to judge it, but a colleague who knows a few chords said it feels okay to play - nothing immediately ringing a bell such as a bent neck for example.
Any help will be appreciated
Davis Sharp
Well-Known Member
Hi and welcome to Epi-Talk. Can you give us a close-up of the front of the headstock? Sorry to say, the large EE in the serial is one characteristic of fakes. The size of the "GROVER" stamp seems inconsistent, but that can be the light or angle. Others can weigh in.
That being said, it might not be a poor quality guitar. Change the strings and if you're handy with tools, you can watch videos on how to set up a Les Paul or take it to your local guitar shop. Basically, that adjusts the neck, string height, and tuning. Iff it holds its tune and plays well then you should enjoy it.
£165 for a guitar is not a large loss. But an auction for a brand new guitar is a red flag. No guitar company will allow their instruments to be sold that way.
Best wishes and enjoy the rediscovery.
That being said, it might not be a poor quality guitar. Change the strings and if you're handy with tools, you can watch videos on how to set up a Les Paul or take it to your local guitar shop. Basically, that adjusts the neck, string height, and tuning. Iff it holds its tune and plays well then you should enjoy it.
£165 for a guitar is not a large loss. But an auction for a brand new guitar is a red flag. No guitar company will allow their instruments to be sold that way.
Best wishes and enjoy the rediscovery.
Like Davis said, the large EE in the serial is THE first alarm bell on Epiphone fakes. Another one is the position of the screw on the pickguard face. Your's is too close to the edge to be legit. Center ridge on tuner buttons: fake.
But as a beginner's guitar, if properly set-up it can provide you hours of fun.
But as a beginner's guitar, if properly set-up it can provide you hours of fun.
Paruwi
Kraut-Rocker
sorry, Yes it is a FAKE
Epi never ever made a custom in this color and there are other signs of it being faked
and
welcome here @ €piTalk
Thank you all, this is very helpful. As the guitar is still at my parents' house abroad, I won't bother posting it but will get a new one, from a proper musical instrument store. I may bring it when I visit and use it to teach myself how to set it up properly (I've already watched some videos about it)
The headstock picture is below and now that I'm looking at it, the logo appears oddly off to one side.
The headstock picture is below and now that I'm looking at it, the logo appears oddly off to one side.
Anthony David Pulse
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Can a Zakk Wylde guitar's serial begin with an I?
Paruwi
Kraut-Rocker
Yes, some of the early ones had been made at the korean Saein factory,
so I05 - I08 is possible
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Z Roberts
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A couple of days ago I found an Epiphone Les Paul for sale on Craigslist. It was disassembled but included all parts and was priced at $100.00 and the first thing I thought of was this thread. Came here to check on the signs of a fake Epi and by the time I got back to Craigslist the listing was gone. I don't remember the details in the photos (I had intended to compare back and forth with the photos here) but I'm pretty sure it was a fake.
Raiyn
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It can, but post pictures here and you'll know for sure if it's live or Memorex.
Paruwi
Kraut-Rocker
Plastic still on pickguard after 10 years ? Who does that ?
He bought it to learn guitar and never did and kept it in the case in the basement! All stickers and papers are still available it is in mint condition ! What do u think?
Paruwi
Kraut-Rocker
just make it clear you like the fret-marker dots on the gold-sparkle binding....
they are not that easy to spot, at least for my old eyes
I prefer white binding with black fret-markers
I think you should get it if it floats your boat. I'm not bling oriented.
Will do tomorrow, it would be a nice epi to add to the collection
You're right, it would be way better in black , it's just a different and rare guitar ,at least where i live .
