abilbay 6 Posted September 10, 2013 Report Share Posted September 10, 2013 I am wanting to buy some used 57 Classic pickups, but don't want to get ripped off. I can't afford new ones so I have been looking on Craigslist and have seen some at good prices. I have been afraid of buying them used because I don't want any fakes. Is there a way to tell the real ones form fakes just by looking and close examination? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cjsinla 47 Posted September 10, 2013 Report Share Posted September 10, 2013 1378782509[/url]' post='1423432']I am wanting to buy some used 57 Classic pickups, but don't want to get ripped off. I can't afford new ones so I have been looking on Craigslist and have seen some at good prices. I have been afraid of buying them used because I don't want any fakes. Is there a way to tell the real ones form fakes just by looking and close examination? Yes but it helps if the covers are not on. It would involve looking at all the various components and measuring the assistance of the windings. My advice to you is to try and find as many pictures of these types of pick ups as you can and get very familiar with them first. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cabba2203 69 Posted September 10, 2013 Report Share Posted September 10, 2013 I've never pulled mine to look but going by pictures online, on the back it should have the retro "Patent" sticker and then a white sticker with pickup model name "57 Classic" and a date code. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
btoth76 337 Posted September 10, 2013 Report Share Posted September 10, 2013 Hello! Sorry for the crappy cell-phone photo, but - I hope - the signs are visible enough. Everything should be as Cabba said: Cheers... Bence Quote Link to post Share on other sites
665 0 Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 If it's an older set (pre 2000ish) it will have a brass baseplate with a retro looking "Gibson" engraved. I wouldn't worry too much about it. As long as it is branded Gibson or has a sticker reading "Patent Applied For" you should be fine. Pickups aren't commonly faked. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
badbluesplayer 706 Posted September 11, 2013 Report Share Posted September 11, 2013 I have heard that some fakes have lousy PAF stickers and that you can tell some of them by the stickers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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