Feds Seize Over 185 Counterfeit Guitars in NJ

[Jimi Mac]

I think the packaging might have given it away to me at least...

 

Posted on Wednesday, 30 April 2014 5:14 pm.

 

Seizure includes knockoffs of some of the world’s most coveted guitars

 

 

 

Guitars intercepted by U.S. Customs officials include a broad range of instruments and brands. Photo: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

 

Officers of the of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) have nabbed a collection of counterfeit acoustic and electric guitars at the International and Bulk Mail Center in Jersey City, New Jersey. Bearing the trademarks of major brands including Fender, Gibson, Martin, Paul Reed Smith, Taylor, Ernie Ball, and Epiphone, the fakes will be destroyed.

 

Although details are sketchy, the seizure resulted from shoddy packaging and craftsmanship that aroused the suspicion of customs agents. Inspecting the packages, authorities found business cards referencing a website where similar Chinese-made instruments can be bought at prices ranging from $200 to $500. Genuine versions of the intercepted counterfeits would sell from $2,000 to $54,000 according to authorities.

 

Commenting on the seizure, Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations said, “Counterfeit goods pose a serious threat to the consumer and economic loss to American business.”

 

 

Avoiding counterfeit goods

Although most guitarists would quickly spot crudely made fakes such as those seized in New Jersey, they might be taken in by an alluringly low price online accompanied by a glossy photo. Two ways to protect yourself are:

 

1. If the price is too good to be true, it’s most likely a fake. Avoid the temptation to order on the off chance the guitar is the real deal.

 

2. Shop with reputable, manufacturer-authorized dealers such as Musician’s Friend to ensure you’re getting the real thing.

 

 

Personally I take this crime very seriously and think that anyone knowingly purchasing a Chibson or any knock-off trying to pass itself off with a true guitar manufacturers logo is just as guilty as the pirating entities!

 

Nobody needs such a counterfeit! There are plenty of economically viable options for those that cannot afford the real thing that put their own name and logo on their products!

 

While 185 axes isn't even the tip of the iceberg, I'm glad these won't be sold here in The US!

[daveinspain]

The title Of this thread is very misleading, according to what I read Musicians Friend has nothing to do with the counterfeits, on the contrary... They say not to buy from iffy sources but instead seek out the reputable dealers like Musicians Friend. Just sayin'....

[Sitedrifter]

Ditto on the title. Makes it seem like the cops seized the 185 guitars from Musicians Friend. LOL

[moparguy]

"Nobody needs such a counterfeit! There are plenty of economically viable options for those that cannot afford the real thing that put their own name and logo on their products!" Could not have said it better!!!

[badbluesplayer]

Yes, deal with reputable dealers - call Ryan Murphy at Sweetwater . He has what you need, but this one's no longer available as of yesterday -

 

[moparguy]

Yes, deal with reputable dealers - call Ryan Murphy at Sweetwater . He has what you need, but this one's no longer available as of yesterday -

 

mine look exactly like that, its sweeeeet

[RevDavidLee]

I dread to think how many got through that they didn't discover. This angers me as well. Though most of us seasoned players can spot these fakes I worry more about the younger buyers and even the parents of those buying their kids their first guitar thinking they're getting a great deal.

[RevDavidLee]

Yes, deal with reputable dealers - call Ryan Murphy at Sweetwater . He has what you need, but this one's no longer available as of yesterday -

 

 

SWEET!!!