Guitars at Usagibsons.com?

[KennyK]

Hi there,

 

I am thinking of buying a Gibson LP from usagibsons.com either through eBay or off ebay, but I know it's always risky to not buy something in a store that is an official dealer and so on. Could you take a look at the photos and/or site and tell me if you think they are genuine gibson les pauls?

 

http://usagibsons.com/gallery/N07024/ (I am thinking of buying this one)

http://usagibsons.com/gallery/N07021/ (or this one)

 

I just don't have the budget to buy a new Gibson LP standard in a shop in my country (Belgium) or in Hollland; where you pay at least 2200-2400 EUROS for one, unless you manage to find a Gibson LP Standard faded for 1500EUROS.

 

The above image galleries seem real, they look like real Gibson LP standards **TO ME** but I only have my brother's guitar to compare with and have no real experience with seeing if guitars are real or not.

 

Could you guys take a look at the above galleries? I don't find much information online about usagibsons.com, except that they are listed on multiple (less known) directories/sites where you can compare prices for Gibson guitars.

 

ps: In the galleries you can't view the serial number, it is made invisible. I just asked for a picture of the serial number and the year the guitar was manufactured. I heard you can then find out through Gibson if it's a genuine LP guitar or not?

[Mark]

You should call Gibson and ask if they are an online retailer. I have not heard of them

but check it out for yourself.

 

I think its a good idea for them to make the serial # invisiable, it keeps real # from getting out.

 

For that price I would be cautious but they look ligit, but anyone can copy and paste a picture

 

Good Luck

 

Mark

[KennyK]

I asked them for pictures of the gibson owner manual and warranty inspection card and asked if they could show me a photo of the serial, they just replied to me pretty fast with:

 

"We can gladly provide a picture of the Gibson Owner's Manual and the Warranty Inspection Card, and provide a partial picture of the serial number to you personally; if you could provide us with an e-mail address to send it to then that can easily be done however we don't modify the galleries on our auctions.

 

The Guitar you've enquired about is a late '06 model, and so is one of the last to be made without Gibson's new chambered body. "

 

So I wonder, is there a way to find out - based on the fact that it's a 06 model and half of the serial number - if it is real?

 

I don't know if they are official online retailers, they state they are "private importers", anyone more familiar with this?

 

On youtube you can view these videos, don't know if it helps:

http://youtube.com/user/USAGibsons

[Ignatius]

Hey KennyK--

 

Welcome to the forum! I hope we can help you a bit here.

 

Just to be clear: a dealer does not need to be an authorized Gibson dealer to sell used Gibsons. In theory, one could sell only used Gibsons and have only Gibson supplies and parts in your shop and still be a legitimate dealer even if not authorized. The authorized dealer issue only involves sales of new Gibson guitars.

 

So, here is the easy way to check your information. When you go to the main Gibson website (click on the word Gibson in my sentence to go there), you can then choose "products" or "lifestyle." If you choose products, you go to a page where you find yourself at the main corporate Gibson USA website and then in the upper left part of the page, you will find a dropdown menu that you can click on to pick the official Gibson corporate websites for other countries. In each country's page, you can click on a link "dealers" (upper right hand side of page), and you will then be taken to a list of the currently authorized dealers for new Gibson guitars in that country. Here is a quick link to Gibson UK: Gibson UK website.

 

This is where your question gets interesting: unless I missed them when I looked, USAGibsons.com is NOT listed as an authorized dealer, and this is interesting because the main page of the website you showed us said that they import used and NEW Gibson guitars. (Please check the list yourself to verify.) Even if they are only the web face of a legitimate authorized dealer, I believe they need to list the website as authorized to sell as well. In other words, at least in the United States, only certain dealers can sell new Gibson guitars over the internet. Most authorized dealers are NOT allowed to do internet sales of new guitars. And if they do (again, at least in the United States), then the warranty on those guitars is invalid. Gibson considers it a used guitar. (This could be different in the UK, though, because Gibson handles warranty issues through regional distributors in countries other than the United States.)

 

I should add that after looking at the site again, I see that they never once say on the main page that they are an authorized Gibson dealer. If not, they should NOT be selling new Gibsons. And if they are acting fishy with the new ones, then I get skeptical about the used guitars as well. These still could be real Gibsons, but I would need a LOT more info before dealing with these people, based on what I've seen.

 

If UK guitars are cheaper for you, you would be better off calling or emailing some of the authorized dealers on the official Gibson UK dealer list and then emailing them a copy of a picture of the very Les Paul you want. If they are authorized, they should be able to find it for you, new or used, in the coming months, and then you will have peace of mind.

 

The other option is to visit local used guitar dealers in your area and let them know you are in the market for a Les Paul: be very specific with pictures and price you want to pay, and then a good used dealer will be on the lookout for one for you.

 

Just my two cents.

 

Ignatius

[KennyK]

Well, thanks for your detailed comment.

Prices in the UK aren't really cheaper in general, it's only this site/ebay seller that seems to offer pretty low prices for "NEW" gibsons. The prices are pretty close to what people would pay for 'used' guitars, that's why I thought this could be a good deal.

 

I've already heard about people in my country that let a container come from the States, with real Gibson LP'S usa guitars, though I think that's not particularly legal. Of course I don't know how usagibsons.com gets their 'new gibsons' and in what way they are allowed to sell them.

 

I was already looking forward to buying one of those beautiful guitars for a pretty low price (a few 100 euros cheaper than what I would pay here in my or surrounding countries). As I don't know how much dealers/shops actually pay for a gibson (and how much they need to sell it for to break-even) I don't really have a clue which prices are suspicious and which aren't.

 

A new les paul standard in belgium or holland usually goes for 2200-2300-2400EUROS, depending on the store; while the guitars at usagibsons would cost me 1600-1800EUROS.

 

Some part of me says " I don't care where they got those gibsons, as long as they are 100% sure real gibson les paul guitars, they look like on the pictures and they actually ship those guitars instead of ripping me off, I'll be glad to buy one", but then again you always keep wondering and having doubts.

[sunburstfaded]

I haven't had direct experience of this seller but I know of him and the guitars would appear to be genuine USA Gibsons. The reason they are so cheap is because they are being imported directly from the USA and due to the strength of the pound against the dollar, he can undercut the bigboys and still make a few pounds on each deal.

[ibis]

I doubt that Gibson warranty will apply if they are 'grey imports'. I haven't checked the site thoroughly, does it mention warranty? If not, you should ask before buying.

[KennyK]

I haven't had direct experience of this seller but I know of him and the guitars would appear to be genuine USA Gibsons. The reason they are so cheap is because they are being imported directly from the USA and due to the strength of the pound against the dollar' date=' he can undercut the bigboys and still make a few pounds on each deal.[/quote']

 

Thanks for joining this forum just today and replying on my topic. Are you in any way affiliated with them?

That dollar-pounds thing makes sense. I'll see if they give warranty or not.

[Raptor]

As far as I know Rosetti is the UK distributer for Gibson, at least they were. All the warranty work has to be done through the distributor. The front page of the site says he is a private importer and seller. So even if you buy a 'new' unplayed guitar from them, you would be in fact buying a used guitar and would get no warranty what so ever. I suggest you send an e-mail to Gibson and ask them directly about this issue. Here is the Gibson UK site http://www.gibsoneurope.com/smartsite.dws?id=5509 I do not see them listed in the authroized dealers for UK section.

[sunburstfaded]

No I am not in any way connected with them but I have had dealings with the guy who runs the MIJ Fenders operation and I believe the Gibson site is run by his son. They have a very good reputation here in the UK. I have actually bought guitars from the USA into the UK and the savings, after paying tax, VAT etc are still better than buying from a UK main dealer. And in all the Gibsons and Fenders I've ever bought, I've never yet had a warranty issue...touch wood! PS I've actually been with this forum for a while but had to re-enlist today cos I forgot my logon details.

[sunburstfaded]

Oops, just spotted Raptor's comment. Rosetti WERE the UK Gibson distributor but Gibson are now setting up their own operation. One result of this is that quite a lot of the UK Gibson dealers are selling off Gibsons for way below the normal price. I have seen Peter Cooks in London selling SG Standards new for £699!

[Ignatius]

KennyK--

 

It appears that you are getting a lot of helpful information here. I would only add that the only major benefit to buying new is the warranty (in my mind, anyway, and not including of course the right to put your own nicks and bruises into the guitar). Don't be too quick to dismiss it; it's like health insurance: it never matters to you until you really need it, and then you wish desperately that it covered even more!

 

There is a thread somewhere around here in the forum concerning an Italian buyer who bought a new guitar that was from an unauthorized dealer. When it arrived, the neck was rather out of line, but because there was no warranty, there was nothing he could do if the dealer chose not to fix the problem. That's not the best feeling when you've just dumped so much money into a supposedly new instrument. Warranties are very helpful when buying over the internet.

 

Ignatius

[KennyK]

It's still a tough decision to make. If I would be sure to receive a 100% working guitar (and if not, to get it fixed for free) I wouldn't hesitate.

[Silverbursted]

KennyK

From the Gibson Custom site I was able to select Belgium from the list of European distributors and it directed me to:

 

Electric Sound BV

Radioweg 5

1324 KW Almere

The Netherlands

Tel: 011-31-36 5460 024

Fax: 011-31-36 5460 029

 

I realize you are not looking for a custom, but at least they can point you in the right direction.

 

Good luck

[1773lx]

Hi there' date='

 

I just don't have the budget to buy a new Gibson LP standard in a shop in my country (Belgium) or in Hollland; where you pay at least 2200-2400 EUROS for one, unless you manage to find a Gibson LP Standard faded for 1500EUROS.

 

[/quote']

 

Hi,

 

I'm from Rome (Italy).

It seems to me there's not a big difference between UK£1,580 and EU€2,200.

 

In other words, if I had to buy a guitar WITHOUT looking at her BEFORE (and getting my fingers on it BEFORE), then I would choose a definitely cheaper way - i.e.: e-bay. Once you take the risk, at least risk as least as you can!

 

Here in Italy you can find a Standard for minimum €1,950 - which is less than £1,580...

So my suggestion would be: either you can wait for having the right amount and get it "live" from Belgium or you join an auction on e-bay for maximum $1,500 (if mint) or $1,300 (if clearly used).

[KennyK]

Hi 1773lx,

 

Well, there's quite a difference between 1225-1385GBP and 2200-2300EUR, its around 400+ EURO difference, which is a lot. The price of 1900EUR you are talking about, is that for a brand 'new' Gibson LP standard with warranty from an official dealer? But then again there might be additional shipping costs as well?

[1773lx]

Hi 1773lx' date='

 

Well, there's quite a difference between 1225-1385GBP and 2200-2300EUR, its around 400+ EURO difference, which is a lot. The price of 1900EUR you are talking about, is that for a brand 'new' Gibson LP standard with warranty from an official dealer? But then again there might be additional shipping costs as well?

 

[/quote']

 

Sorry,

 

you were right - it's £1,225 for this week. Which could even authorize you to jump on a train and go directly to England and buy it.

I repeat: for that difference of price (only 400 Euro) I wouldn't risk a mail-order.

It's a black-box anyway, and you might co-live with the wrong guitar for the rest of your life!

 

Yes: LP Standard, new, 1,950 Euro from an official dealer (normal musical instrument seller), hard-case and COA, all regular. The maximum you get a Standard here is 2,100 Euro.

Of course, if you get it via mail-order you save 10-15%.

 

But again: would you spend that money without a preventive visit?

[warrensax]

Hello Kenny , I can tell you about my experience with usagibsons.com

the simple word they are the best out there I just bought a LP light burst and im so glad with this guitar its just perfect and for the price I pay I feel more than happy the price they offer is just 200 dollars more than in the USA

after spend like 2 months searching in every where here in europe I live in Luxembourg and for to go to germany france or belgium its just takes me less than 30 minutes no joke luxembourg its amazing!!!!! I visit every music shop went to paris the same prices. went to belgium the same, and the cheapest one was in thomann.de 2150 euros for an LP ship to Luxembourg because luxembourg TVA its just 15 porcent

 

anyway I still can afford that amount of money so I was thinking about going to America and buy the guitar there you know with the usa economy problems the differences between euro and dollar its just amazing so I say c'mon lets have some holidays plus I get my guitar

 

in the USA you pay 2500 dollars for LP and that converted to euros its a lot less money

 

but then watching videos in youtube i saw some videos of usagibsons.com and i check the website later and i take a loock at the guitars they have actually they are the only one selling the gibson light burst and for just 20 euros more than in usa thats just amazing Imagine guys the cheapest place in europe was the thomman.de in germany for 2150 euros , and the rest of music shops was around 2400 euros and there in usagibsons.com was 1800 euros the right price I mean is almost the price you pay in the America here in europe they make us loss so much money some examples with the Iphone you pay here 399 euros , in usa 399 dollars and 399 dollars to euros is 200 euros just imagine 199 euros more an iphone in europe , the same with the play station 399 euros in usa 399 dollars video games, instruments,cars, everything

 

 

anyways guys I just loock at the pictures that thet have and they put a lot of pictures of every guitar they have there I call them and talk to Jonathan nice guy by the way ... he make a especial deal tome , the guibson light burst standard plus a free wah wah cry baby

 

so in the end I got my guitar plus a free wah wah that cost 120 euros just the wah wah it was used but like new the wah wah ofcours ...... the guitar was totally new

 

this is the light burst http://usagibsons.com/gallery/N07028/

 

so guys the guitar is a real gibson for a almost an american price the sound its just amazing the sustain its just ridiculous i can stay in one note for ever and ever

 

warrensax@yahoo.com

[longjaw]

Hey, first time poster here - have you not tried Thomann? They are always cheap and I've been very impressed with the service I've had from them in the past - this is their cheapest Gibson LP Standard by their website - http://www.thomann.de/gb/gibson_lp_std_50_faded_tb.htm

 

If anyone can direct me to a UK site that sells LEFT HANDED Les Pauls at a good price please do!

 

Cheers

[Sancho]

I would be very wary of buying a Gibson, sight unseen, from a non-reputed dealer.

Add to that the fact that you may just not like the guitar they send you...

 

If your budget doesn't stretch to a Les Paul Standard, I strongly recommend a Studio. They are pretty affordable right now, and the main advantage is you can go check them out until you find one that really speaks to you.

After all, that's why the Studio was invented : to offer a guitar that has all the features of a Standard, except for some cosmetics.

 

Whereabouts in Belgium are you? Not all stores are created equal, if you catch my drift...

[This one goes to 11]

If you're set on looking at the UK, I recommend buying a copy of Guitarist - they've always got loads of ads from dealers offering specials, to arm youself with some knowledge first. Take a trip across the channel for a weekend and try out a bunch, then see if you can negotiate for cash. Personally I always prefer to play a guitar before I buy it, no matter how much I want it.