REAL or FAKE Epiphone guitar?

[MattWild]

Hy guys! Thanks for you help so far. I have another question. I´m looking for a cheap EPIPHONE LES PAUL CUSTOM SILVERBURST in Europe. I checked out www.thomann.de, where I bought my Dot, but they´re out of stock. If they would order it for, it would be 650 EUROS. I found severel ebay offers and a UK Onlineshop, where the guitar is offered at a good price. But I´m a little scared of buying a fake, because I read about fake Epiphone guitars around. Have you got any hints for me to buy savely? What do I need to take care of? What do you think about these offers?

 

1. UK - Online Shop / the seller would send me detailed photos. I´m still waiting for them.

http://www.mzonline.co.uk/epiphone-les-paul-custom---silver-burst-limited-edition--152-p.asp

 

2. ebay sellers: There is no guitars listed at the moment, but that changes daily. I send you the sites. If they list an EPIPHONE LES PAUL CUSTOM SILVERBURST again, please have a look and let me know what you think.

http://myworld.ebay.at/bdweq/

http://myworld.ebay.at/bill_qd/

 

Thanks a lot for your help!

Matt

[Ron G]

mzonline is DEFINITELY selling fakes - see the other recent threads. eBay is a crapshoot. Buy from an authorized Epi dealer or take your chances. It's as simple as that.

[Troy Martin]

I'm not the best judge but I'd say it's fake. If it's not, it must be either limited or discontinued, since there's no "Silver Burst" colour for the current LP Customs.

[Mugatu]

I can't see the eBay pages, all I get is this message:

Dieses Angebot () wurde entfernt oder ist nicht mehr verfügbar. Vergewissern Sie sich bitte, dass Sie die richtige Artikelnummer eingegeben haben.

Wenn das Angebot von eBay entfernt wurde, betrachten Sie es bitte als storniert. Hinweis: Angebote, die vor mehr als 90 Tagen beendet wurden, werden bei eBay nicht mehr angezeigt.

I don't speak much German, so I can't work out what the problem is... I gather it's something to do with that article number not being recognised, or no longer available?

 

Anyway, buying from an actual shop in the UK is generally safe. Reputation and trust are watchwords though... what do previous buyers think of the shop? MOST shops wouldn't risk their reputation and business by selling fake guitars. You can always email Gibson and ask if a shop is an approved dealer. If so, you're 100% safe. If not, but the shop is a long established business, you're still very safe in my opinion.

In this case, I think I've seen recent bad publicity regarding MZonline, so I'd avoid them. If in doubt, just stick to an authorised dealer.

 

Buying from eBay can be safe... you just have to be careful.

Is the seller anywhere near to you? If so, go and have a good look at the guitar.

What is the seller's feedback like? If it's good, then that speaks volumes.

Can he give you a serial number? Close up photos?

 

Really, I'd mainly avoid the chinese / far East eBay sellers, but if the seller is in my own country and has a good history and feedback on eBay, then you're probably okay. Ideally, I'd want to get my hands on it before I part with the cash.

 

I'm no expert on this by the way, just my opinion having bought an Epi from eBay before. I was lucky to be living less that 2 hours drive from the seller, and he agreed to bring it to me to inspect. So I wouldn't discount eBay.... there are great bargains to be had, especially in these hard financial times. Just be as careful as you can, and if there is any doubt, walk away.

[MattWild]

The ebay sellers ship from the UK. But I don´t know if they really are from the UK. The MZ Online (UK Shop) guy had some chinese letters in his reply e-mail and bad English too. These things make me a little nervous. UK is still to far away from Austria to test the guitar myself. I will maybe write e-mail to the local music store, but their stock is not that big. The guitar is a limited edition. Lets see. Thanks for more help!!! If you know someone in Europe selling his used one, or a cheap reliable shop, let me know. Thanks for any hints you can give.

 

The ebay guys have no Silverburst in stock at the moment, but here are their sites. They will for sure stock more SIlverburts in the next days. Maybe you can watch out and tell me what you think, if they stock one again.

 

Thanks!

[MattWild]

These are the ebay sellers:

 

http://myworld.ebay.at/bdweq/

http://myworld.ebay.at/bill_qd/

[Ricochet]

Buy with official Epiphone dealers if you're worried about fakes.

Besides Thomann there's Musik Produktiv and the Music Store in Germany, and GAK or Soundslive in the UK.

[pohatu771]

I'm not the best judge but I'd say it's fake. If it's not' date=' it must be either limited or discontinued, since there's no "Silver Burst" colour for the current LP Customs.[/quote']The Silverburst was available about a year ago. The local Guitar Center had one in stock, and all of my catalogues listed them. I have a friend who wanted one.

[Just Strum]

Buy with official Epiphone dealers if you're worried about fakes.

Besides Thomann there's Musik Produktiv and the Music Store in Germany' date=' and GAK or Soundslive in the UK.[/quote']

 

With all of the "fake" threads on this site about Epi LP's, I don't understand why the people even entertain buying on e-bay. The sad thing is, so many post the questions after they make their purchase.

[MattWild]

I´m happy that I haven´t bought one and then asked. I purchased the Dot at thomann.de and I absolutely trust them. I think they are relieble. The offer me the Silverburst Custom for 650 EUROS and I would have to wait abaout 3-4 months. That makes my doubts even greater that someone from the UK offers it for 300 Euros and has lots of them. Thanks for your help. Anyone is welcome to tell me his opinion. I think that I will not buy from ebay sellers and mz online for now. There are many arguments against that. So far.

 

Thanks and thanks again!

[Just Strum]

I´m happy that I haven´t bought one and then asked. I purchased the Dot at thomann.de and I absolutely trust them. I think they are relieble. The offer me the Silverburst Custom for 650 EUROS and I would have to wait abaout 3-4 months. That makes my doubts even greater that someone from the UK offers it for 300 Euros and has lots of them. Thanks for your help. Anyone is welcome to tell me his opinion. I think that I will not buy from ebay sellers and mz online for now. There are many arguments against that. So far.

 

Thanks and thanks again!

 

 

Just a note: I wasn't being critical of you, it just seems that there are one or two of these posts per week. I am not an LP fan, but it seems to be the most counterfeit guitar out there.

[MattWild]

No problem at all. I´m not very experienced with using forums. Maybe I ask questions that people have asked hundred times before. Sorry for that. You can now be quite sure that I will buy from authorized dealers. Thanks a lot again for your help. It´s always hard to accept thet you have to spend 200 EUROS more, but I think I´ll have to accept that, if I want to make sure to get the real Epiphone guitar. I was not aware of that there are so many fakers out there. I was just lucky not to buy a fake with my DOT. That was pure luck and maybe some instinct. It was my first thomann purchase, but the side looked relieble and a few hours drive and I could reach the seller personally if I need to.

[MarxBros]

I'm not the best judge but I'd say it's fake. If it's not' date=' it must be either limited or discontinued, since there's no "Silver Burst" colour for the current LP Customs.[/quote']MF had them in their latest mail catalog.

[Just Strum]

No problem at all. I´m not very experienced with using forums. Maybe I ask questions that people have asked hundred times before. Sorry for that. You can now be quite sure that I will buy from authorized dealers. Thanks a lot again for your help. It´s always hard to accept thet you have to spend 200 EUROS more' date=' but I think I´ll have to accept that, if I want to make sure to get the real Epiphone guitar. I was not aware of that there are so many fakers out there. I was just lucky not to buy a fake with my DOT. That was pure luck and maybe some instinct. It was my first thomann purchase, but the side looked relieble and a few hours drive and I could reach the seller personally if I need to.[/quote']

 

there isn't a question that hasn't been asked a hundred times before, just don't ask what strings are best.

 

And if you think an Epi is better than a Gibson, direct that at Marx and Nelson, they are 100% in agreement.:D

[Mugatu]

 

With all of the "fake" threads on this site about Epi LP's' date=' I don't understand why the people even entertain buying on e-bay. The sad thing is, so many post the questions after they make their purchase.

 

[/quote']

 

Well, it's like I said... I think there are massive bargains to be had on eBay. You just have to be careful. I bought a 97 model from a private seller who was willing to let me inspect the guitar before I committed. Everything looked and felt right, and the serial number checked out. It was in showroom condition and around £120 cheaper than a new one, so why wouldn't I have bought it on eBay?

 

I certainly wouldn't buy from a dealer who, let's say, has Chinese characters in his emails when he claims to be in the UK.

 

It's all about common sense, no?

 

As an aside, I think there is an amazing level of paranoia about fake Epiphones. I find it simple... buy from an authorised dealer, or do your research on the "unauthorised" seller, and make your mind up from that. In doubt? Walk away. 100% sure it's the real deal? Then if the price is good, take a chance.

 

I realise it's all subjective, but there's my view.

[pohatu771]

It's the "I just bought this at Guitar Center and I think it's a fake" threads that really bother me. They don't happen so much here, but searching for "fake Epiphone" online brings up a handful.

[ef_in_fla]

And if you think an Epi is better than a Gibson' date=' direct that at Marx and Nelson, they are 100% in agreement. [/quote']

 

Oh c'mon Strum. Here's a thread that has nothing to do with these two knuckleheads and yet you bring their names up. Why feed the trolls like that? Each time someone mentions them it makes them feel a little more powerful. The only way to deal with a troll is to ignore it.

[AyushPresley]

you might have looked up at some other threads before too..

 

Don't buy from this site .. they have sold fakes before..now was it by mistake as the seller says it to be or not..we don't know that yet ..it's better to be safe than sorry...get an Epi from an authorized dealer.. thomann.de sells Authentic Epiphone and I guess it's price is a bit higher than on this site of you's and i guess for some Genuine reasons...don't risk your savings on these sites just because it's very cheap...if it's too good then most of the time it's not true...

 

and c'mon guys ... the "about fake" threads.. i guess is all right... there are new people joining this forum... and it's not always that they go through all the threads.... they wanted to know it it's a fake..i guess we should help them not get ripped off rather than bang our heades saying "oh not one more !!".. that's what i think..

[MarxBros]

 

Oh c'mon Strum. :- Here's a thread that has nothing to do with these two knuckleheads and yet you bring their names up. Why feed the trolls like that? Each time someone mentions them it makes them feel a little more powerful. The only way to deal with a troll is to ignore it.

fact of the matter is Strum is the troll. Posts like that just prove it. He spews his vomit continually, with no regard to the subject matter at hand.

[MattWild]

Thanks for the Music Store hint. I´ve been to this website before, but forgot about it. They will get the Silverburst for 519 EUROS in January. Maybe I will then buy it there. If someone has other reliable dealers with good prices for the Silverburst, let me know. The ebay sellers haven´t stocked more Silverbursts so far. When they do, I´ll post links and maybe you can tell me your opinion. Would be interesting. I´m a little doubtfull about buying, but I don´t want to miss a good offer, if it´s reliable. Feedback of the dealers is very good, but who knows?

 

Here are their profiles. You can have a look at the items if you click them.

 

1. http://feedback.ebay.at/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=bdweq&iid=-1&de=off&items=25&which=positive&interval=365

2. http://feedback.ebay.at/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=bill_qd&ftab=AllFeedback&myworld=true

[generation zero]

My local guitar center has one in stock last time I checked, I think they're asking $649 USD. Also as stated above, musician's friend has them in their current catalog for $699. I don't know how the money converts, but if you want to do the legwork on finding out how much it would cost to ship a guitar to you from here in the USA, I would be willing to buy it for you and ship it to you if that would save you any cash. I used to do that sort of thing all the time for guys on the Transformers message board I used to frequent, back when I was collecting Transformers toys. Odds are though that by the time you figure in shipping from the states, you won't save much. Just thought I'd offer.

[AyushPresley]

My local guitar center has one in stock last time I checked' date=' I think they're asking $649 USD. Also as stated above, musician's friend has them in their current catalog for $699. I don't know how the money converts, but if you want to do the legwork on finding out how much it would cost to ship a guitar to you from here in the USA, I would be willing to buy it for you and ship it to you if that would save you any cash. I used to do that sort of thing all the time for guys on the Transformers message board I used to frequent, back when I was collecting Transformers toys. Odds are though that by the time you figure in shipping from the states, you won't save much. Just thought I'd offer.

[/quote']

ya I see lots of guitars that are way cheaper than the Aussie price even when converted form the US$..and the shipping kills too..that there could be a really good idea..i might ask your help on that someday GZ.. hope you'll help..

man you Americans are damn lucky...you should see the Aussie prices and you'll bang your head against your wall..

[MattWild]

My local guitar center has one in stock last time I checked' date=' I think they're asking $649 USD. Also as stated above, musician's friend has them in their current catalog for $699. I don't know how the money converts, but if you want to do the legwork on finding out how much it would cost to ship a guitar to you from here in the USA, I would be willing to buy it for you and ship it to you if that would save you any cash. I used to do that sort of thing all the time for guys on the Transformers message board I used to frequent, back when I was collecting Transformers toys. Odds are though that by the time you figure in shipping from the states, you won't save much. Just thought I'd offer.

[/quote']

 

That´s a very kind offer. I think that could work out and would be cheaper than buying it in a American Onlinestore. If you would send it to me, you could maybe declare it as present, because you are a private person, not a company...

I have to show look that up on the Austrian duty website. Otherwise I would have to pay duty, which is around 20%. I´ll think about it.

[Mattt0192]

I'm not the best judge but I'd say it's fake. If it's not' date=' it must be either limited or discontinued, since there's no "Silver Burst" colour for the current LP Customs.[/quote']

 

 

actually silver burst is the new lp custom

[generation zero]

Yeah, I was back in GC today, and it's 749, not 649 like I remembered. I would definitely declare it as a gift though, should save you a ton on import taxes. Same offer for you, ayush... Just let me know. If either of you ordered something from MF, you just have it shipped to me, I'll open it up and make sure it's in good condition, then box it right back up and ship it to you as a gift. Feel free to pm me any time, I have no problem helping anybody out like that, as long as you're willing to cover the shipping up front, or have me ship it to you C.O.D. if that's an option. When Thornley's new CD comes out in February, I'll be looking for a Canadian friend to do me the same favor on a few copies of that, LOL! It's not being released in the states, so I'm in the "can't get it here" boat on that one...