There are usually dozens of fake Gibson Les Pauls on Ebay and some are worringly close copies of the genuine article. Making a wrong bid could land you with a cheap copy of the real thing and it may cost you dearly.  So how do you spot a fake?  First of all, be aware that Gibson has a sister company called Epiphone that makes Epiphone Les Pauls in the Far East (usually Korea) that are very like USA made Gibson Les Pauls.  These are actually good guitars and and an Epiphone Les Paul (Standard) retails in the UK at around £300 - £400 whereas a Gibson Les Paul (Standard) retails at around £1500 in the UK.    Epiphones are legitimate Les Paul copies made by Gibson sister company Epiphone and are not 'fakes'. They say Epiphone on the headstock and usually say 'Gibson' in vertical print on the Truss rod cover.  They are usually advertised as "Epiphone (by Gibson) Les Paul" and are really GREAT guitars if you are on a budget.

But fake Chinese 'Gibson Les Pauls' are another thing entirely....They are being sold as genuine Gibson Les Pauls.  They are inferior quality and made from inferior components and woods. They are getting worringly close to looking identical to the genuine article but here is how to spot a fake (as at October 2006):  When looking at a Gibson Les Paul on Ebay keep a second window open on your PC at Gibson's web site as an initial visual reference point.  Look at the Truss Rod cover.  Gibsons are Bell Shaped with only two screws, top and bottom. Almost all fakes have three screws; one at the top and two next to the nut.  Even Epiphones have three screws.  Next look at the top of the headtock and the 'Open Book' shape of teh very top.  Fake Chinese Les Pauls are often the wrong shape or the binding overlaps the Gibson Logo.  On the back of the headstock the serial number should be stamped into the wood not applied with a gold or white decal. Try to match the serial number up with Gibson's serial numbers which you can find by typing 'Gibson Serial Numbering' into Google.

Gibsons Les Pauls are (almost always) made with glued in necks and not bolt on necks so watch out for that.  Also, it helps if the Gibson Les Paul is offered for sale in a genuine Gibson Guitar Case.  These usually have "Gibson USA" on the outside and are usually tan or charcoal grey though they did a futuristic polymer case in the 80's.  The tan case usually has a shocking pink fluffy interior with a pink satin 'shroud'.

The golden rule is "If in doubt - DON'T BUY"  and be suspicious of anything from the Far East.  Some of the ads say "Super Exquisite Electricity Guitar"  and sell cheaply.  Don't fall for it.  Even more worrying is that I have since seen fake Chinese guitars for sale on eBay here in the UK - presumably buyers who have been caught out and trying to palm them off to get their money back.  Their eBay auction/adverts sometimes say "Gibson Les Paul for sale. I don't know much about guitars....but this is a beauty".....be very careful.

However, it is not all bad news.....The good news is that you can buy a great Gibson Les Paul if you really know your stuff.  I have bought many guitars on eBay and have bagged many bargains, including a Gibson Les Paul Special from Belgium for £500 (RRP around £800), a mint Gibson Les Paul Supreme for £1200 (RRP £2400) and a 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom (relic) for £900......so you CAN bag a bargain if you know what you are about.  Just be careful out there, my fellow guitar playing friends..... OK?  I hope this helps you bag a bargain and avoid the bad guys out there.

Finally, some reviewers suggest actually buying a cheap Chinese Gibson Les Paul as a cheap second guitar to fool your friends however I wouldn't recommend that as a) It provides an outlet for these illegal fakes which encourages them to make more (and get better at it!), b) You may find yourself in trouble with the law for buying counterfeit goods c) You may also find yourself in trouble if you ever want to sell it on d) You may well never receive your guitar from China anyway....remember you'd be buying from a Chinese counterfeiter....and giving them your eBay details.  Finally, did you find this guide useful?   If so, please vote "Yes" below.  Thank you kindly.