Why not just buy a authorized Les Paul Standard Model by Epiphone for 399 NEW from MF ( SKU #517413000035000 ) with warranty & shipping, authentic Gibson designed Alnico Classic Humbuckers, real mahogany body, lifetime warranty, non-toxic finish, nickel plating, and know what ur getting, ready to play, and no worry about the guitar being seized by authorities or defrauding anybody when it's sold, or when the next guy sells it, why buy a fake LP when you can get a authorized LP for same money?
Hey man, sweet video! If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the Chinese Les Paul? I've looked around and I can't Find one. I really want to try one out, but the "real" ones are WAY out of my price range.
As in most things, if you have to choose between the two of 'em, pick the one with the tighter fit, and the satisfying squeak when you lift it in and out.
@mrbillhicks A number of people have told me that a lot of these fakes are Epiphones and the asian factory has just slipped a different headstock on it. Funny, Epiphone (Gibson really) teaches the chinese how to make Les Paul guitars for them cheap, and the factories turn around and flood the market with fake Gibsons.
@DaPhotoGuy thanks man -- didn't know that about Slash's axe. I looked at his model once when I was buying a Standard and didn't notice that (too focused on the finish for sure).
you think gibby would sue the living shit out of these guys i can see making a fake les paul but to put gibson on and the les paul name thats copy right infringment
@777bumble China is the counterfeit capital of the world and they have been for a long time. Gibson can't really do anything about it. Actually, Gibson created this mess in the first place by moving Epiphone production to China in 2002. Gibson basically taught the counterfeiters how to build their guitars.
@777bumble They would if they could -- China does not honor the western world's copyrights, patents, or trademarks. They are illegal to sell here (like if I sold this one) and U.S. Customs should stop them at the border (according to my shipping manifest, Customs had the guitar for 3 days and "inspected" it). But they are probably over worked and are more focused on looking for drugs and bombs and don't have time for this stuff so they just let it pass.
@bassplayer2011ify I agree and I almost said that, but every once in a while Gibson would launch a Custom model with the kidney bean shaped ones so I just left it out.
the fake looks like a beautiful guitar. Ive been playing since 1978. I own some high end guitars and copies as well. I cant get over how nice the copies play and sound nowadays... and sooo inexpensive. MUCH nicer than the copies of the 70's and 80's. My 2 LP copies are the ones I play most of the time nowadays. One's a Jay Turser custom copy and the other's a Sanatoga Standard copy. They have a sound of their own, close to the Gibson's. The PUs are a bit hotter in the copies.
@believer06 I suspect you are around my age -- I started playing in 1975 (although I took 25 years off, then started again a few years ago). Anyway, the copies back then were horrible. I started playing on a Teisco, and I swear they just licked and stuck the frets on that piece of junk. My amp was plastic, 5 W, sounded like crap. Nowadays you can spend just a few dollars more than I did back then and get decent sounding equipment. In the 70's, I would have killed for a fake like this.
@Cellaraxman Oh yeah. They were more like toys than real instruments back then. Even the lower end big name guitars in the 80s were poorly constructed. I bought a brand new Guild electric in 1985. After 2 months, the frets were all pitted. The pickups would feed back when you tried to turn up to band level. The bridge was barely adjustable... Buy the time I was done correcting the issues, that $350 guitar ended up costing be around $800.
@believer06 I agree. I remember when Inexpensive = Crap. But today you can get well-made guitars for fair & reasonable prices. Most guitars are made by CNC machines these days so the quality is consistent.
@Cellaraxman I agree. Unfortunately, many people still believe Inexpensive = Crap. And sadly, Expensive doesn't necessarily = Well-made anymore. A lot of namebrands dramatically bloat their prices.
@Cellaraxman awesome review and very good information..thanx..but can I ask you how is your sound coming thru so nice...are you running your guitar thru something or is your video camera that good hahah...thanx :)
@skinchen Not the camcorder mic. For this video I ran a line out from a Vox Tonelab LE into a computer sound card, then stripped the video of the original sound and spliced the Tonelab recording back in. On the Les Paul comparison video I made (different video), I sent the signal from the mic you see in front of the amp to a computer and did the same to the video sound. The Tonelab signal is so clean though, no mic noise or anything, that I like it best even though it is "fake."
The moral of the story is Gibsons are massively over priced. The Epiphone Slash is 1000.00. The Gibson model is 4000.00 and there isn't 3k worth of difference. Gibson makes good guitars but they are no better than high end Fenders, ESPs, Ibanezes, Fernandes, etc... It is an ego thing that sells them. Moreover, just a look at all the plain Jane, sub $700 models Gibson USA now has on sale. Still don't understand why people will pay $699 for a base SG or LP.
@fenderjaguarbass1 I can't argue, but people buy Gibsons for a variety of reasons and not necessarily ego (like old fat guys like me with more money than talent). Twenty years ago with a young family, there is NO WAY I would put all the money I have in this hobby as I have now when an Epiphone and a little work will result in an excellent playing, sounding, and looking guitar. Same with the fake, I put new pickups in her and she sounds great.
@0guitargod Agree. When I first opened the box I thought it was a perfect copy, but if you look at it long enough you can tell that nothing is exactly correct, now I can tell it is a fake as soon as I look at it.
...Pretty good demo, I'd give the guy 4 of 5 stars on this. Understand what you're buying, the Chinese copy can sometimes be pretty decent but buyer beward, you get what you pay for. I have both real Gibsons as well as a few Chinese Pauls...The Chinese Pauls get played at the Bars & the Gibsons stay home for recording so there you go, that's what one buys these are for....at least for me.
@YallSuckTheBig1 Thanks. Ya, I just went on a business trip for a week and took the fake. Not going to leave the real Custom in a hotel for someone to grab and run.
@Blackboarder77 Sounds even better now as I have upgraded the guitar since making the video; gold EMG 81/85's, a pick guard and rhythm/lead toggle switch pad to make it look more authentic. The guitar now sounds exactly like my real Gibson LP with an EMG 81/85 set. If I get some time I might make a quick video of the guitar with the upgrades, just under $700 investment for one kick ace fake.
Wood from a low cost Chinese and most all guitars in some parts of the world is called NATO wood. You just don't know what your getting when you buy a cheap guitar made from this some times ungraded wood. Yes it's worth what you pay for it but there is a world of difference in a low priced guitar and a hand selected one. Including the wood types and grade selection. Not trying to preach here bud buy that's just the way it is.
@RaymondSolo Fortunately, with solid-body electric guitars MOST of the tone comes from the electronics, not the woods. Woods are MUCH more important with acoustic guitars.
@FtaCapoeiraWoot It was in good shape out of the box, better than I expected actually. There was one buzz on the first fret, 2nd string, that I fixed by loosening the truss rod ~1/4 turn. Intonation very good, truss rod very responsive, fretboard good and flat, etc.
@FtaCapoeiraWoot The only problem is either some sellers are good and some are bad, or the quality of the build varies with each guitar, I don't know. I bought from Samin because someone on youtube told me he had bought a bunch from him and was happy. My guitar was good, but I have only bought one so I am no expert. I'll send you a separate email with details of the place I bought mine just to give you a starting point.
wow thats awesome i was thinking of doing an emg 81/81/85 setup on the black beauty when i get it. do you have any videos posted with the updates made?
Great review I am thinking about getting one of these myself but the 3 humbucker black beauty. Would you recommend changing the pickups to get more of a Gibson sound?
@chriskeefe1987 Thanks man. I have upgraded the guitar since making the video; gold EMG 81/85's, a pick guard and rhythm/lead toggle switch pad to make it look more authentic. The guitar now sounds exactly like my real Gibson LP with an EMG 81/85 set. But there are a lot of good pickups to choose from, for a while I was even thinking of guitarfettish pickups as they are low priced and supposed to sound great.
@bunchacrapbunchashit Dude, I just watched that movie this week! Hadn't seen it in years but still funny (and stupid). "Such a fine line between stupid....and clever!"
firstly i wont to buy an epi std but now concider buying one of these , tell my where can i buy it and is it a comfortable neck or a baseball bat type ? . Sory for my bad english
very nice and informative video. would you consider selling the fake? i'm NOT looking to rip anyone off. would just like to have another descent but cheaper guitar in my collection. either way, thanks!
20 minutes to defend a company that illegaly gets the wood that people die for trying to feed their family. for a few degrees on a headstock, .2 mm's and difference in sound that you cant hear in any real setting. So those few degrees and uncovered fret ends are worth $3,500 difference to who? the stupidity of America amazes me. THE RIP OFF IS THE GIBSON. you read this, but still don't know it. "it's better cuz it costs more" this is why America fails. STOP PAYING FOR CORPORATE GREED DUMMY
@pteradactylhippo You are so right dude. Gibson probably kills 1 person a day. And so greedy, I doubt they pay their U.S. craftsman more than a couple dollars an hour and no benefits, only the top guys make any money. But the Chinese companies are not greedy, they don't make any profit as they want to give their products to the world. Their wages are real high too and great benefits, and none of their workers are ever hurt on the job because they care so much for their employees and others.
@ROYALNOZGUL Action is tweakable. The quality control is inconsistent with these fakes, but after a fret-dress, new nut, and set-up, they will feel & play excellent. And honestly, you should get those things done with ALL your guitars so that they feel & play right for YOU.
@ROYALNOZGUL Fret-dress is when the frets are leveled, crowned, and polished. Even with some expensive guitars this is sometimes poorly done. And the string nuts are often poorly cut.
@ROYALNOZGUL You're right, I don't say much about the action. I love the Gibson fretboards and all of my Gibsons have what I would call a soft, gentle feel and easy action. The fake feels a little more harsh to me but it is still good, better than my American Strat for sure (not knocking the Strat, just comparing the feel and Strat fretboards feel harder to me). Oddtimeman is right of course as I am sure my luthier could dress the fretwork and make it feel almost identicle.
Cool! The wood grade and type's make a huge difference in the clarity don't they. The electronics's make some difference but the wood and design/construction is the thing when you come right down to it. I agree with you thou, there just is no good copy of a Gibson, some authentic one's may have been better when they went off Gibson's shipping dock but Id rather have a lower quality Gibson than a copy any day!
@RaymondSolo I also own Gibson's cheapest LP, a vintage mahogany. Back when I bought it that model even came with a case and the guitar rocks, burstbucker pro V pickups too -- the same pickups that the $2500 LP Standard has.
@RaymondSolo Woods are important with acoustic guitars but with solid-body electric guitars most of the tone comes from the electronics, not the woods. There are a million guitars in this world made with the same or similar woods & electronics as Gibson, producing the same or similar results. I'm curious, why do you think no one could ever copy a Gibson? They're just hardwoods & simple electronics, it isn't rocket science.
Nice Vid good choice on the demo material you can really tell the differences I bet some minor money at a local decent guitar shop on wiring and some better pick ups would improve output end of fake, which to me was the major sound difference and the sustain, I also think the Gibson feeling better is not in your head, I almost got an Ace Frehley fake LP Lefty cause of the price and that they actually had a lefty, you don't seem like your mad you bought it..and it is nice looking too
@lefty99riffs Thanks man. I have upgraded the guitar since making the video; gold EMG 81/85's, a pick guard and rhythm/lead toggle switch pad to make it look more authentic. The guitar now sounds exactly like my real Gibson LP with an EMG 81/85 set. For the money I have in it (< $700) it is an awesome guitar, I am sure Gibson is furious about these fakes.
The fake sounded as I expected, a little muddier, which is common for cheaper Humbuckers in my experience. It's very epiphone like, however this fake looks a hell of a lot nices than any epiphone:p
I would put some handwound pickups in it and see that beast rock
@ Cellaraxman you're video was a very well-thought out non-biased comparison of both guitars. I appreicated the visual as well as the tonal aspect. I would certainly *think* about purchasing one of these Chinese guitars then changing the wiring, pickups, and some basic maintenance. I'm just a little, overwhelmed with all of the various sources of which to purchase one and I don't want to completely ripped off. Buyer beware and you get what you pay for I guess.
@ Cellaraxman the point I'm trying to make is that the Epiphone Les Paul I purchased for $780 is the closest I'll ever come to owning a Gibson. My playing ability, combined with my wallet size just cant Justify the Gibson price tag. Thats not to say I don't admire and appreicate the quality of the instrument, as well as the brand itself. I look at both sides of the coin. I see how purcashing fakes hurts Gibson. But I also see value side of saving $2800 and making this instument you're own.
@ Cellaraxman, its young guys like me that appreicate the time you took to make this video.
I'm not attempting to bragg, but I have quite the extensive collection of guitars. I have an Epiphone SG 310 in which i added some Gibson Burstbuckers and they made a world of differance. An Epiphone Les Paul Custom that came with EMG's. Thats the closest thing I've ever had to a Gibson Les Paul. I do have an old 1910 Gibson Acoustic but thats another story
Artists are the Ibanez models from the late 70's and early eighties right? I have a pre lawsuit 58 flying V copy from Ibanez, and it kicks major booty. I heard that the artists kick some ass too
@JeredtheShy Well, the pickups are better on the Gibson. I am not sure, but the way the original pickups feedback I doubt they are even waxed. I have since upgraded the fake with a gold set of EMG's and the sound is very full and fat now, like the Gibson. If I ever get any free time I am going to make a quick video of the guitar with the upgrade.
I really like Chinese fakes. For the money, I'd take the green LPC over the real one any day (I even think it's better looking!). Get some GFS pickups and a professional fret job/setup and I'd still have money for a fake Ric, fake White Falcon and a couple more fakes.
Which is why I need to ask; What's the best place to get Chinese fakes? Where did this green LPC come from?
I know for a fact this isn't made at the Epiphone factory. Epiphone ONLY makes Epiphones at their factory nowadays...it depends when you bought it though.
@Cellaraxman Man I wish. But I do know that Epiphone made some SERIOUS upgrades to the way they make their instruments about 4 years ago. They did use to make fakes at the factorys though before that...if I'm thinking correctly theres 4 Epiphone factorys in China. Maybe it was made there though, they didn't do to one factory the same thing as they did to the others. Yours could have been made at one of the factorys but its pretty unlikley these days
@RolfGuitar There are many factories in China that build Epiphones. The QingDao factory builds Epi's exclusively, but all the other factories build guitars for many different brands. Here are some Epi Serial Number Codes for China: DW=DaeWon/Dalian, EA=QingDao, EE=QingDao, MC=Muse China, SJ=SaeJung China, Z=Zaozhuang Saehan, BW=China, UC=Unsung China. And these factories have CNC machines so it's easy for them to make unauthorized copies. China is the counterfeit capital of the world.
@yoheff988 The Epiphone factories in China are where these fakes are most likely coming from. They are CNC machined and they often come loaded with Epi parts & features. They are basically Epiphones with Gibson style headstocks. Their goal is to make them quickly & inexpensively. They don't care about making "perfect" replicas.
@yoheff988 I always wonder why the headstock is not closer to the real one. But if you look closely at the fake, it really does look like an Epiphone headstock with the points put on it instead of the shaved corners. And the diamond inlays are smaller than the Gibson's too, just like an Epiphone Custom's inlays are smaller than the real one. Personally, I think the rumors that these are made in Epiphone factories might be true. Or at least made by people that used to make Epiphones.
If it looks cool, sounds good, and plays nice who cares if its a knock off? I'm seriously looking into one and I will most likely be happy with whatever comes for 300 bucks. If it says "Gibson" at the top then I will just brag more than usual lol.
I hope anybody that does buy one of these fakes does the decent thing and clearly engraves it with 'Made in China/Not Genuine' , it can be done discretely on the back or in the electronics cavity, to protect that it wil never be sold as a genuine Gibson to some unfortunate guy further down the line. That is the very least that should be done.
@TheBognordave I have no intension of selling it, but that is a good idea. When I first saw it I thought it was a perfect copy, but once you look close and handle it, any Gibson owner will know it is not authentic in seconds. What I always worry about is the 15 year old kid that has saved up his money to buy a used Gibson getting ripped off. Technically, I believe it is illegal to sell it once it is in the United States. A loop hole in the law allows people to buy them from China on the net.
@Cellaraxman I don't mean to accuse anyone of passing off fakes as reals, but guitars get sold on and somewhere down the line it could happen, if stand-up guys like you do the right thing and do mark chinese copies then the risk of that 15 year old kid getting ripped off decreases.
@TheBognordave I didn't take it that way, and I agree with you. I have purchased 7 Gibsons in my life, all brand new, so I do support their brand and love their products. But when I saw these fakes I just had to get one out of curiosity, just to see what they were like. I must admit the build quality is very good, comparable to a $600 Epiphone I would say. My luthier believes these fakes are made in Epiphone factories, they just change the shape of the head. Not sure about that though.
@Cellaraxman I would be very interested to see a comparison against a $600 Epi, say against the Joe Bonamassa model, this comes with Burstbuckers as standard which are pretty hot. Frankly I don't agree that the chinese LP sounds anywhere near as good as your Custom in the video, it sucks in comparison, I'm being honest. My big concern with a chinese fake quality wise is what will it be like 2 years down the line, will it hold-up? I got a feeling it will start coming apart in all sorts of places.
Fact of the matter is, if you buy a $400 fake you are not getting a good deal or guitar at really good price that is nearly the same as Gibson original it is a fake of. You are buying a $100 guitar for $400, so actually you are getting a really bad deal.
the real one sounds infinitley better than the fake. If you can't hear the difference go ahead and buy the fake cause you are tone deaf anyway and buying a Gibson would be a waste of your money.
@TheBognordave So the higher the price the better the tone? That's just about as absurd as me saying "My $5,000 PRS makes your $2,500 Gibson sound like a piece of crap. My PRS sounds WORLDS better than your cheap-ass Gibson." ABSURD! I actually have a $600 Korean-made Dean Cadillac that I like BETTER than my Gibson LP. It's flawless. People think it cost thousands.
@OddTimeMan No I am not saying that never did! I said the fake in this video sounds shit. because it does. if you can't hear that then you should question your hearing.
@TheBognordave Does it sound exactly like a Gibson, of course not. No one should expect it too, it cost only $200 (plus $100 shipping). But does is sound like "shit"? Not even close. And the poster has since upgraded his electronics so that problem was solved. My friend has 2 and after some upgrades and work, they now feel/play/sound/look like they cost thousands. Solid-body electric guitars are just hardwoods & simple electronics, it isn't rocket science.
@OddTimeMan Well done to your friend for his contribution to global illegal trade. What job does he do? I'd like to illegally fuck up his business as a return favour.
@TheBognordave China is the counterfeit capital of the world and they have been for a LONG time. That isn't going to change anytime soon. People have been buying fake Rolex watches, designer sunglasses, handbags, shoes, clothes, jewelry, CD's, DVD's, etc. for DECADES. You might even have some yourself. And do I even need to mention illegal digital downloads? You really need to stop all the finger pointing and judging. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
thanks for the review! the fake was hauntingly close to the real deal.... I have a JB LP studio that I'm equally interested to see how it stacks up against a chi-nee knock off.... gotta admit they do a good job for being so new to the game....
@GtrDudeL I agree. Also, I have upgraded the guitar since making the video; gold EMG 81/85's, a pick guard and rhythm/lead toggle switch pad to make it look more authentic. The guitar now sounds exactly like my real Gibson LP with an EMG 81/85 set. For the money I have in it (< $700) it is an awesome guitar, I am sure Gibson is furious about these fakes.
A really nice and informative video and you are making me think now, cuz i have been looking at epiphones and others and a gibson studio which is 700euros here.. the pickups on the studio do seem to have abit of scream and clarity but im wondering if its worth the huge price difference..
@laserflight I have a lot of Gibsons (other videos on my site if you are bored) and the LP Studio is the best model for the money that Gibson makes. I have a black Studio that I have heavily modified, but when it was stock it felt, played, and sounded exactly like my LP Custom, which sells for 3 times the price. If you want to know where I bought my fake let me know and I'll send you some information.
@laserflight Buy the Gibson if you like it because it will always be a genuine Gibson and it will last you a lifetime just getting better and better with the years, and when you go to the great gig in the sky then your kids and then their kids can enjoy it. If you buy the fake for $400 it will be worth about $10 the second you take it out the box and in about 2 years it will have turned into $400 worth of firewood.
Good Video, i have been looking at buying the slash model. I think i am going to order it. Now the only problem will be getting used to playing a les paul style I play a custom made strat which is smooth and fast. thanks for posting
@TattoedVoodoo I had the opposite problem; being used to Gibsons, it was hard to get comfortable with my Strat. I almost sold it a couple of times because I just couldn't get used to it, but now I love the Strat too. So if you don't like the Gibson feel at first, give it some time and maybe you will get used to it.
interesting...exceptional video. I have been thinking about ordering one. There is a definite difference in the timbre or quality of the real Gibson vs. the knock-off. Both sound great...but the real Gibson has a more refined sound...I am sure several things can effect it, even the fact the Chinese knock-off is still 'green', or new. One thing is certain: the Chinese are getting a little too good at reproductions for our economies own good. They are starting to really own us.
@jerroldtidwell I have upgraded the guitar since making the video; gold EMG 81/85's, a pick guard and rhythm/lead toggle switch pad to make it look more authentic. The guitar now sounds exactly like my real Gibson LP with an EMG 81/85 set. For the money I have in it (< $700) it is an awesome guitar.
@turydragon Thanks for the compliment. Be careful when buying one as from what I have read and comments sent to me the quality of the builds seem to be all over the place for the fakes. Mine is a good one; straight neck, good fret work with no buzzing anywhere, responsive truss rod, case better than some of them, etc. Not true for all. Unless you can get one really cheap (like less than $200), I think it is better to buy a new fake and if you get a bad one get a refund from paypal.
I've noticed! A friend of mine broke his and it was made of crappy woods, like plywood. I need a second paul but I'll wait it out and keep my eyes peeled. Thanks.
the knockoff honestly sounds fine, even against the real thing. Just replace the cheap parts that affect playing. if it plays well, who cares who made it.
@TheBognordave It's all a matter of opinion. Don't go tossing yours down my throat like it's fact. I've never bought a new guitar in my life. I fix up junkers and I enjoy them for what they are. I don't need to pay the extra thousand plus bucks just to own a guitar that sounds practically the same as my other guitars but says Gibson on the headstock. The name isn't what makes a guitar sound good.
@remurdereht I never said the name makes the sound. I said the fake in this video sounds shit. because it does. If you think the two guitars in this video sound practically the same then you need to train your ears because they don't and that is not an opinion it is a fact.
@TheBognordave Whatever bud. I said it was an opinion. End of story. But apparently your opinion is the only one that matters in whatever little world you're living in. All I see on everybody's comments is you bashing them for their opinions. Find a new god damn hobby. Your balls ain't that shiny.
@remurdereht If you are going to comment on a subject as controversial as this you should defintley not be so precious. Apart from the quality and and sound issues of these things there is the fact that in the EU purchasing one of these fakes is illegal and it takes jobs from honest US workers and don't kid your self that these are not being sold as genuine by unscrupulous sellers basically stealing from kids that can't afford to lose their money.
@TheBognordave I know they are passed off as the real thing. I know we live in a stupid world where people like that take advantage of other people. I'll agree with you and call a truce. But i feel if you KNOW it isn't a real gibson, and you don't pay gibson price for it, if you pay an honest properly valued price, you're getting what you pay for. In this video I heard a guitar thats good enough for whatever small chunk of money this guy tossed out. Sorry for any offense I made to you. Good day.
@SuperCharlieJohnson I doubt they have one, and shipping is $110 so you wouldn't want to even try. The purchase is made though paypal, so my plan was if the guy screwed me over I would just get my money back from paypal-- you get 93% of it back or something like that. The seller claims he will refund all money if you are not satisfied, fortunately I never had to call him on his promise.
Im sure that your custom shop built paul was at least 4 grand,so the real deal should sound 10 times better.Not the case,sure you could tell a slight tonal difference.I believe gibson charges way too much for their guitars.Its kind of sad to me.By the way your playing was nothing to be ashamed of.
@spanky2964 You are right on the price of the new custom, and the high end Gibsons are definitely overpriced. On that one, Guitar Center had put the wrong price on it in the store and wouldn't believe me when I told him it was priced wrong. Then he gives a 15% discount if I take it that day, I got it brand new for $2550. At check out the guy and his manager then realized their mistake, should have seen the look on their faces when they did. I just had to buy it at that price.
@spanky2964 I probably should not have written that because it sounds too much like boasting. But I would never pay $4000 for 1 guitar, it is just nuts and not worth it, especially since a Gibson Les Paul Studio (1/3 the cost of the Custom) plays and sounds just as good as a Custom. But I get a kick out of crazy deals, and when I stumble across one like that I just can't resist the urge to pounce.
@spanky2964 try this, buy a $2000 Gibson, play it for 20 years, that works out 25 cents a day, not bad price for having the chance to play a fantastic guitar daily, and guess what? it will still be worth atleast $2000 in 20 years time. do you still think Gibson charge way too much? Alternatively buy a chinese for $400, wait a couple of years the veneer will flake, nut, electronics, HW will be worn out/falling apart, and it will have a resale value of about $25 Still think it is cheap?
@TheBognordave I love how you come to extreme conclusions without any evidence. My friend has 2 of these fakes. They are now about 5 yrs. old. No issues what-so-ever. Necks are still straight. They still play and sound great. Yes, he did some work to them when he first got them (new pickups, pots, nut, fret-dress & set-up) but the woods, construction, and finishes are great. They are good project guitars.
Would it be possible for you to do another video now with the upgraded picks, not comparing the Gibson and the Gibson Copy, but just to hear the tonal difference now. As the Gibson pickups were very bright and hot compared to the copies, which is understandable, as there is about $150 dollars price difference.
@JoshuaKarno Funny you ask; I have been thinking about doing another video but have not been sure if I should compare the stock fake to the upgraded fake or the upgraded fake to the real Gibson. Looks like I have my omen.
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Why not just buy a authorized Les Paul Standard Model by Epiphone for 399 NEW from MF ( SKU #517413000035000 ) with warranty & shipping, authentic Gibson designed Alnico Classic Humbuckers, real mahogany body, lifetime warranty, non-toxic finish, nickel plating, and know what ur getting, ready to play, and no worry about the guitar being seized by authorities or defrauding anybody when it's sold, or when the next guy sells it, why buy a fake LP when you can get a authorized LP for same money?
applemorgan 3 hours ago
Hey man, sweet video! If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the Chinese Les Paul? I've looked around and I can't Find one. I really want to try one out, but the "real" ones are WAY out of my price range.
DeadLastMusic 1 day ago
@DeadLastMusic Thanks. I am sending you a long email.
Cellaraxman 16 hours ago
@Cellaraxman Thank-You!
DeadLastMusic 7 hours ago
As in most things, if you have to choose between the two of 'em, pick the one with the tighter fit, and the satisfying squeak when you lift it in and out.
wandawong 1 day ago
@wandawong A double meaning me thinks, I like it!
Cellaraxman 1 day ago
I bought one of these fakes in from China... Great guitar, my lutheir loved it. Came with Epiphone pick ups which aint too bad.
mrbillhicks 1 day ago
@mrbillhicks A number of people have told me that a lot of these fakes are Epiphones and the asian factory has just slipped a different headstock on it. Funny, Epiphone (Gibson really) teaches the chinese how to make Les Paul guitars for them cheap, and the factories turn around and flood the market with fake Gibsons.
Cellaraxman 1 day ago
Great review. FYI, not all Gibson LesPaul guitars have binding that covers the end of the frets. The Slash signature model doesn't.
DaPhotoGuy 2 days ago
@DaPhotoGuy thanks man -- didn't know that about Slash's axe. I looked at his model once when I was buying a Standard and didn't notice that (too focused on the finish for sure).
Cellaraxman 2 days ago
you think gibby would sue the living shit out of these guys i can see making a fake les paul but to put gibson on and the les paul name thats copy right infringment
777bumble 3 days ago
@777bumble China is the counterfeit capital of the world and they have been for a long time. Gibson can't really do anything about it. Actually, Gibson created this mess in the first place by moving Epiphone production to China in 2002. Gibson basically taught the counterfeiters how to build their guitars.
OddTimeMan 2 days ago
@777bumble They would if they could -- China does not honor the western world's copyrights, patents, or trademarks. They are illegal to sell here (like if I sold this one) and U.S. Customs should stop them at the border (according to my shipping manifest, Customs had the guitar for 3 days and "inspected" it). But they are probably over worked and are more focused on looking for drugs and bombs and don't have time for this stuff so they just let it pass.
Cellaraxman 2 days ago
Good work,thorough comparison,very helpful,Thanks.
kevlad77 5 days ago
@kevlad77 thanks man
Cellaraxman 4 days ago
set the intonation of your real gibson les paul custom. In the video the saddles didn't seam right.
purplepineapple117 6 days ago
its a vaneer lol on the fake
rockexpert 1 week ago
another thing is real gibsons have tulip shaped tuning gears
bassplayer2011ify 1 week ago
@bassplayer2011ify I agree and I almost said that, but every once in a while Gibson would launch a Custom model with the kidney bean shaped ones so I just left it out.
Cellaraxman 1 week ago
@bassplayer2011ify In the 1990's Gibson LP Customs had kidney bean Grovers.
OddTimeMan 1 week ago
Very informative...nice work.
verlew 1 week ago
@verlew Thanks.
Cellaraxman 1 week ago
im so glad u played GnR
ItsAmberRawr 2 weeks ago
@ItsAmberRawr thanks kid, I love GnR and play (or attempt to play) a few of their songs.
Cellaraxman 2 weeks ago
the fake looks like a beautiful guitar. Ive been playing since 1978. I own some high end guitars and copies as well. I cant get over how nice the copies play and sound nowadays... and sooo inexpensive. MUCH nicer than the copies of the 70's and 80's. My 2 LP copies are the ones I play most of the time nowadays. One's a Jay Turser custom copy and the other's a Sanatoga Standard copy. They have a sound of their own, close to the Gibson's. The PUs are a bit hotter in the copies.
believer06 2 weeks ago
@believer06 I suspect you are around my age -- I started playing in 1975 (although I took 25 years off, then started again a few years ago). Anyway, the copies back then were horrible. I started playing on a Teisco, and I swear they just licked and stuck the frets on that piece of junk. My amp was plastic, 5 W, sounded like crap. Nowadays you can spend just a few dollars more than I did back then and get decent sounding equipment. In the 70's, I would have killed for a fake like this.
Cellaraxman 2 weeks ago
@Cellaraxman Oh yeah. They were more like toys than real instruments back then. Even the lower end big name guitars in the 80s were poorly constructed. I bought a brand new Guild electric in 1985. After 2 months, the frets were all pitted. The pickups would feed back when you tried to turn up to band level. The bridge was barely adjustable... Buy the time I was done correcting the issues, that $350 guitar ended up costing be around $800.
believer06 2 weeks ago
@believer06 I agree. I remember when Inexpensive = Crap. But today you can get well-made guitars for fair & reasonable prices. Most guitars are made by CNC machines these days so the quality is consistent.
OddTimeMan 2 weeks ago
@Cellaraxman I agree. Unfortunately, many people still believe Inexpensive = Crap. And sadly, Expensive doesn't necessarily = Well-made anymore. A lot of namebrands dramatically bloat their prices.
OddTimeMan 2 weeks ago
@Cellaraxman awesome review and very good information..thanx..but can I ask you how is your sound coming thru so nice...are you running your guitar thru something or is your video camera that good hahah...thanx :)
skinchen 1 week ago
@skinchen Not the camcorder mic. For this video I ran a line out from a Vox Tonelab LE into a computer sound card, then stripped the video of the original sound and spliced the Tonelab recording back in. On the Les Paul comparison video I made (different video), I sent the signal from the mic you see in front of the amp to a computer and did the same to the video sound. The Tonelab signal is so clean though, no mic noise or anything, that I like it best even though it is "fake."
Cellaraxman 1 week ago
Hi, Could you tell me where did you buy this guitar? I would like to get one! thank you.
jsdkoko 2 weeks ago
@jsdkoko Just sent you a long email
Cellaraxman 2 weeks ago
The authentic custom is snazzy as shit. It sounds brighter than the fake.
rmordica 2 weeks ago
The moral of the story is Gibsons are massively over priced. The Epiphone Slash is 1000.00. The Gibson model is 4000.00 and there isn't 3k worth of difference. Gibson makes good guitars but they are no better than high end Fenders, ESPs, Ibanezes, Fernandes, etc... It is an ego thing that sells them. Moreover, just a look at all the plain Jane, sub $700 models Gibson USA now has on sale. Still don't understand why people will pay $699 for a base SG or LP.
fenderjaguarbass1 2 weeks ago
@fenderjaguarbass1 I can't argue, but people buy Gibsons for a variety of reasons and not necessarily ego (like old fat guys like me with more money than talent). Twenty years ago with a young family, there is NO WAY I would put all the money I have in this hobby as I have now when an Epiphone and a little work will result in an excellent playing, sounding, and looking guitar. Same with the fake, I put new pickups in her and she sounds great.
Cellaraxman 2 weeks ago
I notice the shape of the fake is different as well. It seems alittle stretched to me and too round.
0guitargod 2 weeks ago
@0guitargod Agree. When I first opened the box I thought it was a perfect copy, but if you look at it long enough you can tell that nothing is exactly correct, now I can tell it is a fake as soon as I look at it.
Cellaraxman 2 weeks ago
Whats the website that you bought the guitar from?
Cajunboy4596 3 weeks ago
@Cajunboy4596 just sent you a long email
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
...Pretty good demo, I'd give the guy 4 of 5 stars on this. Understand what you're buying, the Chinese copy can sometimes be pretty decent but buyer beward, you get what you pay for. I have both real Gibsons as well as a few Chinese Pauls...The Chinese Pauls get played at the Bars & the Gibsons stay home for recording so there you go, that's what one buys these are for....at least for me.
YallSuckTheBig1 3 weeks ago
@YallSuckTheBig1 Thanks. Ya, I just went on a business trip for a week and took the fake. Not going to leave the real Custom in a hotel for someone to grab and run.
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
sounds the same to me
commando7144 3 weeks ago
Overall I think the fake Gibson sounds pretty good. While there are always adjustments that probably need to be made. It sounds good
strangebirdsir 3 weeks ago
@strangebirdsir I agree, I'm amazed that a $400 fake sounds as good as it does in this video.
Blackboarder77 3 weeks ago
@Blackboarder77 Sounds even better now as I have upgraded the guitar since making the video; gold EMG 81/85's, a pick guard and rhythm/lead toggle switch pad to make it look more authentic. The guitar now sounds exactly like my real Gibson LP with an EMG 81/85 set. If I get some time I might make a quick video of the guitar with the upgrades, just under $700 investment for one kick ace fake.
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
Wood from a low cost Chinese and most all guitars in some parts of the world is called NATO wood. You just don't know what your getting when you buy a cheap guitar made from this some times ungraded wood. Yes it's worth what you pay for it but there is a world of difference in a low priced guitar and a hand selected one. Including the wood types and grade selection. Not trying to preach here bud buy that's just the way it is.
RaymondSolo 3 weeks ago
@RaymondSolo Fortunately, with solid-body electric guitars MOST of the tone comes from the electronics, not the woods. Woods are MUCH more important with acoustic guitars.
OddTimeMan 3 weeks ago
did you have to do any work on the guitar before it was truly playable?
FtaCapoeiraWoot 3 weeks ago
@FtaCapoeiraWoot It was in good shape out of the box, better than I expected actually. There was one buzz on the first fret, 2nd string, that I fixed by loosening the truss rod ~1/4 turn. Intonation very good, truss rod very responsive, fretboard good and flat, etc.
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
@Cellaraxman so literally just standard new guitar set up then? Wow. Definitely investing in one of their ebony fretboarded models
FtaCapoeiraWoot 3 weeks ago
@FtaCapoeiraWoot The only problem is either some sellers are good and some are bad, or the quality of the build varies with each guitar, I don't know. I bought from Samin because someone on youtube told me he had bought a bunch from him and was happy. My guitar was good, but I have only bought one so I am no expert. I'll send you a separate email with details of the place I bought mine just to give you a starting point.
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
@Cellaraxman Thanks man! I'll do a bideo to let you know how I got on!
FtaCapoeiraWoot 3 weeks ago
wow thats awesome i was thinking of doing an emg 81/81/85 setup on the black beauty when i get it. do you have any videos posted with the updates made?
chriskeefe1987 3 weeks ago
@chriskeefe1987 No, but I have been asked before, NEED TIME!
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
Dont buy from the seller HIHAGUITAR.
SuperSvai 3 weeks ago
@SuperSvai Did you get a bad deal from that seller?
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
nice video!
mnincoming 3 weeks ago
@mnincoming Thanks man
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
Great review I am thinking about getting one of these myself but the 3 humbucker black beauty. Would you recommend changing the pickups to get more of a Gibson sound?
chriskeefe1987 4 weeks ago
@chriskeefe1987 Thanks man. I have upgraded the guitar since making the video; gold EMG 81/85's, a pick guard and rhythm/lead toggle switch pad to make it look more authentic. The guitar now sounds exactly like my real Gibson LP with an EMG 81/85 set. But there are a lot of good pickups to choose from, for a while I was even thinking of guitarfettish pickups as they are low priced and supposed to sound great.
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
Real fretboard is "none more black"
bunchacrapbunchashit 4 weeks ago
@bunchacrapbunchashit Dude, I just watched that movie this week! Hadn't seen it in years but still funny (and stupid). "Such a fine line between stupid....and clever!"
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
firstly i wont to buy an epi std but now concider buying one of these , tell my where can i buy it and is it a comfortable neck or a baseball bat type ? . Sory for my bad english
MrLiqid 4 weeks ago
@MrLiqid I just sent you an email with info.
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
very nice and informative video. would you consider selling the fake? i'm NOT looking to rip anyone off. would just like to have another descent but cheaper guitar in my collection. either way, thanks!
jbarnes256 4 weeks ago
@jbarnes256 Be easier for you to just buy one, I will send you some information.
Cellaraxman 4 weeks ago
@cellaraxman where did you buy the guitar?
webelessthanthree 4 weeks ago
20 minutes to defend a company that illegaly gets the wood that people die for trying to feed their family. for a few degrees on a headstock, .2 mm's and difference in sound that you cant hear in any real setting. So those few degrees and uncovered fret ends are worth $3,500 difference to who? the stupidity of America amazes me. THE RIP OFF IS THE GIBSON. you read this, but still don't know it. "it's better cuz it costs more" this is why America fails. STOP PAYING FOR CORPORATE GREED DUMMY
pteradactylhippo 1 month ago
@pteradactylhippo You are so right dude. Gibson probably kills 1 person a day. And so greedy, I doubt they pay their U.S. craftsman more than a couple dollars an hour and no benefits, only the top guys make any money. But the Chinese companies are not greedy, they don't make any profit as they want to give their products to the world. Their wages are real high too and great benefits, and none of their workers are ever hurt on the job because they care so much for their employees and others.
Cellaraxman 3 weeks ago
@Cellaraxman ...Excellent!!!
unseenreformer 3 weeks ago
Very good video, I wanted to know how the action is on it.. haven't seen much talk about action on these videos.
ROYALNOZGUL 1 month ago
@ROYALNOZGUL Action is tweakable. The quality control is inconsistent with these fakes, but after a fret-dress, new nut, and set-up, they will feel & play excellent. And honestly, you should get those things done with ALL your guitars so that they feel & play right for YOU.
OddTimeMan 1 month ago
@OddTimeMan Sorry, what do you mean fret dress?
ROYALNOZGUL 1 month ago
@ROYALNOZGUL Fret-dress is when the frets are leveled, crowned, and polished. Even with some expensive guitars this is sometimes poorly done. And the string nuts are often poorly cut.
OddTimeMan 4 weeks ago
@ROYALNOZGUL You're right, I don't say much about the action. I love the Gibson fretboards and all of my Gibsons have what I would call a soft, gentle feel and easy action. The fake feels a little more harsh to me but it is still good, better than my American Strat for sure (not knocking the Strat, just comparing the feel and Strat fretboards feel harder to me). Oddtimeman is right of course as I am sure my luthier could dress the fretwork and make it feel almost identicle.
Cellaraxman 4 weeks ago
great review! thanks!
theGodSeat 1 month ago
lets you no exactly wat to expect, bro nice.
thrashfury 1 month ago
Cool! The wood grade and type's make a huge difference in the clarity don't they. The electronics's make some difference but the wood and design/construction is the thing when you come right down to it. I agree with you thou, there just is no good copy of a Gibson, some authentic one's may have been better when they went off Gibson's shipping dock but Id rather have a lower quality Gibson than a copy any day!
RaymondSolo 1 month ago
@RaymondSolo I also own Gibson's cheapest LP, a vintage mahogany. Back when I bought it that model even came with a case and the guitar rocks, burstbucker pro V pickups too -- the same pickups that the $2500 LP Standard has.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@RaymondSolo Woods are important with acoustic guitars but with solid-body electric guitars most of the tone comes from the electronics, not the woods. There are a million guitars in this world made with the same or similar woods & electronics as Gibson, producing the same or similar results. I'm curious, why do you think no one could ever copy a Gibson? They're just hardwoods & simple electronics, it isn't rocket science.
OddTimeMan 1 month ago
Nice Vid good choice on the demo material you can really tell the differences I bet some minor money at a local decent guitar shop on wiring and some better pick ups would improve output end of fake, which to me was the major sound difference and the sustain, I also think the Gibson feeling better is not in your head, I almost got an Ace Frehley fake LP Lefty cause of the price and that they actually had a lefty, you don't seem like your mad you bought it..and it is nice looking too
lefty99riffs 1 month ago
@lefty99riffs Thanks man. I have upgraded the guitar since making the video; gold EMG 81/85's, a pick guard and rhythm/lead toggle switch pad to make it look more authentic. The guitar now sounds exactly like my real Gibson LP with an EMG 81/85 set. For the money I have in it (< $700) it is an awesome guitar, I am sure Gibson is furious about these fakes.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
very cool video, and well executed.
cheezyridr 1 month ago
The fake sounded as I expected, a little muddier, which is common for cheaper Humbuckers in my experience. It's very epiphone like, however this fake looks a hell of a lot nices than any epiphone:p
I would put some handwound pickups in it and see that beast rock
Guitarvirtuoso666 1 month ago 7
@ Cellaraxman you're video was a very well-thought out non-biased comparison of both guitars. I appreicated the visual as well as the tonal aspect. I would certainly *think* about purchasing one of these Chinese guitars then changing the wiring, pickups, and some basic maintenance. I'm just a little, overwhelmed with all of the various sources of which to purchase one and I don't want to completely ripped off. Buyer beware and you get what you pay for I guess.
Thanks again for the video!
Moejoe989 1 month ago
@Moejoe989 Thanks for the comments. I'll send a little more information in an email just for fun.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@ Cellaraxman the point I'm trying to make is that the Epiphone Les Paul I purchased for $780 is the closest I'll ever come to owning a Gibson. My playing ability, combined with my wallet size just cant Justify the Gibson price tag. Thats not to say I don't admire and appreicate the quality of the instrument, as well as the brand itself. I look at both sides of the coin. I see how purcashing fakes hurts Gibson. But I also see value side of saving $2800 and making this instument you're own.
Moejoe989 1 month ago
@ Cellaraxman, its young guys like me that appreicate the time you took to make this video.
I'm not attempting to bragg, but I have quite the extensive collection of guitars. I have an Epiphone SG 310 in which i added some Gibson Burstbuckers and they made a world of differance. An Epiphone Les Paul Custom that came with EMG's. Thats the closest thing I've ever had to a Gibson Les Paul. I do have an old 1910 Gibson Acoustic but thats another story
Moejoe989 1 month ago
Thanks for the video. This is really good. Amazing how real Gibson has more output than the fake one...
69treta 1 month ago
@69treta all in the pickups of course, but they better be good ones for the price Gibson charges!
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
Still is a beautiful guitar non the less! I would love to own one like it .
superpacman73 1 month ago
The real one sounds better, but neither compare to my Ibanez artist series
xXThePerformerXx 1 month ago
@xXThePerformerXx
Artists are the Ibanez models from the late 70's and early eighties right? I have a pre lawsuit 58 flying V copy from Ibanez, and it kicks major booty. I heard that the artists kick some ass too
Guitarvirtuoso666 1 month ago
I've got to admit, the real Gibson sounds better. I'm actually surprised by that.
JeredtheShy 1 month ago 2
@JeredtheShy Well, the pickups are better on the Gibson. I am not sure, but the way the original pickups feedback I doubt they are even waxed. I have since upgraded the fake with a gold set of EMG's and the sound is very full and fat now, like the Gibson. If I ever get any free time I am going to make a quick video of the guitar with the upgrade.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
This might sound strange but...
I really like Chinese fakes. For the money, I'd take the green LPC over the real one any day (I even think it's better looking!). Get some GFS pickups and a professional fret job/setup and I'd still have money for a fake Ric, fake White Falcon and a couple more fakes.
Which is why I need to ask; What's the best place to get Chinese fakes? Where did this green LPC come from?
MKitch81@gmail.com
TheMikecheck101 1 month ago
@TheMikecheck101 I'll send a separate email -- I can't put hyperlinks here.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
I know for a fact this isn't made at the Epiphone factory. Epiphone ONLY makes Epiphones at their factory nowadays...it depends when you bought it though.
RolfGuitar 1 month ago
@RolfGuitar Mine is purchased nearly a year ago, so fairly new. Do you work for Gibson or Epiphone? Just curious.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@Cellaraxman Man I wish. But I do know that Epiphone made some SERIOUS upgrades to the way they make their instruments about 4 years ago. They did use to make fakes at the factorys though before that...if I'm thinking correctly theres 4 Epiphone factorys in China. Maybe it was made there though, they didn't do to one factory the same thing as they did to the others. Yours could have been made at one of the factorys but its pretty unlikley these days
RolfGuitar 1 month ago
@RolfGuitar There are many factories in China that build Epiphones. The QingDao factory builds Epi's exclusively, but all the other factories build guitars for many different brands. Here are some Epi Serial Number Codes for China: DW=DaeWon/Dalian, EA=QingDao, EE=QingDao, MC=Muse China, SJ=SaeJung China, Z=Zaozhuang Saehan, BW=China, UC=Unsung China. And these factories have CNC machines so it's easy for them to make unauthorized copies. China is the counterfeit capital of the world.
OddTimeMan 1 month ago
I don’t get those Chinese morons, they go through all this trouble
to build this fake shit, with a little care they could duplicate the guitar
to be exactly like the original, and you wouldn’t even know, but yet they don’t do it.
yoheff988 1 month ago
@yoheff988 The Epiphone factories in China are where these fakes are most likely coming from. They are CNC machined and they often come loaded with Epi parts & features. They are basically Epiphones with Gibson style headstocks. Their goal is to make them quickly & inexpensively. They don't care about making "perfect" replicas.
OddTimeMan 1 month ago
@yoheff988 I always wonder why the headstock is not closer to the real one. But if you look closely at the fake, it really does look like an Epiphone headstock with the points put on it instead of the shaved corners. And the diamond inlays are smaller than the Gibson's too, just like an Epiphone Custom's inlays are smaller than the real one. Personally, I think the rumors that these are made in Epiphone factories might be true. Or at least made by people that used to make Epiphones.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
Fuck it
If it looks cool, sounds good, and plays nice who cares if its a knock off? I'm seriously looking into one and I will most likely be happy with whatever comes for 300 bucks. If it says "Gibson" at the top then I will just brag more than usual lol.
AirGuitarMan0 1 month ago
Can you email me 'jsoldo@live.com' where you ordered this from?
jsoldo 1 month ago
@jsoldo sending now
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
I hope anybody that does buy one of these fakes does the decent thing and clearly engraves it with 'Made in China/Not Genuine' , it can be done discretely on the back or in the electronics cavity, to protect that it wil never be sold as a genuine Gibson to some unfortunate guy further down the line. That is the very least that should be done.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
@TheBognordave I have no intension of selling it, but that is a good idea. When I first saw it I thought it was a perfect copy, but once you look close and handle it, any Gibson owner will know it is not authentic in seconds. What I always worry about is the 15 year old kid that has saved up his money to buy a used Gibson getting ripped off. Technically, I believe it is illegal to sell it once it is in the United States. A loop hole in the law allows people to buy them from China on the net.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@Cellaraxman I don't mean to accuse anyone of passing off fakes as reals, but guitars get sold on and somewhere down the line it could happen, if stand-up guys like you do the right thing and do mark chinese copies then the risk of that 15 year old kid getting ripped off decreases.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
@TheBognordave I didn't take it that way, and I agree with you. I have purchased 7 Gibsons in my life, all brand new, so I do support their brand and love their products. But when I saw these fakes I just had to get one out of curiosity, just to see what they were like. I must admit the build quality is very good, comparable to a $600 Epiphone I would say. My luthier believes these fakes are made in Epiphone factories, they just change the shape of the head. Not sure about that though.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@Cellaraxman I would be very interested to see a comparison against a $600 Epi, say against the Joe Bonamassa model, this comes with Burstbuckers as standard which are pretty hot. Frankly I don't agree that the chinese LP sounds anywhere near as good as your Custom in the video, it sucks in comparison, I'm being honest. My big concern with a chinese fake quality wise is what will it be like 2 years down the line, will it hold-up? I got a feeling it will start coming apart in all sorts of places.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
Fact of the matter is, if you buy a $400 fake you are not getting a good deal or guitar at really good price that is nearly the same as Gibson original it is a fake of. You are buying a $100 guitar for $400, so actually you are getting a really bad deal.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
Warning:Avoid this seller HIHAGUITAR.
SuperSvai 1 month ago
the real one sounds infinitley better than the fake. If you can't hear the difference go ahead and buy the fake cause you are tone deaf anyway and buying a Gibson would be a waste of your money.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
@TheBognordave So the higher the price the better the tone? That's just about as absurd as me saying "My $5,000 PRS makes your $2,500 Gibson sound like a piece of crap. My PRS sounds WORLDS better than your cheap-ass Gibson." ABSURD! I actually have a $600 Korean-made Dean Cadillac that I like BETTER than my Gibson LP. It's flawless. People think it cost thousands.
OddTimeMan 1 month ago 2
@OddTimeMan No I am not saying that never did! I said the fake in this video sounds shit. because it does. if you can't hear that then you should question your hearing.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
@TheBognordave Does it sound exactly like a Gibson, of course not. No one should expect it too, it cost only $200 (plus $100 shipping). But does is sound like "shit"? Not even close. And the poster has since upgraded his electronics so that problem was solved. My friend has 2 and after some upgrades and work, they now feel/play/sound/look like they cost thousands. Solid-body electric guitars are just hardwoods & simple electronics, it isn't rocket science.
OddTimeMan 1 month ago
@OddTimeMan Well done to your friend for his contribution to global illegal trade. What job does he do? I'd like to illegally fuck up his business as a return favour.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
@TheBognordave China is the counterfeit capital of the world and they have been for a LONG time. That isn't going to change anytime soon. People have been buying fake Rolex watches, designer sunglasses, handbags, shoes, clothes, jewelry, CD's, DVD's, etc. for DECADES. You might even have some yourself. And do I even need to mention illegal digital downloads? You really need to stop all the finger pointing and judging. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
OddTimeMan 1 month ago 6
thanks for the review! the fake was hauntingly close to the real deal.... I have a JB LP studio that I'm equally interested to see how it stacks up against a chi-nee knock off.... gotta admit they do a good job for being so new to the game....
GtrDudeL 1 month ago
@GtrDudeL I agree. Also, I have upgraded the guitar since making the video; gold EMG 81/85's, a pick guard and rhythm/lead toggle switch pad to make it look more authentic. The guitar now sounds exactly like my real Gibson LP with an EMG 81/85 set. For the money I have in it (< $700) it is an awesome guitar, I am sure Gibson is furious about these fakes.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
Hi there could you send me some details on the factory you got it from please
acbundy88@googlemail.co.uk
acbundy88 1 month ago
@acbundy88 sent
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
A really nice and informative video and you are making me think now, cuz i have been looking at epiphones and others and a gibson studio which is 700euros here.. the pickups on the studio do seem to have abit of scream and clarity but im wondering if its worth the huge price difference..
laserflight 1 month ago
@laserflight I have a lot of Gibsons (other videos on my site if you are bored) and the LP Studio is the best model for the money that Gibson makes. I have a black Studio that I have heavily modified, but when it was stock it felt, played, and sounded exactly like my LP Custom, which sells for 3 times the price. If you want to know where I bought my fake let me know and I'll send you some information.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@laserflight Buy the Gibson if you like it because it will always be a genuine Gibson and it will last you a lifetime just getting better and better with the years, and when you go to the great gig in the sky then your kids and then their kids can enjoy it. If you buy the fake for $400 it will be worth about $10 the second you take it out the box and in about 2 years it will have turned into $400 worth of firewood.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
@TheBognordave Nice made up facts!
OddTimeMan 1 month ago
Good Video, i have been looking at buying the slash model. I think i am going to order it. Now the only problem will be getting used to playing a les paul style I play a custom made strat which is smooth and fast. thanks for posting
TattoedVoodoo 1 month ago
@TattoedVoodoo I had the opposite problem; being used to Gibsons, it was hard to get comfortable with my Strat. I almost sold it a couple of times because I just couldn't get used to it, but now I love the Strat too. So if you don't like the Gibson feel at first, give it some time and maybe you will get used to it.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
Great vid, thanks for the insight.
Could you send me a link for where you got this guitar???
jacob.bmx3r@gmail.com all help is much appreciated
JACOBtheBMX3Rkid 1 month ago
@JACOBtheBMX3Rkid Thanks -- I'll send some info.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
Does your real Les Paul have a maple top?
NoirFelis 1 month ago
@NoirFelis Yes.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
interesting...exceptional video. I have been thinking about ordering one. There is a definite difference in the timbre or quality of the real Gibson vs. the knock-off. Both sound great...but the real Gibson has a more refined sound...I am sure several things can effect it, even the fact the Chinese knock-off is still 'green', or new. One thing is certain: the Chinese are getting a little too good at reproductions for our economies own good. They are starting to really own us.
jerroldtidwell 1 month ago
@jerroldtidwell I have upgraded the guitar since making the video; gold EMG 81/85's, a pick guard and rhythm/lead toggle switch pad to make it look more authentic. The guitar now sounds exactly like my real Gibson LP with an EMG 81/85 set. For the money I have in it (< $700) it is an awesome guitar.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
I really enjoyed this video, it was really informative, especially since craigslist tends to sell a lot of fake les pauls sometimes.
turydragon 1 month ago
@turydragon Thanks for the compliment. Be careful when buying one as from what I have read and comments sent to me the quality of the builds seem to be all over the place for the fakes. Mine is a good one; straight neck, good fret work with no buzzing anywhere, responsive truss rod, case better than some of them, etc. Not true for all. Unless you can get one really cheap (like less than $200), I think it is better to buy a new fake and if you get a bad one get a refund from paypal.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@Cellaraxman
I've noticed! A friend of mine broke his and it was made of crappy woods, like plywood. I need a second paul but I'll wait it out and keep my eyes peeled. Thanks.
turydragon 1 month ago
@turydragon Please send me pics of that plywood fake. I have yet to see one.
OddTimeMan 1 month ago
@OddTimeMan
that was a while ago. I'll go ask my friend if he still has it!
turydragon 1 month ago
the knockoff honestly sounds fine, even against the real thing. Just replace the cheap parts that affect playing. if it plays well, who cares who made it.
remurdereht 1 month ago
@remurdereht sounds fine? are you insane? it sounds like guitar string strung across a wire coat hanger. harsh is too kind a word. way too kind.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
@TheBognordave It's all a matter of opinion. Don't go tossing yours down my throat like it's fact. I've never bought a new guitar in my life. I fix up junkers and I enjoy them for what they are. I don't need to pay the extra thousand plus bucks just to own a guitar that sounds practically the same as my other guitars but says Gibson on the headstock. The name isn't what makes a guitar sound good.
remurdereht 1 month ago 5
@remurdereht I never said the name makes the sound. I said the fake in this video sounds shit. because it does. If you think the two guitars in this video sound practically the same then you need to train your ears because they don't and that is not an opinion it is a fact.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
@TheBognordave Whatever bud. I said it was an opinion. End of story. But apparently your opinion is the only one that matters in whatever little world you're living in. All I see on everybody's comments is you bashing them for their opinions. Find a new god damn hobby. Your balls ain't that shiny.
remurdereht 1 month ago
@remurdereht If you are going to comment on a subject as controversial as this you should defintley not be so precious. Apart from the quality and and sound issues of these things there is the fact that in the EU purchasing one of these fakes is illegal and it takes jobs from honest US workers and don't kid your self that these are not being sold as genuine by unscrupulous sellers basically stealing from kids that can't afford to lose their money.
TheBognordave 1 month ago
@TheBognordave I know they are passed off as the real thing. I know we live in a stupid world where people like that take advantage of other people. I'll agree with you and call a truce. But i feel if you KNOW it isn't a real gibson, and you don't pay gibson price for it, if you pay an honest properly valued price, you're getting what you pay for. In this video I heard a guitar thats good enough for whatever small chunk of money this guy tossed out. Sorry for any offense I made to you. Good day.
remurdereht 1 month ago
thx
galleon30000 1 month ago
What's their return policy?
SuperCharlieJohnson 1 month ago
@SuperCharlieJohnson I doubt they have one, and shipping is $110 so you wouldn't want to even try. The purchase is made though paypal, so my plan was if the guy screwed me over I would just get my money back from paypal-- you get 93% of it back or something like that. The seller claims he will refund all money if you are not satisfied, fortunately I never had to call him on his promise.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
Im sure that your custom shop built paul was at least 4 grand,so the real deal should sound 10 times better.Not the case,sure you could tell a slight tonal difference.I believe gibson charges way too much for their guitars.Its kind of sad to me.By the way your playing was nothing to be ashamed of.
spanky2964 1 month ago 2
@spanky2964 You are right on the price of the new custom, and the high end Gibsons are definitely overpriced. On that one, Guitar Center had put the wrong price on it in the store and wouldn't believe me when I told him it was priced wrong. Then he gives a 15% discount if I take it that day, I got it brand new for $2550. At check out the guy and his manager then realized their mistake, should have seen the look on their faces when they did. I just had to buy it at that price.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@Cellaraxman you are a very lucky man,I am happy for you!
spanky2964 1 month ago
@spanky2964 I probably should not have written that because it sounds too much like boasting. But I would never pay $4000 for 1 guitar, it is just nuts and not worth it, especially since a Gibson Les Paul Studio (1/3 the cost of the Custom) plays and sounds just as good as a Custom. But I get a kick out of crazy deals, and when I stumble across one like that I just can't resist the urge to pounce.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@spanky2964 try this, buy a $2000 Gibson, play it for 20 years, that works out 25 cents a day, not bad price for having the chance to play a fantastic guitar daily, and guess what? it will still be worth atleast $2000 in 20 years time. do you still think Gibson charge way too much? Alternatively buy a chinese for $400, wait a couple of years the veneer will flake, nut, electronics, HW will be worn out/falling apart, and it will have a resale value of about $25 Still think it is cheap?
TheBognordave 1 month ago
@TheBognordave I love how you come to extreme conclusions without any evidence. My friend has 2 of these fakes. They are now about 5 yrs. old. No issues what-so-ever. Necks are still straight. They still play and sound great. Yes, he did some work to them when he first got them (new pickups, pots, nut, fret-dress & set-up) but the woods, construction, and finishes are great. They are good project guitars.
OddTimeMan 1 month ago
Would it be possible for you to do another video now with the upgraded picks, not comparing the Gibson and the Gibson Copy, but just to hear the tonal difference now. As the Gibson pickups were very bright and hot compared to the copies, which is understandable, as there is about $150 dollars price difference.
Thanks!
JoshuaKarno 1 month ago
@JoshuaKarno Funny you ask; I have been thinking about doing another video but have not been sure if I should compare the stock fake to the upgraded fake or the upgraded fake to the real Gibson. Looks like I have my omen.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@Cellaraxman no no no .. u should.. really.. the upgraded against the real one.. :)
laserflight 1 month ago
Could you tell me where did you bought your guitar?
Nill3ram 1 month ago
@Nill3ram I'll send a separate message -- can't put hyperlinks here.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@Cellaraxman you mind telling me what sight you bought it off of? and if theyre trustworthy
ScPrideBaby 1 month ago
@ScPrideBaby I just sent a long email.
Cellaraxman 1 month ago
@Cellaraxman Thank's alot Man! i favorited you Video sorry i dont know if you got my first Msg my comp messed up
ScPrideBaby 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos