Good idea to check the serial, but I've also heard the forgers use real serials.
I bought it used off an HC ad.
I had a fake LP Supreme. Serial number was the same as the real deal. Back of the pickups were even stamped Gibson USA like the real thing. Even had the right bridge posts and 2 screw engraved truss rod cover. Looking inside the body at the woods used and the wiring were dead giveaways though.
"I've got a briefcase of thin air. I can play some tricks on you, pretend that I don't care." The Contrast
What's also interesting, is from doing a little research, there's at least 3 different models over the years: a Budokan with square inserts and a normal Custom logo; a model with the Ace picture and all "Kiss S" inlays, and a model with the Ace picture, Kiss Ss, and the Ace Frehley signature inlay on the 12th fret.
I'm not sure if the logo being slightly off is a big giveaway (it could just be a manufacturing defect), but the wiring looked a little odd. That said, I haven't opened my Epi Les Paul in a while to see what the wiring looked like.
Try and find if the tuning keys have that blatant seam on other models. Whatever it is it looks like one fine Les Paul. Some fake epis are from former Epiphone plants. So the luthiers there may even have improved when starting to make fakes. As long as the components are good...
"The blues is the recognition of a tragedy, and the optimism to deal with it" (Fruteland Jackson)
"You may think you're playing your instrument, but what you're really playing is the audience" (anonymous)
Looks real to me, but I'm no expert. From those thumbnail photos, it appears as though there's a clear line in the pickup cavities where the maple top meets the mahogany body. Most fakes don't bother with the maple cap. But then again, my eyes might be filling in what they want to see - in person is there clearly a maple cap or does it appear as though it's one type of wood?
Originally Posted by 4thought
The Mojo that can be explained is not the real Mojo
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