*Hey folks, new member here. I'd like to quickly apologize if this discussion topic is in the wrong area.*
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I came across an ad for a nice cheap 1998 Gibson Les Paul Studio. I noticed some red flags when I began to ask the owner some questions.
It is supposedly a 98' studio made of ebony, with golden hardware, for $600. The ad had blurry photos, and the price seemed very low for it's condition. Naturally, I asked the owner for some improved quality photos, particularly of the bridge, neck joint, and nut. I even asked if it was okay if I could verify the serial number, and assured him I had no way to "scam" him out of the guitar.
However, the owner saw my requests and refused, insuring it "played great," and was "totally real," as he got it from a close friend. Being that I was able to see very little of the guitar, I was still concerned.
Firstly, I have no serial number; very little of it was revealed in one photo and I was able to captured a small portion of it. From what I saw, it actually seemed legit. But again, no way to tell.
Secondly, the lacquer finish seemed sketchy, but that can be possibly drawn to wear from use. In addition, the guitar had dot inlays, and I have yet to see another authentic guitar from that year have them in this combination.
Thirdly, I was not able to see if the nut was an aftermarket Epiphone; something I'm told is common in fakes. This also applied to the bridge, as I'm not sure how accurate the Tune-O-Matic is to the year.
Lastly, the headstock seemed... not right. The signature was far from the nut, was worn, and there owner would not take clear pictures of the shape.
Any and all help would be appreciated. (Note: I'm currently unable to post attachments).
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I came across an ad for a nice cheap 1998 Gibson Les Paul Studio. I noticed some red flags when I began to ask the owner some questions.
It is supposedly a 98' studio made of ebony, with golden hardware, for $600. The ad had blurry photos, and the price seemed very low for it's condition. Naturally, I asked the owner for some improved quality photos, particularly of the bridge, neck joint, and nut. I even asked if it was okay if I could verify the serial number, and assured him I had no way to "scam" him out of the guitar.
However, the owner saw my requests and refused, insuring it "played great," and was "totally real," as he got it from a close friend. Being that I was able to see very little of the guitar, I was still concerned.
Firstly, I have no serial number; very little of it was revealed in one photo and I was able to captured a small portion of it. From what I saw, it actually seemed legit. But again, no way to tell.
Secondly, the lacquer finish seemed sketchy, but that can be possibly drawn to wear from use. In addition, the guitar had dot inlays, and I have yet to see another authentic guitar from that year have them in this combination.
Thirdly, I was not able to see if the nut was an aftermarket Epiphone; something I'm told is common in fakes. This also applied to the bridge, as I'm not sure how accurate the Tune-O-Matic is to the year.
Lastly, the headstock seemed... not right. The signature was far from the nut, was worn, and there owner would not take clear pictures of the shape.
Any and all help would be appreciated. (Note: I'm currently unable to post attachments).