Need to consult experts here! Interested to get a 2nd hand gibson LP from a fellow seller but seller says it doesn't come with papers. How do I know whether the LP is authentic? How is it possible to check for damages or repairs done prior to trade? Is it a must for seller to sell with authenticity papers? Thanks!
Buying 2nd hand Gibson LP
- Thread starter kerrmit13
- Start date
chungmun77
New member
Hi kermit13,
you can refer to the serial number at the back of the headstock, and then email Gibson in USA. They will give you the details you need.
As for checking for damage or cracks, you can bring it down to your favorite/trusted guitar shop for a look-over. As for papers, I don't think there are any hard and fast rules for it to accompany a guitar. The downside is the value might suffer somewhat when you decide to sell it next.
Overall, any purchase is done with a bit of a risk when its second-hand, so apply good judgement and hope for the best!
Good luck!
you can refer to the serial number at the back of the headstock, and then email Gibson in USA. They will give you the details you need.
As for checking for damage or cracks, you can bring it down to your favorite/trusted guitar shop for a look-over. As for papers, I don't think there are any hard and fast rules for it to accompany a guitar. The downside is the value might suffer somewhat when you decide to sell it next.
Overall, any purchase is done with a bit of a risk when its second-hand, so apply good judgement and hope for the best!
Good luck!
j_m_s
New member
authenticity papers, or COAs usually only come with Gibson Custom Shop guitars if I'm not wrong.
Main things to look out for are the logo, arrangement of knobs, binding and well serial number. if you can get ahold of the serial number, email gibson (like what the dude above has said). They want to eliminate fakes, so they're more than happy to reply and verify if your Gibson is genuine or not. Also, http://guitardaterproject.org/ can be used to decode the serial number. It is however, not an entirely fool-proof way of verifying whether or not a Gibson is authentic.
Just inspect the guitar as you would in a shop, check for major dings/etc. For gibsons the main concern is usually around the headstock area (Gibsons are prone to headstock breakage) So just run your fingers along that area and feel for any bumps or cracks or look out for unevenness in the finishing. These are signs of damage or repairs (unless of course the paint job wasn't very good). Even so, you should note that a good repair usually makes it look like it was never broken. This is when you have to place trust in the seller, that he isn't lying.
Main things to look out for are the logo, arrangement of knobs, binding and well serial number. if you can get ahold of the serial number, email gibson (like what the dude above has said). They want to eliminate fakes, so they're more than happy to reply and verify if your Gibson is genuine or not. Also, http://guitardaterproject.org/ can be used to decode the serial number. It is however, not an entirely fool-proof way of verifying whether or not a Gibson is authentic.
Just inspect the guitar as you would in a shop, check for major dings/etc. For gibsons the main concern is usually around the headstock area (Gibsons are prone to headstock breakage) So just run your fingers along that area and feel for any bumps or cracks or look out for unevenness in the finishing. These are signs of damage or repairs (unless of course the paint job wasn't very good). Even so, you should note that a good repair usually makes it look like it was never broken. This is when you have to place trust in the seller, that he isn't lying.
relinquish69
New member
pictures please. that would help us help you.
Hi relinquish69! Guitar looks like this! Please advise! Thanks!!
http://imageshack.us/f/835/headstock.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/f/835/headstock.jpg/
Last edited:
relinquish69
New member
The "Les Paul Model decal looks higher than usual. could be a Custom shop reissue although highly unlikely.
got pics of the back of the headstock & control cavity?
got pics of the back of the headstock & control cavity?
relinquish69
New member
ask him to take more pictures. If not, don't buy. Not worth the risk, at all.