Some of the best sources are Stew Mac and Crimson Guitars. This book is loaded with information to help you with a vintage guitar purchase, particularly in discerning manufacturer, model, date, and whether or not it’s in original condition.Īnother great way to learn about the intricacies of an authentic high-end guitar is to follow reputable luthiers and dealers. The best tool you can have at your disposal if going out to buy a vintage guitar is George Gruhn’s Guide to Vintage Guitars. Knowing the building practices of the luthiers behind the guitar, what years major changes in the building process or materials occurred, and knowing the difference between authentic materials and cheap, almost identical substitutes will equip you with the knowledge you need to steer clear of the fakes. This is how one should approach learning how to spot a fake guitar – by learning all about the real thing. They learn to spot a fake dollar bill by studying the real thing until each and every little detail is committed to memory. They know what the real thing looks like. Their agents are highly trained in spotting a fake versus the real thing – and not because they know what a fake look likes. The United States Secret Service is responsible for policing crimes of counterfeiting money in the US.

So before you get stuck with a fake guitar from a charlatan calling himself a guitar dealer, learn the telltale signs.

Not only are you paying a lot of money for a phony that sounds and plays poorly, but there is also no warranty, no trade-in value, and it’s usually illegal to resell. Knowing how to spot a fake versus the real thing is key if you are going to partake in this activity, particularly in this day in age where the counterfeit guitar problem worsens by the day almost.Ī counterfeit guitar is a real nuisance.

However, this is also one of the easiest ways to get ripped off. It’s a great way to get a good deal on an otherwise hard-to-find-guitar. If you love guitars as much as I do, the cost of collecting these instruments can take a toll on the checkbook, so one of my favorite pastimes is spelunking in the local pawn shops or perusing the local Craigslist ads. I don’t want some cheap knock-off or counterfeit like the infamous “Chibson” guitar. As a guitar player, when I drop money on a Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, PRS or any other top-of-the-line axe, I want to know that I am getting exactly that.

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