Consumers can check any of the references below when examining a Gibson guitar in an effort to insure its authenticity:

    * Make sure the size is not undersized
    * The headstock and headstock logo should match those of authentic Gibson guitars
    * Pearl should always be inlaid
    * Les Paul Model script is always in cursive
    * If the guitar has a 3 screw truss rod it is not authentic
    * Check the control and pick up cavities for sloppy routing or wiring
    * Real Gibson guitars use one piece necks
    * Many fake Gibsons have their pickup cavities painted black inside
    * If purchasing a Gibson always ask for the Gibson's Owner Manual and Gibson/Warranty Inspection Card
    * Check the wiring, if it is plastic it isn't a true Gibson

Other information on spotting a fake guitar can be found on www.gibson.com.

have to resurrect this.

i've never believed fake epiphones existed, until i saw this today at one utama.


look at the black one.
the purple one at the back is the glitter LP which is genuine.
compare cutaway, knob positions and headstock logo

the serial number also is EE03******* which means MIC 2003.
didnt know they had MIC so early.
the truss rod cover is also wrong, as that one is from 2004 onwards, but that  can be changed.

Are they really that bad? Maple fretboard in a non mahogany bodied Les Paul, shouldn't it be pretty interesting?

Bad news on the Epis though. How much is that thing listed anyway? Listed the same price as though they're real Epis I suppose?