Is there anyone on here who is an expert in guitars? I've been playing for many, many years, but need some advice on buying a guitar. I've found what I think is an absolute bargain, but am concerned the price is too good to be true.
Anyone versed on spotting fakes?
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New or used?
tbh £620 is the sort of price you can find a choice of USA LP's - depending on spec, originality and condition
If you like it, it plays well and sounds good, where's the risk?
I've checked the serial number and while it comes back as a genuine number, I know that these can be copied. Plus the number just gives the date and factory location, not the make and model.
I'm only interested in either a Special or a Jr and the USA ones go for a lot more than £620.
- Are you able to play the instrument before you buy?
- What guarantees does the seller offer? Draw something up demanding a full and prompt refund should anything be amiss (make sure the language is watertight), and if they're kosher it's the sort of thing they'd sign.
- What condition is it in?
- Do we know why they are selling, and why at that price? (Maybe don't question the latter though!)
I mean this looks like a very, very good deal - but not out of the realms of possibility. Proceed with caution.
Seriously, something like a Squier Stratocaster or Epiphone Gibson Les Paul - both around the £160 mark.
I have picked through many, many pictures and have noted that every single knock off shares one common problem. All the tune-o-matic's have Phillips head or flat head screws to keep them attached to the body. The genuine ones simply have thumb screws.
Some of the original guitars with those famous brand names on them have not been that great over the years, so I would suggest if this guitar feels like a great guitar, then you’ve got what you want. You can always spec it up a bit from a place like Stew Macs, who are very helpful, though in the States.
I completely get that you might want an original guitar, and this may indeed be that, but for £620 a ‘good’ guitar, whatever it is, would be a fair result imo.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Serious lapses in quality control.
Like PaddyP17 says, it would be best if you can check it out before you buy.
Where is the guitar for sale?
Are much better then those that originate in china or Korea
I’d agree with the advice of a Yamaha Pacifica as an entry level guitar, if you want a strat style guitar.
I bought a Line 6 Variax Standard and they’re based on the Pacifica before Line 6 put their electronic witchcraft into it and I find it plays fine with the guitar modelling stuff switched off and it’s playing as a Pacifica.
Sorry, I’ve got know further advice regarding the Les Paul than what other people have said.
Ebay, the bloke lives in Petts Wood.
As mentioned I've been playing for a very long time.
Telecasters are the daddy.
Cant help with Les Paul, sorry.
For new players any of the Chinese, Korean copies are all good.
https://m.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-guitarists-of-all-time
6 of the top 10 played strats or super-strat copies. Not that the strat is my favourite guitar but there must be something good about them for six of the ‘best’ guitarists in the world chose them.