Is it illegal to buy a fake guitar?

Conventional interpretation of the law regarding counterfeit guitars suggests that it is not illegal to buy them, but it is illegal to sell them. Bear in mind that even if you state clearly that it is counterfeit, the law still prohibits you from selling it.

Do all guitars have serial numbers?

Most major guitar manufacturers, including Fender, Gibson, and Martin, have tables on their websites that list the serial numbers used for different models and the years they represent. For some manufacturers, serial numbers overlapped in some decades, or were used for more than one type of guitar.

How do you read a guitar serial number?

The serial number of an acoustic is located on the label inside the sound hole of the guitar. All acoustic serial numbers begin with the letter “A”, and are followed by the two digit year prefix. The remaining digits indicate the sequential number of acoustics built to date.

Do people make fake guitars?

They may look the part, but counterfeits are often made on the cheap, with cheap hardware and a lack of quality control. This isn’t always the case, and sometimes counterfeits can be very well produced. They will likely fall into trademark infringement if they copy a reputable brand’s headstock shape or logo.

Do guitars have serial numbers?

The serial numbers have been placed on or in the guitar in different places over the years. At the top of the neck plate, on the front or at the back of the headstock or on the cover plate of the vibrato (Stratocasters), or at the end of the heel of the neck.

How can I tell if my Gibson is real?

How to spot a fake Gibson:

1. Measure the guitar to check if it’s undersized.
2. Examine headstock and headstock logo to determine that they match those of authentic Gibson guitars.
3. Check to see that all pearl is inlaid.
4. Check that Les Paul model script is always in cursive.
5. Verify that there’s not a 3-screw truss rod cover.