Counterfeit Ibanez JEMs on eBay

Log Out | Topics | Search Moderators | Edit Profile

Author Message   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Sunday, November 06, 2005 - 12:47 am:    Check out these fake JEMs from Hong Kong: http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7363934356   Fox Username: Fox Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Sunday, November 06, 2005 - 6:07 pm:    Funkle, I can�t see the link??   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Sunday, November 06, 2005 - 8:35 pm:    Horrible fakes to boot! Ebay will remove them if it's brought to their attention.   Laaz Username: Laaz Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Sunday, November 06, 2005 - 9:33 pm:    Fox most decent security progs wu=ill block this scrip as mine does as well. John you have to change the scrpts or many people you are trying to target will never see the links. I, like many block all the ebay & other advertisement scipts, so all I see is a blank space where the link should be.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Monday, November 07, 2005 - 9:42 am:    Laaz: If you know how to do this, send me an email. AFAIK, if a security prog blocks redirected URLs or specific sites (based on a black list) then there's not much I can do on my end. The ICW-friendly URLs must contain a specific ID and go to the QKSRV.net server BEFORE proceeding to ebay, in order to give ICW the credit for the link.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Monday, November 07, 2005 - 10:45 am:    Look at the dreadful workmanship on this guitar. Look how crooked the bridge and pickup are. At least the seller has posted these detailed pics.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Monday, November 07, 2005 - 11:41 am:    Funkle: Oooch, ouch, eek! I wonder if this thing is even playable? Can anyone make out the writing on the back of the trem? Maybe it says: "Stolen from a Patent by Floyd Rose"? Anyway, I contacted someone at Hoshino, USA and the item is no longer available. Score one for the "good" guys!   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Monday, November 07, 2005 - 1:13 pm:    It says "overlord of music"   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, November 07, 2005 - 9:42 pm:    They could have at least penciled in the words Dimarzio on the pickups! Haha... Here's a bad fake I encoutered.. I posted this a while back... but it looks better than theirs!   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Tuesday, November 08, 2005 - 11:01 am:    My contact at Hoshino says: "There are probably more fake Ibanez is China than real Ibanez." Sad.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, November 08, 2005 - 3:58 pm:    I'm liking the description on this one: http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7364744428 "Stylish fair-sound blueness electricity guitar BASS" Is that an attempt at keyword spam? Or just translation problems. At least they are honest that it is only fair-sounding. -Sven   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Tuesday, November 08, 2005 - 5:08 pm:    How about this one from the same seller: http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7364746519 The title says: SANSHI model music instrument tool electric BASS GUITAR Boy, does it look like an "S" LTD, or what?   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, November 08, 2005 - 5:35 pm:    It's not that bad looking. It almost makes you want to buy it for $1.73 I bet the shipping is $170   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 12:13 am:    http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7367285640 Trippy.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2005 - 12:23 am:    shipping cost(EMS):AUD320.00   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Saturday, December 24, 2005 - 4:34 pm:    http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7376758160 I believe this one is a fake also... Notice the off-center Ibanez logo, and also the serial number stamp.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Saturday, December 24, 2005 - 5:15 pm:    Look at this "Ibanez" http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7376786027 I don't think this fender, or the entry level Ibanezes coming from China are counterfeit. I think they may be legitimate Asian market guitars (some of which are cheaper). The starting bid is always low, but they make up for it in the shipping. this one is 165 pounds, which is like $300. -Sven   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Sunday, December 25, 2005 - 4:41 pm:    Funkle - I'm not sure about those Chinese exporters. I reviewed the feedback of one listed above in this thread and it looks alot like "bait and switch". With sellers claiming the items they received were not as pictured. I'd steer clear for sure. With the JEM Jr. I posted, that just looks like a complete copy, right down to the forged serial number. I asked the seller if he could verify it was an authentic Ibanez, and he couldn't. Yet he's selling it like it is the real deal. It's obviously a fake.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 12:44 pm:    http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7378411268 Here it goes again!! Third time... Can anyone verify that this is a JEM Jr. clone/fake/knock off?   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Friday, December 30, 2005 - 12:52 pm:    http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7377314293 Another odd one, JEM with a stop tail.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Saturday, December 31, 2005 - 3:28 am:    Ebay has been flooded with these "stunning admirable" Chinese market guitars lately. I don't really know what to think about them, but I really get a kick out the descriptions. -Sven   Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Saturday, December 31, 2005 - 8:46 am:    What I don't understand is that the sellers feedback is terrible, yet people still seem to be lining up to get burned ! Makes about as much sence as the Gibson assortment available at your local Costco ! Whats next Martins at K Mart ?   Emckenrick Username: Emckenrick Registered: 10-2001 Posted on Saturday, December 31, 2005 - 12:17 pm:    Boy, they sure could use some help with their English (unless of course their shrewd lawyers on retention advise the broken English routine so they can't be held accountable?!)   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Saturday, December 31, 2005 - 7:38 pm:    "What I don't understand is that the sellers feedback is terrible, yet people still seem to be lining up to get burned !" I think that it's mostly inexperienced bidders who see the low selling price, and figure they can't go wrong at a few dollars. But they don't notice the super inflated shipping, and then back out like most of the others. -Sven   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 11:16 pm:    http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7379639262 Damn, here's another one! Look at the Ibanez logo, orientation of the serial number, incorrect volume/tone knobs, wrong tremolo. Someone has to stop this...   Emckenrick Username: Emckenrick Registered: 10-2001 Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 10:03 am:    Yeah......this is about right!!!!????? http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7378701310   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 11:16 am:    http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7380102442 Here's another Chinese copy JEM. Maybe someone at Ibanez will take note and get someone to work with eBay to keep these from being sold. Seems like it'd be really damaging if someone mistook this for the real thing and then were disapointed. Or heck, they can add me to the payroll   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 8:10 am:    Brent: I'm not that familiar with the Jems, so could you give me a point by point lesson in these tell-tale signs you see on these fakes? Some of the pictures are so small, I don't know how you can glean so much from them. Maybe we could make a "Know Your Counterfeit Ibanez" FAQ page with all these tips on them. Thanks, JohnS   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 1:04 pm:    Thats a good idea, John. We should raise awareness on this issue.. So from the recent rash of JEMs, here's what I used to identify them as fake. The most tell-tale sign is the Ibanez logo swoosh. On an RG style guitar, the swoosh should go to the top edge of the headstock. Real Fake On the fakes, they stop short of the edge (about an inch?). With the auction above, this was hidden a little by the cropped photo. But you can also notice the difference between the two. The eBay fakes I've seen also have the wrong tremolo cavity cover. On all RG style guitars, the trem cavity cover should be flush with the body. And I also believe if they are 'string through body', there will also be cutouts for trem claw adjustments. Real Fake Then the biggest eyesore for me is the serial number on the fakes. I've never seen an RG or JEM (Indonesian, Korean or Japanese) that had a serial number that wasn't parallel to the tuning machines. The serial number is also too dark, and the model number is written on it. I also believe the same serial number is used on all the fakes (it doesn't change). Real Fake Other signs include the missing input jack cover. This particular fake doesn't have the tilt jack, but I've seen others that do. The vine also isn't quite right. Wrong shapes in the vine and missing abalone. Some of the others also have a Low-TRS tremolo. I'm not sure if this is a real Ibanez part or a fake. However, it looks pretty close to the mark, even with Ibanez written on it. Also, from what I understand (and someone correct me if I'm wrong), that the JEMs are only made in Japan. There was a JEM 555 with a mini-vine that was produced in Korea, but it was discontinued. I can only imagine that the fakes will get better, and tougher to spot.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 2:13 pm:    Here's a couple more examples. Fake vine on the first fret. I don't believe the vines have changed significantly from vintage to today's models (correct me if I'm wrong). Fake Here's a couple more images from another auction. Fake This one has a input jack cover, but is the wrong shape (too square). However, it also has the incorrect trem cavity cover and is not flush (as noted in the previous post. Also, it's missing the two holes that bolt on the locking nut. I know these disappeared on JCRAFT JEMs with the 5 piece laminate neck. Also note the incorrect orientation of the serial number. Fake From this view, you can see the swoosh stopping short of the edge. It's also too thick. Hope this helps someone! John, let me know if I can help you with this page. I think its a great idea, and hopefully someone over at Hoshino will take note, and start policing eBay.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 1:31 am:    John - I had more time to look at other auctions and compare them against the Ibanez register. I believe I was wrong on the serial number orientation. It looks like this JEM 555 has the alternate serial number orientation, also with the model number listed. It seems odd, but both of these images are from the Ibanez register.... Both JEM 555's REAL JEM 555 (back of headstock) REAL JEM 555 (JEM Jr., back of headstock) Here's a full frontal (full nudity) shot of the JEM 555 (JEM Jr.) Now for the fakes (or at least what I believe to be true). All these images came from the same auction, just so we're clear... FAKE Back of Headstock \image(fakeheadback.jpg) FAKE Back of Headstock (close up) NOTE: Serial number is the same as the other auction listed above. The front of this particular fake is labeled as a JEM Jr. FAKE Front of Headstock Again, swoosh is too thick and falls short of the edge of the wood. These fakes are so good they make me question myself. Someone said "never say never" when it comes to Ibanez, but I just really believe these are truely FAKE. The repeating serial number is the one objective fact that proves there are at least 2 of them. The two auctions that have the fake serial number have different headstock fronts (one labeled in cursive as a JEM, and one as a JEM Jr.). Probably one of the toughest things about the fakes.... what fake, where? is that fake? also funny to note how a company that was once known as making great replicas is now being replicated. maybe I should pick up one of these fakes up.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 1:32 am:    John - I had more time to look at other auctions and compare them against the Ibanez register. I believe I was wrong on the serial number orientation. It looks like this JEM 555 has the alternate serial number orientation, also with the model number listed. It seems odd, but both of these images are from the Ibanez register.... Both JEM 555's REAL JEM 555 (back of headstock) REAL JEM 555 (JEM Jr., back of headstock) Here's a full frontal (full nudity) shot of the JEM 555 (JEM Jr.) Now for the fakes (or at least what I believe to be true). All these images came from the same auction, just so we're clear... FAKE Back of Headstock FAKE Back of Headstock (close up) NOTE: Serial number is the same as the other auction listed above. The front of this particular fake is labeled as a JEM Jr. FAKE Front of Headstock Again, swoosh is too thick and falls short of the edge of the wood. These fakes are so good they make me question myself. Someone said "never say never" when it comes to Ibanez, but I just really believe these are truely FAKE. The repeating serial number is the one objective fact that proves there are at least 2 of them. The two auctions that have the fake serial number have different headstock fronts (one labeled in cursive as a JEM, and one as a JEM Jr.). Probably one of the toughest things about the fakes.... what fake, where? is that fake? also funny to note how a company that was once known as making great replicas is now being replicated. maybe I should pick up one of these fakes up.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 3:13 pm:    OK, so from what I can gather: It looks like the one most commonly being copied is the JEM 7, which is actually made in japan (correct?) Then there is the JEM555 (Jr.) which is made in Korea, which may have either dot inlays or partial vine. But always has the "steve via" block at the 24th fret. And never has a full vine like some of the copies. Is this correct? I wonder if the fake JEMs with real Ibanez hardware started out as bottom of the line RGs? Is it possible that there are legitimate lower end foreign market JEMs that we are seeing? Someone from Ibanez needs to jump into this thread. Has anyone contacted them yet? -Sven   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 8:34 pm:    Sven, Ya, I think that's the jist of it. There were some other Ibanez copies I thought I saw earlier. From what I gather from one of the sellers, is they also copied the JEM77BRMR. It's the Bad Horsie, with a rock mirror finish. I asked him for pics, so we'll see. It'll probably show up in the wild soon. Which other Ibanez guitars are being copied?   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 11:40 pm:    Brent: Good stuff! What do you think of this one? http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7380763354   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 12:09 am:    Wow, looks like the swoosh on that one is cut off by the tuning machine on the first string. Missing the lions claw on the tremolo. Missing the designation on the headstock. Looks so real!!! The dialect and description is psycho!   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 5:48 pm:    More fakeness... http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7380966742 http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7380967119 This run has monkey grips that are too big. There's another seller with a BIN of 1300 that is selling a Korean JEM 7V. Must be fake.   Snowjays Username: Snowjays Registered: 09-2004 Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 5:57 pm:    Looks like the invasion is hitting here. At least this guy says its a fake. http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7380572960 The other says its real. http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7380966742 This guy must be a fruit loop if he thinks someone will believe a brand new Jem at that price....   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 6:02 pm:    Looks like they got the swoosh right on that first one... LOL Although it says its a JEM Jr. (from what I see). Ibanez hang tags too!!! They don't mess around.. Hoshino REALLY needs to employ someone to police eBay. Rickenbacker does a good job of scouring eBay and pulling the fakes (or even ones using their name on a known fake).   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 11:02 pm:    Dang... Just for the record here's some more interesting stuff. Same serial number C02060876 (repeats) Back of body - trem & input cavity covers are flush and pearloid. NOTE: trem cavity cover has only 4 screws. Front of body monkey grip is too large. Looks like they fixed some of the vine inlqay shapes from the other models. I guess at the end of it all, any end user could replace the knobs and cavity covers. Still there's a flood of fakes on eBay... mindblowing... I can just see cargo containers full of them.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 2:06 am:    Man, eBay is FLOODED with Chinese auctions in the Ibanez section right now. It's an epidemic.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 1:01 am:    Not to beat a dead horse here, but more for the record. Good image of the serial number. Note the Ibanez logo on the tuners. Body shot, monkey grip too big. Swoosh fixed compared to others.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 1:04 am:    http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7381747883 Source auction above. Private auction, seller obviously knows he's got counterfeit goods. I offered him 99 bucks for it A low-ball offer compared to the 700 he's asking.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 10:57 am:    Now they're selling Gibsons for $4 http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7381757683   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 11:09 am:    And PGM's http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7380783943 Here's the wannabe JEM BRMR. It's laughable.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 12:23 am:    So the translation on this page is the best I've seen. As for keeping up with the copies I think its game over! Now they're doing low end copies. http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7381025583   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 12:31 am:    Guys: Please stop buying these guitars from China. They are almost certainly NOT real. Someone paid over $400.00US plus hundreds to ship this Jem555: http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3Dhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7381 506517 Just look at what this guy is selling and how he's doing it. First off, the auctions are now all PRIVATE. This effectively hides all pertinent info about previous auctions. Next, the description says nothing about the year or the serial number. Finally, check out the other guitars he's selling. One looks just like a JEM including the monkey grip. DUH!!   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 10:38 am:    John, I don't think anyone here is buying them. But I do think that people who know less about Ibanez are falling for it. This is a MAJOR brand infringement. We should make some kind of effort to let Ibanez know about this and get these pulled from eBay. Is there someone from Ibanez that could report these fakes if we pointed them out? -Sven   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 1:20 pm:    Funkle: I know that some members hangout on other boards/forums and just wanted to let the masses know that these Chinese "deals" are NOT real. So spread the word, please. Note: it's entirely possible that there are some legit Ibanez guitars in China, but you have to scrutinize the seller's previous auctions and feedback VERY carefully! Here's some suggestions: If the seller's other "inventory" is jewlery, pottery, paintings of naked ladies, etc. just say no to his "stash" of guitars. Don't deal with anybody who hides previous auction details via "private auctions", or won't supply serial numbers, or detailed pictures of the front & back of headstock, and the tremolo's markings. Go to www.jemsite.com they have detailed pictures of all Jem headstocks and trems. If the trem doesn't match (including Floyd Rose Patent verbage on older trems) then don't buy! EVEN if the trem says Ibanez on it! It's harder, but try to learn the various pickups used on the originals and match them up. If they don't look like the Ibanez catalog shots, parts library or the manufacturer's website (like DiMarzio), then pass on it. There isn't just one batch of fakes. For instances there are several variations of the Jem555s that are fake. Just because a guitar has some of the "right" features doesn't mean the rest will be. Better to be safe than sorry. Just say no.   Michaelkaufman Username: Michaelkaufman Registered: 11-2002 Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 - 4:30 pm:    Corrected link: http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7381506517   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 10:30 pm:    Maybe after NAMM, Ibanez will direct some attention to the counterfeiting issue. It certainly erodes their bottom line (revenue & profits), and damages their brand name.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 12:06 am:    http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7384340313 More pics for the record. Closeup of the fake tremolo - note Ibanez inscription. Closeup of the fretboard + inlay. Back of headstock + serial number (C02060876) repeats. No doubt that it will be increasingly difficult to identify these fakes. The best indicator is certainly the serial number, and attention to detail of the guitar itself. Wonder when someone will show up with an "identify this Ibanez" thread that's a counterfeit.   Sixvsix Username: Sixvsix Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 6:56 pm:    Is this a fake Jem guys? http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7383445126 six   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 9:26 pm:    Six, it looks legit! I haven't seen any Floral copies on the market, but it seems prudent to question every JEM. If i were the buyer, I'd like to see more pics. The Vai signature looks authentic too.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 11:58 am:    Here's another one...being sold out of Pennsylvania. This has got to be illegal. I don't care what it says on the headstock, you can't put Steve Vai's name on a guitar and sell it commercially without paying him, no? And even though it says Floyd Rose on the trem, how much you wanna bet that the company is NOT seeing any royalties. http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7386355039   Snowjays Username: Snowjays Registered: 09-2004 Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 5:48 pm:    John, The irony of the matter is that this is probably how Gibson owners felt about Ibanez in the early '70s. At least Ibanez put their own name on their products. I have spoken to a couple of importers here, and the word is that there is a lot more to come. Not just in guitars, but a flood of cars, computors, and electrical appliances. We are seeing mini-bikes by the thousand selling for a fifth of the price of the name brands. I just wonder how long it will be before we see guitars with other major brand names like theese.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 6:44 pm:    Yeah, these aren't 'copies', but counterfeits. Johns - Is Ibanez/Hoshino going to step up their efforts to have auctions removed that are selling counterfeit goods? I've seen several that are allowed to run until closing.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 8:31 pm:    Brent: I talked to several people during NAMM and they know it's a problem. But there was no committment from anyone to do anything, in particular. However, in the last case of the Human brand using Steve Vai's name, it wouldn't be Hoshino's responsibility, but Steve's to stop the use of his name to sell guitars. I wonder if Steve knows about this situation? If they are also using Floyd Rose's tremolo design and name, but not paying royalties, then that company could also bring action.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 8:53 pm:    Yeah, I thought the patent on the Floyd expired, but I'm not sure how all that works legally. http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7386051367 This one is interesting, apparantly a counterfeit that has been autographed by Vai. Signature appears real, but it is a little tight (spacing) compared to my examples. I did message Mikey (one of Vai's employees) on the issue, but I got no response.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Thursday, February 02, 2006 - 8:48 am:    Brent: This is sad. Besides the crappy photos that show no detail, he's got the same serial number that is most other proven fakes. Add to that he says he paid almost $1500 (isn't that JEM 7V money? In fact, the LIST price for a JEM555 in '99 and '00 was only $1200.00. And yet, he starts his auction at $300 with no reserve. Maybe Steve's signature is worth that much! Interesting that the seller admitts to being contacted that he may be (probably is) offering a fake. His response gets incoherent and evasive.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Thursday, February 02, 2006 - 10:34 am:    "Not just in guitars, but a flood of cars, computors, and electrical appliances." Cars ?!? Like this?: http://www.counterfeitmini.org/   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Thursday, February 02, 2006 - 10:38 am:    Check out the "tough love" section: http://www.counterfeitmini.org/tough_love.php   Mrblanche Username: Mrblanche Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Thursday, February 02, 2006 - 11:25 am:    My guess would be that it is the Chinese seller who is listing it in Pittsburg. Whoever it is doesn't speak (or at least write) English very well. I wonder if it's really in Pittsburgh?   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Friday, February 03, 2006 - 12:00 am:    Here's a new fresh one from China. Full body. NEW SERIAL NUMBER - LOOKS LIKE C02060834 Front   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, February 03, 2006 - 12:12 am:    Funkle, I slapped the crap out of that moron!   Mrmike Username: Mrmike Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Friday, February 03, 2006 - 10:55 am:    Has anyone tried this? In the section on ebay marked "ask the seller a question" ask the seller if the guitar is 'real'. Maybe ebay will pick up on these or at least someone will see the question and get scared to buy.I'm on ebay/Ibanez daily just like a lot of you so maybe together we can ruin it for these chinese fakes.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Friday, February 03, 2006 - 1:33 pm:    Mr. Mike: I'm not sure how ebay's "ask the seller a question" feature works. Anybody know for sure? Often, I've asked sellers questions and they have not ended up in the Q&A section. So, I assumed that it was optional for the seller to selectively add, or not, the questions and responses. How would asking the seller if it is fake alert ebay? Do you think that ebay monitors every question asked?   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Friday, February 03, 2006 - 1:49 pm:    I emailed the winner of the Jem555 with Steve Vai's signature on it, to see what he thought of his purchase. Here's his response: "I was informed that it was a fake and did the research and came to the conclusion that it is a fake and informed the seller that I wasn't going to buy it. He has re-posted the auction. Thanks and keep doing what you are doing!" Score one for the good guys. Here's the relisted auction. http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7387613917 The seller is getting smarter, he's using a private bidder option, so know one can get the names of the bidders to let them know the "truth" about this guitar's pedigree.   Snowjays Username: Snowjays Registered: 09-2004 Posted on Friday, February 03, 2006 - 5:54 pm:    Anyone can use the "security centre" list at the bottom to have the auction cancelled,if you think the seller is fraudulently advertising the guitar.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 1:38 am:    John - Nice work bro. I've done the same thing with other auctions, and I think others (folks not registered on this board) are following our lead on the efforts to keep the phoney JEMs apart from the real ones on eBay. I've posted a direct link to this page on VAI.com's BBS, in an effort to increase awareness of the issue. I guess I feel like the clone wars are in full effect. I must say I'm extremely disapointed in the response from Hoshino on this issue.... For now, this thread seems to serve its purpose. Unfortunately, I think this problem is bigger than a bread box. Cliche' isn't it? -Brent   Snowjays Username: Snowjays Registered: 09-2004 Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 1:55 am:    How about this pair. The red one is the worst I've seen yet.   Snowjays Username: Snowjays Registered: 09-2004 Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 2:24 am:    Well all you Eddie fans should be ouraged!!!! http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7386178330   Mrmike Username: Mrmike Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 11:09 am:    To JohnS: I think ebay does monitor every question. I once asked a seller a question and added that "it was a great guitar".It never showed up.I guess ebay does'nt like people adding pros/cons to the items!   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2006 - 11:26 am:    Snowjays, Looks like the red one is a bad copy of Red Lace, one of Steve's proto's he auctioned off for his charity org.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 2:39 am:    Rich put up a Ibanez Fake site. He also listed the JEM555 on the IbanezRegister as a fake (John you emailed me on this one in the UK). http://www.ibanezrules.com/fakes.htm -Brent   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 10:41 am:    Brent: I saw that last week after trolling Jemsite for fake info. I'm happy that Rich took the time to put that page together. However, I'd like to see the info presented in a way that helps novices "see" the details that make a fake apparent. Persons who have been fans of these models and have followed their development over the years, cetainly have an advantage.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 11:17 am:    John, Fortunately these fake auctions are very easy to spot by the language and selling style they are using. Rather than trying to spot physical traits, I'd advise anyone to suspect a guitar which: A: Comes from China or Hong Kong AND: B: Has a ridiculously low starting price If these bogus sellers catch on, and start using good descriptions and selling tactics, then we're in trouble.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:20 pm:    Funkle, I'd agree with you on the obvious Chinese auctions, however, some North American folks have imported these and are reselling them as actual JEMs (some know they're fake, others think they're real).   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 9:07 am:    I guess the word still hasn't gotten out to the masses. Here's another suspicious Jem555 from China: http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7387450204   Pitviper Username: Pitviper Registered: 08-2005 Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2006 - 8:21 pm:    I talked to the seller out here in the US, here's what they said. "Dear Sir, I apologize about the confusion on the authenticity of this guitar. I listed the item for a friend who is not in the US. I asked them when I was asked if the guitar was authentic. I had no reason to doubt it was authentic. Since I have declared that it is not authentic I believe I am off the hook. Thanks for your concern. There are lots of products that are copied everyday and that is wrong and I don't like it. That is why I honestly corrected the trouble as soon as I was aware of it. My friend may actually be angry with me for telling the truth, I was honest enough to admit it was not a real Ibanez as soon as I found out myself regardless of the consequences. Thanks for your concern about this issue. I will not be listing any more of these guitars." Kristie   1300longhair Username: 1300longhair Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 1:09 am:    Oh,bullxxxx   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 9:21 pm:    Isn't this a fake 555? http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7391954330   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 9:40 pm:    And another JEM 7V from China. http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7391936066   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 10:09 pm:    Ya, they're all over... Exquisite and stunning decorations from the ancient Chinese people... sickening... Seems like most of the saavy folks know what to to look for, but it'd be nice to get eBay cleaned up.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 1:09 pm:    Here's a front and back of a new one recently advertised on eBay. Good shot of the serial number (another new one). C02060825   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 1:14 pm:    I'm going to start reporting these to eBay and see how things shake out... Here's a link if any of you want to assist in the battle. http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/replica-counterfeit.html   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2006 - 10:53 pm:    New fake, new serial. Seller says he "gets lost in the vine, after playing for 25 years"? More like "I bought counterfeit goods and want to pass on the rob. http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7395174559   Infinity Username: Infinity Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 8:49 am:    "http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7376758160 I believe this one is a fake also... Notice the off-center Ibanez logo, and also the serial number stamp." _____________________________________________ Brent, other things to notice are the pickguard, lower monkeygrip, and too-long lion claw tremelo rout. Also, if that's the one with the square jackplate on the back - yeah, it's a fake. You tend to get lost in the fake Jems at times : ( Too many. But easy to spot.   Mrmike Username: Mrmike Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 12:56 pm:    Man,I hate even looking at Ebay for Ibanez's anymore. Seems like a third of the stuff is coming out of China!I wonder if someone out there has the REAL Jem555 with the serial # that's being used for the fakes.Would'nt that be a cool guitar to have after all this fake stuff is resolved [if it ever is ].   Jvandyke Username: Jvandyke Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 3:51 pm:    interesting thread on it here http://forums.ebay.com/db1/thread.jspa?threadID=1000165398&tstart=0&mod=11396022 09149   Mrmike Username: Mrmike Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 5:54 pm:    I noticed our very own MrBlanche contributed to that thread and directed ebay users to ICW for verification on these gtrs.Way to go! Someone on the ebay thread suggested these gtrs are real and they're a good deal because they do'nt have a U.S. 'mark-up' in price.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 7:25 pm:    The last one I posted was removed by eBay. A good sign that submitting those Auction ID's to the counterfeit group might actually work.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Saturday, March 04, 2006 - 1:37 am:    First Floral JEM I've seen copied/counterfeited..   Mrblanche Username: Mrblanche Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Sunday, March 05, 2006 - 9:24 am:    I can't believe that guy on the e-bay forum who thinks he got a great deal on that sad copy. But then, having taught high school, I've seen plenty of people who won't learn anything, no matter how hard you try to help them.   Mrmike Username: Mrmike Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Monday, March 06, 2006 - 11:14 am:    I was just on ebay and I think the fakers are on to us.There's a Ibanez listed with 'new serial number'!!! The funny thing is it says 'Jem' on the headstock and has the 'K7' logo on the fretboard.They're coming out with their own models!!   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 10:20 pm:    I have an idea for a new game show called: Scam or No Scam. What do you think of this one: http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7374874657   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 11:00 pm:    I'd say no scam. What do I win? Seriously. I think it's going to be tougher and tougher to spot the fakes. Here's one from a Chinese site, with scalloped 21-24 frets. source: http://auction1.taobao.com/auction/29-2901-50002863-290101/item_detail-0db1-eea838ca3b22e0eb7aab21d8f67537ae.jhtml note: be patient, the data has to go through the Chinese censors *VBG*   Mrblanche Username: Mrblanche Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 1:18 pm:    It will be harder and harder to spot the fakes...until Ibanez themselves assign an employee just to watch these things. Or maybe the major manufacturers can employ one expert consultant to watch all of them.   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 12:31 pm:    These bogus Chinese sellers have gotten so annoying that I have limited my ebay search to North America, just to filter out these fakes which seem to outnumber the real auctions at times.   Mrblanche Username: Mrblanche Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 1:12 pm:    Just for curiosity...what model is that floral guitar supposed to be?   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 9:01 pm:    It's a copy of the JEM Floral Print. Here's a good REAL image of a JEM FP. Short story behind it, is that the print was replicated from the curtains in Steve's home when he was growing up.   Mrblanche Username: Mrblanche Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 9:36 am:    OK. Well, I have to say I like the looks of the copy better! But that is probably just lighting, etc.   Mrdestroyer Username: Mrdestroyer Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 12:27 pm:    I suspect that some of these copies may be coming from here: http://www.aofafactory.com Like this one: http://www.aofafactory.com/pic/ch3_pic.jpg A friend of mine has spoken with this factory about creating his own line of guitars, and they told him that they could put whatever name he wanted on the headstocks. Approximate cost per unit would be $85 canadian, purchased in shipping containers of 100. The factory says that most guitars are of excellent quality, but about 5-10% could be considered rejects.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 11:27 pm:    Mrdestroyer: Interesting! How'd you find that picture from their website? You think they're keeping the lights on in the factory by making counterfeits? You know, it's weird. Counterfeit merchandise really never bothered me until I saw this rash of fake Ibanez guitars. I mean, my wife goes to 'purse parties' where they buy fake Coach & Kate Spade purses. A buddy of mine has a REALLY well made counterfeit Rolex....   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 11:38 am:    Great find Mr D. It looks like they have a fake PG model as well. Maybe this will be the 2nd Ibanez lawsuit era   Mrdestroyer Username: Mrdestroyer Registered: 03-2006 Posted on Monday, April 17, 2006 - 12:40 pm:    It's been suggested that some tooling "went missing" from the Cort factory a few years ago... maybe that's how these fakes are being popped out. The unfortunate thing, as far as I know, is that there are no copyright laws in China... everything's wide open.   Mrblanche Username: Mrblanche Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 7:10 am:    This item on that web site looks familiar... http://www.aofafactory.com/viewguitar.asp?g_id=981   Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 9:27 am:    Looks like the scammers are getting creative...The real auction for this 2619CW is seeing a lot of action-hope no one goes for this obvious scam !} http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7410738018   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 4:32 pm:    I reported this one to ebay at 4:30 est. Let's see how long it takes to get some action.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 8:32 pm:    That seller has 4 auctions running, all for guitars he obviously doesn't own with images lifted off other auctions.. This may be a job for flyingwindows   Dave_g Username: Dave_g Registered: 01-2002 Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 10:01 pm:    Brent...Who is flying windows, or is that part of the scam ?   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 10:55 pm:    I think he's just some old dude that is tired of scammers.   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 10:45 am:    http://www.ibanez.co.jp/world/Counterfeit_Warning/index.html Here's Ibanez's response to the counterfeiting. That yellow is so bright at this early hour!   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Friday, May 05, 2006 - 10:17 am:    More counterfeit junk.. This one is a fake Universe 7 string. Fake disappearing pyramids. Fake inlay below the bridge. Look at the logo on the box.... faking fakers.   Noid Username: Noid Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 3:56 pm:    http://www.longmarket.com/productdisplay.php?sortid=29 Check this site out, they have other brands too.   Jeffsailor Username: Jeffsailor Registered: 01-2004 Posted on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 - 12:39 pm:    Ibanez posted a warning on their site... http://www.ibanez.com/support/counterfeits.asp   Mrblanche Username: Mrblanche Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Thursday, July 06, 2006 - 1:02 pm:    So...I went through and reported about 40 fakes to e-bay. Any idea what happens to those complaints?   Brentm Username: Brentm Registered: 03-2005 Posted on Sunday, July 16, 2006 - 2:05 am:    Not to bring up a sore subject, but I thought this was worth mentioning here. The latest fakes on eBay are getting extremely close to the look of the real guitar. Team JCRAFT serial number, 5 piece neck, logo centered. Looks like the right mix of abalone and pearloid in the inlay... spooky!   Rockerh Username: Rockerh Registered: 07-2006 Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 3:17 am:    I am new here. I just won this item for a used ibanez. Can you guys PLEASE take a look at it and tell me if its real?? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&item=260007873175&rd=1&sspa gename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1#ebayphotohosting He claims he wants a PRS. ALso, he is Chinese (From CA) so not to stereotype anyone as I have a lot of Chinese friends but I just did not read this site until NOW!   Bondscoll Username: Bondscoll Registered: 04-2006 Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 9:02 am:    I agree, it is scary! I was in a local music store a couple days ago and they had a Jem copy hanging on the used rack. It even said made in Japan. It was obvious it wasn't real, plus they had a $199 price tag on it. Unfortunately they probably took it in trade from someone that learned a costly lesson. The fact that they are in the local marketplace bothers me more than them being in the global marketplace. It hits close to home! I asked the salesman about how it plays and sounds. He said it ain't no Jem! So a reputable store resells it for what it is. What about the less than reputable music store or pawn shop that may even have made a mistake taking it in. I came across a guy locally on craigslist 6-8 months ago that had 3 of them for sale. His story was that he inherited them from a friend that died and that he knew nothing about guitars. Be careful out there! Rick   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 3:48 pm:    Rockerh, I'm no RG expert, but it looks legit to me. Looks like an RG250 or RG350. A fine guitar, but not a pricey one. The knockoffs seem to be based mostly on the JEMs, not the lower level RGs.   Gemberbier Username: Gemberbier Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 2:13 pm:    FAKE JEM NO BIN Ebay Item #140168423270 Ginger   Gemberbier Username: Gemberbier Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 2:26 pm:    The same seller offered the same guitar with a BIN of $500.- It would end 22 hours later. The moment I wanted to copy the ad, it had disappeared. Ebay Item #14016941914 The fact that it was available for $500.- at the very same moment, indicates that the one with a $610.- bid is also a fake. We are talking $2700.- guitars here (original). He even avoids the type name JEM, in order not to be recognized as a JEM fake seller. But at these prices there can be no doubt. $110.- +$120.- shipping cost makes $230.- Profit at the BIN price $270.- And on this one even $380.- HIS EBAY NAME: Goodguy48865 Wish we had a picture of HIS face. We already have some nice texts for completing it! BE AWARE! Ginger   Gemberbier Username: Gemberbier Registered: 5-2006 Posted on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 2:35 pm:    Hey, all his guitars suddenly disappeared. Also his Fenders. All there's left is a Crate amp and several computer games. His feedback was built up from sales of these games and DVDs not from guitar sales. So after each fake he will sell 50 CDs and will still have a 98%+ positive feedback. That's the trick. Ginger   Davehowardcustom Username: Davehowardcustom Registered: 10-2005 Posted on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 8:19 pm:    Hey gang, I saw his CRAP late last night. I copy & pasted EVERY guitar auction he had & reported him to eBay. Just •••••• me off! I pointed out over ten details & showed examples of real Ibanezes, to prove my point. I didn't think anything would come of it, but maybe they listened! One other trick they're pulling now. They have their eBay ID location in the states (Like this guy says he's in Michigan). But, why does the guitar ship by EMS (which is a chinese express mail service)? You really have to be careful. One more for the good guys, DHC   Chucke99 Username: Chucke99 Registered: 2-2007 Posted on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 1:57 pm:    There's a guy in the Seattle area that keeps trying to sell the same "JEM" Steve Vai model. Sometimes he asks for $2,800, other times, he's willing to trade for Microsoft Software (trying to lure folks like me who can buy from our company store) and other times like the current ad, "giving it away": http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/msg/446232722.ht ml He never uses the actual Craigslist contact link, it's always his own email in the ad (and I think that changes from time to time). I replied to him once with a link to the paylessguitar.com website showing the exact guitar as a fake. I really think this one is fake. Thank god nobody seems to be fooled by it.

Add Your Message Here Post: -Color- Black Red Green Blue Yellow Purple Orange Cyan Gray White -Font- Arial Courier Symbol Times Verdana -Size- Smallest (-2) Small (-1) Normal Large (+1) Largest (+2) Enter Item number: Username: Posting Information: This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here. Password: Options: Enable HTML code in message Automatically activate URLs in message Action: