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"Protecting our consumers' investments and the Gibson name is paramount," says Ric Olsen, Director of Security and Loss Prevention at Gibson. "The ultimate goal here is that we want people to be happy Gibson customers. We're trying to protect their investments by thwarting the counterfeit problem."

The majority of the Gibson counterfeits appear to originate on e-commerce sites based out of major cities in China such as Beijing and Shanghai, though Olsen says, That's not to say we don't have domestic problems, too. People will try to make up their own version of a Les Paul and start selling it, but the major battle is this China crisis.

Other sources for counterfeit instruments are auction websites like eBay, which currently have hundreds of instruments resembling not just Gibson guitars, but also other brands. Some even feature trademarked headstocks and logos, but upon close inspection the guitars don't feel or sound like a true Gibson, the serial numbers aren't registered with Gibson, and most are not of good standard of quality overall.

Measure the guitar to check that it's not undersized. Correct measurements can be found on www.Gibson.com.

Examine headstock and headstock logo to determine that they match those of authentic Gibson guitars.

Check to see that all pearl is inlaid.

Check that Les Paul model script is always in cursive.

Verify that there's not a three-screw truss rod cover.

Check the control and pickup cavities for sloppy routing or wiring.

Make sure the pickup cavity is not painted black inside.

Always ask for the Gibson Owner's Manual and Gibson Warranty Inspection card.

Check the wiring. If it's plastic it isn't a true Gibson.

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