My chibson was stalled in customs, had to pay a crazy expensive tarrif to get it. The the fret board pryed off at the neck joint with chunks carved out to test if wood violated the endangered species import bans. When it was all done. I wen’t to a fundraiser, had all the musicians autograph it, mounted it in a display case, and raffled it off for $5 a ticket. It raised $750 for a sick kid. I removed the gibson logo, inlaid my own name in its place.
I'm waiting for the day when some "smart" Chinese company figures out putting "Chibson" on their headstock might be a plus. The name already has "Brand power" and, if they're making quality guitars that actually compete with Gibson, it could be to their advantage.
@Jimmy Durex Hiya, Jimmy! If you could point me to the post where I typed that Chibson quality was as good as Gibson's, I'd be very appreciative. Thanks.
The best part in this video is when he points out that the counterfeit guitars are coming out of the same factories that are making the cheap brands being sold on Amazon. That's what always runs through my head when people say they have as Chibson that plays just like a real Gibson after replacing all the parts and fixing fret problems. It's rubbish to believe that a factory that produces guitars for legit brands like Harley Benton isn't making those as well as a Gibson but when they are producing counterfeits on the side they are somehow magically as good as a Gibson because that is what they say on the headstock. People just want to pretend they have something they can't afford.
Trolls notwithstanding...It appears the general consensus "everywhere" is to replace the electronics (PUPs, jacks, switches, pots, wiring, etc. & some hardware items if desired) for "most" guitars from China and save thousands of dollars if you just desire additional crayons in your production box that matches the feel/tonal characteristics of iconic off-the-shelf US manufactured instruments. However, if you desire something truly special, it's NOT rocket science, just a guitar any human with the implied skill level/equipment can produce when detailed specs are provided and confirmed via pics (i.e. Back: 1-Piece Mahogany w/12-hole weight relief, Top: 1-Piece 3/4" Plain Maple, Joint: Long Tenon (Ultra Modern Contoured heel) 1-piece Solid Mahogany custom elliptical/modern "flat oval" profile neck, custom paint job: Neck Binding: Electric Violet Single-ply & Body Binding: Dark Turquoise Multi-ply, Fingerboard Material: Solid Ebony, Number Of Frets: 24, 3 Humbuckers, etc.), one can theoretically own the quality of those ranging $5k-$10k+ for far less than $2k with all the push/push/pull pot wiring one can dream up (i.e. "Gibson LP Custom Shop Original" 1-off w/case). Those of you with thousands of dollars burning holes in your collective pockets can donate it to TheRockCzars & the proceeds will support All US instrument manufacturers. ;)
I'm probably a minority here but I couldn't care less about making sure a company that runs over 100's of it's own guitars with a skid loader gets my money. I care more about getting a decent guitar for a decent price. I don't own any "fake" guitars but I'm not a brand fan boy and I'm not a free billboard for Gibson, Fender, etc. I just want a decent guitar that plays well and sounds good. I do all my own set-ups, fretwork, wiring, etc. anyway so as long as the materials are good I can make a great guitar out of just about any p.o.s. with stings.
Harry. B. Renner. jr. yeah I can’t wait for mine to come in later this month. Jin has been amazing when I have questions. He is usually very quick to respond to emails.
Hi Nick, its Stan. Great video and learning experience. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Thanks for taking the risks and sharing what you learned. Thanks to you, Henning and CGS, I have some great budget gear. I love all of it. It's been fantastic to get so much awesome info over the years to guide my buying. What you do is appreciated. Have a great day!
I've been for around 20 years a fender strat lover; I owned a standard and a Jeff Beck signature ORIGINAL. In the last few years I was tempted to buy a Les Paul but far too expensive and not sure If I would have like it. So I decided to try a chibson: once arrived I changed all the electronics, pickups (slash signature), I did a full set up (fretwork, polished frets etc...) and at the end I was very very very very impressed by it so much that was my back up guitar for the live gigs. Thanks to this great Chibson experience I decided to sell one of my fender and bought a '96 les paul standard and I was amazed after having an oringinal Gibson. After a year I decided to buy a "modern" brand new les paul for my 3 years old son's heredity :-) :-) :-) and I can say that the 2019 standard is a bad ass!!! So, now, I can say that for starting and with some proper fixes, the Chibson is a great option if you, like me, never had great expectations from a Gibson and want to try but, of course, the REAL Gibson feels totally different in your hands. For what about the sound the Chibson aren't that bad! Bare in mind that out of the box Chibson are quite bad, so prepare yourself to spend some time for setting it up or to spend some extra money for let someone else setting it up for you! Thanks to the Chibson propaganda, Gibson won a NEW customer who is actually in LOVE WITH IT! so, pros and cons. PS: if I wouldn't have bought a Chibson I would have tried the Harley benton as they seems to be great out of the box with no extra setting need or pickup swap! Thank you man for your video sharing your experiences!
Exactly! Gibson stole the Les Paul design from a guy named O.W. Appleton - whose design they rejected in 1943 saying: "We can't see anyone playing a solid-body electric guitar." Then Paul Bigsby made a one-off single-cut for a country singer that looked like the modern day Les Paul in 1948. Also, that open-book headstock design isn't theirs either. It was on mandolins from Italy and the USA since the early 1800s.
Your Chibson videos led me to this awesome channel!!!! It was a rabbit hole that was interesting and I did consider since Gibson wasn’t making lefties at the time. Many people bought these guitars for various reasons, mainly cost but it was fun to see what could be done. Yes we all know the many reasons why it was not cool to buy these guitars but like all things guitar, it was a community. Thanks Nick for taking us down memory lane and also thanks espltdguitarlover for being such a weird grumpy man who’s upity ways brought me to this wonderful place!!! 🤣🤣🤣🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
There is nothing wrong with getting a Chibson. At the time, It was even considered bold and romantic. Everyone should have at least one. How else are you going to know what to look for, and avoid paying $4,000 for a fake R9? The Chibson is a valuable experience everyone should have. Besides, a Fake Gibson made in China sounds like an Epiphone to me.
@MRGRUMPY53 The difference between what Thomann is doing is what again? Finding a loop hole which allows you to legally import Chibsons (Gibson Clones) is NO different. I own plenty of Epiphones made in China. NONE of which are anywhere near Gibson quality, The whole Epiphone is Gibson quality thing is a lie Newbies fall for. But a true Chibson is the next true CLASSIC guitar. It represents a gone-by era that will never be again.
Gabrieltone Guitars The difference is that Thomann are not “passing off” by using Gibson branding which is, for the seller (and for you if you ever try to sell your guitar, if you actually don’t get it seized before it even gets to you of course), absolutely and clearly illegal. 🤷🏼♂️ And yes, it’s completely illegal even if you make it clear it’s a fake and it’s illegal even if the buyer knows it’s not a real Gibson.
After doing a lot of extensive research, I found by far the best investment for your money is the 1970s and 1980s Japanese guitars you spoke about at the end. I have bought three of them so far and ended up selling two of them for a profit. And I didn’t have to lie to do it.
Nick in the States thank you very much for your videos on them. You are an excellent resource and I learned a lot from you about them. The one I kept was the ‘79 Yamaha studio lord. It’s got the headstock Harley Benton copied but other than that it’s a Les Paul
That's it Nick, you replace the tuners and the nut because they are usually crap, change the pots add the guitar tech time for the setup, you change the strings, you file the razor-sharp fret ends, you swap the pickups (because they usually also sound like shit) and you end up paying as much if not more then other legitimate very good imports like : an Agile, Epiphone, Fernandes, Sx, Burny, Yamaha, or a Michael kelly, Xaviere.. I mean a ton of good alternatives..
The reason I went for them in the first place was a base guitar to start modding. $250-300AU shipped when an Epi was starting at about $900 over here seemed like a good deal. I never had much luck with Jap knockoff's either from the 70's so these looked appealing. I figured a pickup swap, bone nut and setup (the tuners and electronics work). Back then there really was no Harley Bentons, Artist Guitars etc. But these were very much hit and miss
Still got my made in China Les Paul Paul with a Floyd Rose with no issues that I bought in the pawnshop!! Almost ashamed to own it but I love the sound and the way it plays!!
From Leo: Thanks for being an honest, stand up man, and not making a sucker out of the next guy. You are right, there are LOTS of good single cut guitars in the $450 plus range. I bought the top line Agile (3100?) five or six years ago for $350, and it has been very good and nothing needed to be replaced. In addition, I have kept my integrity. I call your lesson "poor man syndrome". Try to save a buck, buy a cheapie, fix what is wrong, replace problem parts to make it useful. In the end the poor man has more money invested that a good one cost. To add insult, when it is all said and done, the thing is worth nothing.
Nope a real Gibbo Custom Shop Guitar can be $15,000.00 a fake with replacements way less. I do hope customs keeps seizing the fakes. There are too many crooks out there that will buy a bunch of fakes then sell them as the real deal for 1000s.
If I owned that Chibson I would mark it in the control cavity that it’s a fake. Just to make sure if it falls out of your hands no one is misled or ripped off.
Anyone stupid enough to mistake it as a real Gibson has it coming too them. It takes about two seconds to tell it’s fake. Pickup rings are bigger (like Epiphone size) toggle switch position, bridge, volume tone knob placement, horn, headstock proportions, fret nibs...just to name a few. If you’re going to part with the money it takes to buy a Gibson, you’re gonna know what to look for. If someone says “I’ll sell you this Gibson Les Paul for 400$” and you’re not suspicious, then it’s prob best to do a little research. Yeah, there’s a sucker born every minute . But you got to be a grade A jackass to buy a fake Gibson and think you’re getting a real one.
I've tried a couple Chibsons that people I know have gotten a hold of, and it's definitely a "results may vary" situation. I highly doubt I'd ever invest in one. I've also done a direct comparison with a PRS SE Custom 24, a PRS CE Custom 24, and a Harley Benton CST-24T, and in my opinion, the one that felt best in my hands was actually... the Harley Benton. Yeah, the PRS CE had the best tone, but the Harley Benton had the same action, and just felt really comfortable to play. Planning to buy one later this year.
Instead of going the Chibson route, I ended up buying a used Epiphone 60s Tribute Plus Les Paul, a top-of-the line Epiphone that came with a full maple cap, flame maple veneer, USA-made 57 classic pickups, CTS pots and a case. I think I paid maybe $430 and the thing sounds awesome. Couldn't be happier. Didn't have to change a thing. Only thing that bugs me is the Epiphone headstock shape. But for a quarter of the price of a comparable Les Paul, I'll live with it. Nice video, Nick. Glad to have you back. Best part of the video was hearing your offspring carrying on outside the room you were recording in. :)
Hh thanks man. Good to be back. And funny about the kids! They’re making the most of this strange time. Awesome little buggers though. I think we’ll keep them 😉
I have the same guitar, bought mine new in 2014. for 540 euros, hard case included. And I'm never going to sell it, even though I can already get more than what I paid for 6 years ago (and since they're not making them anymore the price is just gonna go up) or even when I expand my guitar collection. I just think I got reeeally lucky with this piece of wood. It plays really well, sounds great, the whole thing resonates when you hit a chord and has sustain for days. Also really well built apart from a few nitpicky details you can also find in high end Gibsons. The only thing I swapped out is the bridge pickup, I like Seymour Duncans more, nothing wrong with 57 Classics, just a matter of personal preference. The neck pickup is here to stay for now, we'll see.
You are exactly right about the 3 pickup model guitars. I have several Asian made Firebirds with 3 pickups and it seems as if the center pickups on them aren't wired or are simply non functional. When the toggle switch is in the center position, the sound produced is the exact same sound as when the toggle switch is in the neck position. I haven't gotten around to investigating the electrical wiring yet but I will in time.
Friend of mine bought a " Chipson 59 " and gave it to me because I've worked on his guitars for years, as a gift. When "Gipson" made a Les Paul, they made a beautiful guitar including a " Gipson " logo on the head stick. One can easily make a Les Paul copy but without its logo, it somehow, does not count...so, Chinese started making copies cheaply. We all knew what's wrong with them, but the allure of having guitar like that did not stop any body ordering them. I have changed all of the electronics, put on a bone nut, " Antiquity" pick--ups, volume and tone indicators, and worked on frets and whatever else is included in setting a guitars. I do own white (and now, yellow--mellow) Les Paul, but it is sitting in its case and I play it when it's needed. I did not change so called " Kluson" tuners because there is nothing wrong with them but I did change bridge for one made by " Gotoh"....so, my 59 "Chipson" with real maple top (!),scarf joint and decent paint job sounds and looks the part. No complains. It goes to show that " Gipson" is over priced. I do not think that I could fool anybody with it, and that was not my aim. It sits next to me when I feel playing "Les Paul" and I'm sure that most of the people that did the same, feel the same as I do : cheating and punishing "Gipson" for over pricing the beautiful instrument . So, there!
@@fucketaboutit I do not know who made and distributed guitar ( it was a gift ) , but the carved top is light coloured wood , assuming it is a maple. Body is made out of three peaces of who knows what wood , and covered with mahogany veneer on the back to cover joints. Neck is a mahogany.
I bought in the early 70’s in the dark days of Gibson was both trying to squeeze more profits out of their guitars and honestly couldn’t keep up with the demand of us teenagers all who wanted to be the next Led Zeppelin (enter all your favorite bands here) an Aria model 1930A. This was a SG copy. Aria was at the time (in 1975ish changed its name to Aria. Pro II). Putting out some of the finest guitars made anywhere specially Gibson. This was a beautiful Blonde SG and I’d put her up to any Les Paul custom. It along with nearly a 100 thousand $ worth of other gear was stolen in 89. Less than a year ago I found an identical 1930A model on Reverb. This one built in 1972. The difference between this one and the one I had and gigged with for nearly 10 years in high school and college. Has a Bigsby wiggle stick. It also has the original pick Guard. I had replaced mine with a custom-made mirror so I could play with the lights in the rock ‘n’ roll clubs I was too young to be in until I turned 18 the legal age at the time. That I am only assuming is a fake or copy. This one has some things on it but she’s nearly 50 years old. I’ve done a set up on it and just like the one I had in high school. The action is stupid ridiculous fast. She sounds beautiful. And when I took her out of the box and open the case for the first time, then held her in my hand. It did not at all feel like the first time. She was familiar. I knew her, and she knows me. It is because of manufactures like these in Japan making some of the highest Quality guitars ever made. Gibson licensed certain manufacturers for the exclusive Japanese market. Orville by Gibson. Made throughout the 80s and 90s. Any of these Guitars are better made than the American equivalent. Don’t get me wrong it’s not that Americans don’t know how or can’t. It is the owners and management of Gibson that forces them and rushes them to put out a less than stellar Guitar. You will not find that type of mindset in most of Japan.
Yea I had one built for $209 Actually had them stamp Pearly Gates serial number on the back 9 1171 Added Seymour Duncan classic 59's and thats it. 4 years old now and it needs new kluson tuners and new pots. I was lucky enough to get an actual maple cap and not a veneer. The one thing I made sure of was in the neck pickup cavity stamped copy In the bridge cavity stamped made in china. It plays great and sounds great. Im also not afraid to work on it. One of my main guitars and have no intention on selling it. No harm no foul....
The gulf between Chibsons and Epiphones is not terribly big quality wise whereas the price is at least a 200 dollar gap. My morals are not guided by the needs of multi-million dollar international corporations. If you can get a decent beater axe for cheap while looking like the "cool guitar of your dreams", go for it. You owe Gibson nothing, remember that.
Well, the thing about ethics and knockoffs, you the buyer are not immoral for purchasing a knockoff. It’s immoral for you to rip off the next person who it gets sold to. Just because somethings illegal doesn’t mean it’s immoral. It’s illegal for me to cross the street half way between crosswalks. Is it immoral? Not under most circumstances. Like you said, For 350 pre upgrades, and 750 after upgrades, one can get a wonderful used guitar. The guitar I want, isn’t available very often as it’s a limited edition epiphone and Gibson model, and it’s only been released twice. I refuse to pay collector prices for an epiphone that is 5 and 15 years old, and likely had the gibson pickups taken out and sold separately. As that’s what was being done to that model back when it was readily available as a used guitar back when I was a kid.
I actually have thought about it for longer than 5 years. More like 15. Never done it, though. On the one hand, there still are great companies doing guitars, and sometimes, I buy from them ( currently own stuff from Puresalem and Eastwood, just to name two) but also- no one is going to make a copy to meet my specs, legally or illegally. See, I'm a lefty, with really odd tastes- so for example- a lefty Micro Frets swinger in blue, or a 1966 Epiphone Crestwood deluxe, in white, lefty. So, much as I might loathe how companies like Gibson operate, and as much as that means I might be able to overcome legal or moral qualms - I remain on the fence
I have an authentic Fender, Gibson, and Gretsch. I’m ok with buying $2000 to $3000 guitars. But there is one guitar I’ve wanted for many many years and I could never afford it and rarely even see one for sale. It’s the Ace Frehley Les Paul with the lightning bolt fretboard inlays and Ace face on headstock. That’s why I bought a Chibson. To mod it out with the specs matching the Ace Frehley Budakon model. Is it as good as a Gibson custom? No. But do I have the same tuners, bridge, pickups, paint job, etc? Yes. I’m not touring the world and I’m not featured in guitar magazines. That makes it good enough for me and I saved $9000. I don’t plan to sell it. My kid, who has been to 4 Kiss shows and one Ace Frehley show with me will someday have it. She knows it’s a fake, but she loves the guitar because I put love, blood, sweat and tears into it. And that means more to her than selling it.
I just bought a brand new Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul custom. Real Gibson pickups, real Grovers, high quality case. $699 (Case sells for $139 so really $569 for the guitar) I got no complaints. It's different than my real Gibsons but it's still a great guitar that sounds just as good. It was backed by ZZOUNDS, delivered by FedEx overnight for free. I just paid with my regular credit card. Seems like a safer simpler option to a Chibson.
I love all my guitars, even the ones I paid $20 for at a pawn shop. Play them all. Epi's, fenders, charvels, squiers, SX, love all of 'em. So I'd just buy what played good and felt good, no matter what brand is on the headstock.
I bought one LP and a SRV copy. Both turned out great after changing a lot of stuff. Would I do it again NO! That being said I also bought a road worn 50s Fender for around $1000 bucks. Total junk the Chinese copy is way better than the real thing. So if American companies want to sell products in the higher price range then the quality has to be there. Great video!
Unless you have a guitar genius buddy, you'd never know this was fake. You should've plugged it in and played it. If it sounds half way decent, stays in tune, and you didn't buy it JUST to sell it, AND you're only playing to drunks in bars trying to hook up anyways??? Presto, man. You've got yourself a Gibson.
I reckon I've had all the problems you described Nick (except confiscation) and the language barrier can also be an issue. I don't have a problem buying Chibson's as I see it like asking a luthier to make a copy, only the price is ridiculously low. At least get them to take the name off the headstock and ask for a custom serial number - I did that with mine. Fender fakes are harder as I think they just buy the necks in to assemble and already have the fake decal. Besides with Aliexpress sellers, they open and shut stores all the time. The first I got from one seller was great, so I ordered a couple more from him. One custom that was good, one was garbage and needed a new neck. So not all sellers have the same quality, it's still a crap shoot. But you're right, there's much better than ever options now than there was 3-5 years ago. BTW Did you ever put a scale length on that and notice it's a poof'teenth off at the nut? Nearly every one I got needed a shim between the end of the fretboard and the nut.
@@NickintheStates If you get a chance, chuck a scale rule on there. For the Chibsons, the whole scale moves up by about 0.5-1mm! They obviously all use the same template and the fretboards cut short at the nut end. No wonder they have tuning issues. The fender clones are pretty good though. I think CGS had the same issue with his and put a compensated nut on there to fix the issue. I just knocked the nut off, replaced it with bone while I was at it and put a shim of rosewood veneer at the end.
For 5 K Gibson can Stuff It I owned many when the prices were human Even a 25/50 that was beautiful, but , DEAD as a Doornail ( Got it for 650.00 with a Fender Pro Reverb combo on the 80s) I would be gleeful to own a Good one of these
A Kramer 'Assault' is a cool Les Paul copy that comes with Seymour-Duncans for $400! I played a few in stores and they were a plan b to my modded Epiphone projects.
I have 10 of them (however I don't sell them) and I have many Gibsons it's all in the money.Let them register the make in other countries similar to Fender.
Hi Nick, good to see it again. It's a better LP shape than the one I have. My Chibson is still in one piece after almost 6 years. Would I do it again, no chance! Even after all the upgrades it still feels like a toy. Buy AUTHENTIC Lol :0)
Hey man, I was just thinking about you! Because I'm stuck at home I was watching southeast Asia extended vacation videos and was going to watch some of yours today! How are things in your neck of the woods?
@@NickintheStates Hi Mate, Stuck at home too! Had to cancel my trip in March there - no refund so far either, that sucks! Still got my guitars to keep me company as well. I need to shoot more for TH-cam as I got a nice Gibson LP Standard and a Fender US Strat a few months back. Keep in touch man ;0)
I've been considering a Chickenbacker bass for a long time. Single cut LP styled guitars are a dime a dozen now a days. Everyone makes one, even fender with their parallel universe series. However, because Rickenbacker spends more money protecting their trademarks than making good guitars, it's impossible to find a copy of one without some sort of illegality. They shut down the pitbull guitars kit, and stuff like that Dean that vaguely looks ricish. Rickenbacker doesn't have a cheap import line because they KNOW that as soon as they put it out people are going to realize how much better the cheap line is going to be compared to the American ones. (That being said they really need a cheap line because they would make an absolute killing from indie kids who want a vintage throwback with a unique sound). I've been heavily considering the Chickenbacker route even though I own a Univox lawsuit copy that's amazing, because I'd want a backup that I can throw around a bit more. I know that I'm going to have to put a ton of work into it and I've accepted it. I'm still teetering on the fence though. One of these days I'll pull the trigger before it becomes completely illegal. Be gay and do crimes right?
You can get Rickenbacker copies, but they are a lot harder to find. As you said, Rickenbacker really go after those copies. I've got a Magnum copy, a Teisco and also got a Lennon style 325 off aliexpress (which was pretty good considering). There was another company doing copies a lot closer (Rockinbacker)??? Something along those lines.
Just got my Chibson in 3 days ago. I love it as much as a Gibson especially when the pickups are gonna get changed anyway. Hey if Gibson is your thing then have at it, I now feel stupid for purchasing a Gibson. I guess I can tell everyone I have a Gibson lol then I go home and play the Chibson
Ramon Goose of The Guitar Show swears by his Navigator guitars , another high end ESP brand that he buys used from Japan. He has several and are his go to guitars. Worth checking out his videos on them 👍
I picked up a Gibson tribute used in mint condition for 679 bucks from GC. The Vintage v100 icon is my favorite . It's 60s neck profile is accurate as well as the body. I bought it used for 400 bucks used . Great quality. I owned 70s era Ibanez l.p. that were very good and the Vintage is just as good
Build your own and call it a day. It will be quite a bit better and you can be proud of what you did. The parts are out there. Precision guitar can help.
A friend of mine gave me his minty fresh Chibson LP standard as a gift. It really was a shit guitar so I replaced everything on it investing near $600 on all genuine Gibson hardware and electronics. I also did the set up and fretwork so now it looks, plays and sounds amazing just like my real Gibson LP ! It's a keeper!
Epiphone... Been making some amazing guitars lately... DC Pro double cut is crazy nice for the price at $600... split coil probuckers, groves, nice inlays and Mahogany body with Pau Ferro fingerboard.... This has some many features for the price, reminds me of Michael Kelly guitars.... Hey really like your videos, especially your jam sessions :)
Epiphone facility is supervised by Scott Lewis who is also Master builder he was also Master builder for Gibson and he has American luthiers at the China facility also who also were Gibson employees Scott Lewis and his American luthiers have been at the Epiphone China facility for a long while
Chibsons are oke,put a Dimarzio pup and Kluson tuners,no need for a very expensive Gibson and it plays and sound Awesome,and Illegal????? not in The Netherlands
Utter nonsense... it’s just as illegal in the Netherlands as it is in the US, the UK (where I live) and most other places, and illegal for the same reasons and in the same way. The illegality rests with the seller, not with the buyer, so you can buy a counterfeit item in the Netherlands (also USA and UK, etc.) without breaking the law, but the seller IS breaking the law selling it to you, even if that seller doesn’t try to mislead you that it’s the real thing. Therefore as the buyer you are running the risk in two main areas: - your item can be seized by the authorities, most usually at the point of customs import. This means you don’t get your item and you risk losing your money, as the authorities have no obligation to and will not reimburse you or help you. You’re reliant upon the seller swallowing the cost and acting reasonably and reimbursing you; and - you simply cannot EVER sell the item. Again, even if you make it clear it’s a fake the act of selling the item is illegal regardless. So, your instrument becomes worth essentially zero the moment you own it. 🤷🏼♂️ And yes, I may not live in the Netherlands but I did my research (because I simply did not believe that a modern democracy, and member of the EU, would not have essentially the same anti-counterfeiting laws as my own country, the USA, etc.).
@@davidburke2132 Right. In the US you can buy and own one counterfeit item for your personal use. You can't sell it because you then become a seller not a buyer.
@@davidburke2132 So I go to harbor freight, and buy a jack. Then I slap a Snap-on sticker on it. Then I sell it as a "harbor freight jack with a snap-on sticker on it", you're telling me I'm breaking the law? So many toolbox sales need to be reported to the FBI then! Can't sell an acura with a honda emblem swap? 😀
@@snap-off5383 technically speaking, in most countries, that’s exactly what I’m saying because it’s the law in most jurisdictions. It doesn’t matter if you tell the purchaser the full history of the item and that it’s not from the brand that has the logo on it… it doesn’t matter that you’re not trying to mislead anyone… in most countries (certainly the USA and UK) it’s illegal. Now, is it something that is going to be the main focus of authorities who are trying to prioritise the use of their resources to target people who ARE trying to defraud and mislead people? No. Does that mean that in most instances there won’t be any legal repercussions of your actions as a seller? Probably. Still doesn’t change the fact that it’s against the law 🤷🏼♂️ It’s precisely why people who DO buy Chibsons are advised by anyone in the know to get one with the Gibson branding deleted, because if you don’t do that there’s no way of legally selling it on, even if you make it clear to potential purchasers that it’s a Chibson not a genuine Gibson.
Now that $250 is pocket change to me I figured I'd check out a Chibson Tony Iommi SG, (I'm going to get a custom truss rod cover that says "Phony Iommi" 😀) since I've wanted a guitar to learn to wrench on other than my Les Paul, and I'll never pay 5k for an authentic one, and its the only SG with 24 frets.
I would never buy a cheap guitar without holding it my hands! I have owned a truckload of guitars/basses, and found that quality control is all over the map on "tribute style" models. When I was 16 ( along time ago ) I went to a music store at the mall, saw an Ibanez Thin line Tele, and had them bring out all 8 that they had in stock. Results: 1 fabulous, 1 unplayable, the other 6 varied from pretty OK to pretty lousy. Guess which one I bought.... PS so easy to get real good guitars these days for stupidly cheap money...why screw around?
I don't think it is illegal to buy it, just sell them. In any case, copies really are bad on all levels.. Too many unscrupulous sellers, and people misrepresenting all mfgs of guitars. You see them on eBay all the time. I'd just blow it up with TNT.
Maybe you could have saved money if you ordered the guitar without parts, just a husk. Regardless, you got a personalized player, and it's still not super expensive.
What you’re holding is what Epiphone should be. These exist because Gibson refuses to make an authentic alternative. I’m a fan of this guitar and if I could buy it I would.
No legit manufacdturer's made most of ANY of the lefties Ive been wanting for years and yrs. China does. Just for one category - signature gutiars. Ex's incl Angus's SG, Zakk's Rebel and BullEye, Wylde Audio , Vai's Jems, YJM strat, Slash models up til ty, BC Rich did a run a couple yrs ago but none had the proper headstock , they dont know wtf theyre doing, on and on
I'm a lefty too and I can't go into a music store and sit down and play a dozen guitars and pick out what I like. I have an Ibanez, a couple Epiphone LP's, a Firefly ( converted to left) and an Electra Phoenix. Can't even find lefty Chibsons. I am retired and poor but I do play in a classic rock band and I would love to get a Chibson LP copy and I'm saving up for one but will probably never be able to find one.
My used LP studio was $599 w/ hsc, studio faded $750 and new DC Junior $699. All USA made and haven’t change a thing on them. No need to buy these and mod just get a used Gibson?
All the crap about fake guitars is unfounded and massively hypocritcal .. A - Signature is nothing more than a branded Copy ..in turn more often a Overpriced legalised Copy B - Anyone could play a fake at a gig and the Audience wouldn't noticed ..even if used on a Record . C - If it was never known that Slash was originally playing a Gibbo Fake . Would anyone really have noticed NOPE or cared or became Angry . Unless if held close up .. D - But it is rather ironic for Slash to put his name what basically is a Copy of a Fake ... but he has never once spoke out against playing buying fake copies because he used one that made him RICH AND FAMOUS AND GAVE HIM A CAREER ......
I’m not a connoisseur of cigars but I suspect what you’re talking about is copying the Cuban style of cigar and not actually passing their cigars off as an actual Cuban brand. That’s what’s so clearly and blatantly illegal here... the Gibson branding on the guitar. If you bought the same guitar without any branding or a different branding on it then Gibson may have a trademark infringement case for headstock shape and any number of other things but those would have to be enforced by court cases and would not be so cut and dried as a Gibson legal win and your guitar would be broadly fine and not get confiscated by customs. As soon as a company’s branding is copied as here it’s a slam dunk case of illegality that the original brand owner doesn’t even need to take action to enforce: if a customs official realises it will get seized... no recourse and no second chances for your guitar. 🤷🏼♂️
I bought 2 chipsons Just because they are fake never gonna sell them but being fake makes them unique but not to the point I would want to benefit off them.
Enough about all the morals ethics BS, we have heard it all millions of times and even from your own videos. Tell us about how the guitar works as a stand-alone guitar FFS.
I actually love my commie made chibby cherry burst standard LP, better quality control than the real deal, and it blows all my other budget LPs away,I seriously don't have a problem with Gibson, selling a copy of Slashes fake Gibson LP, I just don't want to pay that price,for $220 delivered to my door, they can't compete or care about what you buy,fakes are friggin cool.
First of all Gibson studios are complete trash!!! Give me a squier or a shovel with strings. I've been buying Epiphones or better yet any MIJ style Les Pauls and upgrading the pickups and pots for years. They become fantastic guitars i would have to do the same thing to a Gibson which is sick. I have a Greco with a long neck tenon that i put Montys PAFs in that is the best guitar I have ever owned. Save your money and buy a good tube amp. Great guitar through a shit amp is going to be shit.
My chibson was stalled in customs, had to pay a crazy expensive tarrif to get it. The the fret board pryed off at the neck joint with chunks carved out to test if wood violated the endangered species import bans.
When it was all done. I wen’t to a fundraiser, had all the musicians autograph it, mounted it in a display case, and raffled it off for $5 a ticket. It raised $750 for a sick kid. I removed the gibson logo, inlaid my own name in its place.
Wish I had one be better than mine jeez.
I'm waiting for the day when some "smart" Chinese company figures out putting "Chibson" on their headstock might be a plus.
The name already has "Brand power" and, if they're making quality guitars that actually compete with Gibson, it could be to their advantage.
Yea brand the things and really compete. They are guitar factories after all
They are already out there.
@Jimmy Durex Hiya, Jimmy! If you could point me to the post where I typed that Chibson quality was as good as Gibson's, I'd be very appreciative. Thanks.
The best part in this video is when he points out that the counterfeit guitars are coming out of the same factories that are making the cheap brands being sold on Amazon. That's what always runs through my head when people say they have as Chibson that plays just like a real Gibson after replacing all the parts and fixing fret problems. It's rubbish to believe that a factory that produces guitars for legit brands like Harley Benton isn't making those as well as a Gibson but when they are producing counterfeits on the side they are somehow magically as good as a Gibson because that is what they say on the headstock. People just want to pretend they have something they can't afford.
Regarding the disclaimer,.......ya bought it though, didn't ya, Nick?
We told our cable company we didn't want cable anymore. Took them eight years before they finally shut it off. I didn't tell them.
Trolls notwithstanding...It appears the general consensus "everywhere" is to replace the electronics (PUPs, jacks, switches, pots, wiring, etc. & some hardware items if desired) for "most" guitars from China and save thousands of dollars if you just desire additional crayons in your production box that matches the feel/tonal characteristics of iconic off-the-shelf US manufactured instruments. However, if you desire something truly special, it's NOT rocket science, just a guitar any human with the implied skill level/equipment can produce when detailed specs are provided and confirmed via pics (i.e. Back: 1-Piece Mahogany w/12-hole weight relief, Top: 1-Piece 3/4" Plain Maple, Joint: Long Tenon (Ultra Modern Contoured heel) 1-piece Solid Mahogany custom elliptical/modern "flat oval" profile neck, custom paint job: Neck Binding: Electric Violet Single-ply & Body Binding: Dark Turquoise Multi-ply, Fingerboard Material: Solid Ebony, Number Of Frets: 24, 3 Humbuckers, etc.), one can theoretically own the quality of those ranging $5k-$10k+ for far less than $2k with all the push/push/pull pot wiring one can dream up (i.e. "Gibson LP Custom Shop Original" 1-off w/case). Those of you with thousands of dollars burning holes in your collective pockets can donate it to TheRockCzars & the proceeds will support All US instrument manufacturers. ;)
MUSIC EXPRESS CANADA sells new TOKAI Les Pauls under $600.00. Very accurate copies with an excellent fit and finish.
Thank you and DAMN YOU PAUL EWING. I feel my wallet getting lighter as I type this. At least the exchange rate is in my favor.
I'm probably a minority here but I couldn't care less about making sure a company that runs over 100's of it's own guitars with a skid loader gets my money. I care more about getting a decent guitar for a decent price. I don't own any "fake" guitars but I'm not a brand fan boy and I'm not a free billboard for Gibson, Fender, etc. I just want a decent guitar that plays well and sounds good. I do all my own set-ups, fretwork, wiring, etc. anyway so as long as the materials are good I can make a great guitar out of just about any p.o.s. with stings.
$350?!? Seriously, go to guitar center (or any other REAL music store) and buy an Epiphone.
Wolf LP guitars at A.I.O website is 499.00 free shipping in US.... a really great guitar
Hell yeah have the PRS style Wolf coming.
South Korean made....
blitzkrieg.u812 yup just like most major guitar companies production guitars
Harry. B. Renner. jr. yeah I can’t wait for mine to come in later this month. Jin has been amazing when I have questions. He is usually very quick to respond to emails.
Hi Nick, its Stan. Great video and learning experience. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Thanks for taking the risks and sharing what you learned. Thanks to you, Henning and CGS, I have some great budget gear. I love all of it. It's been fantastic to get so much awesome info over the years to guide my buying. What you do is appreciated. Have a great day!
I've been for around 20 years a fender strat lover; I owned a standard and a Jeff Beck signature ORIGINAL. In the last few years I was tempted to buy a Les Paul but far too expensive and not sure If I would have like it. So I decided to try a chibson: once arrived I changed all the electronics, pickups (slash signature), I did a full set up (fretwork, polished frets etc...) and at the end I was very very very very impressed by it so much that was my back up guitar for the live gigs.
Thanks to this great Chibson experience I decided to sell one of my fender and bought a '96 les paul standard and I was amazed after having an oringinal Gibson.
After a year I decided to buy a "modern" brand new les paul for my 3 years old son's heredity :-) :-) :-) and I can say that the 2019 standard is a bad ass!!!
So, now, I can say that for starting and with some proper fixes, the Chibson is a great option if you, like me, never had great expectations from a Gibson and want to try but, of course, the REAL Gibson feels totally different in your hands. For what about the sound the Chibson aren't that bad!
Bare in mind that out of the box Chibson are quite bad, so prepare yourself to spend some time for setting it up or to spend some extra money for let someone else setting it up for you!
Thanks to the Chibson propaganda, Gibson won a NEW customer who is actually in LOVE WITH IT! so, pros and cons.
PS: if I wouldn't have bought a Chibson I would have tried the Harley benton as they seems to be great out of the box with no extra setting need or pickup swap!
Thank you man for your video sharing your experiences!
I had the same experience! And now I have tooooo many LP style guitars! LOL.
You wasted way too much time talking about how immoral something is. Especially considering how unethical Gibson actually is.
Exactly! Gibson stole the Les Paul design from a guy named O.W. Appleton - whose design they rejected in 1943 saying: "We can't see anyone playing a solid-body electric guitar." Then Paul Bigsby made a one-off single-cut for a country singer that looked like the modern day Les Paul in 1948. Also, that open-book headstock design isn't theirs either. It was on mandolins from Italy and the USA since the early 1800s.
Your Chibson videos led me to this awesome channel!!!! It was a rabbit hole that was interesting and I did consider since Gibson wasn’t making lefties at the time. Many people bought these guitars for various reasons, mainly cost but it was fun to see what could be done. Yes we all know the many reasons why it was not cool to buy these guitars but like all things guitar, it was a community. Thanks Nick for taking us down memory lane and also thanks espltdguitarlover for being such a weird grumpy man who’s upity ways brought me to this wonderful place!!! 🤣🤣🤣🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
didn't gibson copy the fake slash gibson for a re-issue/limited run guitar? so authentic.
to be perfectly clear GIBSON copied a guitar that was a (truly excellent) copy of a Gibson so its been re-authenticated
There is nothing wrong with getting a Chibson. At the time, It was even considered bold and romantic. Everyone should have at least one. How else are you going to know what to look for, and avoid paying $4,000 for a fake R9? The Chibson is a valuable experience everyone should have. Besides, a Fake Gibson made in China sounds like an Epiphone to me.
@MRGRUMPY53 The difference between what Thomann is doing is what again? Finding a loop hole which allows you to legally import Chibsons (Gibson Clones) is NO different. I own plenty of Epiphones made in China. NONE of which are anywhere near Gibson quality, The whole Epiphone is Gibson quality thing is a lie Newbies fall for. But a true Chibson is the next true CLASSIC guitar. It represents a gone-by era that will never be again.
Gabrieltone Guitars The difference is that Thomann are not “passing off” by using Gibson branding which is, for the seller (and for you if you ever try to sell your guitar, if you actually don’t get it seized before it even gets to you of course), absolutely and clearly illegal. 🤷🏼♂️
And yes, it’s completely illegal even if you make it clear it’s a fake and it’s illegal even if the buyer knows it’s not a real Gibson.
After doing a lot of extensive research, I found by far the best investment for your money is the 1970s and 1980s Japanese guitars you spoke about at the end. I have bought three of them so far and ended up selling two of them for a profit. And I didn’t have to lie to do it.
Robert Prophet they’re excellent and I think they’re valued now so well based on how good they are. Well built to a very accurate Gibson formula.
Nick in the States thank you very much for your videos on them. You are an excellent resource and I learned a lot from you about them. The one I kept was the ‘79 Yamaha studio lord. It’s got the headstock Harley Benton copied but other than that it’s a Les Paul
That's it Nick, you replace the tuners and the nut because they are usually crap, change the pots add the guitar tech time for the setup, you change the strings, you file the razor-sharp fret ends, you swap the pickups (because they usually also sound like shit) and you end up paying as much if not more then other legitimate very good imports like : an Agile, Epiphone, Fernandes, Sx, Burny, Yamaha, or a Michael kelly, Xaviere.. I mean a ton of good alternatives..
The reason I went for them in the first place was a base guitar to start modding. $250-300AU shipped when an Epi was starting at about $900 over here seemed like a good deal. I never had much luck with Jap knockoff's either from the 70's so these looked appealing. I figured a pickup swap, bone nut and setup (the tuners and electronics work). Back then there really was no Harley Bentons, Artist Guitars etc. But these were very much hit and miss
Indeed my friend since 2013 and I have all the Chibson that I have purchased and I play all of them. Even that I have also original I love my Chibson.
Speaking of Firefly, they are back in stock on Amazon.
Still got my made in China Les Paul Paul with a Floyd Rose with no issues that I bought in the pawnshop!! Almost ashamed to own it but I love the sound and the way it plays!!
From Leo: Thanks for being an honest, stand up man, and not making a sucker out of the next guy. You are right, there are LOTS of good single cut guitars in the $450 plus range. I bought the top line Agile (3100?) five or six years ago for $350, and it has been very good and nothing needed to be replaced. In addition, I have kept my integrity. I call your lesson "poor man syndrome". Try to save a buck, buy a cheapie, fix what is wrong, replace problem parts to make it useful. In the end the poor man has more money invested that a good one cost. To add insult, when it is all said and done, the thing is worth nothing.
Nope a real Gibbo Custom Shop Guitar can be $15,000.00 a fake with replacements way less. I do hope customs keeps seizing the fakes. There are too many crooks out there that will buy a bunch of fakes then sell them as the real deal for 1000s.
If I owned that Chibson I would mark it in the control cavity that it’s a fake. Just to make sure if it falls out of your hands no one is misled or ripped off.
It'd be better to do that on the back of the headstock.
Anyone stupid enough to mistake it as a real Gibson has it coming too them. It takes about two seconds to tell it’s fake. Pickup rings are bigger (like Epiphone size) toggle switch position, bridge, volume tone knob placement, horn, headstock proportions, fret nibs...just to name a few. If you’re going to part with the money it takes to buy a Gibson, you’re gonna know what to look for. If someone says “I’ll sell you this Gibson Les Paul for 400$” and you’re not suspicious, then it’s prob best to do a little research. Yeah, there’s a sucker born every minute . But you got to be a grade A jackass to buy a fake Gibson and think you’re getting a real one.
I got a Tokai, it's wonderful. It gets more attention than my real Les Paul.
I've tried a couple Chibsons that people I know have gotten a hold of, and it's definitely a "results may vary" situation. I highly doubt I'd ever invest in one. I've also done a direct comparison with a PRS SE Custom 24, a PRS CE Custom 24, and a Harley Benton CST-24T, and in my opinion, the one that felt best in my hands was actually... the Harley Benton. Yeah, the PRS CE had the best tone, but the Harley Benton had the same action, and just felt really comfortable to play. Planning to buy one later this year.
Instead of going the Chibson route, I ended up buying a used Epiphone 60s Tribute Plus Les Paul, a top-of-the line Epiphone that came with a full maple cap, flame maple veneer, USA-made 57 classic pickups, CTS pots and a case. I think I paid maybe $430 and the thing sounds awesome. Couldn't be happier. Didn't have to change a thing. Only thing that bugs me is the Epiphone headstock shape. But for a quarter of the price of a comparable Les Paul, I'll live with it. Nice video, Nick. Glad to have you back. Best part of the video was hearing your offspring carrying on outside the room you were recording in. :)
Hh thanks man. Good to be back. And funny about the kids! They’re making the most of this strange time. Awesome little buggers though. I think we’ll keep them 😉
I have the same guitar, bought mine new in 2014. for 540 euros, hard case included. And I'm never going to sell it, even though I can already get more than what I paid for 6 years ago (and since they're not making them anymore the price is just gonna go up) or even when I expand my guitar collection. I just think I got reeeally lucky with this piece of wood. It plays really well, sounds great, the whole thing resonates when you hit a chord and has sustain for days. Also really well built apart from a few nitpicky details you can also find in high end Gibsons. The only thing I swapped out is the bridge pickup, I like Seymour Duncans more, nothing wrong with 57 Classics, just a matter of personal preference. The neck pickup is here to stay for now, we'll see.
You are exactly right about the 3 pickup model guitars. I have several Asian made Firebirds with 3 pickups and it seems as if the center pickups on them aren't wired or are simply non functional. When the toggle switch is in the center position, the sound produced is the exact same sound as when the toggle switch is in the neck position. I haven't gotten around to investigating the electrical wiring yet but I will in time.
You can get a replacement poker chip for your Chibson that substitutes the "Treble" and "Rhythm" with "Cease" and "Desist."
You can put any name on the head stock, and replace the parts you don't like and it's as good as a Gibson or EPIPHONE model 💚🎸 order all you want 👊🤑💨
Friend of mine bought a " Chipson 59 " and gave it to me because I've worked on his guitars for years, as a gift. When "Gipson" made a Les Paul, they made a beautiful guitar including a " Gipson " logo on the head stick. One can easily make a Les Paul copy but without its logo, it somehow, does not count...so, Chinese started making copies cheaply. We all knew what's wrong with them, but the allure of having guitar like that did not stop any body ordering them. I have changed all of the electronics, put on a bone nut, " Antiquity" pick--ups, volume and tone indicators, and worked on frets and whatever else is included in setting a guitars. I do own white (and now, yellow--mellow) Les Paul, but it is sitting in its case and I play it when it's needed. I did not change so called " Kluson" tuners because there is nothing wrong with them but I did change bridge for one made by " Gotoh"....so, my 59 "Chipson" with real maple top (!),scarf joint and decent paint job sounds and looks the part. No complains. It goes to show that " Gipson" is over priced. I do not think that I could fool anybody with it, and that was not my aim. It sits next to me when I feel playing "Les Paul" and I'm sure that most of the people that did the same, feel the same as I do : cheating and punishing "Gipson" for over pricing the beautiful instrument . So, there!
What CHIB seller gave you the maple cap? one piece body?
@@fucketaboutit i
@@fucketaboutit I do not know who made and distributed guitar ( it was a gift ) , but the carved top is light coloured wood , assuming it is a maple. Body is made out of three peaces of who knows what wood , and covered with mahogany veneer on the back to cover joints. Neck is a mahogany.
thanks Nick
I bought in the early 70’s in the dark days of Gibson was both trying to squeeze more profits out of their guitars and honestly couldn’t keep up with the demand of us teenagers all who wanted to be the next Led Zeppelin (enter all your favorite bands here) an Aria model 1930A. This was a SG copy. Aria was at the time (in 1975ish changed its name to Aria. Pro II). Putting out some of the finest guitars made anywhere specially Gibson. This was a beautiful Blonde SG and I’d put her up to any Les Paul custom. It along with nearly a 100 thousand $ worth of other gear was stolen in 89.
Less than a year ago I found an identical 1930A model on Reverb. This one built in 1972. The difference between this one and the one I had and gigged with for nearly 10 years in high school and college. Has a Bigsby wiggle stick. It also has the original pick Guard. I had replaced mine with a custom-made mirror so I could play with the lights in the rock ‘n’ roll clubs I was too young to be in until I turned 18 the legal age at the time. That I am only assuming is a fake or copy.
This one has some things on it but she’s nearly 50 years old. I’ve done a set up on it and just like the one I had in high school. The action is stupid ridiculous fast. She sounds beautiful. And when I took her out of the box and open the case for the first time, then held her in my hand. It did not at all feel like the first time. She was familiar. I knew her, and she knows me.
It is because of manufactures like these in Japan making some of the highest Quality guitars ever made. Gibson licensed certain manufacturers for the exclusive Japanese market. Orville by Gibson. Made throughout the 80s and 90s. Any of these Guitars are better made than the American equivalent. Don’t get me wrong it’s not that Americans don’t know how or can’t. It is the owners and management of Gibson that forces them and rushes them to put out a less than stellar Guitar. You will not find that type of mindset in most of Japan.
Wow! Very cool post. Thanks for putting it out there without fear of getting shit on from the haters.
Yea I had one built for $209
Actually had them stamp Pearly Gates serial number on the back 9 1171
Added Seymour Duncan classic 59's and thats it. 4 years old now and it needs new kluson tuners and new pots.
I was lucky enough to get an actual maple cap and not a veneer.
The one thing I made sure of was in the neck pickup cavity stamped copy
In the bridge cavity stamped made in china.
It plays great and sounds great. Im also not afraid to work on it. One of my main guitars and have no intention on selling it. No harm no foul....
Great video Nick! A Genuine Chibson connoisseur!
The gulf between Chibsons and Epiphones is not terribly big quality wise whereas the price is at least a 200 dollar gap. My morals are not guided by the needs of multi-million dollar international corporations. If you can get a decent beater axe for cheap while looking like the "cool guitar of your dreams", go for it. You owe Gibson nothing, remember that.
Your video of (Japanese) Orville by Gibson is great ... I own several and they stand toe to toe with US made Gibson’s
Orville’s are awesome. I want to find a white Custom one.
Well, the thing about ethics and knockoffs, you the buyer are not immoral for purchasing a knockoff. It’s immoral for you to rip off the next person who it gets sold to. Just because somethings illegal doesn’t mean it’s immoral. It’s illegal for me to cross the street half way between crosswalks. Is it immoral? Not under most circumstances. Like you said, For 350 pre upgrades, and 750 after upgrades, one can get a wonderful used guitar. The guitar I want, isn’t available very often as it’s a limited edition epiphone and Gibson model, and it’s only been released twice. I refuse to pay collector prices for an epiphone that is 5 and 15 years old, and likely had the gibson pickups taken out and sold separately. As that’s what was being done to that model back when it was readily available as a used guitar back when I was a kid.
I actually have thought about it for longer than 5 years. More like 15. Never done it, though. On the one hand, there still are great companies doing guitars, and sometimes, I buy from them ( currently own stuff from Puresalem and Eastwood, just to name two) but also- no one is going to make a copy to meet my specs, legally or illegally. See, I'm a lefty, with really odd tastes- so for example- a lefty Micro Frets swinger in blue, or a 1966 Epiphone Crestwood deluxe, in white, lefty. So, much as I might loathe how companies like Gibson operate, and as much as that means I might be able to overcome legal or moral qualms - I remain on the fence
Epiphone, SX, Greco, ESP, Tokai, Agile, and many more, are SO much better alternatives to buying a Chibson.
I have an authentic Fender, Gibson, and Gretsch. I’m ok with buying $2000 to $3000 guitars. But there is one guitar I’ve wanted for many many years and I could never afford it and rarely even see one for sale. It’s the Ace Frehley Les Paul with the lightning bolt fretboard inlays and Ace face on headstock. That’s why I bought a Chibson. To mod it out with the specs matching the Ace Frehley Budakon model. Is it as good as a Gibson custom? No. But do I have the same tuners, bridge, pickups, paint job, etc? Yes. I’m not touring the world and I’m not featured in guitar magazines. That makes it good enough for me and I saved $9000. I don’t plan to sell it. My kid, who has been to 4 Kiss shows and one Ace Frehley show with me will someday have it. She knows it’s a fake, but she loves the guitar because I put love, blood, sweat and tears into it. And that means more to her than selling it.
One can never have too many guitars.
I'm getting pretty damn close to proving that to not be true lol.
Yes sir my wife sometimes reminds me of the same! Actually I think I'll put a few up for sale and then buy another nice.
I just bought a brand new Epiphone Prophecy Les Paul custom. Real Gibson pickups, real Grovers, high quality case. $699 (Case sells for $139 so really $569 for the guitar) I got no complaints. It's different than my real Gibsons but it's still a great guitar that sounds just as good. It was backed by ZZOUNDS, delivered by FedEx overnight for free. I just paid with my regular credit card. Seems like a safer simpler option to a Chibson.
Those Prophecy guitars are awesome. They rip! And for the price it's hard to get a better guitar.
I love all my guitars, even the ones I paid $20 for at a pawn shop. Play them all. Epi's, fenders, charvels, squiers, SX, love all of 'em. So I'd just buy what played good and felt good, no matter what brand is on the headstock.
I bought one LP and a SRV copy. Both turned out great after changing a lot of stuff. Would I do it again NO! That being said I also bought a road worn 50s Fender for around $1000 bucks. Total junk the Chinese copy is way better than the real thing. So if American companies want to sell products in the higher price range then the quality has to be there. Great video!
Unless you have a guitar genius buddy, you'd never know this was fake. You should've plugged it in and played it. If it sounds half way decent, stays in tune, and you didn't buy it JUST to sell it, AND you're only playing to drunks in bars trying to hook up anyways??? Presto, man. You've got yourself a Gibson.
I reckon I've had all the problems you described Nick (except confiscation) and the language barrier can also be an issue. I don't have a problem buying Chibson's as I see it like asking a luthier to make a copy, only the price is ridiculously low. At least get them to take the name off the headstock and ask for a custom serial number - I did that with mine. Fender fakes are harder as I think they just buy the necks in to assemble and already have the fake decal.
Besides with Aliexpress sellers, they open and shut stores all the time. The first I got from one seller was great, so I ordered a couple more from him. One custom that was good, one was garbage and needed a new neck. So not all sellers have the same quality, it's still a crap shoot.
But you're right, there's much better than ever options now than there was 3-5 years ago.
BTW Did you ever put a scale length on that and notice it's a poof'teenth off at the nut? Nearly every one I got needed a shim between the end of the fretboard and the nut.
I haven't checked to see if scale is perfect... that's hilarious!
@@NickintheStates If you get a chance, chuck a scale rule on there. For the Chibsons, the whole scale moves up by about 0.5-1mm! They obviously all use the same template and the fretboards cut short at the nut end. No wonder they have tuning issues. The fender clones are pretty good though. I think CGS had the same issue with his and put a compensated nut on there to fix the issue. I just knocked the nut off, replaced it with bone while I was at it and put a shim of rosewood veneer at the end.
I might buy a legal copy, going to check out the new epiphone line
Isn't collecting (cheap) guitars a lot like collecting (cheap) 1/2" wrenches?
For 5 K
Gibson can Stuff It
I owned many when the prices were human
Even a 25/50 that was beautiful, but , DEAD as a Doornail
( Got it for 650.00 with a Fender Pro Reverb combo on the 80s)
I would be gleeful to own a Good one of these
That truss rod cover is awesome.
Hah thanks Felix!
Don't you have to request the Gibson logo be put on the headstock?
No most of them do that by default, you need to ask to get it changed or removed.
A Kramer 'Assault' is a cool Les Paul copy that comes with Seymour-Duncans for $400! I played a few in stores and they were a plan b to my modded Epiphone projects.
Kramer is owned by Gibson so it's still technically a Gibson too
I have 10 of them (however I don't sell them) and I have many Gibsons it's all in the money.Let them register the make in other countries similar to Fender.
Great post cheers nick 👍👍😃
Hi Nick, good to see it again. It's a better LP shape than the one I have. My Chibson is still in one piece after almost 6 years. Would I do it again, no chance! Even after all the upgrades it still feels like a toy. Buy AUTHENTIC Lol :0)
Hey man, I was just thinking about you! Because I'm stuck at home I was watching southeast Asia extended vacation videos and was going to watch some of yours today! How are things in your neck of the woods?
@@NickintheStates Hi Mate, Stuck at home too! Had to cancel my trip in March there - no refund so far either, that sucks! Still got my guitars to keep me company as well. I need to shoot more for TH-cam as I got a nice Gibson LP Standard and a Fender US Strat a few months back. Keep in touch man ;0)
Will do for sure. Congrats on the new axes. I love my 2 standards so much.
I've been considering a Chickenbacker bass for a long time. Single cut LP styled guitars are a dime a dozen now a days. Everyone makes one, even fender with their parallel universe series. However, because Rickenbacker spends more money protecting their trademarks than making good guitars, it's impossible to find a copy of one without some sort of illegality. They shut down the pitbull guitars kit, and stuff like that Dean that vaguely looks ricish. Rickenbacker doesn't have a cheap import line because they KNOW that as soon as they put it out people are going to realize how much better the cheap line is going to be compared to the American ones. (That being said they really need a cheap line because they would make an absolute killing from indie kids who want a vintage throwback with a unique sound). I've been heavily considering the Chickenbacker route even though I own a Univox lawsuit copy that's amazing, because I'd want a backup that I can throw around a bit more. I know that I'm going to have to put a ton of work into it and I've accepted it. I'm still teetering on the fence though. One of these days I'll pull the trigger before it becomes completely illegal. Be gay and do crimes right?
You can get Rickenbacker copies, but they are a lot harder to find. As you said, Rickenbacker really go after those copies. I've got a Magnum copy, a Teisco and also got a Lennon style 325 off aliexpress (which was pretty good considering). There was another company doing copies a lot closer (Rockinbacker)??? Something along those lines.
Just got my Chibson in 3 days ago. I love it as much as a Gibson especially when the pickups are gonna get changed anyway. Hey if Gibson is your thing then have at it, I now feel stupid for purchasing a Gibson. I guess I can tell everyone I have a Gibson lol then I go home and play the Chibson
Ramon Goose of The Guitar Show swears by his Navigator guitars , another high end ESP brand that he buys used from Japan. He has several and are his go to guitars. Worth checking out his videos on them 👍
I have played one once... amazing guitar but man they’re not cheap!
I wouldn't touch a modern Gibson let alone a Chibson.
Yeah.. my 02 R8 is great. But the guitar in my profile is a Luthier Built 59. Way better then my R8.
how many times did the head of the fake gibson hit the guitar hanging on the wall?
I picked up a Gibson tribute used in mint condition for 679 bucks from GC. The Vintage v100 icon is my favorite . It's 60s neck profile is accurate as well as the body. I bought it used for 400 bucks used . Great quality. I owned 70s era Ibanez l.p. that were very good and the Vintage is just as good
There are still many Chibsons for sale over on ebay. (All listings are missing photo of headstock).
Build your own and call it a day. It will be quite a bit better and you can be proud of what you did. The parts are out there. Precision guitar can help.
A friend of mine gave me his minty fresh Chibson LP standard as a gift. It really was a shit guitar so I replaced everything on it investing near $600 on all genuine Gibson hardware and electronics. I also did the set up and fretwork so now it looks, plays and sounds amazing just like my real Gibson LP ! It's a keeper!
Fake Grovers?
Groveren't
Chrovers
No quality control? Thats a Gibson for sure!!!
Nice line up with the Grovers.
There is nothing wrong at all with bying a chibson
Epiphone... Been making some amazing guitars lately... DC Pro double cut is crazy nice for the price at $600... split coil probuckers, groves, nice inlays and Mahogany body with Pau Ferro fingerboard.... This has some many features for the price, reminds me of Michael Kelly guitars.... Hey really like your videos, especially your jam sessions :)
Epiphone facility is supervised by Scott Lewis who is also Master builder he was also Master builder for Gibson and he has American luthiers at the China facility also who also were Gibson employees Scott Lewis and his American luthiers have been at the Epiphone China facility for a long while
And the Epiphones are also 70% hand crafted just like Gibson
@@thepatriot4355 still enjoy playing DC Pro.. So many tones. Thanks for the info, didn't know that!
So why haven’t you removed the Gibson sign
Laziness? I added the FAKE truss rod cover. This one mostly lives mounted to my wall above my monitors
do you know a roller bridge that fits a chibson les paul?
Not off hand but any that fit an Epiphone should fit the Chibson.
Chibsons are oke,put a Dimarzio pup and Kluson tuners,no need for a very expensive Gibson and it plays and sound Awesome,and Illegal????? not in The Netherlands
Utter nonsense... it’s just as illegal in the Netherlands as it is in the US, the UK (where I live) and most other places, and illegal for the same reasons and in the same way. The illegality rests with the seller, not with the buyer, so you can buy a counterfeit item in the Netherlands (also USA and UK, etc.) without breaking the law, but the seller IS breaking the law selling it to you, even if that seller doesn’t try to mislead you that it’s the real thing.
Therefore as the buyer you are running the risk in two main areas:
- your item can be seized by the authorities, most usually at the point of customs import. This means you don’t get your item and you risk losing your money, as the authorities have no obligation to and will not reimburse you or help you. You’re reliant upon the seller swallowing the cost and acting reasonably and reimbursing you; and
- you simply cannot EVER sell the item. Again, even if you make it clear it’s a fake the act of selling the item is illegal regardless. So, your instrument becomes worth essentially zero the moment you own it. 🤷🏼♂️
And yes, I may not live in the Netherlands but I did my research (because I simply did not believe that a modern democracy, and member of the EU, would not have essentially the same anti-counterfeiting laws as my own country, the USA, etc.).
@@davidburke2132 Right. In the US you can buy and own one counterfeit item for your personal use. You can't sell it because you then become a seller not a buyer.
@@davidburke2132 So I go to harbor freight, and buy a jack. Then I slap a Snap-on sticker on it. Then I sell it as a "harbor freight jack with a snap-on sticker on it", you're telling me I'm breaking the law? So many toolbox sales need to be reported to the FBI then! Can't sell an acura with a honda emblem swap? 😀
@@snap-off5383 technically speaking, in most countries, that’s exactly what I’m saying because it’s the law in most jurisdictions. It doesn’t matter if you tell the purchaser the full history of the item and that it’s not from the brand that has the logo on it… it doesn’t matter that you’re not trying to mislead anyone… in most countries (certainly the USA and UK) it’s illegal.
Now, is it something that is going to be the main focus of authorities who are trying to prioritise the use of their resources to target people who ARE trying to defraud and mislead people? No. Does that mean that in most instances there won’t be any legal repercussions of your actions as a seller? Probably. Still doesn’t change the fact that it’s against the law 🤷🏼♂️
It’s precisely why people who DO buy Chibsons are advised by anyone in the know to get one with the Gibson branding deleted, because if you don’t do that there’s no way of legally selling it on, even if you make it clear to potential purchasers that it’s a Chibson not a genuine Gibson.
Are Grovér tuners like Grovers?
Now that $250 is pocket change to me I figured I'd check out a Chibson Tony Iommi SG, (I'm going to get a custom truss rod cover that says "Phony Iommi" 😀) since I've wanted a guitar to learn to wrench on other than my Les Paul, and I'll never pay 5k for an authentic one, and its the only SG with 24 frets.
Does the neck warp over time?
I would never buy a cheap guitar without holding it my hands! I have owned a truckload of guitars/basses, and found that quality control is all over the map on "tribute style" models. When I was 16 ( along time ago ) I went to a music store at the mall, saw an Ibanez Thin line Tele, and had them bring out all 8 that they had in stock. Results: 1 fabulous, 1 unplayable, the other 6 varied from pretty OK to pretty lousy.
Guess which one I bought....
PS so easy to get real good guitars these days for stupidly cheap money...why screw around?
I don't think it is illegal to buy it, just sell them. In any case, copies really are bad on all levels.. Too many unscrupulous sellers, and people misrepresenting all mfgs of guitars. You see them on eBay all the time. I'd just blow it up with TNT.
DH gate is where you can get them all , what about the Made in USA and the serial number on the back of the headstock?
Maybe you could have saved money if you ordered the guitar without parts, just a husk. Regardless, you got a personalized player, and it's still not super expensive.
What you’re holding is what Epiphone should be. These exist because Gibson refuses to make an authentic alternative. I’m a fan of this guitar and if I could buy it I would.
With that Burny guitar you should start a band called Burny and the victims. That was cold. I'm terrible. Sorry.
No legit manufacdturer's made most of ANY of the lefties Ive been wanting for years and yrs. China does. Just for one category - signature gutiars. Ex's incl Angus's SG, Zakk's Rebel and BullEye, Wylde Audio , Vai's Jems, YJM strat, Slash models up til ty, BC Rich did a run a couple yrs ago but none had the proper headstock , they dont know wtf theyre doing, on and on
I'm a lefty too and I can't go into a music store and sit down and play a dozen guitars and pick out what I like. I have an Ibanez, a couple Epiphone LP's, a Firefly ( converted to left) and an Electra Phoenix. Can't even find lefty Chibsons. I am retired and poor but I do play in a classic rock band and I would love to get a Chibson LP copy and I'm saving up for one but will probably never be able to find one.
get it right people chibson are not ilegal to own just to sale
For sure... hence the second part benign a more moral quandary
My used LP studio was $599 w/ hsc, studio faded $750 and new DC Junior $699. All USA made and haven’t change a thing on them. No need to buy these and mod just get a used Gibson?
Weren't the Japanese Gibsons better known as "lawsuit era Gibson's".
You ain't going to buy a Burny for that now... 🤣🤣🤣
was hoping you'd play the damn thing lol
Oh, it's a talkathon!
All the crap about fake guitars is unfounded and massively hypocritcal ..
A - Signature is nothing more than a branded Copy ..in turn more often a Overpriced legalised Copy
B - Anyone could play a fake at a gig and the Audience wouldn't noticed ..even if used on a Record .
C - If it was never known that Slash was originally playing a Gibbo Fake . Would anyone really have noticed NOPE or cared or became Angry . Unless if held close up ..
D - But it is rather ironic for Slash to put his name what basically is a Copy of a Fake ... but he has never once spoke out against playing buying fake copies because he used one that made him RICH AND FAMOUS AND GAVE HIM A CAREER ......
The only way to get a good Les Paul is to buy a Epiphone
Thanks for the laugh....
i like your video but why is it ok for us companys to rip off cuban cigar companys but nobody else can do it?
its basically a kit car
I’m not a connoisseur of cigars but I suspect what you’re talking about is copying the Cuban style of cigar and not actually passing their cigars off as an actual Cuban brand. That’s what’s so clearly and blatantly illegal here... the Gibson branding on the guitar. If you bought the same guitar without any branding or a different branding on it then Gibson may have a trademark infringement case for headstock shape and any number of other things but those would have to be enforced by court cases and would not be so cut and dried as a Gibson legal win and your guitar would be broadly fine and not get confiscated by customs. As soon as a company’s branding is copied as here it’s a slam dunk case of illegality that the original brand owner doesn’t even need to take action to enforce: if a customs official realises it will get seized... no recourse and no second chances for your guitar. 🤷🏼♂️
I bought 2 chipsons Just because they are fake never gonna sell them but being fake makes them unique but not to the point I would want to benefit off them.
neither roxy of zappa was really a Gibson. the 2 are the most famous Gibsons
Learn something new every day. Thanks man!
The guitars sponsored artists have made for them aren't off the assembly line from the manufacturer either, they're custom made copies.
Slash's guitar was a chinese fake tweeted by a boutique builder
That itch for a Fender or a Gibson never goes away. You just keep scratching it. Pry open your wallet for a decent guitar.
Enough about all the morals ethics BS, we have heard it all millions of times and even from your own videos. Tell us about how the guitar works as a stand-alone guitar FFS.
I actually love my commie made chibby cherry burst standard LP, better quality control than the real deal, and it blows all my other budget LPs away,I seriously don't have a problem with Gibson, selling a copy of Slashes fake Gibson LP, I just don't want to pay that price,for $220 delivered to my door, they can't compete or care about what you buy,fakes are friggin cool.
$765 for junk, what a steal! Lol. Gr8 advice by Nick! Get a Gibson for the same price and keep your morals.
Your telling Us all How Immoral it is and theres No excuse , yet your bying them you even brought another one , Come off it dude
First of all Gibson studios are complete trash!!! Give me a squier or a shovel with strings. I've been buying Epiphones or better yet any MIJ style Les Pauls and upgrading the pickups and pots for years. They become fantastic guitars i would have to do the same thing to a Gibson which is sick. I have a Greco with a long neck tenon that i put Montys PAFs in that is the best guitar I have ever owned. Save your money and buy a good tube amp. Great guitar through a shit amp is going to be shit.