How to spot fake ESP

Sebastian K.Sebastian K.
Updated
    How to spot fake ESP

    Hey guys,

    Do you have any knowledge regarding fake guitars and how to spot them?

     Maybe guitar companies should start a database where we could register original guitars and verify their authenticity. I understand that, I his is extra cost but we have to somehow protect ourselves from not honest seller, specially when we buy used instruments.

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    Carlton F.
    Carlton F. wrote

     I have this Horizon Custom that I bought used in 2005-06 in Sweden, cant remember exactly. I immediatly brought it to a music store to check the value to know i didnt get ripped of. 

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      Sean D.
      Sean D. wrote

      Hi guys. 

       

      I'm super interested in buying an eii arrow off a guy, but would love some advice on the authenticity of the guitar if anyone can help. Here's some pics.

       

      Thanks in advance  

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        Pushead
        Pushead wrote

        It's legit. A 2019 model.

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          Sean D.
          Sean D. wrote

          Thank you, I thought so because all the decals and logo etc look well lined up. It's just a lot of cash to spend so wanna be sure. Do you have any recommendations/advice on how to make a secure long distance purchase/deal by any chance?

           

          Also, thanks for responding so quickly. Much appreciated! 

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            Pushead
            Pushead wrote

            eBay/Reverb and/or Paypal (non gift). I've been lucky and haven't been burned in 20+ years of buying and selling.

            Talk with the seller, preferably on the phone. Get an idea of who he/she is. If they're willing to talk with you for a few minutes to work out details, odds are they'll be pretty safe to deal with.

            If you get any uneasy feelings, curt or rude replies, or are nervous, just let the deal pass by. There are other deals out there. I'd rather pay an extra $100 for a deal I feel comfortable with than try to save a few bucks on a deal that feels wrong.

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              manu f.
              manu f. wrote

              Hi

              I bought a 2011 ESP Horizon FR2 and it is really nice and plays like a charm, but i noticed some finishing/detailsthat bother me:

               

              the 12th case markers are not aligned

               

               

               

              There are some marks/stains on the fretboard:

               

               

               

               

               

               

              There are no other "flaws", am i too picky?

               

              Serial number is where it should be, overall quality is very nice. I already own an ESP Custom, so i can compare. Thx

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                manu f.
                manu f. wrote

                some more pics

                thx

                 

                 

                 

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                  Pushead
                  Pushead wrote

                  It wouldn't bother me, but if you think it's annoying enough to tarnish your experience with the guitar, maybe it's better to pass it along to someone else.

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                    manu f.
                    manu f. wrote

                    thx for your reply. no it doesn't bother me that much, the guitar is so nice to play!! just wandering if it was just some small finishing flaws or something more serious. i'll keep it.

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                      Enea D.
                      Enea D. wrote

                      Hi guys, I would like know if this guitar is OK or fake... I started to doubt when I saw the back of the head, so different from other guitars... Thanks! 

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                        BlackCat
                        BlackCat wrote

                        Hi Enea,
                        I think you started to doubt when you saw the price ... really low for Italian market

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                          Enea D.
                          Enea D. wrote
                          BlackCat wrote:
                          Hi Enea, I think you started to doubt when you saw the price ... really low for Italian market

                          Exactly...

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                            Enea D.
                            Enea D. wrote

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                              Enea D.
                              Enea D. wrote

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                                Enea D.
                                Enea D. wrote

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                                  Pushead
                                  Pushead wrote

                                  It's legit. I can't quite make out the serial number on the back to get the date, but it's probably later than 2005.

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                                    Enea D.
                                    Enea D. wrote

                                    The only number on the back is N457 but it's written like "C E" and not engraved or followed by "made in Korea" like the other I see.... Is it a different series? Maybe China one? Because the owner is selling it for less then half the price of other Truckster. I'll try to post a zoomed image of the back

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                                      Enea D.
                                      Enea D. wrote

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