The Fake ESP Thread
The Fake ESP Thread
Pushead and I are here to help verify ESP and LTD guitars. If you have, or are looking to buy a guitar that you're unsure of, post pictures and questions in this thread. Please post clear pictures of the front and back of the headstock, the fretboard, and the front and back of the body. Preferably before you buy anything.
Anyone else is free to offer suggestions on authenticity. If you answer a post, please tell us why you think it's real or fake.
Hello gentleman, I am trying to validate an ESP EX-50 diamond plated explorer that has no serial numbers on the back of the headstock, or the bolt on neck plate. A guy that lives close to me thinks it is fake, and he's trying to get rid of it. If I can send pictures via email, would help? Anything would be greatly appreciated.
Well...
I suspect it was a legit EX-50. I don't recall an EX-50 coming with a diamond plate as standard, and the 351 (or whatever) had a different style plate.
My best guess (from the small photos) is that it was refinished, and had a third control (another volume?) and the diamond plate added. Since he painted over the logo and serial number, he bought pretty bad logos off ebay and attached them to the guitar.
The hardware, electronics, neck plate and covers all look legit (again small photos), as does the inlay on the fretboard.
I hope he didn't pay much for it. Even with "custom" work done, it shouldn't be above $200. Maybe a touch more with a case. But depending on how it looks up close, I'd probably stick in the low to mid $100s.
I appreciate the help sir. He said he only has $125 in the guitar, and it caught my eye. So it's a legit guitar that's been refinished? I don't understand how the serial numbers could be covered up like that and why someone would change the guitar completely? He also mentioned that the front ESP logo on the headstock was actually inflated into the wood, so it is real. But would it be worth picking up?
RZK and I will also take possession of any actual ESPs, that you don't want anymore, for a minimal fee.