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.
I have a 5-string that a friend gave me several years ago that I can't find any info on. I have the cover off the truss rod and the electronics on the back just to look for clues and work on the instrument. Yhe back of the body is concave. The action is super high and the bridge is shotty so I am trying to figure out if it is worth putting money into it to make it playable or if I should just look for a different instrument. Thank you!
Hi Brian. I'm sorry to tell you that your bass doesn't seem to be an ESP. The easier tells are the truss rod cavity opening, 3-screw TRC cover and the lack of a volute on the back of the headstock. There are other tells as well.
That doesn't mean it's not an instrument that would benefit good setup, and play well.
Hey Jose. Those are pretty terrible angles for the photos of the guitar. Are those the only two photos the seller has available? Does he have any photos of the same guitar before the refinish?
I'm not super familiar with the Steph guitars, but you're right, the volute on the back of the headstock looks pretty concerning.