Bargain Les Paul?

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

On first glance, this Les Paul standard looks like a bargain at £300, so if someone jumps in quick to snap it up, they'll probaby think they've pulled a fast one and have been able to take advantage of the seller's ignorance of the value.

 

https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/gibson-les-paul-guitar/1478624071

 

However the are several honking great red flags indicating that it is indeed the seller who is trying to pull a fast one

 

• Its a two second job on Google to discover a Gibson Les Paul Standard is worth a lot more than £300
• The truss rod cover is wrong - the printing looks like crap and it has no white edge
• The Rhythm / Treble 'pokerchip' stamping is wrong
• The switch has a hex nut rather than a knurled nut
• The Strap buttons are shaped like fender strap buttons rather than gibson buttons
• The back plate shape is wrong
• The neck heel and cutaway shapes are not quite right
• A Les Paul standard would have a decent hard case. This doesn't have a case
• The tuner tips are a weird murky grey green colour
• No Fret nibs
• The fingerboard position trapezoid markers are the wrong shape, being too curved at the sides
• The Serial number and 'Made in USA' stamp are marked with characters that are too thin
• The "Guitar has been in the wardrobe for a long time, used to belong to my stepfather. I don’t play and know nothing about guitars, having a clear out and need it gone." story gives plausible denyability if challenged
• Cash only — no tracability
• etc...

 

 

Edited May 2, 2024 by Jean-Luc Pickguard

[rwillett]

But apart from that...

[Burns-bass]

Anyone who thinks they've bought a bargain on Gumtree or eBay may experience what I have in the last week: being accused of selling stolen goods by the police. 

 

Thankfully, I've kept all information, pictures and correspondence but the lesson is: if it appears too good to be true, it is. 

[rwillett]

Wow, thats bad...

[NikNik]

Probably a Chibson.

[tauzero]

No longer there, so either sold or Gumtree have been warned.

[JottoSW1]

On the other hand I spotted a lefty Yamaha TRB1005j on reverb that popped up on Gumtree in Wapping.

Result I went there one evening and he asked for £300. Heavy thing tho....