Everyone likes to save a dollar when they have the opportunity and seeing that axe of your dreams for sale at 10 cents on the dollar is tempting indeed. The old saying goes however, it it looks too good to be true then it is. Here are some tips to help you avoid the trap I fell into wiith TradeTang counterfeit electric guitars:

Do no go by the picture of the guitar shown in the advertisement - these are easily cloned from a legitimate site and used to deceive the buyer in a bait and switch operation. Ask for the actual photo of the guitar to be delivered and examine it for the following:

Genuine guitars have serial numbers - fakes generally do not.  If it has a serial number, check it out with the manufacturer. Genuine guitars have country of origin stamped somewhere visible on the body or headstock - fakes generally do not.  Genuine guitars have certificates of authenticity and owners manuals included in the sale - fakes generally do not. Look into the sellers feedback rating and length of time as a seller. Scasmmers will have poor ratings and are generally short term members. Look at the proprietary features of the genuine guitar and compare with the item offered for sale. Does the sale item have the same set neck and open humbuckers that the genuine item has or are there substitutions made with bolt on necks and metal covered humbuckers that can hide poor quality beneath the cover? Does the sale item have the same coil spliiting toggle or stereo jack you favorite axe does or are these features missing? Errors and omissions are ofter a dead give-a-way. Compare photos of the real McCoy with the item offered for sale and check all proportions of body and neck. Look for trim and fit problems that stand out. If your dream guitar has a tilt back headstock and the sale item does not, be suspicious. Logos are easy to copy so look for misspellings and hand painted logos. Check out the finish offerings. Some manufacturers have exclusive finish offerings for that special guitar line you are interested in. If Lime Green Metallic or Pink Pearl are not among them, be weary of color differences and substitutions.

While these tips are by no means a guarantee that you will spot a fake or counterfeit guitar, it can make you more alert next time you buy and help to insure that what you payed for is what you will be receiving by taking a closer look at the item offered for sale. When in doubt - go without.