Video and Article Published to Raise Counterfeit Awareness!

[david@legendarytones.com]

I've had several friends get stung by counterfeits, so I wanted to drive some awareness about the issue. I wrote an article which is now posted at my site http://legendarytones.com along with a supporting video "Destroying a $5000 guitar".

The funny part (in hindsight) is that when I first completed the video, which appears as "controversial" somewhat, I posted it on YouTube but it didn't yet have the supporting article posted to answer the question "Why did he do this?". Nevertheless, there were a few people who watched the video and thought it was a genuine PRS guitar that was destroyed...Thankfully, now the article is up that explains it (though there are references in the credits of the video, 'no genuine PRS guitars were destroyed during the making of this film', etc.). But I know we don't all read credits.

Anyhow, I hope you find it entertaining and informative - and I'll also revise the article this evening to include a link to this forum as well, because it's certainly an excellent resource!

David

[sgt mukuzi]

how can one tell a fake PRS?

[david@legendarytones.com]

how can one tell a fake PRS?

I'll be doing a followup article on just that, but would like some additional supporting info from PRS as well.

On this one specific fake PRS I ruined, here were the telltale signs:

1) incorrect headstock shape and string angle
2) volute on the rear of the headstock
3) Wilkenson labeled bridge with two point mounting is not correct for a PRS
4) Grover-labeled tuners are not correct for PRS (they use locking type for most)
5) "flame top" was a veneer. How do you tell? Look at the wood where it is recessed for where the knobs go.
6) PRS logo on headstock was partially missing and was not a "full signature". Manufacturer may have done this to try and avoid problems. Similar to "the old days" when off brands would come out with similar-sounding names and designs to the originals but they'd be off by a letter or two.

The important thing to note really is that counterfeiters CHANGE, so there's not one "rule" here - there are some details they'll miss now, but may someday get right. There also may be other manufacturers of fake PRS' that do them differently then the one that I had.

In the end, it's all about getting the outside details correct on the guitars so that they visually look about the same. And of course to do it as cheaply as possible with everything else. That's the name of the game it seems.

[sgt mukuzi]

great stuff thanks again!!

I have seen a few deals on (possibly fake) prs guitars here in New Zealand and have wondered why everyone is selling up.