Can You Make A FAKE Gibson As Good As The Real Deal? Ali Express CHIBSON!

[@holstorrsceadus1990]

The real question is can Gibson match the build quality of a $200 Chibson

[@manson9083]

Bet you can't afford either.

[@holstorrsceadus1990]

@@manson9083 I blew like $800k last year on houses and other stuff so no, I couldn't afford a new Chibson at the moment. Luckily I build better guitars anyway and have supplies stocked up so I'm good. I also enjoy the benefits of not being hard pressed to tell between my wife and the family dog who has the more attractive face. Maybe realize you have videos up where I can see your situation before trying to clown people. IDK whether that wildebeest is you or your wife but I'd rather stick my dick in an electrical outlet. Thanks for playing.

[@MarkRigler]

😂

[@benburnett8109]

Yes. For $50,000 you can buy a replica of Greenie. At that price; even if the guitar wont play well, you can afford to have it setup. Gibson matches qualtiy at a rate of 1,000 to 1. So a Chibson that cost 200.00 means a Gibson would cost $200,000 to match the quality level. But it would be "authentic' Gibson sucks.

[@benburnett8109]

@@manson9083 He most certainly can. He is an amazing guy. Has an excellent job. AND he has the common sense not to spend $4500.00 on a Gibson that will have finish flaws, won't stay in tune and will have substandard construction. Chibson is a far better investment for the authentic guitar player. At least with Chibson you get a guitar that stays in tune, has great resale value and was not built by a bunch of progressive liberals who are more interested in the alphabet politics than building quality instruments. But, Gibson does make a hell-uva Tshirt. 100% cotton. Logo quaranteed not to fade for at least 3 washes. That's lifestyle worthy quality. And authentic.

[@TempoDrift1480]

I spent $199 for a Gold Top about 4 years ago, did the standard fretwork and equipment swaps and its absolutely magical. Not even gonna lie. I don't give a fuck what anyone says.

[@bobibobik5903]

@@kgtrains But what is a good deal? To spent on a copy of European classical guitar made from solid wood with 1 cut 10 000 $? Fender also copied look from Bigsby, they on the other hand copied European mandolins' headstock and body look from Croatia-Hungary-Serbia but i didn't saw that anyone cares about it.

[@The..Butterfly..Effect]

I checked - CHIBSON gold top $230 + shipping ($70) = $ 300 (tax not included).... epi will cost you $600-$700 tax not included) + case - And you know what you're getting, and you can sell it and you can buy use epi for $500 ---> and this is for the gold top. + case

[@646627jd]

Right on!!!!! This guy is a MORON.

[@jimmyanderson4865]

its 99% the player not the guitar .

[@LukaCuturic]

@@jimmyanderson4865when the fretwork is so shoddy it mutes every note, the scale length doens't match and the wood is so dried out and sift the entire guitar is unbalanced no virtuoso player can save that

[@MaximusBakerGuitar]

The reality of Gibson is their $5000 les Paul’s play just like chibsons when they are finished building. The only thing different is Gibson has a extreme luthier’s section where they spend a lot of time setting up the guitar and frets, and they already put good pickups in them. That’s it, there are a few quality fails chibsons have however, like their routing job is sloppy and their hardware is ass, but no one is gonna see the inside and you should replace the hardware.

[@Ottophil]

The wood isnt even real trees. Probably bamboo

[@MaximusBakerGuitar]

@ wrong, I came across 3 chibsons that I repainted. Sanding off the old paint jobs I can confirm they are using actual mahogany and maple top. The neck is also mahogany. And FYI making a guitar body out of bamboo would be extremely expensive and time consuming.

[@Ottophil]

@@MaximusBakerGuitar oh I was making an very racist asian joke. I guess i should have said rice, that might have been obvious. I’m sorry. Stop asian hate. I’m cool with them as a people. Its the whole copywrite infringement thing i have an issue with. The fakes wouldnt bother me if they were labeled with different brand names. If you sanded off logos when you repainted those chibsons; i respect that. Its not the guitar itself. But I’m also a gibson fanboy

[@Ottophil]

@@MaximusBakerGuitar and I always tell people my record is currently only broke one of 6 headstocks so far.

[@chrisgeo1642]

I am a competent guitar tech, so in terms of the fret work, nut cut and set up that’s nothing but my time. The problem with the fakes that I see when people have brought them to me is the cheap parts, it’s going to cost to upgrade even to the point of “ok” and to get to premium the investment is just not worth it. The biggest problem which you won’t notice for a while is the wood itself. It’s not cured properly the wood is going to twist and shift and eventually the neck is going to be a roller coaster or question mark. The frets are garbage as well three or four crownings away from needing to be replaced. There are inexpensive guitars from good factories to be had for $700 bucks, good out of the box just a set up required and ready to go. If you really want to honor another player by playing their “signature” buy a completely usable guitar for $700 then pay someone to do finish work, don’t copy but pick a theme that matches and spend a few hundred on that.

[@trevor4533]

Exactly. IF you really need the headstock shape, $700 gets you into an Edwards LP style guitar with Duncans already in it. On a good day probably some older Burnys and Grecos too. The only reason why these dweebs want these dumpster fire guitars is for the name on the headstock. Plain and simple.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Couple years ago I bought two Chibson from different sellers and I gotta say after bit work they both came out way better than expected. One of them was hgh end with nitro and full flame top etc.

[@2dazetake]

Yep they are even doing fret nibs now, soon you won't be able to tell real from fake, unless you look inside at the routes, truss rod nut ect, they can be just as good as an epiphone that's for sure.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Both these Chibsons have fret edge binding and that was 4 years ago !@@2dazetake

[@JohnCaughell]

​@@2dazetake and epiphones have this funny habit of being better than actual gibsons

[@GillyBibbons11]

​@JohnCaughel no, lol

[@phaskellhall]

Who were the builders? I just bought 2 Chibsons myself from Cathy and Bad Cat (Polaris4Music apparently). My plan is to make a similar video as this but compare these two builders with my real Les Paul. Both Chibsons I ordered have Nitro and nibs so we shall see.

[@DaveDurango]

Dude, that's just a built in ring-modulator! Please do more of these videos. Really fun

[@winstonsmith8240]

😂

[@stuartcarter7053]

I've never understood the point of a ring-modulator. Just sounds absolutely awful

[@Ausf.D.A.K.]

Gibsons are not that even great to begin with, especially for the price. They can't even stay in tune. Slash used a fake Gibson when recording Appetite for Destruction and I bet it was better than the "real" one.

[@trevor4533]

Slash used a Kris Derrig Les Paul replica. He paid something like $2500 for it in 1986, that's around $7k today. That thing is about as close to a $500,000 '59 Les Paul you can get. You can't even compare the two lol.

[@gregputman]

@@Ausf.D.A.K. That's a poor justification for buying a fake

[@gregputman]

@@trevor4533 No doubt man. That guitar that Slash had was a very expensive absolute top-notch premium guitar. Not some cheap made in China counterfeit. Night and day

[@werewolflover8636]

Let’s get one thing straight: the guitar Slash used on Appetite for Destruction wasn’t some cheap, mass-produced Chinese knockoff; it was a handcrafted masterpiece by Kris Derrig, a legendary luthier. Slash would never settle for a pathetic import when he had a custom-built instrument that defined his sound. Those cheap Chinese and Southeast Asian imports are made from subpar wood and shoddy electronics, cranked out in sweatshops by exploited workers. They’re nothing more than disposable junk. Meanwhile, American-made guitars and those crafted in Japan are known for their exceptional quality and artistry-guitars that actually deserve respect. Gibson’s American-made guitars are crafted with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. They hold their value over decades-vintage Gibsons can fetch hundreds of thousands at auction. Your average import, on the other hand, is worthless in the resale market; good luck trying to get even a fraction of what you paid for it. And let’s not forget, passing off a counterfeit as a real Gibson is not just unethical-it’s illegal. So before you spout off about guitars, do your homework. You’re putting legendary American craftsmanship up against low-quality, exploitative trash, and it’s downright embarrassing.

[@Ausf.D.A.K.]

@@werewolflover8636 I mean you're beyond racist and you sound like an alt-right extremist. I'm done talking to you.

[@mvyper]

But... If you are into amateur liuthering and fancy a challenge, you could have a lot of fun putting your hands on one and modding it just like you want it. And have the satisfaction of making it playable.

[@jscordoba3]

I was looking into a custom build from the Gibson Custom Shop. I'm a big fan of ES140s and wondered about getting a new one built. The ES Les Pauls are already almost there, so asked about doing one of those with the 22.75" scale like the 140. Get the quote.... $20-25k. NOPE. So as an experiment I ordered a chibson and asked about short scale. "Tony" said he could do it. I didnt have high hopes, but lo and behold he nailed it. I did swap hardware and frets. Did the hardware and electronics myself, and a trusted luthier did the fretjob. All in I was just under $800. Its one of my main road guitars.

[@Lonnie91a]

I swear all the guitar stores on AliExpress are the same store. They respond when you first contact them and then ghost you after you pay. Then it takes a month to ship even though they say yes it’s in stock. I ordered two from two different stores and didn’t get either one. Both were refunded after filing a complaint.

[@Juno58]

I recently bought a Chibson LP Custom at Ali for just 200 € payed with Pay Pal. The seller was very friendly, answered all my questions, send photos of the guitar. Original price was 220 €, he lowered the price to 200 € because i have to pay import fee for Germany! About 4 weeks later the guitar arrived, the manufacturing quality of the woods is equal to a 600 € Epiphone. Ok, hardware and the PUs are not the best, but everything easy to change. I've changed the hardware to Epiphone parts and '57 probuckers. Now i own a nice looking Custom Les Paul at Epi Level without the ugly Epi headstock but with the sound of my friends 600 € Les Paul Koa.

[@marine4lyfe85]

@@Lonnie91a Take my advice. These stores advertise on ebay, and they have a lot of guitars that are already here in the States and through customs. The easy way to tell is look at the delivery time. If it's a week to 10 days, it's already here. If it's a month or more, it's in China. I ordered my first one a month ago off of ebay and received it in exactly a week. I got a tracking number and everything. But that's the key. Only order guitars that are already in the States. My 1968 black Custom Chibson is beautiful and sounds great.

[@kiillabytez]

Yes, it does take a long time to receive one because Chinese Customs like to take their sweet time when exporting anything, be it a guitar or flower pot. Digital stores are guilty of name switching more often than you think. Especially the ones that have nonsensical names like Xbinlds or Geqdirenonx, etc. Think of Ali Express as more of a distributor than a reseller, kind of like a Chinese Amazon.

[@EdSki1970]

Slash played a counterfeit Gibson

[@kiillabytez]

Not even these guitars are counterfeits. They are not sold as authentic Gibson and some them are even sold as "Chibson." What we have here is not a counterfeit, but a replica. BIG difference. Slash's guitar was a replica, not a counterfeit.

[@jski718]

So what? These are counterfeits 100% and are trash. You're just lying to yourself when you buy one.

[@kiillabytez]

@@jski718 When you know the difference between a counterfeit and a replica, then maybe you'll have some credibility, but spewing buzzwords just means you're an expert at following trends without even knowing why you followed them in the first place.

[@EdSki1970]

@@jski718 don't own one but i do own two Authentic Gibsons and they are over priced.

[@jski718]

@kiillabytez I do. You have no idea what you're talking about. These are illegal "counterfeit" guitars. Not replicas.

[@jaketaz2848]

I appreciate pointing out all the tiny details that help us identify low-quality construction. I've been playing guitar over 20 years and have never looked into any of this, it's all very interesting and helpful.

[@ScottHughesgtr]

Fun watch! I did a similar experiment a decade or so ago ($350 black Les Paul custom) and the results were identical. Managed to sell it shortly after and my monetary losses were minimal 😂

[@f3uibeghardt522]

"It's like they (the Chinese craftsmen) are making these with their eyes closed." Hmmm, hahahahaha.

[@jmhatutube]

I love and am thankful for honest individuals like you who take the time and money to help inform others about the trappings of going the super-cheap route. Also, it seems your tech's recommendation of just getting an Epiphone and not worrying about the hassle of getting a Chibson playable was an honest and helpful tip. Thank you so much. I think I'm going to get your book too.

[@LeviClay]

You’re very welcome! Have to make the stuff you’d want to see!

[@bobibobik5903]

@jmhatutube Epiphones are great nowadays no matter were they made them not just electric but acustic Jumbo models are honestly sounding good as Gibi's when i tried 10 years ago made in Indonesia models, so i took one for myself. It was better guitar them Ovation, Takamine etc in that shop. *Spear* is a brand name that have some models good as you got a HQ custom guitars. I saw some dirty cheep on UK market, they are old around 10 years like NOS stock but guitars are wow. Locking tuners, 1st class wood, finish, pickups are great and you can find 'em for 200-300$. Honestly it blow out of the water Gibi, PRS, Knags, Schecter, ESP etc and x other fancy names.

[@ozzy844]

If i dont have the logo on it will it be fine to go through customs?

[@LeviClay]

It should be

[@chusssMusic]

A Les Paul studio in a fair condition is about 750 quids. Maybe an Epiphone, Ltd or Sire Larry Carlton L7 would be a great alternative in this price range. Thanks for the demo and the warnings. I was curious but now I'm never getting a chibson ever.

[@JuddLofthouse]

I’ve been subbed to your channel a couple of years I rang the bell and this is the first notification I got through ? Is it just me I don’t know but am glad now I’ve got a lot of catching up to do .great post 👌👍

[@raoulduke344]

I got curious a few months ago and bought a Jimmy Page LP Chibson, for £250. The flame maple itself looks good, but the colour and paint is a bit disappointing. There is no fret binding either. I asked them to leave "Gibson" off the headstock but they didn't, so I slashed out the "made in USA" and cut "in China" into the back of the headstock. As for the sound, it's surprisingly really, really good. I don't think they're wax potted, but I have no issues with microphonics. There are no screws in the humbuckers themselves, and the screws on the pickup covers are only decorative. The Grover tuners are decent on mine, too, but it probably varies from guitar to guitar. I had intended to swap all the electronics and pickups out, and replace them with Seymour Duncans, and better wiring but, to be honest, it sounds really good as it is. People are very surprised when I tell them it's a fake. I don't think there's anything wrong with buying one as long as it's not to be used to con people. The only issue I really have is the name "Gibson" on it. If they were made without that, they would be really popular budget guitars, rather than knock offs. It even came properly intonated. Mine came with a truss rod (that needed a slight adjustment) but apparently this can be an issue as some won't even have one.

[@CRAZYCANUCKTV]

Its very possible to fix but would take alot of sanding

[@CodyJungGuitar]

I really enjoyed this entire video. I never knew how importing the fake stuff worked, and seeing the process in your video was fascinating. Thanks for doing this so the rest of us do not have to!

[@LeviClay]

Glad I spent £1000(!!!!) so you don't have to hahahah

[@CodyJungGuitar]

@@LeviClay But the good news is that you will likely make tens of dollars back on the ad revenue from this video!

[@DJEDzTV]

I got a Gibson and bought a Chibson from DHGATE, so i have owned them both for over 4 years now and I prefer the Chibson for my heavy sound, Gibson sounds nicer playing clean. The Chibson was 270 quid with the delivery, so this depends on luck i guess...I am shocked that China can make such nice instruments.

[@davidmichaels307]

They're made 99% by CNC machine now. You put in a block of wood and push "print" on the computer.

[@MrRMB1]

The guitars look great online. It just doesn't make sense to spend that kind of money on a gamble. Really nice guitars can be had for the same amount without any of those issues, and they are legal.

[@BTR-xw4of]

Levi what pedal were you using?

[@FrankCastleThePunisher666]

I’ve just got the Chibson Greeny off of Ebay. Arrived in 8 days to the UK which was a shock. It was fully playable straight from the box. It just needed some fret polishing. The frets themselves were smooth at the edges. I myself bought this for a project in order to practise wiring, and pickup replacements without doing it on a 5k guitar. So with this one I am going to replace the tailpiece, bridge, pickups and electronics. I am also going to fully relic it and remove the “Gibson” logo.

[@kiillabytez]

8 days? It would sit that long in Customs if it came from China.

[@FrankCastleThePunisher666]

@ went through customs in 2 days

[@turunturun]

You’re clean picking at 13:20 😂😂😂 “The frets were terrrrrrible”

[@danielschear556]

Your LP Cust has a great authentic "Albert King" '58 Korina Flying V tone!👍

[@errorsofnovember6068]

if you spend $600+ you should buy the Epiphone Custom Ebony it cost $700+ it was good as the Gibson custom

[@trevor4533]

Honestly, if Epiphone brought back the open book headstock like they had on their MIJ ones back in the day, they would fly off the shelves...

[@davidmichaels307]

It would need the same luthier work.

[@errorsofnovember6068]

@@davidmichaels307 full set up and a few pots later you will reap the benefits, and of course you need Luthiers and Guitar Tech to make sure it would last and run it's full potential trust the professionals it's worth it🤌🏼

[@Wylde5150]

I must’ve really lucked out then because I got the black and white bull’s-eye with active pick ups looks and plays great I also bought the EVH Franken Strat. I had an original $2000 one I had to sell the $200 one that I got off of Ali express plays and looks 100% better even has the reflectors and blue paint the only complaint is the whammy bar is ridiculously high, easy fix ordered one off of Amazon for $16 all in all both play great…. not to mention I got them within seven days seven days to be exact. I looked for the same thing you did a response of seller and also one that had a reasonable shipping time my 2 shiped with sf express

[@marine4lyfe85]

@@Wylde5150 Exactly. I ordered mine off of ebay, and all the guitars with delivery times of 7 to 10 days are already in the States and through customs. Those are the only ones I'll buy. Got mine in Exactly 1 week and tracked it all the way. Gorgeous guitar. I will buy more.

[@chrispickett3092]

I bought a Jimi Page number 2 cause I wanted a wall hanger and didn't want to spend 40 gs for a Gibby JP2. What I ended up with is a phenomenal playing instrument, thT only required a little amount of time and some new hardware, which I had on hand. Fret work was excellent fit and finish was as good as most Gibbs I seen these days. Nuff Said

[@phaskellhall]

Who did you buy it through?

[@chrispickett3092]

@phaskellhall I got it of alliexpress about a year ago. I do not recall the vender, but they did have really good reviews that actually looked like legit reviews. I'm told now that a lot of them are not getting through customs.

[@chrispickett3092]

@phaskellhall I went back through my emails. I got it from Kinson music store. It did take a few months to get shipped, after building as I had a couple custom requests. The guy will build whatever you want, you just have to know specifics, have photos etc, if you do not want one he has currently built. I was told they are making them in the old epiphone factory in China that closed when epiphone built the new factory. The workers from the closed factory git together and got the factory up. They got all of epiphones plans and cncs that were left in the factory and most of the employees had been working there fir years.

[@phaskellhall]

@@chrispickett3092 I wonder if they make any casinos? That is the one Epiphone guitar I always wanted. -P

[@chrispickett3092]

@phaskellhall not sure. I thought the casinos were make at the Korean plant. But with things the way the are I'm sure they could get the cnc plans.

[@raygonzalez1281]

It is 1000 times better to buy another brand than getting a chibson. I haven't seen any chibson which looks like an original Gibson. The mother pearl absence on chibsons and the logos sizes on the headstock always speak louder... I don't understand why people think that can look like a Gibson There's nothing worst than trying to be something you're not... There are other brands better than Gibson today ... Why would you like to be related to a brand that gives nothing and wants a lot of money for your purchase? Look for other brands instead of getting a chibson

[@firsteerr]

i have had a couple of chibsons and the basic quality of the timber and finish is good and you spend say around $300 on new electric and a set up and you have a guitar equal to most gibsons for a third of the price

[@trevor4533]

Even if that was true(And be honest with yourself, it isn't) You still spent hundreds modifying a worthless fake guitar, when you could have bought literally anything else.

[@stevepelham9010]

Yeah they usualy are unplayable if one demands a bit more. "Playable" that is an very tutchy subject as one can play them fresh out of the box, well something. Gibsons are well made thru and thru as Chibsons only what one can see and not always even that. There is a mess inside the neck with an cheap kind of trussrod so that the guitar will never stay put it will shift over and over again where dead notes comes and goes. Inside an affordable guitar there is often an nightmare as one works with them all kind of wierd stuff poops out the most unspected one was an ortopedic footplaster. Today again i was adjusting an problematic neck, its truss and all the sudden one bit of some plastic crap pooped out and finaly i was able in fine tuning that relife. I doubt that one will encounter problems as such with an Gibson.

[@davidmichaels307]

"Gibsons are well made thru and thru" Thanks for the laugh. Made my day.

[@FranciscoHernandez-xp9yi]

Sounds like a absolute nightmare to go through all that. I’d rather go for a Sire or Epiphone for that price. If you ever get the chance to play a Tokai or Greco, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on that.

[@patrickshannon4516]

Yeah it's a real pain in the ass what you have to go through with those guys over there and you only have about a 50 percent chance of getting something playable. I'll tell you what if you buy any schecter guitar's even their lower cost one's you will be amazed how good they are.

[@bobibobik5903]

@FranciscoHernandez-xp9yi Tokai were making arguably the best guitars at one point, so i like them. even new ones that came from China, Korea are amazing. Sire is also great. Greco is part of MIJ legend, i like old ones especially when i find em for small amounts and dirty or if they need some work, then i get em for pinouts. With a little work i get in the end guitars that is hard to beat.

[@bobibobik5903]

@@patrickshannon4516 How you cam with that % mate? Honestly even a Gibi or far more expensive fancy brands can be unplayable after they travel to another climate region, or when they sit for a few months in box in some shop.

[@patrickshannon4516]

@@bobibobik5903 Because they have people working at their factory that aren't that skilled and it's a big gamble buying something from China been hearing a lot of people disappointed with their building quality. I've ordered from AliExpress a few times it's a big gamble when you buy a two hundred dollar guitar from them that's exactly what you get you don't get anything spectacular. Ordered guitars from zzounds didn't have any issues.

[@ziptidy]

A great way to get an amazing guitar (and learn a bit about how guitars go together) is to build your own parts-caster. I've made 2 really nice instruments using Warmoth parts. Start with a Tele style guitar though ;). TheTele I put together is my current favourite guitar and was assembled in an afternoon with very few tools. Probably equally good as my Tom Anderson Tele

[@winstonsmith8240]

If you've got a neck you love, just bung in your favourite pickups. Jobs a good 'un.

[@rogerboswell5483]

I have a bb king Lucille guitar..and a glarry case...😊 It's so cool..

[@martin-1965]

Hi Levi, first video of yours I've come across and nicely produced and good to see another British voice in the guitar world online :) You're 100% correct about NOT buying these knock offs, as cute as they might look hanging on the wall, they are a ton of work to make usable. I'm a big fan of the Vintage/JHS range of guitars and have picked up some lovely fully-legit "copies" of Strats/Les Pauls over the years, some that needed a bit of work (but not much) and some that were great straight out of the box. I also love Squiers and Epiphones (especially the old Korean ones) which I've picked up for anything between £80 for Squiers to £250 for a fantastic Epiphone Lemon Burst. Right now, if I had £500-£600 to spend, I'd go straight for one of the Yamaha Revstar range as they are knocking it out of the park with build quality, sound and style. In summary then, Chibsons are a lot of stress and potentially wasted money. I see people trying to sell them on Facebook - usually being 100% honest about being a copy - but they'd struggle to get £200 for one, and most hang around for ages unsold. The Chinese make some great guitars as does Indonesia. Forget what's on the headstock, especially if it's fake as fook - get a guitar that you can play out of the box from a reputable store in your own country and enjoy a grief free experience 👍

[@xajlalondex]

I really enjoyed the guitar tech and how you added him explaining all the things wrong with it! Keep it up!🤘🏻

[@JoeB-zi1jz]

Interesting what he was able to do with it. But OMG. . . Your Techs accent is something else. Had to turn the subtitles on to figure out what he was saying!

[@AJNpa80]

If you get a look-alike husk to renovate to improve your guitar work skills, make sure you request blank. Truss rod covers no branding.

[@peterschmidt9942]

You bring up a good point Levi about factories and sellers. There's a lot of sellers, which all use the same or similar pictures. However there's only a couple of factories in China which all of the sellers use. Basically you order a guitar, the seller goes to the factories and enquires which one will make it for the least amount. So there's no guarantee what you're paying for is the guitar you'll actually get. But looking at the star ratings, feedback percentage and actual feedback from customers is the only way to partially guarantee what you're buying is what you'll get. The other thing to do is contact the seller before you purchase. As you found out, some don't respond even after payment. But if they don't respond before payment it's a big red flag. The second guitar I bought, I went back and forth for 2 weeks to make sure it was as I wanted it. The seller was engaging and that guitar turned out pretty well. So I ordered a third from the seller and ended up being garbage and unplayable (they shaved the lower side of the neck to fit the neck pocked making the fretboard uneven LOL). I thought I could just change the neck but that wasn't the case. I managed to get some money back but was still out of pocket. Also, always ask whether the guitar is in stock and can be shipped right away. If it can, then the guitar you're viewing is probably the guitar you're getting. But remember, if you ask for anything extra or changed, they generally have to make a whole new guitar and can take weeks to make. And if something goes wrong, you may have to extend the shipping time with the seller. But if the seller's engaging, then it's generally not a problem. Most sellers allow you to add some custom options to your order. Its a good idea to remove the branding (i.e. Gibson, Fender etc). But you can also add your own serial numbers - by adding a serial number that would never correspond to what the manufacturer would use (like - 000001) you can keep it looking legit and shouldn't be confused with a trademark guitar (and helps with Border Security) As for the quality of the parts used and the setup, well that's entirely out the door. As you found, most just hammer the frets in and call it good. Fretwork and nut work is one thing you'll need to address and if you can't do it yourself, then thats an extra cost. Prepare to do the work. Pickups are generally ordinary too, but can sometimes surprise you. I still would count on changing them. These days there's so many better options than taking a risk buying Chibsons (or fender knockoffs), providing you're not a brand snob and can deal with different headstock shapes and names. At least with these there's warranty and many provide free returns if it's not up to par (unlike Ali-express). I wouldn't necessarily say don't do it, but know what you're getting into and what can go wrong if you do decide to go that path. Without doubt, every single one I've bought needed work but I expected that. And at least a couple were totally unplayable and unrecoverable. I also have a few that exceeded my expectations and are perfectly playable after the work.

[@WithCarePlz]

There is a popular angry-person-on-a-budget narrative on the internet that Gibson is some kind of ripoff artist. This is one of the dumbest things I’ve ever encountered. Of course a $3000 Gibson isn’t 10x better than a $300 chinese guitar. How could it ever be? How could any premium product of any kind live up to that linear expectation? That’s not the point of a Gibson. Everyone isn’t supposed to be able to afford a Gibson. Gibson isn’t made for you to learn guitar on. Gibson isn’t made for you to get the absolute most amount of value per dollar out of it. Gibson isn’t the guitar to buy for a pretend guitar player to pick up once a week to hack a few radio riffs out of. Gibson is an aspirational brand. Gibson is the guitar you buy for once you start playing guitar for 2 hours a day. Gibson is the guitar that you buy when you want a premium guitar that inspires you. Gibson is a celebrity. A Gibson Les Paul for example is a guitar that inspires you to be like your hero Jimmy Page (or whoever). A Gibson is a guitar that can inspire somebody to even learn guitar in the first place so that they can someday own and play that Gibson. I know that your Hyundai has more cup holders than a Ferrari and is more economical- now shut up and enjoy your Hyundai Gibson is like Ferrari. A Ferrari isn’t supposed to compete with Hyundai. A Ferrari isn’t supposed to have more cup holders than your Hyundai. A Ferrari is the car you buy when you want to wrap yourself up in an enjoyable driving experience and/or want to pamper yourself because you love driving. It isn’t going to get you to your destination 10x faster than your Hyundai. Sure, some people just buy a Ferrari to be seen in a Ferrari. But thinking that you’re going to stroke your ego by saying that your budget Hyundai gets to the destination just the same as a Ferrari and therefore everyone in a Ferrari is an idiot is a goofy way to think. That’s my two cents. I don’t buy guitars based solely on value per dollar. I have affordable guitars and I have Gibsons. And I can tell the difference when I play them. And I don’t care about people yelling out the window of their Hyundai that they get more cup holders per dollar or more doors per dollar than I did. I’m just gonna roll my window up and continue to enjoy my drive while you get angry that “I’m not smart enough to see that I got ripped off by Ferarri” I hope this makes sense to a few people and they realize that they’re that dude yelling out the window of their minivan that the sports car that I’m in is “crappy”.

[@Turbojugend27]

I've seen real Gibson's with worse paint jobs, warped necks etc. I'll never buy a real Gibson again.

[@WithCarePlz]

@@Turbojugend27 you never bought one in the first place, stop lol

[@OkieOrganix]

I bought one in 2023. The quality was poor on all components and had pretty bad visual imperfections in the finish. The nut was cut too low and the 12th fret was installed crooked then over filed so it played like total trash. However, I replaced the nut, pulled and replaced the frets and replaced everything else with real brand components. Now the guitar plays like a dream but it ended up costing about the same as a Gibson once you buy replacement parts, tools to do the jobs right, shipping on everything, time invested learning how to fix the problems, etc. Would I do it again? I dunno it was hell but I do now have all the tools and a new skill. 😂

[@gavriloprincip11]

if a a fake gibson is Ch-ibson and a fake Fender is Ch-ender ,what is a fake Charvelle or Chapman or Chiquita?

[@paddyjames2025]

whats to stop them putting a fake unbranded veneer on ther headstock with the gibson one underneath would it then get through/ is it just the gibson logo thats why they stopped it ? or is it the whole les paul shape . How far do customs go to fins out its fake ? take for instance the buckethead les paul would they even know those arent even sold by gibson anymore and stop it or do they do a minimal check and just check the headstock ? either way this is a problem just buy an authentic guitar for 500 quid you would be much better off with a 500 quid fender epiphone shecter etc than one of these knock offs unless its just wanted for an art piece .

[@64mattard]

Great watch dude. I dont know if you remember my "Vintage" as in the brand Greeny LP knock off complete with out of phase PAF pickups, it was by far one of the best necks/guitars for me with beautiful lemon burst & the weight you'd expect but it still cant hold a candle next to the best guitar ive ever owned.... my genuine early 80s Gibson Explorer 2 (the guitar that got away, that makes me cry as i write this) ......So however good the LP was it wasnt a Gibson so i sold it to my brother. I wouldn't get a copy from Ali Express, my first wife bought a wedding dress from there and we'd divorced long before it turned up 😂

[@bobmanners8624]

What language is your tech speaking!?

[@normanwaller2924]

So do those guitars have a Gibson logo? Because I got an acoustic guitar that was not branded I had no problems

[@BenState]

what language is the tech speaking?

[@design1of470]

English, mate. Innit?

[@stringedaz]

I used to be a major cork-sniffer about gear: ONLY USA Gibsons and Fenders and all others are inferior. In recent years, however, I've found that the Chinese, Indonesians, and other foreign countries who make import "low end" guitars can make a LOT of instrument for not much money. More recently, I've been buying cheap Chinese necks online and just doing all the fret and finishing work myself with fantastic results. You can build an instrument that punches way above its weight class in terms of features and quality for under 500 bucks using Chinese parts and a little elbow grease.

[@arrell]

Maybe because I'm a new viewer, but I've been enjoying the variety of videos you've been uploading, as opposed to just the transcription videos.

[@stevehaye]

i have 4 chibsons and with some work i am quite happy with them. i also have gibsons and epiphones. find the right builder. be prepared to change electronics and do some fret filing. change the nut. do a nice setup and you have a good playing guitar. that said yours has arrived in worse condition than any of the ones i bought

[@aleczandermott8071]

can you point in the direction of a good seller please ?

[@attilathehun0]

A Graphtech nut is a easy and cheap solution.

[@erickrohn2970]

So what if you told the seller not to put on a name like Gibson or fender on the headstock? Would it still get confiscated? Probably not because no brand names being used.

[@LeviClay]

More than likely not, though technically I believe Gibson have trademarked their headstock shape and body shapes, but I can’t see customs policing that too closely.

[@patrickshannon4516]

Yeah then you're not accused of selling a counterfeit guitar so yes you can specify no name on the headstock.

[@erickrohn2970]

@@patrickshannon4516 well thats what I would do then. Request from the seller a no name headstock. That way you know it will make it through Customs and not be screwed out of your cash.

[@patrickshannon4516]

@@erickrohn2970 I don't think it's about that I don't really think that a name on the headstock matters that much during custom's process. But it would however matter to someone that you are selling it to if you sell it to someone you would have to say it's a fake. I would probably go ahead and get the name on the headstock so I could pretend I was playing a Gibson that's just my opinion. Custom's don't open your package and see what is in the package.

[@weightoawesome3455]

Finally finished watching. Dude it actually sounds great but I’m totally with you. For 700 American bones there is no way it’s worth it but still…it’s an experience dealing with these Chinese dudes. “Friend.” Lol. And brother…I don’t think we as your fans tell you enough…you freaking are a shred machine! Killer player, killer transcriber, killer content creator. One of my favorite guitar channels hands down.

[@LeviClay]

you're too kind! I really hope yours show up (I don't see why they won't!) I'd genuinely be interested in seeing pics when they do. You should email me :)

[@weightoawesome3455]

@@LeviClay just got the first of 5. Email coming!

[@LeviClay]

@@weightoawesome3455 this I have to see!!

[@davidmoss7245]

Great video thanks for putting it out. What if someone wants maybe a black Chibson LP (no awful graphics etc) changed the pickups yourself to quality used items and set it up yourself ? This way there is little dead money and in the future possibly sold obviously as a fake item for what was paid for it originally? Win win??

[@LeviClay]

Where’s the win? Customs my seize and destroy it. It’s really hard selling them because people don’t want to touch them. You won’t get the cost of the parts back, and how much can you set up? Mine needed frets glued in, then a complete fret dress. You set up to do that?

[@davidmoss7245]

Great video thanks for sharing.Does anyone think it’s worth getting one,buying great quality used parts and doing all upgrades yourself (assuming of course you CAN do it properly)?Any thoughts? 🎸🎸🎸

[@LeviClay]

That really sounds like you didn’t watch the video 😂

[@bigbasil1908]

Well if you are ordering a fake gibson les paul from someone who is manufacturing them, for them to go through customs fine just ask them not to put the gibson logo on the headstock

[@mx5guy154]

That's what I did, had them put my initials on it and had the made in the USA removed.

[@davidmichaels307]

@@mx5guy154 They require so much post-manufacturing work, that you could say that it was "Made in USA from foreign parts."

[@Hankboomer]

i had to try 3 of these : THEY SOUNDED GREAT .. better than epiphone. so let's assume you chose the very bad one 🙂

[@Spaceace1977]

❤ your Blizzard T-Shirt btw

[@tem_anu]

Fret work. New pickups. Long as tpu get decent pots and wiring and tuners. Really can get good pickups sometimes. Honestly gibson custom shops have no wax potted pick ups. So food for thought. Def fret work tho

[@bwyou812]

I spotted right off that the black custom should be an ebony fret board not rosewood or laurel.

[@Jonnysonone]

All that’s putting me off is the potential import problems. Upgrading one seems like a fun project.

[@LeviClay]

Can’t argue with that

[@Jonnysonone]

@LeviClay did you get your money back for the one that was seized?

[@LeviClay]

@ I did

[@jamesandrews3583]

How is aliexpress legal?

[@LeviClay]

Why wouldn’t it be?

[@jamesandrews3583]

@@LeviClay because they're selling fake Gibsons?

[@LeviClay]

no they're not, any more than eBay is selling fake merch. They're a just a marketplace. There are plenty of legitimate sellers on there. And that's before you consider than in China (and they're a Chinese website) it's legal@@jamesandrews3583

[@stephencleland6529]

I've been hopping around S.E Asia teaching English for 11 years. Your guitar tech would have my students crying...

[@MegaRomans01]

Man i just bought a iyv guitar it was awesome 7 peice neck through for 210 bucks swapped electronics no setup and its a straight killer. My opinion is very different.

[@LeviClay]

your *experience is different

[@vinurawitharanage8146]

Why not spend that money on a pre 2000's Yamaha/Greco/Tokai etc.? Build quality rivals that of Gibbys for around /slightly higher price of Chibbys.

[@CharlesKeisler]

It's knowing that it's a fake, there's hardly any difference in the sound, strings can make a difference in keeping it in tune .

[@maxmustardman298]

yeah people tend to forget that you might not even get the guitar at all...bc customs does their job properly for once..so did you get the bullseye version after all ?

[@rayadray9279]

I purchased a off brand guitar and all I can say it was amazing when I got it totally amazing

[@RoeyHaviv]

Good video. As someone who besides nice guitars also has a great upgraded Chinese 10s (LP copy) and an Epiphone, the Epiphone QC is so good now there’s no reason to buy a copy.

[@ricdale7813]

I went this route around 2014. Bought 2 Chibsons for less than $450 shipped. One was a Orange burst Page replica, One was a Liefson Axcess copy. Fret work was garbage. Electronics were un labeled cheapies and all the hardware was pot metal junk. Mini cheap pots, hide glue all over the bodies under the finish. But from 10 feet away they looked the part. No mater how much you spend though in upgrades they will never play like Gibson does. They are literally props imo.

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

The Gibson on the headstock is the problem, I wasn't expecting that. Nowhere in the ads for Les Pauls I've seen on Aliexpress does it say 'Gibson', but they don't show the headstock in the ads. I love Aliexpress, I've bought something most fortnights for about 5 years, and I spent $500 on a saxophone that was a great buy a couple of years ago, so I've been eyeing those Les Pauls off for a while now! I can't afford to have it destroyed though!

[@christian_p]

This is such a great video mate. I’ve been watching your transcription stuff for ages trying to learn little bits of wisdom from you here & there- this is a welcome change of pace, love your insight

[@VirtualRobotsRevolt]

I wish they still made these epiphones and gibsons. If they did I wouldn’t even think about getting a knock off.

[@TheStratfanatic]

I bought one in a burst and stripped it to the wood. Replaced everything. Even the Gibson logo is going. Ebay shopping was the saver. Burstbucker 1&2 pups, bone nut. Grover vintage tuners. New Aluminum stop tail piece and roller bridge. Redid the frets ends and leveled a, crowned and polished the fret. oiled the bone dry fingerboard. All the pots and switch were replaced with the Original equivilent Bourne pots, braided wire and paper and oil tone caps. Many hours of work(I;M retired, so). It came out good. Isn't painted right but I'm not going there. For a bedroom guitar or maybe a loaner to the Grandkids Meh...850.00 bucks into it.

[@stephensdygert7600]

Chinese Ace Frehely model is a excellent product. I've owned the 1997 Korean model for 25 years. Just as good if not better. The Korean model has Demarzio pickups, I don't know the brand of Humbucker the Chinese use, however their hot and articulate. Clean or distorted. The neck on the Chinese is styled like the American Ace model 1959. The Epiphone is a thinner neck.

[@laztavus]

I’ve ordered 3 guitars from AliExpress, first guitar arrived with neck snapped off, the other 2 weren’t damaged at all and the one I wanted most was perfect, pickups sucked

[@maler95]

13:00 pure gold. I laughed for one minute straight.

[@LeviClay]

bargain

[@MrJoshua182]

He purchased the sitar version.

[@zedkent4287]

What about Aliexpress brands trying to make their own brand like nk guitars or Goc?

[@cattycats4]

I had a Gibson copy that was better than the real thing, a 1960s Matsumoku , I played Les Paul standards in shops and they were very dissappointing after playing the Matsumoku copy for years

[@1thess523]

My son and I have 2 Greco's and they play better than 99% of the Real Gibsons we have been able to play up to $2000 price, we spent $700 & $800 each.

[@The.Magnificent.one.2025]

You're full of shit.

[@marvincenth.5781]

Could I buy it from you?

[@LeviClay]

Potentially 😂

[@JosephOfTheJungle]

The more I look into it, I've realized. It's just not going to be worth me buying a budget 6. I love my Ibanez 8, absolutely smitten to be precise. It's not a prestige either or their other pricey models. It's just a good quality guitar without flaws that got through QC. I'm determined that when I finally bite the bullet on a 6 string, it will be factory premiere everything, or I'll just buy eye candy with a good body and everything can get gutted and rebuilt by professional. Thanks, Levi. 🤜 I really appreciate the detailed look at alternative avenues of purchasing. Have a great weekend brother.

[@claudehopper9813]

That's the biggest problem with the Chinese knock-offs ..unscruplist (sp) sellers will sell them as the real thing ..and that sucks ! You're honest review was very refreshing .

[@MajorTomgames]

tip for chibson buyers: get a revstar

[@DJCJ999]

I fancy an Ali-Goldtop but fk Horder Force busting me!! Hitting Ebay I can get a Burney GT with a 15mm maple top and Mahogany everything else for sub 300 kingheads and it doesn't have slot headed tunomatic bridge (always loads cheap asf).. Has an open book headstock too and you can buy Gibson decals so overall a better bet.. I think... that said I need to check them out on youtube first.

[@paulbateman81]

I got a £200 chibson secondhand and stripped all the upgraded parts from previous owner. Emg81/85 solderless pots etc, locking tuners by sperzel and sold all the bits and almost had a free unloaded guitar. Upgraded with irongear parts and Wilkinson hardware and made it to a Jimmy page copy. Looked good and played amazing. Could I sell it? No I couldn’t. Absolute nightmare! Got removed from every sale sight for being a replica or fake. It was listed as a replica and I also scraped fake into the back of headstock. Ended up trading it for another guitar. Wouldn’t try and do it again

[@ringchamp6543]

Love this vid, thank you for making

[@weightoawesome3455]

Lol feb 20 I went on a binge and ordered 5. Now I’m really nervous. Only one was a try chibson in the sense it had “gibson” on the headstock. The others I had customized to say my and my daughters name. Hopefully they get here.

[@zsaxeshed5743]

Dang,i want one ! I love my Firefly V

[@theobserver86]

I just saw a website saying 90% off Selling "gabzon" sgs and flying Vs oh and IBENEZ Jem's Not Ibanez all for under 25$ I wanna buy one but I don't trust it

[@Randomnessaralus]

You went with the wrong seller obviously! I've got 2 chibsons a firebird and a 59lp...both came w nitro finish bone nut and stainless steel frets, mahogany bodies. After minor setups and putting in pickups they are fantastic instruments!!

[@davidmichaels307]

Nitro is a demerit, not a plus. .. unless it's "fake" nitro, which is nicer than actual nitro.

[@letsallbe-friends1120]

*You should do a transcription video of your "before" solo just for chuckles.* 😄👍

[@The_moab_taco]

That strap button is basically on the top of the guitar..

[@jeffamerican5628]

I bought a licensed Evh 5150 for $1700 and I hate it, does that mean I’m cool now?

[@nickphillips1721]

The way I build them, just order a husk with pilot holes for the bridge and tail piece. Then you can use a real nash or abr bridge.I ordered stainless steel frets with nibs and the exact finishes I want. The cnc work is perfect and their paint is at least as good as Gibson. Under 300.00. Amazing! I have a couple that could almost fool Trogly! LOL!

[@J.C...]

Trogly lol. For the longest time, he went to actual experts for help identifying stuff. Don't let him fool you. He's a self-proclaimed expert. He asks other people about the guitars and then acts like he did it all himself. People being the actual experts.

[@MickTattersall]

Sounds great and if it plays nice then I think it's a pretty good deal. Especially for someone wanting to learn how to set up guitars. I see these more as a decent kit guitar anyways 😁

[@tgarder]

This was a good watch, I've been hoovering the buy-buttons on aliexpress a few times but this really made me un-hoover. Think I'd be better off with a harley benton from thomann or similar.

[@tommyibanez3958]

I wanted 2 artist models made to 24 fret and AANJ , basically Ibanez platforms with the Kamikaze and Crossed Swords graphics. A million messages later it all fell apart, likely thankfully. The sticking point? They couldn't guarantee that they WOULDN'T put brand logos on them. You'd think that was the easiest part- they save labor and customs aggravation and I get what I want. Nope, they wouldn't NOT commit that part of the fraud.

[@scottkellogg8145]

US customs really are stickers also I have to work with customs all the time every day actually I work for ups store here in the states

[@davidmichaels307]

My Chibson came right through customs without issue. They need to make seeing the headstock logo "difficult" with wrapping/packaging while the packaging on the rest of the guitar is easy to remove to see it is a guitar.