Chibson Guitars: The Necessary Evil Shaking up the Guitar Industry 🔥

[@Itsjustme0071rocker]

When you said "the Chinese government may be shit but, so is ours" You nailed it. We are such a delusional bunch. Rock on dude!🤘🎸

[@daringpuppy]

Its such a breath of fresh air having a guitarist come out and say it how it is!

[@MrMcBrony]

Your last point was what I came here to say! Epiphone used to sell for 300-800 and Gibsons were 800-2000. If Gibson wants to fix this they are gonna need to stop marketing to weirdo collectors that want 25k guitars that will never be played.

[@StephenCameron]

@@woofcity6307 Lotus... super quirky, but like nothing else. Get an Elise while you still can. They were $30k for years and years, but values are rising, autotrader has them at $40-50k nowadays..

[@RockandrollNegro]

The Les Paul retailed for $325 in 1954, which is equivalent to $3774 in 2024. Gibsons are cheaper now than they've ever been at any point in history.

[@Edward1312]

@@RockandrollNegro Difference is nowadays there are lots of extremely accessible and extremely cheap well made alternatives. These alternatives didn't exist in the 50's and 60's.

[@AtotheC_1776]

I agree 100%. I just saw a used gibson on ebay for over 6 thousand dollars. I can buy a very nice replica for 300. I need money for medical bills, student loan debts, skyrocketing inflation, a new hvac system, and a roof. Why on God's earth would I blow 6k on a used gibson. Or even 3k on a new one just to mess around with in my room a few days a week. Sorry but most people can't realistically afford to do that.

[@paulmcilroy7508]

YOU NAILED IT!!!!!

[@derrickj8424]

A few years ago, I bought a “real deal” Les Paul Custom black beauty that I paid nearly $5000 for. The nut was cut wrong and there were flaws along the neck binding. I was so sad and pissed! I returned it to the merchant and will never buy another Gibson guitar. Thanks for showing that there are much more reasonable alternatives out there.

[@JoeBaermann]

I had better luck with a 2016 Studio, it is sold now though since my HB is as good with the same electronics, grover tuners and a better bridge, bridge material often weakens over time on chinese copies. On the Studio I did switch the tuners and nut out though, the auto tuner system wasn’t stable enough for me and I prefered a graphtech nut over titanium. Here is one thing I don’t get, why are some chinese builders putting the Gibson label on guitars with better build quality/QC? Honestly, they should put more pride into it by having their own company name/logo on them, cause according to the channels videos they do deserve it.

[@allthings1150]

I had a black Gibson Custom shop, Custom, sold it. Just took a chance on one of these Chibsons, a black custom, $230 shipped. Came in 9days. I leveled the frets and it plays as good or better than the real deal! It was VERY playable when it arrived. Didn’t really need anything, the frets were just not as smooth as they should be, not necessarily needing leveling. Also put real Grover tuning machines. I didn’t even change the pickups and might not, been happy with it live!

[@FultonStreetBeats]

@allthings1150 I've also noticed the pickups getting better and better.

[@frankanuzelli3640]

I read the Les Paul forums and so many posts are about all the little surface flaws on a lot of new Gibsons. May not affect the playability but you wouldn’taccept a new car with things like that. Abb my d it makes you wonder about what you can’t see.

[@gusviera3905]

Great job, brother. On point all the way. Now, here's some advice from a 70-year old: Don't poke the bear too hard or he will turn around and eat you. That is their defense. Keep giving us the rundown on the quality Chibsons you find. I have two and plan to get more. Appreciate your commitment to get us the real deal. Rock on, brother. 🤘

[@danielbileci4060]

Once again, great vid! I think another benefit of Chibson is it lets us experience guitar types that we don't really want to sink money into. I bought a firefly baritone tele style for under 200 bucks. I don't play baritone guitar (and im not a fan of tele's). No way I'm spending big money for something that would just be a novelty to me. But now I get to experience a baritone for a quarter of the price. Next up for me is a V.... or an explorer... or maybe, since they are so affordable... BOTH! Live life and keep rockin!

[@josephguillermo3007]

I’m so glad that you pointed out that Slash was NOT playing a Gibson, and that it was a copy. A copy that sounds better. When they are copying the copy that is so, so great.

[@ReyCarmesi666]

It was a very well made copy, now those copies made By Kris Derrig (R.I.P.) are worth much more than an original Gibson.

[@axtonkahler7360]

Hetfield and Slash both cut their teeth playing knock off Gibsons, don't see why they can't be good enough for you and me.

[@RockyH.]

Solid point.

[@MellowGhetto]

Couldn't have said it any better myself.

[@MellowGhetto]

​@@conservativerealist Get over it snowflake.

[@RockyH.]

@@conservativerealist It is. There is no argument there. But Chibsons have a weird spot now on guitar

[@chiizuu752]

​@@conservativerealist Womp womp don't care. Wpuld rather buy a copy for $30p than spending 3k on a Gibson with bad qc

[@javier22772]

Wow what a great video man, well said, and its simple the competition comes from any part of the planet, and the big guitar companies have to understand that, its unbelievable that they charge so much for a guitar and not only Gibson, even if its perfectly done, it doesnt matter and doesnt justify the price that they charge Personally I have 2 guitars from China that I bought in 2020, I setup them to make them playable and im happy with them, one YJM signature and one EVH Wolfgang. Thanks for being our voice man, keep it up Cheers and regards from Brisbane Australia

[@kuriboh635]

Thanks to your videos, i am going to be getting a customised chibson from eBay. I found a seller that is willing to do a 3 humbucker confederate lp style guitar with maple neck and fretboard for less than $400 which is half what i was thinking because i was debating on getting an epiphone slash Victoria signature model.

[@perseus0228]

You absolutely opened my eyes! I’m a 55 year old that used to play guitar along with music in the 80’s. We used to call it “hanging out”. Not a professional guitar player by any means but just a hobbyist. I recently ordered some Chibsons and holy cow!!! The sound and finish is something that I would have dreamed of in a guitar in the old days. Thank you again for this video.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Thank you for your support brother🙏

[@codydakota95]

I could not have said any of this better. You speak truth. I’ve been eyeballing a few of the Chibson’s myself thanks to your channel lol. I’ll admit, it’s been a dream of mine to own a Gibson Les Paul. They are one of the best looking guitars in my opinion, and they are extremely comfortable to play. However, being that I play in my living room and not for an arena, I can’t justify the cost. That, and the countless examples of where quality control is falling short on an instrument that costs $1,000’s makes it even harder to justify the spend. Obviously, I could buy used, and save a little, perhaps even play it before buying it…but still talking lots of money for something that will only ever see my living room, the inside of a case, or a hook on a wall. I don’t even feel like I’m worthy of owning a Gibson…I’m just a hobby player, so why do I need to spend the money? I can get the same look without the spend, and as of late, better QC. Anyway, I’m rambling, but I will say I like what I’m seeing on the channel.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Thank you very much

[@stephenhastings3787]

I have to go along with that. How can you deny it?

[@strikninestudios6885]

On point and explained very well. My first Gibson (Studio model) had a 2" chunk of fretboard missing on the bottom which I discovered after getting it home. They just sprayed right over it. Took it back and bought a Standard thinking I wouldn't have to worry about issues of a lesser priced guitar. This one had finish chips at each corner on top the headstock. Ended up just keeping it. Saw one of your videos and took a chance on ordering a Chibson. I'm now three deep and a happy customer. The sad part is Gibson will not make any changes to fix this. I really want to support them. However I now see Chibsons as the new Gibsons that provide consumers with a high quality and affordable product. Play Authentic, Play Chibson!

[@jabberwocky7927]

Really excellent video I agree with so much of this can someone please point me to a website or a place where I can purchase one of these Chibsons that you all are raving about

[@paulhill4664]

Love your brutal honesty… I’ve had my fair share of chibsons and I really can’t complain… you generally get the look and decent playability for a fraction of the price…

[@jimmyrhone68]

I own several chibsons. I feel like rewiring them, installing new, quality pickups and maybe a set of tuners is a great way to get a great playing guitar for a reasonable price.

[@michaelworse6034]

That’s exactly what I did to my Korina Explorer Chibson. 2piece body 😂, awesome in every way , $400 bucks ! Not thousands…

[@eddycerb]

You don’t need to do that, I did that and the difference was minimal, fret polish and set up does the business

[@thelemonademan6235]

@@eddycerbI was actually thinking of going with Grover tuners and the Alcino pro 2 pick ups myself, but I held off because I think it's not necessary, the difference I feel would have been minimal in my opinion., so I appreciate your comment that's validated my mindset. Let the amp do the work , no need to upgrade anything in my opinion. I feel the tuners stay in tune as well.

[@fatboysgarage7984]

I have a beautiful green Chibson Explorer and I absolutely love it. Out of the box, it was amazing and came with D'Addario strings. I normally put locking tuners on everything I play, but the stock tuners are great. I eliminated a volume pot, installed a kill switch where it was, shielded it, had some Seymour Duncans wired in, and installed Dunlop strap locks. It's now an even better guitar than it originally was. I've been playing for close to two decades and I've always done the majority of my work, aside from wiring. If I wasn't color blind, I would do that too. I've never had an issue with Chibson and never will.

[@avons7]

Excellent video sir! I'm so sick of these greedy companies selling crap based on quality of the past. I've been choosing basses and guitars based on the body styles and going with whatever company makes what's best for me.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Exactly . It's what fits needs and budget. You sir are realistic . Thanks you very much for stopping by. I appreciate it.

[@Lalodospuntocero]

For a decade I have been playing my humble Epi G400 Pro made in China, and a couple of weeks ago I played for the first time ever a real Gibson SG standard. I found insane the 2k bucks difference in price since there wasn't a real difference apart from the vibrola, treble bleed and a bit thinner neck. "Play authentic" crowd can svck it

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

This was a good one Mike, so many important points well presented. I think the scary part is China keeps putting out these quality Chibsons for a great price and Gibson continues to produce their very expense guitars with terrible quality. And even worse, Gibson just doesn't seem to care.

[@ReyCarmesi666]

Gibson sells the logo and the story, even though its quality is currently garbage

[@shaun0fthedead]

My experience with Chibsons began in the last couple of months. I have a lot of guitars but was on the market for my first real Gibson... albeit the cheapest model Les Paul Tribute. After trying countless guitars I was very disappointed with the quality of the Gibson's I tried vs some of my more budget guitars. I decided to try out a Chibson, paid $173 in total after taxes. (I actually stumbled across your channel while I was waiting for the order to arrive to see what I was getting myself into) to my surprise it was awesome, a white Les Paul Custom....not without issues but damn close. Gave it a basic set up, wasn't impressed with the bridge or pickups. Swapped the bridge for a Nashville style and ordered a set of probuckers.... a week later I ordered a Silverburst LP custom Chibson. Same two issues, pickups and bridge. Simple easily replaceable parts that got me a guitar (two guitars) for still under less than half the price in total then of the cheapest model Gibson. Two guitars I would put up against any of the Gibsons I tried. Yeah they are fake and say Gibson on the headstock.....or maybe they are more so tributes to what Gibson once stood for, quality instruments Sorry not Sorry to the fanboys for I am a nobody sitting at home enjoying my Chibsons, but Gibson did it to themselves I was fully prepared to give them my money....Gibson can not survive forever off of their name as their legacy... their legacy should be the quality of their instruments. Its for damn sure not the price, no one buys a gibson because they are affordable. If the quality doesnt improve then eventually they will become a brand of the past....and well as you know, they are already being surpassed quality wise by some of the most budget brands.

[@tuco8734]

Just received my ace Frehley blue burst today directly from China. Took about 3 weeks and the guitar is undamaged . It’s a great guitar , only needed to adjust the truss rod a little and it plays and sounds good. Kind of scary , my first time ordering from China. Guitar shipped with SF Express and they don’t believe in updating the tracking . Was shown as sitting in New York and suddenly showed up on my porch . Thanks for your videos.

[@marknester4579]

Love all your videos on chibsons.i have 2 Les Pauls and 2 authentics. The chibsons are impressive a cream colored custom and a red firebird v. Only changed the pots and the pick ups. Love all my axes.keep up the great informative shows.Rock On!

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Thank you brother

[@testcyp767]

This video was your masterpiece Mike. I don't care if the guitar is a so called counterfeit. Any company that has the nerve to sell a guitar for $50,000 (Greenie) is not for the consumers best interest. The prices are totally out of hand but yet you still have knuckleheads who pay it. Again, incredible video. You're going to be hard pressed to top this one.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Thank you brother 🙏. That means a lot.

[@davefromnh9204]

It is a good video, and the channel is fun but it's not "so called" counterfeit it actually is. I don't give a shit who owns one but maybe Gibson, fender, PRS shouldn't be on the headstock. If I had a company with my own original design of whatever the product is and someone comes around and has a knock off version that looks the same and call it the same and I should be ok with that? I think that mindset is a bit skewed. Keep up the show because they are out there and these Chibsons are interesting.

[@BlueMarlin-q7f]

I've been playing name brand guitar's since the 1980's. I just recently bought 2 Harley Bentons (made in Indonesia) the quality is probably better than my USA built guitars. I spent a little time leveling the frets and lowering the action but that is common with any guitar.

[@jasonbates2687]

I bought a Les Paul Jimmy Page #2 back in 2018 from Aliexpress. For $280 it was a hell of a deal, it has been heavily modded with affordable parts mostly GFS stuff. It feels great looks great and sounds great but to be honest most of the sound comes from my amps and cabinets. As long as the guitar feels good and is comfortable to play it doesn' t need to be expensive.

[@FernandoOliveira1979]

Very nice video! I remember my first Gibson, 10 years ago. Within 2 monts some frets started to rust... Then i started buying my Chibsons, and guess what? No rust frets! One nice thing is when i ordered my chibsons, i designed and they made a custom headstock. Thats very nice thing. You can customize with your own brand/logo/draw/name whatever you want. I have 10 years chibsons that are still in one solid good sounding piece, with original tuners, bridge, tailpiece and electronics (except for the pickups)

[@thebaldshredder]

If I had paid a tech or luthier everything I've built or modded in the last 4 years, it would be TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars. Doing things myself has not only saved me a bundle, but it's also been a lot of fun and very satisfying. Also, Gibson doesn't care one bit about its customers. If they did, they wouldn't be ripping them off at every chance.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

💯 agree. Such a shame. And now other big manufacturers are following in their steps.

[@piernicola52]

Greetings from a winemaker in Italy with an huge GAS for electric guitars ! First of all compliments for the channel, like and subscription done. I agree nearly in total with what you've said, but it might pass the message that Chibsons are the same or better than real Gibsons ... It's not true. Let me say that I do have 14 elec. guitars ( Gibson, Fender, PRS, G&L, Ibanez ) ... an original 1989 Les Paul Standard and a 2019 Les Paul Special DC + 2 Chibsons Les Paul + 2 made with my logo bought on Aliexpres, so I think I can share a pretty objective evaluation. I have havily modified/improved those 4 chinese guitars ( bridges, tail pieces, tuners, PUPs, bone nuts ) with a careful and precise fret leveling + nut adjustments and I have to say that now are great guitars ! QC was good, nice woods ( 2 of them are 1 piece Mahogany body and neck ), just some tiny flaws, but they look absolutely great ! Having that said, people should know that when you put hands on a real Gibson there is something difficult to explain that makes a great difference, better tone, sustain, attack and dynamic... it is not just a mental approach given by the logo on the headstock. Can I suggest to buy a Chibson ? Yes indeed, if you are able to work on it, no, if you have to spend extra money for a luthier, plus the parts to be replaced ( Guyker products are very good for this situation ) If you can order those axes with personalized logo would be better ... with Gibson logo is sad, not resalable, poor and "partially" illegal ... I did it, but then I regretted. ... but the quality in 2022/2023 is great ! ... waiting for an SG Junior with dogear P90 ... keeping my fingers crossed ... Rock'n Roll !🤘 Ciao

[@bobbyypwong]

Dear Sir I just came across your video. I must say that without a doubt you are one of the most honest person I’ve heard on social media. You have more or less summarised the nonsense n noise that have surrounded the current US/China trade relations which is sad.

[@AverageCitizen333]

Honestly, if chibsons are this good, and they are because you convinced me to buy one(and i love it!), these companies have zero excuses to turn out a sub perfect product for 3×-10× the price. You pay a premium for premium, anything else is bad business practices.

[@vishwakathejan]

agree, and the best thing is, when you play a replica on a stage or in front of a big crowd (if you're a artist) no one's gonna ask you is that a fake gibson or replica. they don't even care , because it's not the guitar it's the artist who plays it. if Slash or Jimmy Page or any other big rockstar plays a replica on a stage no one's gonna ask them is that a real gibson. what a dope . so I agree and I'm gonna buy them and make a collection.

[@alexnajarianmusic]

My first new guitar was a Gibson Les Paul custom (cherry sunburst) that I ordered from Sam Ash in Mahwah, NJ. I was about 13 years old and it cost me $550. How many teenagers nowadays can afford a $6000 Gibson Les Paul custom? I bought a few Chinese Gibson Les Paul customs in the last several months. I changed all of the electronics, including the pickups. They play beautifully well and they are a top quality guitar at this point. I cannot imagine spending over $5000 for a guitar when I can buy one from China and it’s every bit is good or better. I have some very expensive custom shop guitars (Fender, Gibson, BCRich, ESP etc.), most of which I bought before the price explosion. The Chinese Gibsons are very impressive guitars and amazing for the price. I buy guitars based on the value and not my ego. My last four guitars have been Les Pauls from China. This is a great channel and the host is excellent . One of the reasons I bought Gibson from China was the feeling of reassurance from this channel and I’m so glad that I have these instruments now.

[@michaelburkley4613]

My favorite is the Chibson EVH Frankenstrat. I thought I would never be able to afford one. 👍👍 Mike in Denver

[@Thor-]

You're spitting straight FACTS, Brother. It's corporate greed with no awareness of the future that their lazy greed is facilitating. Keep reviewing. It's showing everyone the truth!

[@danfitzpatrick4112]

The first two minutes of this video I knew where this was going and have thought the same thoughts after buying 11 guitars and the research I've done as well. Spot on!

[@MrDoomed81]

Mike, I agree with every word you said here. I’ve been saying it for a long time myself. Gibson and other similar companies are clearly marketing to people who make a pretty high income and that’s fine for profit but guys like myself who live paycheck to paycheck simply can’t afford these instruments , that said I love your videos and am happy to see someone give honest reviews of these “knock off/cheap” guitars. Personally I can’t wait to get one to try for myself . Keep staying honest to your fellow Guitar nerds and American consumers !

[@dangiven2686]

12:15 THAT'S RIGHT; mod the hell out of guitars. I am even shaving down the neck on my Chibson to make it slimmer and once I get that to my liking I think I will change to stainless steel jumbo frets just to see what happens.

[@restojon1]

Many years ago I found a channel called "China Guitar Sceptic". Mike was the loveliest and most knowledgeable man on Chibson and other Chinese "knock-off" guitars and I believe coined many of the phrases we use today to describe them. He later changed his channel name to "CGS" and worked with "Gear Street". Also, Glenn Fricker from "SMGTV" has spoken about the quality issues at Gibson and the value for money you can get at places like Harley Benton for a fraction of the money. I've owned old Gibsons, in fact I still own a 74 Grabber bass and I get the whole "mystique" and "unattainability" kind of thing. I've also had a few that did play really nicely but, speaking as a Luthier, I've had budget instruments like Ibanez Gio's and budget brand Super Strats through that I've managed to get playing far sweeter.

[@mkopec1]

I bought a Chibson back in like 2017 for my kids hoping one of them would pick the thing up and play. Low and behold one of them did a few years later. Its a black Chibson with a quilted maple top which is gorgeous. Anyway, its the kids favorite guitar by far and he has many guitars now to choose from, even Ibanez and Jackson which cost $200 more than the Chibson did. He keeps going back to the Chibson because it feels and sounds the best. Also, great point about these things not being some magical thing with super secret sauce that only the big name manufacturers know. They are nothing more than pieces of wood glued together with some 1950s era electronics.

[@chief6749]

You are absolutely correct and if a lot of the big name guitar companies wouldn’t charge so much people would be buying there products. I recently got my hands on a Chibson LP and with very little work it plays and sounds great. If I can I’ll buy another Chibson one day

[@marcozarattini1854]

Great words man👍👍👍l totally agree with you...l am italiano and l bought my Les Paul Gibson in L.A.31 years ago,in 2022 l bought an Epiphone '50s Standard and it's Just a great guitar,l've tried to buy a Chibson to know more about those guitars but It never arrived...but l won't give up...Just got to find the right seller...Keep on rockin'man... you're doin a great job...Cheers from Italy 🍻🍻🍻🎸🎸🎸

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Welcome brother! Thanks for watching!

[@lars667]

Last year I went on and ordered the dream guitar. I am by no means a musician. Just a living room player. A Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst is hard to come by, and prices are ludicrous, but i ordered one from Thomann. After a couple of months it came. It was beautiful, but after a couple of days I found a couple of oddities. 1. The strings were offset at the body side of the neck. After measuring different stuff, I found out the neck was not straight on to the bridge and pickups (centerline of neck was off compared to the centerline of the body). When I saw it, it was difficult to unsee. Back of the heel had orange peeling due to pooor polishing or lacquer defect. I requested a replacement, and returned the guitar. After a week or so, and a couple of hundred $$ in tax extra, I got the replacement. But guess what? They just returned the first one. After this I got a refund, and won't buy another new Gibson unseen, and will not use Thomann again. Now prices are even more crazy. Even Epiphones from China have reached $1500 (€2000 hereabouts). I will never pay that money for an Epiphone. You probably get just as nice Epiphones for $3-400 (the SG specials for instance, great value). So here I am, doing some self built projects myself, and see these videos. I've had a few great Japanese replicas over the years, and Chibsons haven't had much appeal, but now I might try one just for fun.

[@jasondorsey7110]

There's a reason the japanese "lawsuit" copies have jumped in price...because they were always a good value compared to the american originals they were copying...they were so good fender had fujigen make squiers in the 80s and gibson had matsumoku make orvilles in the 90s...those early squiers aren't cheap anymore either

[@bigem47]

Damn somebody that has balls. I'm personally a Gibson hater. But that's a long story. I buy chipson guitars on a regular basis. ROCK ON

[@Haznogunz]

Love this video! I’ve been on the fence about getting a Chibson for a while. I’m in the groups so I know how to get one, but this convinced me to give it a try. Keep this series going as much as you can. 🤘🏻

[@DerekDwayne]

I 1000% agree with you and this was the confirmation I needed to buy one 😂😂 Seeing now Epiphone going for 1,200? You got to be crazy to spend that on a Epiphone.

[@kyojeda]

Every time I see a new video of yours on my feed I get excited! I always expect a quality video from you. Thanks again!!

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Thank you for your support 🙏

[@ishatype2764]

Great points. I bought two Chibsons ('59 re-issue LP Standard and a ES-345) and a Chickenbacker 325 over the last two years, and with a typical setup they are very good guitars. Yes, I know the concern about selling these as the real thing, but that will never be me. That said, I don't blame Gibson for the "counterfeit" guitars coming out of China. But, don't blame me if I can get a Greeny for $300 rather than a Gibson Greeny copy for $30,000.

[@Jaloja]

I have bought 3 Chibson's in the last month. Two SG's of the Angus flavor and a Slashish Les Paul. One of the SG's is not here yet but if its as good as the Black Angus I got earlier I will be thrilled. The Les Paul was good to but it had a few minor issues like the bridge ground wire didn't make contact. Of course it was heavier than what I am used to being on a Headless binge.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

I realised that the haters actually have no idea what they are talking about. I became a guitar repairer/builder after being an engineer and a woodworker. So I know what makes a good quality product guitar and what isnt. No matter what name or logo is on the headstock. I had a Harley Benton 335 type guitar workshop as well as a Gibson 335 pro. The only difference in the guitars were that the rosewood on the Gibson was nicer looking and a little better finished where the neck meets body meets fingerboard area. I mean after giving the HB good set up it was identical to the Gibson, even in the way it played. I mean its just wood, metal and some wires, it dosent matter what name is on the headstock a well built intrument is just that. And yes most guitars are made from firewood. In winter I burn ash, alder, any good hardwood that could be used to build guitars. Keep up the good work Mr !

[@ericreinhold788]

I own 4 chibson les pauls. They are beautiful guitars and the quality is actually really good. I'm going to order a couple more.

[@fearless4666]

Any advice for buying these, like how to not lose it in customs

[@gearmeister]

Love your channel bro! I'm currently "counterfeiting the counterfeiters" with my WIP Chibson blue green flame top LP kit! I've got a custom Chibson logo & a Green Kimono dragon running vertically below where the LP guitar sticker usually goes! I picked up on your coconut oil tip too so I just ordered some! I've got maybe 6 Chinese guitars with my 2 favorites being a PRS 513 copy with a blue quilt top & a heavily flamed Chib with a beautiful ebony fretboard! Thanks my friend!

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Thanks for watching brother

[@gearmeister]

@@FultonStreetBeats Thank you bro

[@rioriggs3568]

I'm also into watches and the same applies to the ones made in China, many of which are of incredible quality (higher than well-known manufacturers) and for 1/20th the price!

[@andrewtait6197]

Watching from the UK and I have a nice Gibson 2016 classic. So I needed to do so much work to that guitar to make it play the way it does now it's butter and well I do love it. I still feel like a mug however for buying into the whole Gibson thing I've loads of guitars cheap to well stupid money. You my man speak the truth and I'm currently talking with a few builders over in China to get the guitar of my dreams made. I want the best so I'm going to try China cause well the USA have let me down on a few occasions now.

[@benjamindupuis6740]

Man, I have a 2003 chibson stagg sg that I cherish and play every day. I also have higher end and had very high end too, but my stagg sg is a beast, it didn't fell apart and I've upgraded it to be even better. Cheap guitars are fun

[@johnnyhood4841]

Happened to come across this site...and I am impressed what I have seen and heard. I have own some Gibson's for years.Out of just Wanting To Know, I purchased a Chibson LP,,and have been impressed again with the quality of this guitar. three-hundred-fifty dollars and have no qualms what-so-ever going on stage with it.Amazing guitar!Weighs a little over 9lbs and is solid mahogany body with neck the same. Pictures I saw of the factory in the background looked pretty F#@king clean,orderly,and professional looking.Again......Amazing Guitar

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Thank you for your support, and welcome to the channel brother 🙏

[@raymondreid4987]

I've got a Tony iommi signature Epiphone with a cross inlays for 800, it's one of the go to guitars, I love in my collection. There are some good guitars that I have that are good for the price and they get the job done.

[@MellowGhetto]

I absolutely LOVE this channel. I agree with everything you said in this video. So much respect for you. Im very happy to see how far this channel has come. Keep going! Haters be damned.

[@RockyH.]

I really do want a Randy Chib. And nowadays you don't know what your gonna get from any guitar maker.

[@timdover7540]

I got my first chibson off eBay a couple of weeks ago I'm in the process now of leveling Fret's and polishing. Videos have helped me to make a good decision I appreciate it very much and look forward to more content from you 👍🏻

[@soundmuse3]

I think you're absolutely right Life is too short People don't understand. There was a time in this country when the statement was the quality goes in before the name goes on. Let's Paul chase the sound and try to better it. Greed is what's gotten in the way not the quality of an instrument. That makes a great performance you're spot on. And that's why the Chinese and the Japanese are kicking our butt. Look at boss, petals, wow!Keep preaching, I'll keep listening. Your devoted followerjeff. G.❤

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Thank you Jeff🙂🙂

[@theburkett67]

I agree with you. I bought a brand new Schecter Sun Valley SS, earlier this year and paid nearly $1,100 when all was said and done, it took me hours to get set up, and the frets had a pasty, powdery, white film on them that took a while to get cleaned and polished. $1,100 is a lot of money for me, and to spend it on a new guitar that feels and plays out of the box like a pos ticked me off. As you said, It's a couple pieces of wood and If I found a "Chibson" I like, I wouldn't feel guilty because when I bought that Schecter I kind of felt ripped off.

[@joesebio245]

Dude, you nailed it!!! the only thing I'll add is, I've heard so many people try to justify outrageous prices of American guitars by saying they hold their resale value. BS!!! I have yet to ever make my money back on a resale or trade in on any of my American made guitars, that's why I proudly play and own Chibson's.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Me neither. Good point.

[@SculptyWorks]

There are many ironies and hypocrisy in the whole Gibson brand rhetoric that I find a bit of a turn-off. People talk about Gibson like they have some sort of aura of quality about them, but Gibsons were never really firm on their quality, despite what the company claimed. The guitars from their so-called golden era were highly inconsistent, and the later re-issues were notoriously sloppy. Sure, they do look awesome, I love the looks of the Les Paul, but legendary guitars like 'Greeny' are in fact manufacture mistakes and failures in quality control that just so happened to come out good by sheer luck; but for every 'Greeny' and every 'Pearly Gates' out there there's 100 guitars that were anywhere from 'ok' to 'crap'. The brand is only 'legendary' because of a handful of exceptionally great musicians who happened to play the occasional exceptional guitars Gibson made. And of course there's Slash's guitar which was not made by Gibson, and for those who think that was a one-of, there's actually a saying in the guitar world: "Gibson made around 1500 sunburst Les Pauls between 1958 and 1960, but today only 2000 survive". Who-knows what other awesome 'Gibsons' out there are in fact copies. 😉 Thanks for the tips on the Chibsons! Keep up the good work!

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Thanks, brother. Very well stated.

[@namegoeshere2805]

My Chinese made Epiphone LP Trad Pro II is one of the nicest guitars I've ever owned. I was prepared to buy an expensive Gibson that day and the Epiphone felt better, looked better, and sounded better than every Gibson I picked up. I got the Trad Pro II brand new for $400. It's honestly unreal how far Chinese guitars have come.

[@michaelcollums4197]

I have 2 (Chibson) guitars from China I have a Nuno Bettencourt N4 Washburn replica and a Fan fret multi scale Tele style guitar yes both guitars needed a set up and I changed the hardware and now both guitars play great and feel good I have 600 in the N4 and 300 in the Multiscale Tele and I bought these after watching your channel. I have 2 Epiphone Chinese custom shop guitars a Johnny A and a 59 Les Paul and they are no better I had to change the Bigsby on the Johnny A. the 59 just needed a set up. I plan on buying more.

[@tjmagnafie]

Great video. I have a few off brand remakes over the years and it’s very true about quality of the off brands. I remember buying a series10 Strat clone back in the 80’s cause as a teen I could not afford a fender. What surprised me then was my friends real fender had problems that my cheap o brand did not. He even wanted to trade. That said I can easily afford a big name brand now but why spend that money for a brand image thing. When the quality is still questionable. Glad you made this video. If people just think back to when Hyundai and Kia started selling cars in the states . they have come a long way and pushed the other makers to catch up once they cut their teeth. Again thanks for the reviews and info rock on !

[@johnthemachine]

Love your Chibson videos. The second legit Gibson I ever bought was a brand new 2016 SJ200…with an over-set neck. Let’s just say I’ve been a Gibson-atheist ever since.

[@dcthegreatest24]

Amen brother! When I found out Slash's guitar was a great fake, and that Gibson actually copied it to make his model, that did it for me. That, and seeing all the QC horror stories in guitar groups online. I got a Chibson 'Greeney' last year and it's INCREDIBLE! Of course the pickups were not the best, but it has real Grovers and was made SOLID and STRAIGHT, an amazingly good platform. Plays extremely well, and I just had the Jimmy Page mod done to it, so all new pickups and electronics.

[@mitchelljohnson9548]

Lots of great points and well done dude. One of my best playing explorers is a fake korina . It has fooled experts that have seen it . Built for me by a private luthier back in the 90s , he used era correct gibson parts to build it . This is one I will never sell just because of it being a counterfeit and sentimental value . Rock on 🤘🎸

[@TheBoundsGuy]

Somebody finally said it!

[@montyellingsworth4982]

I have an Epiphone Sg and it's amazing. I tried a " Real " Gibson sg and was surprised that I liked the Epiphone more. I am on the edge about the Chibsons because they require some upgrades AND faith in the seller and I don't like the Idea of me going to a Jam or playing at Church with a GUITAR that says Gibson that is not a Gibson , however , I might be ok with it if I modified that part along with the rest of it... like Upgrade pickups and tuners obviously.. same as I would with firefly guitars which is on the list of affordable options.

[@MistahZeus]

Preach it brother!!! I just bought my first chibson and it's AWESOME!!!! I honestly don't think I'll buy another Gibson guitar ever again. And you know what, Epiphone has seriously stepped up their game this year. I bought three Epi's this year. Prior to buying these three Epi's, I gave up on Epiphone. I vowed I would never buy another one because the one's I bought were awful. Well, not anymore! Between these newer Epi's and the chibsons, Gibson just might find themselves having to declare bankruptcy again.

[@AlmadenJeff]

I'm old enough to remember the first wave of asian imports at lower prices that is now referred to as the lawsuit era. Many of those guitars and basses were better made than the Fenders and Gibsons, but then many were not. We're almost there again, if not already on the cost. I bought a Music Man bass about 7 years ago and now I'd have to pay 3 times that amount for a new one. There are bassists on TB forums that are complaining about Stingray prices going up nearly 50% from a little more than a year ago. I hate to walk into a music store nowadays. If I could find one other than GC in my area. I ended up buying a Hondo Professional II pbass back then. The choice was spending my tip money bussing tables and get that now, start playing in a band. Or, save up another year or so worth of tips to start later. I still have that bass, but it has a Fender MIM replacement neck on it now.

[@johnnymccoy1998]

If you want a great Gibson style guitar for a lower cost, get an Edwards. Stock SD pickups, lacquer finishes (on LTS series.) I have a DC junior from them, and it blows away my Gibson juniors…as much as I hate to admit it.

[@hamsterman64]

Bravo, broski. Sub fully earned. I'm looking at the AIO SC77 right now. It's gorgeous, and it's a fraction of the price of a Gibson LP. I would love to grab the real deal, but I'm not interested in shelling out thousands for a guitar whose head pops off if you look at it funny. Not when I can get an equally gorgeous guitar, buy some pickups of my choosing, and still be paying well under a grand when everything is said and done. I certainly understand the anti-Chibson position from an IP perspective. It's a valid concern for any company, big or small. But you (the business) also can't overlook the fact that so many people are willing to go the counterfeit route. In this case, it's a reflection of the business practices. People want products and services of reasonable quality, and at a reasonable price. These knockoffs often give us exactly that. They fill DEMAND. No army of lawyers can fight the market. You don't have to like it, and it might not be ethical. But it's the nature of the beast. Demonstrate to your customers why they should prefer your product, otherwise someone else is going to eat your lunch. It's Capitalism 101.

[@ReyCarmesi666]

The Wolf AIOs come out very good, I tried one and I liked it.

[@islandfocus2]

I just received my first 1968 Les Paul Custom Chibson for $280 plus tax. It's a replica of the 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue in Ebony with gold hardware. I must say, it's not perfect. But with some minor fret work, the guitar actually play's really nice! I love it that I actually ordered a second Chibson LP!

[@dedik8SKB]

14:39 this is a great point. I remember when my buddy got a $1,000 gold top gibson LP out of highschool, and it was a rightful POS. We were both surprised with how bad a name brand could be, I was an ESP guy and that always worked out for me. He had insurance through GC so he ended up breaking it on purpose to get his money back which he spent on a better acoustic guitar, (a koa taylor, can't blame the guy) but it's always made me look at brand names different ever since. Can't wait to get my baritone Buckethead tribute guitar from Firefly which was $270 including shipping and everything.

[@danfitzpatrick4112]

I will admit that I thought I had my addiction of guitar collecting under control, but... I have to pull the trigger on what I think is the perfect guitar and work of art for my collection. The Schecter C-1 FR-S SLS Elite .... 🤤 That will be the last one 😉

[@rambelaire123]

Preach Brother! Let's shine the light on the hypocrisy.

[@mustuddd]

I genuinely love my Gibsons, but they've (mostly) all had their problems. Nut issues, fret leveling issues on older ones, electronics going out, etc. I can honestly say I had none of those problems back when I played Epiphones when I was younger.

[@hecanseeme8210]

The “magic” is time, effort, and talent of the player.

[@Carne2000]

Awesome video!! I want to get a snakepit guitar or a buckethead guitar but in this economy I still need to wait and save. I was going to buy a snakepit chibson a long time ago but was nervous so I got myself an epiphone instead. Now I need to get myself one.

[@calbrockocat8728]

My one and only issue is the fake Gibson logo on the headstock. Otherwise, the quality surpasses the real thing because Gibson worries about shareholders and not players. They sue instead of improving. I have a '94 Epiphone LP Standard made in Korea that rocks. I bought it in January 2021 with a small Marshall 10CD amp for $175 CAD. Right now, I could put it up for $400 CAD on its own and get it because people are gullible. Excelent video!

[@jasondorsey7110]

Also, Noel Gallagher used an early 90s korean-made epiphone les paul on oasis' "definitely maybe" album, some people have been buying them for that reason, not just gullibility but the fact it was actually used by a major recording artist

[@bradenzo5386]

Ive been trying to find a DC Junior at a reasonable price for sometime, you just sold me on a 300 dollar Les paul junior DC in TV yellow with a single P- 90 . Yes the Johnny thunders guitar. Ill take it to luthier, have a fret level and dress done, a tusk nut and put a gibson p-90 in. i will say my Gibson les paul studio 2015 is killer. the next studio i bought wasnt much better than an Epiphone, with duncans in it. it wasnt the pups on the gibson it had a classic 57 and a burstbucker. Good vid thanks

[@danield00d]

There was a old head in one of the Facebook groups arguing with me that us buying chibsons are the reason another American company will shut down. And couldn’t grasp the fact that if they made affordable models with good quality people wouldn’t even look at chibson. But instead they’re trying to become a lifestyle brand for collectors and want 100 of control over the market.

[@rebeccaabraham8652]

I think the most important point here is the one you made which is that Gibson/Epiphone and other big manufacturers have their cheaper guitars made in China - and they certainly havent built new factories - they've just been discerning about which factory makes them... and they might even swap factories depending on who's making the best quality instruments in any given year. It's the same people making the chibsons as make the gibsons....

[@laurencehastings7473]

If the headstock logo 'really' doesn't mean anything to you why didn't you just buy an Epiphone? Also made in Asia, same pickups as the ones you bought etc.etc. . You can try an Epi in the store or send it back if you mail order. Try sending a chibson back and getting a refund. As for the pickguard swap. Why did you want a Gibson guard if , as you say, they are so bad. You could, of course have made your own pickguard without having to modify the guitar. I'm not defending Gibson products and certainly not their price policy but your arguments really are substandard. You also could have had your own logo on the headstock but no, you want a Gibson logo, even though you say you don't like them. You may, or may not, be getting these guitars for free but you are probably getting some kind of 'gratification' from the builders. In my humble opinion you are very similar to the fake guitars you are trying to promote.

[@dampcarpet2607]

I love the Chibson videos 😁

[@kevincannon795]

My first guitar was a chibson bought by my mom. It’s still one of my best guitars 4 years later. Only thing I change was I flipped the string lock at the bridge to give me more sustain and I believe maybe one of the pick ups needed to be wired more properly. The pickups are good though still. It has dents but that’s on me not the manufacturer. My other 6 string is a 400 dollar schecter real schecter which is an immaculate guitar. Except that damned switch I swear schecter guitars are curse with terrible switches. I would have to hold the switch to the bridge position to activate the pickup properly. Not exactly conducive of good playing. So I took that more than once to get fixed and it still seems to have issues with the bridge pickup occasionally. I have on the way a checter Chinese schecter Synyster gates signature. It says unbranded and if that means the headstock will not have the signature syn logo I would be disappointed but I just want it to operate properly when I get it. If it came tuned and intonated to drop d I would go crazy. You should do one of those next a Syn gates custom eBay guitar they have a lot of options. A fraction of the price of Sweetwater and guitar center prices.

[@camhalen]

As a guitar tech, I can confirm the quality control for a few of the big companies is lacking these days. That black SG shouldn't have even passed as factory 2nd. I guess the bar for those is on the floor now. Must have to come with the headstock already broken to be a 2nd.

[@bmp-2267]

What do you think of the new purple Frehley Les Paul. I love it.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

I haven't seen one in person, but I do like the pictures of it.

[@ppgwhereeverett4412]

Same goes for Martin Guitars, I believe. And I'm waiting to see $350.oo clear on my credit card so I can order a Martin D-35 I think. Could be a -45 !! But I'm with you here !

Finally somebody said it. I whole heartedly agree with you.

[@harleymendez3968]

Dude I love your videos! Who are you ordering from? Cause I totally want one of those Ace les Paul’s but if they can do personal customization I would be in HEAVEN!! And nothing crazy either just some small stuff! I’ve got 2 Edwards LPCs and I love them! I cannot find a 3 pu LP!

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Thanks brother. I actually order from random sellers. Mostly eBay. My ACE was also ordered from Ebay . But many on Aliexpress do custom builds. Good communication is the key.

[@rifatahmed6214]

You didn't lose anyone mate, if anything you gained those who share similar ideas! Great video... subbed immediately

[@FultonStreetBeats]

I appreciate that!

[@andyderby150]

I have and play both, I guess I got lucky my 2020 Gibson LP is a flawless AA iced tea flame top but not any more I use it and throw it on the stand, the same with my Chibson it plays like butter and has a lot of stank from being played hard but yeah it had a trip to a lifetime luthier and what people don’t realize is a lot Chibsons are stripped down and rebuilt with Gibson parts $$ !

[@cooldewd35]

Preach brother. Every single word is truth. Every word.

[@GuitarAtoZ1]

Couldn't agree more with everything you said.. Hey Im a Gibson fan but when I bought a Les Paul Classic and then a High Performance SG, spending thousands on both they each had ridiculous issues that were preventable.. There was a time where "Gibson" was a word like Rolex, those days are gone and you're right they are dining out on that old reputation these days big time.. Import guitars which are allegedly inferior, are destroying Gibson.. Especially the likes of Epiphone /,LTD / Syre / are all making amazing guitars now and huge value for money.. A good guitar is just a good guitar, regardless of origin