Fake, forgery, conversions, replica, and copy,

1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard guitars

This page is not an admonishment of the skilled repairmen and luthiers who build

or convert guitars.  Rather, it is a cautionary tale for those who do not realize the

depth and variety of instruments in circulation. Guitars listed as "fake" have been offered

for sale as an original 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar.

FAKE 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard.

This guitar was sold to a collector as an original 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard.  It is a copy.

1990's Canadian "Guitar Clinic" Les Paul copy guitar

1983 Mike Koontz '59 Les Paul copy.

FAKE 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard.

This guitar was sold to a collector as an original 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard.  It is a copy.

FAKE 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard. This is a very well hand made forgery / replica.

I have personally authenticated numerous 1959 Gibson Les Pauls.

Hire an expert who has SEEN and KNOWS a good fake when they see one.

FAKE 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard. This instrument is not particularly accurate...but it would still fool many. It certainly did fool the OWNER who paid big $$$!

Guitar converted to look like a 1959 Les Pail in the 1970's by luthier, Dick Knight.

It was later sold by someone else as an original 1959 Gibson Les Paul.

Note poorly done serial number.

These guitars were most likely reworked in the 1970's by luither, Dick Knight.

Veneered guitars with center seam issues. These things seem to be multiplying!

Guitars publicaly offered for sale as guitars formerly owned by the Rolling Stones.

Gibson product re-worked to pass as an older Les Paul.