How to spot a fake Rickenbacker

[sveinn]

Hello, and sorry if I‘m not posting this in the right section. One of my first guitars was a semi hollow Rickenbacker 1997 Rose Morris around 1965+ model. I sold it in the late 1980’s and have always wanted one again. I have been looking at guitars on eBay and other places on the internet since there are not many guitars around where I am located.

I have noticed there are some copies/fakes around and that’s why I would like your advice what to look for and what to avoid. Could you for example tell by looking at the pictures of these guitars, if they are authentic or not?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261827327449
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171742676670

I don't suspect these are fakes, just looking for some advice

Thanks in advance…
Sveinn Thorsteinsson

[aceonbass]

Both are genuine Rickenbackers.

[manta]

Yes, those are the real thing. Usually the tailpiece, TRC or pick-ups will be odd or cheap looking on a fake and the price will be too low.

[Peacefrog35]

One good way if there aren't other obvious clues is to look at the headstock angle as well. I've got a faker that I love and is damn close to the real thing, but would never EVER try to pass it off as authentic. I always make sure I know what the tells are so if I should decide to sell, I can let people know.

[jdogric12]

Welcome. Members here try to avoid giving too many clues away publicly, or else the fakers would just get better! Usually a quick eyeballing will tell you all you need to know.