The music industry faced a shockwave this week as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and partners announced the largest counterfeit musical instrument seizure in history. Over 3,000 fake Gibson guitars, valued at an estimated $18.7 million, were intercepted at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport.
The operation was a joint effort by CBP, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), and Gibson representatives.
The guitars, shipped from Asia, were destined for unsuspecting buyers in markets and online platforms. Cheryl M. Davies, CBP’s Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, emphasized the risks of counterfeit goods: “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts to protect shoppers and preserve the reputation of iconic brands like Gibson, renowned for its handcrafted guitars made exclusively in the U.S.A.
“These fraudulent guitars may look and feel legitimate for unsuspecting consumers buying them from third-party online sources, street markets, unauthorized retailers, and person-to-person transactions,” Davies said. “As we approach the busy Holiday shopping season, consumers should pay attention to where they are buying these goods and how much they are paying.”
Gibson – A Legacy and the Fight Against Fakes
For 130 years, Gibson has set the standard for quality and craftsmanship, producing guitars in Nashville and Bozeman. The company’s CEO, Cesar Gueikian, stressed the importance of safeguarding Gibson’s legacy, urging buyers to purchase only through authorized dealers to avoid inferior and non-warrantied instruments.
Beth Heidt, Gibson’s Chief Marketing Officer, underscored the emotional significance of the operation: “This is personal for us, protecting our players and the generations of artisans who craft our instruments.
“As Gibson celebrates its 130th anniversary this year, we are proud of our legacy of quality and craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships with our artists, and our efforts to promote and create more musicians that continue to shape the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across every genre.”
Fake products are not just a financial threat—they can endanger consumers and support criminal enterprises. Lieutenant William Kitchin of LASD pointed out that counterfeit items often fail safety standards and harm legitimate businesses.
Moreover, Africa R. Bell, CBP’s Port Director, revealed the broader implications: counterfeit profits fuel activities like forced labour and drug trafficking.
CBP seized nearly 23 million counterfeit goods in 2023 alone, valued at over $2.7 billion. Gibson, alongside CBP, continues to educate consumers about counterfeit risks, advocating for purchases only through trusted sources.
“We are grateful for the hard work that our U.S. CBP officers, HSI special agents, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigators are doing to stop counterfeiting,” Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson, told us.
“Our partnership is designed to help every agency work together to protect consumers and our fans from being misled into counterfeits. Today’s announcement gives us hope that we are on the right track, working together as partners.
“To our music lovers and customers, no matter which American brand you decide to buy, always buy direct from the source or from authorized dealers. Our pledge is to protect the consumer and give them the tools to make the journey of playing guitar and making music the most amazing experience.”
Music lovers are encouraged to visit CBP’s Fake Goods, Real Dangers website and explore Gibson’s official platforms to ensure they’re getting authentic products.
This historic seizure is a reminder to stay vigilant. For Gibson fans and all musicians, this is a victory not just for music but for artistry, craftsmanship, and integrity.
