Just want to put this cautionary tale out there. A friend of mine, years ago when he wasnt as savvy as he is now; bought a "vintage" Les Paul, that came with a very convincing "certificate of authenticity". Its obviose where this is going; it was a fake.

A friend of mine that works at a well known auction house in Boston told me someting thats stuck with me forever; he told me to be "extremely suspicous" of 'certificates of authenticity". Is his experience, which is vast, he's dealt in americana antiques and amrican folk art, which yes; includes guitars; he's found that if it comes with one of these, its probably fake.

Moran of the story, dont look at a C.O.A as anything more than it is; a piece of paper that says this is real, you need to really get them checkd.

Just like when people tell me how honest they are...if they have to point it out,be careful.

Exactly. A piece of paper saying its real does not make it so.