Fake It Until You Make It: An Exploratory and Descriptive Study of Guitar Counterfeiting

• In Event: From Counterfeit Goods to Skimming Threats: Expanding the Boundaries of Cybercrime Research

Abstract

This presentation presents the results of an ongoing exploratory and descriptive study of guitar counterfeiting. The research involves qualitative, semi-structured interviews with guitar builders, sellers, resellers, industry representatives, regulatory/law enforcement officials, consumers, and counterfeiters. This presentation will review what is known about the problem and provide some initial insights derived from interview data. Additionally, the presentation will ruminate on the broader cultural and political economic implications of guitar counterfeiting in light of the iconic status of guitars in Western (specifically American and UK) popular culture.

Authors

• Kevin Steinmetz, Kansas State University

• Edward Green, Roosevelt University