So today I headed to the local pawn shop to sell some things. I took a little walk around to the guitars and saw some nice ones. There were about 6 Stratocaster Squiers hanging on the walls. They had them for like 100 doller's. They also had a Gibson sg in there also. I didn't look at the price on that one. I know the squier's are not the top of the line. But iam still teaching my self guitar. They would be a step up from the washburn iam useing now. SO my question how to tell if the gibson and fenders are real?

You can really get a better deal on a new squire than that. The model number would help on the Gibsun...

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Bullet-Electric-Guitar-with-Tremolo?sku=517304

Brand new squire 120 shipped. Great place to buy gear BTW.

Ok thanks. If I have time this weekend I will run in there and grab the model number.

Keep in mind the squire's aren't a strat. I had 2 of them, and tuning was a pain..i.e. to keep them in tune..and don't even think of using a vibrato bar..lol  I would look on craiglist, you may be able to snag a mex strat, which is s step up, for not that much more $$$ BTW, I've owned a few American Strats, and the difference between them and the squire is night and day. Pawnshops usually, or at least in my experience try to get full retail even for a used piece, so if you must buy from a pawnshop, bargin with them..

BTW, I've forund some Excellent deals on craigslist for geetars, and such, most of the time, these guys are needing $$$ bad, the down side is you have to travel a tad. I bougt a Mex strat 2 yrs ago, in great cond, with heavy duty springs, and a  tremalo for 175.00 with a bag..  Good luck with your purchase..whichever way you go, put new strings on it..

on the sg, check the truss rod cover, if it has 3 screws its fake, gibsons have two.  

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/CounterfeitGibsons/