Guitarists....a very narrow question of preference

[Moby & The Silver Bullet]

Fender vs. Gibson.

I realize that this is very very limited, and highly subjective, and really, not even a fair comparison cause they're so different.

However, it's not a question of which one is better or worse, but which one do you prefer and why, or if not prefer, which one do you use more of.

And yes, I realize that there are a bazillion other brands of guitars out there, and yes, I realize that many of them may well even be superior to fender or gibson. I make no claims that those two brands are the king of the hill in terms of quality, but since they are king of the hill in terms of popularity and a lot of the famous musicians from either camp are pretty loyal to their side. I figured this was not a totally worthless question.

I'm gonna make a poll out of this. I've seen this debated online before. And on some forums, it was a pretty engaging debate with people on both sides passionately defending their position, and I've also seen forums where it was, a real flop. Hopefully we'll see some good discussion come out of this.

 

[Sergmark]

I found the Gibson SG to be more comfortable !!!

 

[Moby & The Silver Bullet]

Here's my answer: In terms of "the bigger picture" I prefer Fender. Fender has better basses, better amps, and while neither one is exactly famous for keyboards, the Fender Rhodes was a really good instrument nevertheless. And as far as guitars. I feel that the Fenders are more versatile, and more comfortable. That being said, I still think that in guitars, I'd have to cast my vote with Gibson (well, epiphone to be exact).

Why?

Well, I realize that this is an oversimplification based on stereotypes, but it's still true enough to use: Epiphone is better at Hard Rock and at Jazz than Fender, and Fender is better at EVERYTHING else.

Academically, that would make Fender guitars superior....here's the catch: Hard Rock and Jazz are the two things that matter most to me in a guitar. My musical mission is to find a way to combine Modern Hard Rock stylings with Jazz and downtempo electronica, so even if Epiphone is only better at a mere two things, and inferior with everything else, it still gets my vote.

That, and while in the grand scheme of things, this means very very very little, nevertheless, it needs mentioned that I think the Epiphones are quite a bit cooler looking than the Fenders. They also have a cooler reputation and persona. Small potatoes as it may be, a Les Paul slung around one's shoulder is way sexier than a strat, even if it is a cool color and has a cool custom pickguard. (David Gilmour and Eric Clapton will be crushed to hear this!)

Although, I do have to hand it to Gibson/Epiphone in that their accoustics are decidedly better than Fender's. I enjoy my Fender DG-7 well enough though.

 

[ONEBADMK8]

Fender ALL the way baby!!!! AMAZING tone and ROCK SOLID SOUND!!! I wouldn't trade my 68 Maple Top for anything.

 

[JC1994]

hey Geno, I didn't know that you played the guitar I am a drummer, I play Pearl drums, Zildjian and Sabian cast cymbals. nice axe you got there.

 

[mespock]

Damn it's the start of the LvC Band!!! :dj: When's your first gig!! You can always throw
Conti94 in for looks and head banging!!!:headbang:

 

[MAC1]

Fender ALL the way baby!!!! AMAZING tone and ROCK SOLID SOUND!!! I wouldn't trade my 68 Maple Top for anything.

I know someone with a 60s Fender Stratocaster but it’s a glossy red color. He also won’t part with his either. I don't know much about electric guitars--I play acoustic--I own an Alvarez with a Sunburst Curly Maple back. Nice sound!

 

[ONEBADMK8]

I haven't played in YEARS. It's just a show piece in the living room now.

 

[Crying Birch]

Being from Kalamazoo and all I have to go with Gibson...I love my 333.

But...my kid's got a Mexi Tele that's a blast to play...it just doesn't feel like the Gibson.