Ok, I've noticed a few like-minded people around here and I'm having a fierce debate with one of the lads in my class at the moment(another guitarist) so I want your opinion. I've already seen this debated on a guitar forum but the general consensus there was that they were better for different styles of playing and I don't believe that. The whole sound of a guitar can be changed with effects pedals and I reckon you could get a Strat to sound like a Les Paul if you wanted/had the money, so it brings me to the basic question, which is a better maker of guitars?
Before you even do so much as plug them into an amp?

Either/Or

For the most part, they are both very strong contenders.....I will say neither is superior....just like ATI and Nvidia, you're going to have people preferring one over the other. I don't play but I've been around a LOT of players and I like 'em both....right outa the case.

I`ve always been a fan of Les paul`s. The fret board is totaly flat, which means you don`t get any string choking during string bends.

I also think the sustain is better and the tone is something to die for.

In my opinion, strats always sound a little thin, unless of course you replace the stock pickups, with for instance EMG`s etc.

Obviously I was a heavy rock freak.

Just my 2 cents.

Regards Howard

I disagree. Both resonate differently. Besides - a truly good guitarist tends not to use millions of effects, preferring just one or two, or maybe three at any given time (the less the better), depending on the sound they're looking for. Each guitar has its own unique voice, which is kinda the whole point to going for one guitar over another.

I knew someone would

Gah, I'd kinda have to agree with that. I wasn't saying that the two guitars weren't different, but in theory you could get pretty close, especially with effects pedals out now that let you replicate a famous guitarists sound.
Like I voted, I prefer Fenders. (I forgot to mention this, didn't I) The thing that always bothered me about Les Paul's (well 2 things)
1. The tone controls. I find it very hard to reach the tone controls on a Les Paul, and some SG models didn't even have a grip on the bloody things, so you were sliding around the thing. (maybe I'm just a midget)
2. The body. For me, a Strat just sits right (I don't want to play standing up all the time) and a Les Paul reminds me of a big hollow acoustic, harder to get around(the midget thing again) I'm 5'10 by the way, so I'm actually not a midget I will admit that you can get a crunchier tone out of a Les Paul easier, and that will appeal to you metal heads (not looking at anyone in particular, Howard :haha: )

...Ibanez... .. tis true, the raw sound of a guitar determines its sound quality.. effects shouldn't even be considered in this post

My Machine

Yeah. I like Ibanez guitars, particularly the Jem seven string. A little hard to get used to, but if you`re into the metal scene, it`s capable of some awsome low end crunch.

Regards Howard

That is an absolutely stunning looking guitar! I never would've gone for an Ibanez, now I wish I'd put them in the poll too. And that thing isn't cheap, if I googled the right one. I got a price of $1200!
Another reason I prefer Fenders is they look better. "Looks aren't everything" but they sure as hell help. What can I say, I'm shallow when it comes to guitars
This here is the pipedream for me:
http://fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0101200700
Just like Rory's...

luckily my father liked joe satriana enough to order this for me..

I'm trying to save up money to get that guitar(the fender) now that I have a job. Should get it in a few months. Only a few months...
Waht sort of stuff do you play?

me, I can't play anything LOL, chili peppers - scar tissue, californication
everlast
alkaline trio - radio (lol)
pink floyd - shine on (took me weeks)

and then just random stuff I invent when I'm bored outta my damn mind
guitarwork isn't really one of my better skills, I just play it every once in awhile when I've got nothing else to do..

That`s a bit of a shame. With a beautiful guitar like that as well.

Have you ever thought of taking some guitar lessons?

You never know, you could be the next Joe satriani or Steve vai etc.

Regards Howard

No discussion about Fender and Gibson would be complete without somebody
pointing out that Gibson`s are,of course, grossly overpriced(especially in Europe).
In terms of materials and build quality there are several other guitars at least as good.
Even the Gibson sound can be replicated,with a bit of tweaking.
People want the name,so they pay 30 - 40% premium to for it.

In answer to the question about Fender or Gibson,see Fiziks machine.

I totally agree Pedant.

I only voted for Gibson based on the two choices in the poll, I never really been a lover of Fenders.

I used to be a big fan of Charvel, Jackson and Kramer guitars.

I always wanted a B.C.Rich, simply because of all the pointy bits lol.

Regards Howard

What you should do is learn how to read tabs, then you can basically learn almost any song, because the tabs are all on the internet. I am not happy unless I spend at least an hour a day playing (anything) and I've learnt loads by simply learning songs I like. Also, it makes it easier to "practice" if you really want to learn what you're learning, so I don't go and learn songs I hate.

I completely agree with that. But Fender still only has one vote!

Is that Slash's guitar?

As far as I`m aware Slash plays a Gibson les paul.

I know Blackie Lawless(W.A.S.P) plays B.C.Rich, as does Kerry king(slayer).

Regards Howard

Have a look at the attachment.
Sorry the picture is not great, I'm scrambling to find another.

I must admit, that does look like a B.C.Rich lol.

Regards Howard

Just got Back in Black(AC/DC) and Echoes(Pink Floyd) in town.

Anyway what do you think of the Fender I linked. Is good, no?

If you`re into Fender guitars and you obviously are, then yes that`s a very nice axe. Just not my cup of tea lol.

Regards Howard