gibson or fender?

[mhsWR210]

what kind of guitar should i buy?

[Wawazat]

wrong forum anyway

[Nitro Express]

Buy the guitar you like. Gibson and Fender are huge historical brandnames. Some of their guitars are great. I have a 70's Strat reissue I just love and a Les Paul I will have put in the coffin with me when I'm buried but I've also seen plenty of shit from both brandnames too. I've played Gibsons with horible fretwork and I've seen the binding split from impropper fretting done at the factory. I've seen Fender cut corners and slap their famouse brandname on a piece of shit too.

Look and play what you are buying! Brandnames don't mean shit. If you like an axe made by the Masterbating Monster Luthier Association, buy all means buy the fucker and enjoy!

[Soul Reaper]

wrong forum.

this has nothing to do with Van Halen

[joe son of DLR]

buy both

[zeronumber]

Fender, better guitars and basses. Unless you perfer a hum sound, then go with gibson for guitars.


wrong forum.

this has nothing to do with Van Halen

Well, technically, Eddie's world famous "FrankenStrat" used in CVH was a modified fender strat.

[Big Fat Sammy]

I like the Fender style guitars....but I have boycotted the actual company :D....way way way overpriced for the Fender name and the "Made In The USA" label.

Look in pawnshops for a good copy!

[DLR7884]

Originally posted by Wawazat
wrong forum anyway


Originally posted by Soul Reaper
wrong forum.

this has nothing to do with Van Halen

Wrong forum.

DLR7884
Moved.

[Big Fat Sammy]

We were waiting for ya! :D

[zeronumber]

Originally posted by Big Fat Sammy
I like the Fender style guitars....but I have boycotted the actual company :D....way way way overpriced for the Fender name and the "Made In The USA" label.

Look in pawnshops for a good copy!

700 is expensive for a guitar?:confused:

Meh. I mostly like strats, mostly because their a guitar players dream come true...light, great sound, and thin body, perfect for solo's.
And really, who doesn't love the awesome tone from a good tele?

basses on the other hand...I feel there is no substitute. To me, no other company makes a better bass than fender. I can play a fender jazz bass on a cheap ass amp or expensive stack at my local guitar store, and still get an awesome sound out of it. Plus with the exception of music man basses...no other bass has a better pop.

as for gibson, They're way too expensive, lp's go for at least a grand brand new, let alone customs or reissues...

And epiphone lp's are complete garbage.
So poorly built...virtually every person I met who bought an epiphone lp, had a broken pot, or had to re solder their input jack wires because they popped off.

It's pretty weired when other companies like washburn, and esp make better models then the company that invented it.

[Big Fat Sammy]

700 IS EXPENSIVE for a guitar when you can get the same thing or better for a third (or less) of that price...without the Fender logo.


A friend bought a Tokai bass, real cheap in a pawnshop...it's a P-Bass Deluxe or whatever they call it...with a P pick-up and a Jazz pickup. Even the logo was copied from Fender, same headstock, everything. IMO it was more Fender than an actual Fender...regarding sound, playability, and vintage vibe.

...hard to find though, and prices are going up on Ebay.

[Nitro Express]

Tokai is what scared the shit out of Fender in the 80's and made them start Fender Japan. If you remember, Fender had a shitty reputation in the early 80's. Fender amps were considered ugly and Fender gear was considered country western. Eddie Van Halen was God and Eddie was saying Fenders were made of cheap wood and everyone agreed the quality control sucked. Ibanez and Kramer were eating Fenders lunch. A good Fender was considered Pre-CBS and anything made in the 70's or 80's was considered shit.

Fender Musical Instruments just about folded in the 80's. It was starting Fender Japan and famouse players like Stevie Ray Vaughn who made people want to have Fenders again that saved the company's ass.

Fender might do some annoying shit but as least they are still around. I would be kind of a shame if Fender was gone.

[Big Fat Sammy]

That explains it better...thanks.

There are others...Japanese companies that made top notch copies in the 80's...I can only think of Tokai and Fernandes though.

Were those cool Fernandes copies from the '80s made in Japan???

I "barrowed" one of them for awhile. :D

[ben halen]

I'm not a great player by any means, but I got my playing to the point that I thought I deserved a nice guitar.
I always loved Jimmy Page's sound and other Les Paul players, and always figured I'd eventually get a nice cherry sunburst Les Paul.
But after playing a lot of different guitars, I went with an American Strat. It just felt "right" and I'd tell anyone to ignore outside influence and get what feels good for them.

[BrownSound1]

Both Fender and Gibson sucked major ass in the 80's. Thankfully they both decided to go back and rethink what they were putting out. I think both of these companies have a hell of a lot better quality and consistency than they used to. However, you are going to have to pay for it.

Now, having said all of that you are just going to have to go into a music store and see which you like the best. Run 'em through different amps, check out the sounds and pray you've got enough money. :D

[Soul Reaper]

Fender is best for lead more than rhythm (die to it being singecoil and it has a whammy bar), Gibson is best for rhythm and lead (Led Zeppelin is the proof)

Gibson is better, but costs too much. Get a Fender, which is just as good, but for less.

[Soul Reaper]

you are going on about Strats and Les Pauls, aren't you?

[BrownSound1]

Originally posted by Soul Reaper
Fender is best for lead more than rhythm (die to it being singecoil and it has a whammy bar), Gibson is best for rhythm and lead (Led Zeppelin is the proof)

Gibson is better, but costs too much. Get a Fender, which is just as good, but for less.

Yes Jimmy Page did use a Les Paul a lot. However, take into consideration that the entire Led Zeppelin I album was done on a Fender Telecaster, as well as many other songs scattered throughout the Zep catalog. Stairway to Heaven has NO Gibsons on it. ;) Tele for the lead, and the 12 string was a Fender. I forget what the acoustic was. ;) In The Evening...Strat, and on and on.

Look....it is like this, if you can play worth a shit then it isn't going to matter which of the two you buy. I do not think one is easier to play leads on than the other, or one is better for rhythm. For me it is as simple as a Les Paul sounds like this, or a Strat sounds like this. I can play the same thing on either one and be just as effective getting my point across.

[Big Fat Sammy]

Originally posted by BrownSound1
Yes Jimmy Page did use a Les Paul a lot. However, take into consideration that the entire Led Zeppelin I album was done on a Fender Telecaster, as well as many other songs scattered throughout the Zep catalog. Stairway to Heaven has NO Gibsons on it. ;) Tele for the lead, and the 12 string was a Fender. I forget what the acoustic was. ;) In The Evening...Strat, and on and on.

Look....it is like this, if you can play worth a shit then it isn't going to matter which of the two you buy. I do not think one is easier to play leads on than the other, or one is better for rhythm. For me it is as simple as a Les Paul sounds like this, or a Strat sounds like this. I can play the same thing on either one and be just as effective getting my point across.

The Presence album sounds like it has a Strat all over it too, my fav BTW. But as much as I love Zep...

Jimmy Page + Bottle of Jack + B-Bender Tele = Disaster! :D Sounds great on In Through The Outdoor, but the live bootlegs don't lie.

I agree w/ the lead/rhythm thing....but the only difference to me is on a Fender style, you can get away with the lead thing where you hit all the strings (muted) exept for one (think SRV)....ya know, raking everything and digging into one note. I've tryed that on a LP but can't get it happenin' and I really don't why that is.

The raking thing has become so natural to me, that it sounds weird when I play individual notes...on a LP.

Not to say it can't be done, but I can't think of anyone who does it on a LP though. Maybe cause the strings aren't as close to the body? Or the shorter scale?

[BrownSound1]

Originally posted by Big Fat Sammy


Jimmy Page + Bottle of Jack + B-Bender Tele = Disaster! :D Sounds great on In Through The Outdoor, but the live bootlegs don't lie.



You forgot one thing in your equation....heroine.

[Big Fat Sammy]

Originally posted by BrownSound1
You forgot one thing in your equation....heroine.


Oh yeah...that too...

I said bottle of Jack because I bought a live bootleg long ago, on cassette....and I swear, when you hear him play, this image of Page comes to mind.....must have been BEFORE the show. :D

<img src="http://reallyme.interfree.it/on%20the%20rock/jimmy_page_jack_daniels.jpg">

[Axl S]

i would go with a Gibson anyday

[The_KiD]

It really depends on what you are playing and what you expect out of the guitar. Not to mention, how much do you want to spend? I mean the Strat is going to be the most popular recomendation. The American Made models as mentioned above will cost you a premium. You can find deals on e-Bay.

The Current Mexican Models are really not that bad in comparison. You can pick up a new Fat Strat for about $349.00 which is a nice instrument by all means.

The only REAL Gibson Electric Guitar to purchase IMO is the Les Paul. A nice 1957 Reissue Gold Top with Humbucker Pickups just sounds money. It would certainly reside in my top 5.

If you are looking to do things on the level of the Les Paul, you should also look at the PRS (Paul Reed Smith) American Made Models of course. Not only are they gorgeous but the play very nice.

It is kinda like wanting a fast car. Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?

Good Luck

Chris

[Cathedral]

Originally posted by Big Fat Sammy
That explains it better...thanks.

There are others...Japanese companies that made top notch copies in the 80's...I can only think of Tokai and Fernandes though.

Were those cool Fernandes copies from the '80s made in Japan???

I "barrowed" one of them for awhile. :D

Huh, that's a real cool friend you got there to lend out his guitar.
I'd sooner lend out my girlfriend than let someone borrow an axe, lmmfao.

That's because i did that once and got it back in pieces, in a box.
Dude broke a string and decided every screw had to come out of it to fix it.
Yes, I popped him a good one too...

[ELVIS]

Originally posted by Axl S
i would go with a Gibson anyday

What's a Gibson anyday ?

[Sarge]

Originally posted by Soul Reaper
Gibson is best for rhythm and lead (Led Zeppelin is the proof)




I thought Jimmy Page used a hybrid TELE on the first album?

[ELVIS]

The first Zeppelin album was recorded with a '58 Telecaster that was given to Page as a gift from Jeff Beck...

He used a Supro amp on the first album also...


This sound on the first album blows away any guitar sound page had after that which was usually a Les Paul and a Marshall...

In my humble opinion...


:elvis:

[BrownSound1]

A lot of that can be attributed to Pagey's Tonebender fuzz, IMHO. Sometimes it sounds as though his poor little Supro was about to explode....which is fucking awesome.

I do love the tone on the first album, but I also like a lot of his Les Paul/Marshall tones too. People can say what they want about his playing, but when it comes to mixing tones and textures very few, if any can touch Page.

[Big Fat Sammy]

Originally posted by Cathedral
Huh, that's a real cool friend you got there to lend out his guitar.
I'd sooner lend out my girlfriend than let someone borrow an axe, lmmfao.

That's because i did that once and got it back in pieces, in a box.
Dude broke a string and decided every screw had to come out of it to fix it.
Yes, I popped him a good one too...

Thats sucks your guitar came back in pieces...

I didn't know the guy that well at all, he wasn't a player at all....but he had left his g/f and had to wait to move into the new place...and during that time he was staying with some shady roomates he didn't trust...he knew I played and would know how to take care of it. lol

I shielded it with foil and put a trem arm on it...it was sweet. Then he came back for it after a couple of months. :(

[Hardrock69]

When I was in the army I would go to the post recreation center and check out a guitar and/or an amp.

They still had some 2 X 12 Supro tube combo amps that kicked fucking ass!!!

Yes I was told constantly to "turn that thing down".

Fuck 'em!

Those Supros were cool!

[BrownSound1]

You know, I'd love to have an old Supro...I'd also love to have Elvis' Plexi collection. :D

[ELVIS]

They're not all that great...;)

Maybe i'm just jaded...

I really am going to send my super bass to Splawn for their mods...

They also recover amps and I'm thinking about getting my Super bass done in red...


:elvis:

[saint]

Its about sound and feel.

How do you want your guitar to sound?

Fender: Malmsteen, Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck or the Maiden guitarists.

Gibson: Gary Moore, Joe Perry, Angus Young, Zakk Wylde

And then the Feel
Fender: have a very comfortable feel, and a sense of normality

Gibson: Some find the shape and size of the body uncomfortable, but I just love the neck


Overall, when it comes to finding the right instrument for you, despite popular demand, or what your favorite musicians are playing, do your best to figure out whats best for you, Find a guitar that makes your fingers feel at home.

I have a 1986 Fender '62 Reissue JapStrat, a really nice guitar, very well-built, sounds great it´s versatile and comfortable to wear and play for long sets.

I don't own a Gibson because I've never had the cash to pay for the name when I can get an (insert name) that's just as nice for (insert how much less).

[kentuckyklira]

Originally posted by Big Fat Sammy


Were those cool Fernandes copies from the '80s made in Japan???

[/B] Yes they were. I have 5 and one´s better than the other!

[Casemeister]

My favourite guitar will always be a Tele, but that's because I'm a huge Waylon Jennings fan. My favourite tones were always his, and they always came from his Tele, so I just love the sound of a Tele. For VH kinda stuff, mine doesn't work that well, though. It does have EMGs, which could explain it, because their high end doesn't seem to lend itself to overdrive/distortion that well, oddly enough.

Humbuckers will do the VH, hard rock kinda sound best. Maybe a "fat" Strat or Tele is the ticket. Fender playability, quality, and comfort with a humbucker sound.

[ZahZoo]

Fender or Gibson? That's like asking Ford or Chevy...

There is no right or wrong answer. It all boils down to what feels comfortable in your hands and enables you to produce the sounds in your head.

I had to laugh, respectfully though, at the notion that one brand is better over another for leads or rhythm. Again with the right gear, setups and that one most important element... the hands playing... you can milk any sound or tone dynamic out of either.

I find more versatility out of a good setup strat from a sound perspective. My optimum setup which is different than most factory models with a few exceptions is... have a reverse wound middle pickup wired wide open (ie no tone control). Shift from the standard setup and wire the bridge pickup to the bottom tone pot.

Wire the 5 way switch from top to bottom in this order:

Neck PU
Neck + Middle
Middle PU
Middle + Bridge
Bridge PU

In positions 2 and 4 you get basically a humbucker but with a 2.5 inch spread on the reversed poles. Still a clean noise canceling bucker tone. With tonal control on the bridge and neck pickup it offers the most versitile range.

One other consideration... neck scale. 24 1/2 -vs- 25 1/2 that tends to play towards your hands and playing comfort to a degree. Fender's tend to use more neck radius which for most results in beter feel and speed. Gibson's tend run a flatter fretboard. I don't know that there's much tonal differences there even to a trained ear... to me it's always been which feels better in my hands.

Wood choices play out here... most LP's use mohagony wood which has a warmer organic tone than the alder or ash found on most Fender's. One thing that sorta set apart EVH's MM and WG guitars was the maple necks... in both cases he combined a warmer body wood with the brighter neck wood. A good combo IMO but I'd prefer mohagony over his use of basswood.

Bottom line... spend several hours at a few music stores and play everything with strings on em. Odds are one will jump out as feeling like an old friend in your hands and have the tones that feel right. That's the one to buy and play.

[GAR]

anything but Ford

[light 'em up!]

Gibson or Fender? Hmmm.
I gotta go with Gibson in terms of craftsmanship, quality and tone. I've got a Classic (1960 reissue honeyburst), but I don't take it out of the case much.
For playability and performance I like my Ibanez JS1000.

[ELVIS]

New Gibsons are junk, as are most new Fenders...

I have and play both brands, though I have an ongoing love affair with my Stratocasters...


:elvis:

[roryrobson666]

GIBSON'S!!!!!!! Les pauls rock!!!