Fender Strat or Gibson Les Paul

[Moonlapse]

The Strat and the Les Paul are the two most known body shapes, but personally I feel that they are overpriced (well mainly the Gibsons). The Strats are more known to have a "bright" sound, while Les Pauls have a more "darker" sound. This is mainly due to the woods used. They both have their purposes, but they are both on the opposite end of the spectrum. A strat would be a bit easier to play, since they have thinner necks, plus they don't way nearly as much as a Gibson would. If you're willing to spend a whole crapload of money on a Gibson, go ahead - but you didn't hear it from me. I've played Gibsons before and I don't think they warrant such a huge price tag. Plus I'm just not a fan of their stock pickups. You can get strat copies and LP copies that don't cost nearly as much, but sound as, or if not, better than the aformentioned big name guitar companies. Just know that all of the sustain, tone, and so forth, doesn't come from the name on the headstock, it comes from the wood and the electronics.

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: Moonlapse
The Strat and the Les Paul are the two most known body shapes, but personally I feel that they are overpriced (well mainly the Gibsons). The Strats are more known to have a "bright" sound, while Les Pauls have a more "darker" sound. This is mainly due to the woods used. They both have their purposes, but they are both on the opposite end of the spectrum. A strat would be a bit easier to play, since they have thinner necks, plus they don't way nearly as much as a Gibson would. If you're willing to spend a whole crapload of money on a Gibson, go ahead - but you didn't hear it from me. I've played Gibsons before and I don't think they warrant such a huge price tag. Plus I'm just not a fan of their stock pickups. You can get strat copies and LP copies that don't cost nearly as much, but sound as, or if not, better than the aformentioned big name guitar companies. Just know that all of the sustain, tone, and so forth, doesn't come from the name on the headstock, it comes from the wood and the electronics.

Les Pauls usually come with Gibson 490R and 498T humbuckers, which are premium. Some even come with 57-60 reissues or Burstbuckers, which are better still. Fenders come with anything from Seymour Duncans to Fender's own brand. Fender's pickups are notorious for being noisy (especially when running through analog effects).

Les Pauls cost so much because they're solid wood, and not just any wood. They're made from mahogany and maple, and the neck inlays are not so cheap either. Each one is hand made and built to last forever (which is why there are so many vintage LP's around). They're pricey, but there's a reason.

 

[Moonlapse]

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: Moonlapse
The Strat and the Les Paul are the two most known body shapes, but personally I feel that they are overpriced (well mainly the Gibsons). The Strats are more known to have a "bright" sound, while Les Pauls have a more "darker" sound. This is mainly due to the woods used. They both have their purposes, but they are both on the opposite end of the spectrum. A strat would be a bit easier to play, since they have thinner necks, plus they don't way nearly as much as a Gibson would. If you're willing to spend a whole crapload of money on a Gibson, go ahead - but you didn't hear it from me. I've played Gibsons before and I don't think they warrant such a huge price tag. Plus I'm just not a fan of their stock pickups. You can get strat copies and LP copies that don't cost nearly as much, but sound as, or if not, better than the aformentioned big name guitar companies. Just know that all of the sustain, tone, and so forth, doesn't come from the name on the headstock, it comes from the wood and the electronics.

Les Pauls usually come with Gibson 490R and 498T humbuckers, which are premium. Some even come with 57-60 reissues or Burstbuckers, which are better still. Fenders come with anything from Seymour Duncans to Fender's own brand. Fender's pickups are notorious for being noisy (especially when running through analog effects).

Les Pauls cost so much because they're solid wood, and not just any wood. They're made from mahogany and maple, and the neck inlays are not so cheap either. Each one is hand made and built to last forever (which is why there are so many vintage LP's around). They're pricey, but there's a reason.

I'm not saying that they aren't good instruments. They ARE good guitars, but personally, I just like other guitar manufacturers (PRS, ESP, Parker, etc.) more than Gibson or Fender. Just my opinion.

 

[ThePresence]

My baby.
'Nuff said.

 

[desteffy]

I have a vintage les paul and its amazing. I prefer it over a strat, but seriously thats just personal opinion.

Between these two guitars neither is "better" its all a matter of taste, go play them both and see which one feels better to you and which one has the sound you want.

 

[Rudee]

My next guitar will be a Ibanez Gem

 

[vshah]

go to guitar center and try a bunch out. I have an Ibanez RG570 and i love it, i play a lot of stuff from bands you mentioned

-Vivan

 

[3chordcharlie]

For a new guitar in the USA-strat or LP price level, I'd probably shop for a PRS fisrt; they're really nice playing and sounding instruments.

But Gibson has dealt with most of their quality problems of the last 10-15 years, and I wouldn't hesitate to get one of those, either.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: cobalt

Originally posted by: Tylanner
Isn't the Strat the hendrix guit?

Whats Jimmy Page's? I pick that one.

Google is my friend

I pick the Les Paul VIA Jimmy Page!!

<--- Wearing a Jimmy Page shirt.

Anyway... If you are still a beginner don't buy a Gibson, but go Epiphone, as Gibsons would be wayyy to expensive. And Tylanner, Jimmy had many guitars, Gibson does sell a copy of his custom Les Paul, but he also played a double-neck SG, most famously during Stairway. As well as other guitars, including another Les Paul.

IIRC, he only used the double-neck live; stairway was not recorded with that guitar.

 

[Jpark]

keeping in mind the bands that you mentioned, i would have to say go with the strat. if you're just starting to play, don't spend a bunch of money on one yet. Link I bought an sx 57 strat copy from there and it is an amazing guitar for the money (i've owned over 20 guitars). However, with the music style I play, I prefer humbuckers, so I go with my Schecter(getting a new one for xmas will post pics)

 

[Siva]

I love my strat. Its an American Ash. I put a humbucker in the bridge position.

The neck is perfect for my small hands, the body fits in your lap like a sexy sexy lady, and it sounds pretty sweet.

Anyway, if you're just starting out and you want a guitar, look for something cheaper, like an introductory Ibanez or a Fender Mexican series guitar. I don't really like Epiphone (except hollowbodies) or Squier guitars. Beginners should spend as little money as possible on their first guitar then buy a good guitar once they can do it justice.

 

[CptObvious]

BTW, if anyone's interested in an inexpensive but quality Les Paul copy, I'm selling my Agile for $250 here

 

[Raincity]

Just get one and learn how to play. My first ax was a Korean made strat copy. Atleast 1000 guitars has passed through my hands since then. I have about forty in my stable now that are keepers since my first guitat that I got in 1977.

 

[Cobalt]

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: cobalt

Originally posted by: Tylanner
Isn't the Strat the hendrix guit?

Whats Jimmy Page's? I pick that one.

Google is my friend

I pick the Les Paul VIA Jimmy Page!!

<--- Wearing a Jimmy Page shirt.

Anyway... If you are still a beginner don't buy a Gibson, but go Epiphone, as Gibsons would be wayyy to expensive. And Tylanner, Jimmy had many guitars, Gibson does sell a copy of his custom Les Paul, but he also played a double-neck SG, most famously during Stairway. As well as other guitars, including another Les Paul.

...and a couple of Telecasters (the whole first LZ album was recorded with one), and a Danelectro.

BTW- That Page Les Paul copy is like $13000...not in my price range heheh.

Yeah the Danelectro was the one I was thinking about. In My Time of Dying is a hell of a good song.