Electric Guitars - From Fender To Gibson and Back Again
When solid bodied electric guitars first made an impact in the mid 1950's, who could have foreseen the impact that they would have. Within a few short years they would dominate the music world, something that they have continued to do ever since. My own personal recollection of a solid bodies electric guitar is the Fender Stratocasters used by the likes of Buddy Holly and Hank Marvin from the Shadows.
The twangy sound of those particular artists is still Fender's trademark today. The sound produced by different artists can vary depending on the type of amplification and effects that they use, but given a level playing field, the Fender sound is very distinctive. The late and great rock blues maestros Stevie Ray Vaughan and Rory Gallagher both used Fender Stratocaster guitars to the exclusion of most other guitars, and their sound, particularly in the case of Stevie Ray, is unmistakable.
Here is some classic footage of Stevie Ray in action, playing his Strat.
Fender also produced another distinctive guitar called the Telecaster, which again had the tinny, twangy sound particular to Fender electric guitars. This particular guitar, made famous in my eyes by the likes of Mick Green of Pirates fame and Wilko Johnson from Dr Feelgood, only had one pickup, so the trebly sound was something that gould not be hidden very well. A very popular rock and roll guitar.
Fender Stevie Ray Vaughan Stratocaster (Pao Ferro, with Case)
The Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature model respectfully replicates Stevie's favorite guitar. Pure Texas blues - Stevie style! Unique features include a special oval neck shape, Pao Ferro fingerboard, 3 Fender Texas Special single-coil pickups, gold-plated vintage hardware with left-handed tremolo, and a special engraved pickguard.
More Guitars, Amps, and Effects Information
Quality:
this guitar is put together well. it just doesn t get the classic strat sound.
Value:
you can get better sounding strats at much lower prices.
Desirability:
the guitar is beautiful.
Sound:
if a fat muddy sound is what your going for this guitar is for you.i am not a fan of the texas special pickups.the radius of the fingerboard makes playing difficult.i am a strat man but i like a much tighter sound than this guitar is able to produce.different pick ups would greatly help this guitar
Support:
no repairs have been needed. this is a quality made guitar.
Overall:
i am going to sell or trade this guitar.
The other manufacture of electric guitars that has cemented it's name in the guitar maker's hall of fame is Gibson. Gibson produced a much wider range of guitars.
Fender's first guitar was produced in the early to mid 1950's, but Gibson's history dates back ten or more years prior to this. So, their early guitars were all acoustic electric models. However, in response to Fender producing the Telecaster and the Stratocaster, Gibson produced a solid bodied guitar of their own, which is now synonymous with the name Gibson, the Les Paul. There were several issues of the Les Paul guitar, with different numbers of pickups for example. The Gibson sound can broadly be considered as a more full sound than with Fender guitars, but perhaps without the cutting edge. Those who remember that great British Rock Band Thin Lizzy, will doubtless recall the duel guitar sound created by two great guitar players both playing Gibson Les Paul guitars.
Gibson also produced a great variety of guitars, many very famous in their own right. Who can forget Andy Powell from Wishbone Ash and his trademark Gibson Flying V guitar. Or Johnny Winter and his Gibson Firebird.
And soon you too will be on your way to buy an electric guitar.
