Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

[Xeromus]

yes another poll, but this is a good one. Both Fender and Gibson started out relatively around the same time. Both guitars differed a lot then and now, Fender Stratocaster with the 25 1/2 scale, bolt on, double cutaway, and single coils. Gibson Les Paul with the 24 2/4 scale, single cutaway, dual humbuckers, set neck, heavier, etc.

Lets face it, every guitar made now is a spin off or combination of these two designs, and in over 50 years the technology of the guitar has not changed much if any at all. As far as ergonomics, since our physical form cannot change (example, grow extra arms or what not) near perfection is probably reached by now as far as ergonomics go and how the instrument fits the body.

Who do you think had it right, or more specifically, better? I know it's a loaded question because some will feel one fits better than the other, but I'm just curious.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

I sold my Strat and bought a Les Paul.

However, with that said, the shape of the Strat is a much better. The idea of being able to replace the neck is a plus. Higher fret access is a big plus. The Les Paul may have better attack (hence why I use it for rock), but the Strat has a better all around tone to these ears.

 

[TheMist]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

I have both and I hate where the LesPauls toggle switch is!

but I also hate how close the Vol knob is to the bridge pickup on Strats.

 

[TwofacePimp]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

For me, the LP seems to fit my 5'6" frame a little better. I also like the angled neck, it's just more comfortable IMO. Everybody has different needs though.

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

I think fender by a long way. Strats and Teles sit perfectly for me.

 

[MattPete]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

I always found the shape of the Les Paul to be awkward.

 

[Mike M.]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

I guess it's all a matter of whats most comfortable for you. I love the Les Paul sound but I'll never buy one because I can't get comfortable with one. No problem with my Strat, Tele or Wolfgang. They just feel right.

 

[Curly]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

the strat is a piece of art, and an incredible object of industrial design

 

[kaknight]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

strats have those comfort contours! I am buying a LP and the comfort and weight of the beast were the two biggest drawbacks. On the + side however, I love the feel and shape of the LP necks (both the 50's and 60's style).

 

[mrfjones]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

strat all the way on this one

 

[slash857]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

i love the contour on the strat i think it just fits my body perfectly. i love the Lp sound but it is awkwardly heavy and does not have as much freedom near the higher frets. the volume knob on the strat can be quite a nuisance though, many times ill be digging into my strings and i will accidentaly hit it, but no big deal ill get used to it one day.

 

[ex-250]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

strats are really uncomfortable for me. the middle pickup and volume knob always get in the way, and sitting down the top horn digs into my stomach too much. and there isnt enough picking arm access, too much body in the way. explorers are just right for me, which are a spinnoff of the lp i suppose, so i vote lp is better.

 

[jmv]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

Well, i voted strat, because it just seems to float there...... it fits really well. You know, with the comfort contours and all...

But, that being said, for me a les paul is not uncomfortable at all, either. I especially like the neck angle... and the raised bridge is nice, IMO.

Different strokes for different folks....

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

I voted for the Strat for all the reasons mentioned above, plus the tummy & right arm cuts. And I own 2.

But Brian Moore's are some really ergonomic designs to my eyes. Everything about them, including the control layout, seems as good or better than a Strat.

Chip

 

[Grandor]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

Other.

Ibanez JEM. very close to strat, but with the bear claw grip.
hehehe

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

I, too, voted other. I have never held anything that felt so right as a








Parker Fly





For ergonomics, even a strat can't compare...one piece design, lightweight. Even is contoured for our middle-aged bellies.

 

[proxy]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

The strat sits better in my lap but I like the pauls necks.

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

NO CONTEST !! STRATOCATER. There are many great things about a LP.
Ergonomic's is NOT one of them :13: weighting in at around 9 Lbs. is
a problem if you have a bad back :smack: If you like to work your volume
knob, There to far away for a quick ajustment. A great guitar indeed :newangel: But if your talking ergnomic's ?? Strat all the way.

 

[strat_master]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

For me, the LP seems to fit my 5'6" frame a little better. I also like the angled neck, it's just more comfortable IMO. Everybody has different needs though.

HERE HERE! IM only about 5'6 as well and the strat doesn't always look very good on me it looks kidna odd at times! But whne i played with my firends LP i looked soooo dam sexy! ONe of the many reasons why i voted for the LP and why i wnat one sooo badly!

 

[strat_master]

Re: Best ergonomic Design: Fender or Gibson

I think its that dam double cut away that amkes it look odd! Teles lsuit me really well cuz its a singole cut away...to abd i owna strat and love it too death...its a love hate relationship i have with my strat! And im gonna have an affir with a LP soon I hope! haha im such a whore! haha