[JMPRO]

I have both, 2 Strats and 1 les paul and play all of them. Each one has its own voice and I play each one a little different. But the question of why they are so different in price. When Gibson put out thier first Les paul in 52 I think it was more expensive than Fenders offerings at the time. It was said to have been because Gibson used guitar builders and conventional guitar building practices, set necks , carved tops and multi layer bodies. Fender used furniture building principals and modular guitars for ease of construction and assembly. I am sure the way Gibson builds them now is the same and contributes a big part of the higher price. Back in 52 a Les Paul was considered a real guitar with the carved top and set neck compared to the boat oar Fenders were called by many people when the first Broadcasters hit the market.