Alternatives to the big brand guitars

So you've decided you need a Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster or Gibson Les Paul, but first you're considering your options.

Competition in the market provides us with other options

We're fortunate. Just because Fender make the Stratocaster and Telecaster, doesn't mean you have to buy one of their guitars. Look around at the market place and you'll find good Stratocaster alternatives, Telecaster alternatives and Les Paul alternatives.

The lists of advantages and disadvantages below are possibles. They don't apply to all brands or all options. Nor do they apply to the suitability for every guitarist. After all, we all have our own style.

Positives

The positives of buying a different brand guitar:

• Often cheaper for the same specification (or to put it differently, you get a better specification for the same money)
• More flexible designs - they aren't tied to the form as much as the original brand
• More modern designs - they aren't tied to tradition as much as the original brand
• Rarer - more prestige
• Choose wisely and get a resale value closer to what you paid
• Better finish on the edges for the same price point

Negatives

The negatives of buying a different brand guitar:

• Lack of public awareness
• Can't buy them as collectables (that's a good thing in my opinion)
• Can be more difficult to try out first
• Your guitar hero may not use them. I if you want to be in a tribute band to SRV, then you'll need a Fender Stratocaster and similar for other high-profile guitarists.

Some Options

• Fender Stratocaster alternatives
• Fender Telecaster alternatives
• Gibson Les Paul alternatives

Your Views

Do you have some other advantages or disadvantages about buying guitars from smaller brands? If so, leave a comment below and let us know.