Gibson vs Fender, your favorite of the two?

Man, I don't play myself. I've tried a few times, but lack the patience. I can pick out a few notes and some easy strumming, but I'm far from an expert. I would barely qualify as a novice. I do, however, know a few people that do play a lot and have had access to a lot of guitars and I listen to a lot of music, so I do know a bit about guitars. It's hard to say which I like better. Gibson is used by a lot of my favorite bands. They have a nice crunchy sound that is perfect for hard rock and punk. Think Gnr, KoL and Pixies. Fenders are more about tone and some of my favorite guitarists use Fenders. Think Stevie, Jimi and Audley Freed. So, I suppose it's what sound you prefer. For me, I'd probably lean a little more towards Gibson. They're American made not far from where I was raised and I like that crunch just a tad bit better than the tone. However, it would be like 1a and 1b.

Check out this dude using a 62 Srat, though. His name is Philip Sayce and he was Melissa Etheridge's lead guitarist several years back. He has done some solo work, but somehow has never gotten real popular, but he is friggin awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMsvPQFA-qs

In this one he demonstrates how he flips the pick to between his fingers to alternate between finger-picking and using a pick. Seriously, I don't understand how this guy isn't famous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q11G6Nfcixk

I like the Fender Stratocaster.

In 13 days I will be seeing the #1 Strat-Cat Jeff Beck in concert. Won tickets from my local classic rock station. Really looking forward to seeing him again.

Hands down, a Fender Stratocaster. Holding a Strat is like holding a woman!