Originally Posted by: renWell, I play mostly Ibanez guitars that split the difference between the two. I like both equally for different things.[/QUOTE]I've owned both (LPs and Strats), and I find I prefer Yamaha and Washburn. My first 'real' guitar was a 1965 Yamaha SG2, which is set up like a Jazzmaster. The body shape is much more comfortable than any of my Strats ever were.

Originally Posted by: renI do however have a problem with Les Paul guitars with the placement of my picking hand and the rings on the pickups... I seem to be able to hit all kinds of plastic with the pick... it seems Les Pauls and me are not going to be friends. They're also a little heavy compared with the radius (JS) type guitars I favour.[/QUOTE]I've owned a few Gibsons, but invariably sold them after I rediscovered why I didn't like them. I have two Yamaha SG-1000 double-cutaway guitars instead of LPs, a Yamaha SA-2100 instead of a 335, and a Washburn A-20CS instead of an Explorer.

[QUOTE=ren]Likewise if I get a little over-zealous on a strat when using the bridge pickup, I hit the pickup selector with my hand, or roll the volume down with the side of my pinky...

I converted my last Strat to 1 Tone and 1 Volume pot, which got rid of the pot next to the bridge. I don't miss it much though. I prefer my Yamaha SG3.

[QUOTE=ren]I guess we're all used to what we're used to...

After you spend enough time trying different things out, you lose patience with things that don't fit. That's why I tell beginners not to worry too much about getting the perfect guitar to start on. Their tastes and preferences are definitely going to change as their skills and styles develop. Each to their own. It takes a bit of time to discover what 'your own' is.