I don't care what Strat you hand me, I don't like them. But the '52 Tele Reissue is one of the best-feeling necks I've ever played. However, NO GUITAR beats the Gibson Les Paul Classic with the 496R/500T. It's simply the sweetest-playing guitar. I feel so much more talented with that guitar. Every note just falls into place. The fingerboard action is to die for, and the pickups just sing with sustain. One can be had for $500 or so on Ebay, and I think I'm long overdue. You can't hardly buy a better guitar for that money. I'm saving for one the instant I get my bigger amp.

After all that, though, I say Gibson comes out with an edge. Winner: GIBSON. But it was a close one.