The infamous joke in This Is Spinal Tap about an amplifier that “goes to 11” takes on special significance for anyone who has ever played a solid-body electric guitar. The loud history of rock music owes much to the development of these guitars in the early 1950s, coinciding with the rise of rock ’n’ roll. Since then, while numerous brands have entered the scene, two dominant names have remained central: Gibson and Fender, which have consistently provided the powerful sounds rock music demands.
The journey to electric guitar perfection began with several key figures, with Les Paul being one of the most important. In 1940, Paul invented a prototype called “the Log” — a 4-inch by 4-inch block of pine wood to which he attached a guitar neck, a bridge, and pickups for amplification. Before this innovation, hollow-body guitars were the norm, producing tones best suited for softer genres like jazz or blues. The solid-body design introduced by Paul helped eliminate unwanted hum and buzz.
However, the Log had an awkward appearance, resembling a cricket bat, and Gibson, then known for mandolins and hollow-body guitars, was initially skeptical of the design. It wasn’t until Paul attached two sides of a hollow-body guitar to the Log, creating a more conventional shape, that Gibson took more interest. Still, Gibson wasn’t convinced the design was ready for production.
Meanwhile, Leo Fender was also working on his version of the solid-body electric guitar. After developing an amplified lap steel guitar, Fender released the Esquire model in 1950, followed by the Telecaster, which featured two pickups. The name Telecaster was a result of a trademark dispute, capitalizing on the rising popularity of television.
Recognizing the growing competition, Gibson collaborated with Les Paul to produce an electric guitar bearing his name. The Les Paul model, released in 1952, was heavier than the Telecaster and featured a smoother, less twangy sound. This marked the beginning of a fierce competition for guitar dominance.
The rivalry expanded with two additional models in the late ’50s. Gibson introduced the SG (Solid Guitar), which was lighter with a sharp, spiky design and a preference for distortion. Fender countered with the Stratocaster, a sleek guitar with three pickups and a more versatile tone.
The influence of these guitars spread quickly. Buddy Holly’s fondness for the Stratocaster inspired Eric Clapton, who made the model his signature. Jimi Hendrix’s iconic use of the Stratocaster, playing behind his head or with his teeth, further solidified its place in rock history. At the same time, Jimmy Page became known for his use of Gibson guitars, while Angus Young of AC/DC made the aggressive-looking SG his go-to instrument. Through these innovations by Gibson and Fender, the rock world became louder, edgier, and undeniably cooler.
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