The Case for Not Buying Big Brand Guitars (And Why That's Okay to Say)

There's a movement out there — affectionately known as the "Chibson" and "Chender" scene — where players are building, buying, and modifying guitars that look suspiciously like their Gibson and Fender counterparts, but come from very different origins. It's a tongue-in-cheek nod to something the guitar world has quietly known for years: you don't need the name on the headstock to get a great instrument.

We want to talk about that.

Why the Big Names Matter (And They Do)

Let's be clear from the start — we're not here to knock Fender, Gibson, or any of the other giants of the guitar world. These are brands built on decades of innovation, iconic instruments, and the hands of legends. When you pick up a proper USA-made Stratocaster or a Les Paul Standard, you're holding a piece of music history. There are genuinely valid reasons why players are drawn to these names.

Almost every guitarist — beginner or seasoned pro — has a dream guitar. A specific make, a specific model, maybe even a specific colour. That aspiration is real, it's valid, and for many it's part of what keeps them playing. There's nothing wrong with wanting a Telecaster or an ES-335. Most of us own one or more big brand guitars ourselves, and we mean that sincerely.

But Let's Talk Practically

Here's where the conversation gets honest. In purely practical terms — and yes, financial ones too — there are many equally good, and sometimes better, instruments available for far less money than a big brand name commands.

That premium you're paying? A significant chunk of it is for the name on the headstock. Not the wood. Not the pickups. Not the fretwork. The name.

At the lower end of the market, we made a deliberate decision to stock Gould Guitars instead of the Fender Squier range. Why? Because in our experience, Gould offers better build quality at a similar price point — and crucially, they're not restricted to Fender-style body shapes. Want something closer to a Gibson-style instrument without the Gibson price? Gould makes that too. It's a genuinely versatile range that deserves far more attention than it gets.

Step the budget up a little and we come to Aria Pro II — a name that serious players have respected for decades, even if the casual buyer might overlook it. These guitars are more than the equal of low-to-mid priced Fender instruments. The craftsmanship is there. The tone is there. The playability is there.

The Eyes-Closed Test

Here's our honest advice: close your eyes and ask yourself three questions.

Does this sound right? Does it feel right? Does it play right?

If the answer to all three is yes — then it is right. Full stop. The guitar doesn't know what name is on its headstock, and neither does your audience.

This is the quiet tragedy of the dream guitar. Many players wait years — sometimes a decade or more — saving up for that one instrument they've always wanted. And when it finally arrives, some are disappointed. Not all, by any means. But some. And that's a hard thing to process when you've invested so much emotionally and financially.

If You're a Working Musician

If music is your livelihood, then spending more than you need to on a guitar is simply poor business sense. Your instrument is a tool. A wonderful, expressive, deeply personal tool — but a tool nonetheless. And a sensible working musician keeps costs in check wherever they can.

We say this as a business that is very much in the music world. We care about instruments deeply. We set up every guitar before it leaves us, because we know that a well-set instrument changes everything. And we'll always tell you the truth about what you're buying.

Where We Stand

We have nothing against Fender, Gibson, or any other big brand. If you can afford one, genuinely want one, and it brings you joy — then go for it. Life's too short not to own the guitar you love.

We just want you to go into it with your eyes open. Know what you're paying for. Play the alternatives. You might be surprised. And if you still want the Fender or the Gibson after all that — brilliant. At least you chose it, rather than just assumed it was the best option available.

At Music Bits, our job is to help you find the right guitar for you — not the most famous one on the shelf. Browse our full guitars & accessories range and see what speaks to you.