Another big difference is the scale length between a Fender and Gibson (the length of playable string between the nut and where the string contacts the bridge s

Another big difference is the scale length between a Fender and Gibson (the length of playable string between the nut and where the string contacts the bridge saddle). On a Fender Telecaster, Stratocaster, or Jazzmaster, it's longer than on, say, a Gibson Les Paul or ES-335. This means there's more string tension and "snap" on those Fenders, which some players prefer. J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr (who plays a Fender Jazzmaster) says, "I like to be at war with the guitar." It also makes the guitar a little harder to play and a bit less forgiving when you make a mistake.