Gibson and Fender

Oh, how the mighty have fallen!

Both are in a situation similar to Levi's. After decades of substandard products, they still don't understand why what they made years ago commands a higher price than what is made today.

It's hard to say which of their current product lines are worse. Is it the garbage they make in China? Or, is it their nostalgiac copies of famous instruments, often complete with scuff marks and cigarette burns?

It costs money to make the best sounding instruments. That's why Gibson and Fender settle for making the best looking.