Why are some folks so hung up on what name's on a headstock?

[zagatron1]

Let's hear your thoughts on this subject that's constantly on discussion boards everywhere! I know where I stand. Hows about you?

[robert]

Perceived quality. Some think cheap equals poor quality and expensive equals high quality. Sometimes that's true, sometimes not...

[weelie]

Why are some people hung up over the shape of the headstock... same kinda thing, I feel. I certainly am hung up over that, although I ain't looking at it when I play. 

[zagatron1]

Why are some people hung up over the shape of the headstock... same kinda thing, I feel. I certainly am hung up over that, although I ain't looking at it when I play. 

I have to admit, I used to be that way about the headstock shape thing, but I guess it was because I was "old fashioned" like that.

[charlie51]

Perceived quality. Some think cheap equals poor quality and expensive equals high quality. Sometimes that's true, sometimes not...

Yep...you've nailed it Robert.  Compare your Suhr with an American Standard strat...I'll take the Suhr, thank you

[hillbilly joe]

I think we see others play the "brand names" and that may influences our choice when we have money to buy a "real" guitar. As for me these days, it still is "brand name" first when it comes to electric, but for acoustic, I'll take an import any day that sell for 300 bucks with real wood  (Indonesian made guitars are tops in wood and finishes, if you get a chance to try one out, you'll be surprised at the tone).

[sven]

I dunno.  If it plays good, sounds good, feels good then we have a winner.  I guess the only criteria to add would be durablitiy and reliability.  Those may come out in time, but if the price is right.....

[Bathead]

One argument I lways see is whther a Mexican Fender is as good as an Americn Standard at about half the cost. I have MIM Strat,and I, and it seems a lot of fellow MIM owners say maybe not as good, but it is still an excellent instrument, but ther are still those who look down their noses at them. One poster on a Fender forum, a relative newb at guitars in general, was asking about this subject, because a friend of his (who worked in a music store,IIRC)
told him he should stay away from a Mexican Strat, as it's not a "real"  Strat.
Snob.
Seems to me, if it says Fender Stratocaster on the headstock, to me that means it's a "real" Strat. (unless, of course it's a counterfeit, but that's a different story)

[zagatron1]

One argument I lways see is whther a Mexican Fender is as good as an Americn Standard at about half the cost. I have MIM Strat,and I, and it seems a lot of fellow MIM owners say maybe not as good, but it is still an excellent instrument, but ther are still those who look down their noses at them. One poster on a Fender forum, a relative newb at guitars in general, was asking about this subject, because a friend of his (who worked in a music store,IIRC)
told him he should stay away from a Mexican Strat, as it's not a "real"  Strat.
Snob.
Seems to me, if it says Fender Stratocaster on the headstock, to me that means it's a "real" Strat. (unless, of course it's a counterfeit, but that's a different story)

Well, thats something you're gonna hear from time to time. I don't understand why some folk feel that way, but they do. Go figure. Sad to say, those attitudes won't change in this lifetime. If you spend your money on an axe that you decide it's a keeper, then you'll always have the option to really make it YOUR "Signature Series"!

[weelie]

who cares if it's real or not. I play Squier, though. I personally think that's real, made by FMIC, not Fender Electric, but that's as real as it gets nowadays... Of course some people might say only Fender made in 50s were real or similar... who cares. 

[hagarfreak33]

I have a gem of a guitar with this Les Paul Copy and it has no name or markings on it:)plays great though!