My participation in this was only anecdotal, and about this instance only. Truth is, before PRS came along, Gibson was always THE brand to me. When I went shopping for my first great acoustic, I was looking at Gibsons. After playing tons of them between $2K-$$K (15 years ago) I didn't love any of them. Didn't like the way they played. The guy told me to check out a Taylor. Game over. Same with electrics 20 years ago. Went in to look at a Les Paul and after 3 stores and 10 of them all over $2500, I didn't love any of them. I played one PRS and have loved almost every single one I've picked up since. And, in the last 20 years, I can honestly say I've only played one great Les Paul. A guy that we used to see at the campgrounds had one that was GREAT, but it was $4500 15 years ago. Don't remember the model, but his is the only one I've played in the last 20 years that I'd really want to own, and it was $1500 more than my PRS at the time.
I don't hate or even dislike Gibson. They were THE brand to me for most of my life. I think they got off course years ago and hopefully are on the way back to what they should be now. Time will tell. When you can buy a great playing, great sounding Gibson electric for $1500 or so, they'll be on their way back, IMHO.
