The original models of the 50s and 60s sounded very differently. Modern incarnations of the old classics (Telecaster, Stratocaster, Les Paul, SG) are still produced and sold in large numbers, but it's mostly for the brand, as you mentioned.
Nowadays modern electric guitars are much more versatile. They generally can emulate the sound of the classics easily, but they play differently, they lack their slow, thick necks, their poor tuning, their noisy pickups... :)
Nowadays modern electric guitars are much more versatile. They generally can emulate the sound of the classics easily, but they play differently, they lack their slow, thick necks, their poor tuning, their noisy pickups... :)