Got bored and weighed some guitars. What is considered heavy/light?

GuitarGuy08

GuitarGuy08

Well-known member
I weighed a number of the guitars just out of curiosity. Surprised I had never done it before. Not a super accurate measuring system, but did the trick. The weight variances are not shocking or anything like that. I think I got off pretty light with my Les Paul. I don't even think this model is weight relieved or anything. Correction: LP HAS to be weight relieved lol. Anyway, here is my list. Measurements are in pounds/lbs:

Strat partscaster: 7.4

68-69 Mustang : 7.2

Sterling JP157: 7.2

HB TE-90QM: 7

Parts Tele Grn: 7.8

Parts Tele Nat: 8.6

LP Studio+: 8.6

Ibz Jem 7dbk: 6.6

Lacello Cust: 8.2
 
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A little off topic but regarding weight..let's say you have one specific model with several weights to choose from (Sweetwater always has this option) do you think one would sound better than the other? More weight = moar wood= most toan?
 
OldGtrGuy said:
A little off topic but regarding weight..let's say you have one specific model with several weights to choose from (Sweetwater always has this option) do you think one would sound better than the other? More weight = moar wood= most toan?
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I think this would vary depending on a number of factors. I think older guitars, that are made with some of that 'old world's lumber that is extra aged/dense has something about it that affects the frequency range.

Would I think that a few ounces in a modern guitar would make a difference? Uncertain. I think each piece of wood has its own 'thing' going on so hard to say if weight would be related to that or not.
 
Lightest guitar I own is a Jackson Rhoads Kevin Bond that weighs 5 lbs 2 oz. No body mods just went to Gotoh aluminum hardware. With the right pickup change I could have gotten under 5lbs. I always found the Jackson KB Rhoads and the SLSMG to weigh about 6lbs stock when I asked other people.

Heaviest is about a 9lb LP studio or a Jackson Soloist.

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OldGtrGuy said:
A little off topic but regarding weight..let's say you have one specific model with several weights to choose from (Sweetwater always has this option) do you think one would sound better than the other? More weight = moar wood= most toan?
Click to expand...

Down tuning and heavier metal I’d go heavier woods. Solos and blues you want lighter for better upper fret fullness.
 
CDawg said:
Lightest guitar I own is a Jackson Rhoads Kevin Bond that weighs 5 lbs 2 oz. No body mods just went to Gotoh aluminum hardware. With the right pickup change I could have gotten under 5lbs. I always found the Jackson KB Rhoads and the SLSMG to weigh about 6lbs stock when I asked other people.

Heaviest is about a 9lb LP studio or a Jackson Soloist.

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That thing must feel like air at 5lbs! My Jem feels very light at 6.
 
I will automatically dislike a guitar if it's under 7.5lbs. I like a nice 8-9lbs+/- a few ounces. Proper guitar weight to guitarist weight ratio=tone it's no different than having that plush rug under your MESA or having nice boots that complements the amp you are using.
 
8 lbs is about the average. Most of mine are between 7 and 8 lbs. I have one Strat-like guitar that is 9 lbs and I definitely feel it when I play. Funny how just one pound seems to make a difference with the guitar experience.
 
I have weighed all my guitars. For me its like this for electrics
Under 6.5lbs - Very Light
6.6 to 7.5lbs - Light
7.6 to 9.0lbs - Medium
9.0 to 11lbs - Heavy
Greater than 11lbs - OMG, get this guy a new shoulder

For reference, my 73 Gibson LP (Norlin) is 10lbs
Lightest I have is a Fender Am Pro Tele - 6.4lbs
 
It depends on the Brand and Type of guitar..
I have 2 solid body non-weight relieved Custom Shop Les Pauls, the R8 is 8lbs 8oz and I consider that light, the R9 is 8lbs 12oz, i consider that light to medium weight for a Custom Shop
My Les Paul Standard 50s weigh 9lbs 12oz, i consider that medium weight for a solid body USA Les Paul, anything over 10lbs is heavy.
My SG Custom shop weighs 6lbs 3oz, any 6lb guitar is light.
My Ibanez Prestige RG652 weighs 7lbs 2oz, I also consider that light.

Telecasters 6lbs is light, 7lbs is medium, 8lbs is heavy
Strats 7lbs is light, 8lbs is medium, 9lbs is heavy

Just my opinion.
 
blackba said:
I have weighed all my guitars. For me its like this for electrics
Under 6.5lbs - Very Light
6.6 to 7.5lbs - Light
7.6 to 9.0lbs - Medium
9.0 to 11lbs - Heavy
Greater than 11lbs - OMG, get this guy a new shoulder

For reference, my 73 Gibson LP (Norlin) is 10lbs
Lightest I have is a Fender Am Pro Tele - 6.4lbs
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I agree with this. My ‘80 LPC is 11 pounds but it is well balanced so it doesn’t seem that heavy at first. But after a while it takes its toll. It’s fine when sitting since it’s balanced.

My ‘13 Std (def weight relieved) is 8.3 pounds, very comfy for a LP.

My ‘63 SG Special is just under 7 pounds and I don’t think I’d want anything lighter than that.

All of my Strats run between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds except a heavy ash partscaster I bought off of here. I don’t remember the weight but it’s heavy, around 10 pounds iirc but it’s a killer guitar.
 
I got rid of the boat anchor Classic LP I had. I think that was over 11 pounds. My Standard is probably 9.5, Classic is around 8.5 and my Studio is 8. I don't like heavier guitars for gigs but love my Standard at home.
 
8 - 9 is the sweet spot for me. 6-7 is comfortable but just starts to feel like a toy. With '70s Les Pauls you expect 10 - 11 easily, so that never bothered me - and agree their weight is well-distributed.

Only two of my many guitars have shocked me on their weight - a vintage '84 Kramer Baretta (11) and a recent Custom ESP George Lynch (14!!!). Early Barettas are solid Maple, and the ESP was solid Bubinga, even neck, with a carved top (even more wood). You could knock down cement walls with that ESP, but it was a stunner to look at!
 
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