Weight of Gibson Les Paul: why does it matter? 

The Gibson Les Paul, one of the most iconic electric guitars of all time, is celebrated for its design and sound. It’s a heavy guitar, but did you know that Gibson has a patented weight-relief system?

What is through this guitar body system, Gibson can maintain Les Paul’s classic tones without making it too cumbersome for players. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history and characteristics of Gibson’s weight-relief system.

We’ll cover everything from what it does to how it affects the feel and sound of the instrument, as well as opinions from some experts who have had the pleasure of playing a Les Paul with the system installed.

Plus, we will compare it to other electric guitar models, so you can make an informed decision. So let’s get into it!

What is the average weight of an electric guitar?

So, how much does an average electric guitar weigh? Are you looking for a lightweight guitar? When comparing the weights of electric and acoustic guitars, the electric guitar is almost always heavier.

When it comes to electric guitars, the guitar weight matters more than you think. Most electric guitars weigh around 8-10 lbs, making them heavier guitars enough to feel solid in your hands but light enough to avoid discomfort during long playing sessions. 

Electric guitar case weight: When traveling with your guitar or shipping it, you should also consider the average weight of the packaging or case. A typical hard shell guitar case’s average weight is 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 – 4.5 kg).

However, that’s just a rough estimate—the exact electric guitar weight can vary widely, depending on the size and type of electric guitar you have.

For example, Gibson Les Paul guitars are known for their distinctive shape and weight: they tend to fall on the heavier guitars’ side compared to other electric models, Gibson Les Paul weight is around 9-12 lbs according to various sources.

This is because they are made from solid mahogany bodies and maple necks, which makes them heavier than other electric models.

The good news is there is a way for you to feel the classic Les Paul sound without having to deal with the added weight—Gibson’s patented weight relief technology has allowed them to shave off some pounds while still maintaining the same tone and build quality.

Ultimately, this gives you all the benefits you’d get from a traditional Les Paul without having to lug around an extra heavy instrument!

What is a Gibson Les Paul?

If you’re a guitar aficionado, then you’ve likely heard of the iconic Gibson Les Paul. Known for its resonance, playability, and solid construction, this electric guitar is one of the mainstays of heavy metal, blues, and rock music.

But what makes the Gibson Les Paul so special? Well, beyond its iconic design, it features several details that set it apart.

To begin with, the Les Paul has a unique guitar’s body weight-relief system that cuts down on overall fatigue when you’re playing for extended durations. This patent-protected feature reduces playing fatigued without compromising sound quality or tonal dynamics.

Plus, the legendary humbucker pickups combined with the weight-relief bridge make this guitar an absolute powerhouse when it comes to crunchy riffs and chugging chords. And if that weren’t enough to persuade you of its greatness, just ask any guitarist who’s owned a Les Paul—all will tell you that there’s no other electric guitar quite like it!

Solid-body vs. hollow-body electric guitars

Gibson introduced the Les Paul Standard in 1958, and that famous guitar has an interesting component—a weight relief system. It’s Gibson’s patented design, so let’s take a closer look at the differences between the solid-body and hollow-body electric guitars.

Solid-body electric guitars

These are the most common types of guitars, and one of the first solid-body electric guitars was the Fender Telecaster. These are neat — they have no ‘air space’ inside their bodies, and that means they don’t project sound as well as a hollow-body or semi-hollow-body guitar. But they’re easy to make, and they’re heavy.

Gibson weight reliever type

Gibson wanted to make Les Paul a lightweight guitar, so they invented their weight relief system. The central section of the guitar was carved out, making it thinner and lighter than other solid-body guitars.

This left a thin layer between two pieces of wood so that it still felt like a solidly built guitar to play on; those pieces were connected with bolts for added strength.

This design is really popular among rock players who want both power and comfort when playing live shows — not just from Gibson, either! Yamaha has their version of this design called AEW (short for Advanced Electric Wood).

So if you’re looking for a Les Paul but don’t want it to be too heavy, then try out one with Gibson’s patented weight reliever type system!

Neck material and tuners and their influence on guitar weight

One of the components that have a big impact on the weight of a Gibson Les Paul is its neck material. While traditional Les Pauls usually came with mahogany necks, some of its more recent versions now come with maple necks.

When it comes to the influence on weight, mahogany is slightly heavier than maple and other types of woods. So, if you’d rather have a lighter Gibson Les Paul than what you’d find from other models, you may want to choose one with a maple neck.

The types of tuners used also make a difference in the overall weight of your guitar. Other components like the bridge and pickguard can also contribute to the overall weight, but their influence is not as noticeable as that from neck material and tuners.

The most popular types of tuners are those made from materials like aluminum and brass—both lighter than other options on the market. These kinds of materials provide extra stability when tuning while also cutting back on unnecessary weight.

Keep in mind that heavier tuners will usually require added strength and force when tuning, but they won’t necessarily make your guitar sound better or worse.

Different types of electric guitar bodies

When it comes to electric guitars, there are three main guitar body types: solid body, semi-hollow guitar body, and hollow body.

Solid-bodied guitars

Solid-bodied guitars—like the Les Paul guitars—are the most common type. These guitars produce a strong sound, particularly for genres like rock, metal, and punk. The lack of resonance chambers means less feedback and more sustain, as well as allowing for heavier distortion effects.

Gibson patented their weight relief solid wood body design in 1972, which has now become standard practice across the industry.

The “weight relief” nature of these guitars is meant to reduce feedback and make playing easier on your hands. It also shortens sustain slightly compared to a standard solid body design.

Semi-hollow body guitars

The semi-hollow body guitars are a compromise between solid-bodied and hollow-bodied instruments. They contain some resonance chambers like acoustic instruments, but also have a solid center block that reduces feedback.

The tone is thinner than with the Gibson weight relief design, but richer sounding than with a traditional solid body guitar.

Hollow-bodied electric guitars

Finally, hollow-bodied electric guitars can produce sounds ranging from crisp cleans to distorted bluesy leads; just like semi-hollow bodies, they have some resonance chambers but no central block.

These sound more “alive” than other types of the body as they vibrate much more easily, allowing for rich sustain and harmonic tones when played at higher volumes – perfect for jazz, blues, and country!

Does brand matter when it comes to electric guitar weight?

With the introduction of Gibson’s patented weight relievers, many have been wondering: does brand matter when it comes to electric guitar weight?

After all, the idea of an electric guitar that doesn’t weigh you down after a few hours of playing is appealing.

The answer is complex because there are many factors to consider when it comes to electric guitar weight. Here are just a few opinions from guitar players on whether brand matters when it comes to weight:

• Some say Gibson’s patented weight relievers are superior in terms of comfort and ease of playing compared to other brands.
• Others argue that different woods and construction techniques used by other brands make instruments equally comfortable.
• Some claim there is no difference, no matter the brand because “they all feel the same”.

Gibson Les Paul: How much does it weigh?

Now, the big question: how much does a Gibson Les Paul weigh? Well, it depends on the model, of course.

But generally, a regular Gibson Les Paul weighs around nine to ten pounds, depending on what type of wood is used. This is due to its mahogany body and set neck.

The average weight for a Gibson Les Paul is also heavily influenced by its particular components such as pickups, hardware, and even color options. These things can add up to the difference in the final weight.

Gibson’s patented weight relief system also plays an important role in lessening the overall weight of Les Pauls.

This system carves out chambers within the guitar’s body and routes the back of the guitar not just to reduce the overall size, but also to make it lighter and more comfortable to play.

That being said, some Les Pauls with this system may weigh up to eight pounds or even less, depending on certain factors.

Overall, compared with other guitars with solid bodies, most Les Pauls still have a heavier feel due to their construction. You may want to compare different lighter guitars before you decide which one you prefer for yourself—you may be surprised at how lightweight some are!

What is a weight reliever type?

Gibson patented the weight reliever type, which is a hollow body construction with a large section carved through the center of the body filled with lightweight material like plastic or foam.

This lightweight material acts in two ways: it helps absorb some vibration created as you strum and reduce the guitar’s overall weight, giving it a much more comfortable feel when playing for long periods.

The weight reliever type has become an industry standard, with many other guitar manufacturers copying Gibson’s design and tweaking it to their liking.

Gibson’s patented weight reliever type will help you achieve both lightness and durability when you pick up your Les Paul.

What are the characteristics of a weight relief type?

The Gibson Les Paul is an incredibly light guitar, weighing in at 8 pounds. It is designed to be ultra-lightweight and comfortable for those with smaller hands and bodies.

It incorporates lightweight mahogany and maple material, as well as rosewood fretboards, and has a unique tone optimization system to ensure all strings are playable when tuned up or down. It provides great sound and is a pleasure to play.

How does the weight relief type compare to other guitars?

Now that you know about the unique weight reliever type patented by Gibson, it’s time to compare it to other guitars and their weight.

Fender Stratocaster

Gibson Les Paul weight is between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds, while classic Fender Stratocaster tends to land between 6.5 and 7.5 pounds — so if we’re talking pure weight alone, then Fender Stratocaster wins out here.

But while the Fender Stratocaster guitars weigh less when they come off the shelf, they can get heavier if you use more complex hardware or add extra components like thicker pickguards, tremolo arms, and aftermarket pickups.

Gibson’s build quality is exceptional, with top-quality woods and robotic sanding technology. They also use weight reliever technology to make their guitars feel comfortable to play, and their Les Paul’s sound is richer due to different pickups and tone woods.

Additionally, the extra bit of weight from the mahogany body may give the sound more clear.

What are the pros and cons of the weight relief type?

The Gibson patented weight reliever type may sound like the best thing ever, but it has both pros and cons.

On the plus side, it makes Les Pauls lighter and more comfortable to play and gives players greater freedom to move around.

On the flip side, some feel that their tone isn’t as ‘thick’ as with a solid body guitar. However, others rate it highly in terms of sound quality.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, with some finding Fender Telecasters more comfortable and others preferring the heavier feel of Les Pauls.

How does the weight reliever type compare to other Gibson models?

The Gibson Les Paul weight reliever type is designed to reduce the overall weight of the instrument while preserving its tone and resonance.

It is different from other Gibson Les Paul models, which use chambered bodies or solid bodies. It is up to your personal preference to decide which model is best for you.

Conclusion

All in all, the Gibson Les Paul is a great guitar with a reputation that stands the test of time. It’s one of the most iconic guitars out there, and the guitar weight reflects the quality of the instrument.

Depending on the model and its specifications, it can range anywhere between 8 and 9 lbs. Of course, the weight itself will depend on the individual instrument and its materials.

Whether you’re looking for a light or heavy guitar, the Gibson Les Paul should have you covered.

With its unique sound and style, this guitar is an excellent choice for an acoustic or electric player looking for a great playing experience.

So, if you’re looking for lighter guitars with a great sound and feel that stands the test of time, the Gibson Les Paul is an excellent choice. Read also: Can you play acoustic songs on electric guitar and rock them?

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