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Original Weight vs Custom Historics

Bluesman1956

Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2019
Messages
48
It’s my understanding that the early 58-59s were substantially lighter than those produced today. Was it the type of mahogany and maple, or was the drying time longer. I have a 2006 R8 plain top and was wondering if there was a consistent range for them.
 

deytookerjaabs

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 6, 2016
Messages
1,592
I'm pretty sure it's the opposite. I'd bet (and others here know better IME) that the percentage of vintage between 9 to 10lbs is way higher than percentage of R7/8/9's that fall in that weight range. There's certainly a fan camp whom adore any reissue which sits at 7.98989898989898 on the scale... OMG IT'S UNDER 8, HOT DAMN MAMA!!! Different strokes for different folks.
 

Gino753

Active member
Joined
Jan 26, 2018
Messages
187
Im not sure but my 2019 Gibson Custom shop R9 is 8.4 ounces and it feels pretty damn light.Its lighter than my Gibson USA 2016 Les paul Standard and my 2018 Gibson Custom Shop R0
 

El Gringo

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
I'm pretty sure it's the opposite. I'd bet (and others here know better IME) that the percentage of vintage between 9 to 10lbs is way higher than percentage of R7/8/9's that fall in that weight range. There's certainly a fan camp whom adore any reissue which sits at 7.98989898989898 on the scale... OMG IT'S UNDER 8, HOT DAMN MAMA!!! Different strokes for different folks.
I am the exact opposite as I think the sweet spot is between 9-10 lbs . 9 is perfect .
 

Tim Plains

Active member
Joined
Aug 1, 2013
Messages
795
How many Les Pauls were made between 1958 - 1960? 1,900?

Compare that to the 10,000 reissues they make per year now. Weights are bound to be all over the place.
 

MikeSlub

Administrator
Joined
Jul 15, 2001
Messages
15,166
Not true about the weights being lower. See this thread:

 

axeman565758

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
1,204
In my extremely limited exposure to vintage Les Pauls in the late 70's to early 80's ( 48th Street in NYC, Guitar Trader, Rainbow Music in New Paltz etc), between what I was told and had the chance to play, most seemed to be in the low to mid 9 lb range. When I ordered my first pre-Historic in early 1985, I recall the dealer saying "you should hope they give you a nice heavy one", as he was convinced that (more) weight equated to better tone.
I guess the whole weight/tone thing will be argued forever. For me its a moot point. I'm so thankful both my R7 and R0 are at 8 lbs 6 oz and 8.0 lbs respectively. My 61 y/o shoulders couldnt handle a 9+ lb guitar. (y)
 

AA00475Bassman

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2016
Messages
3,769
This topic has been beat to death !

I would like to know the weight of Eric Clapton's hands

I would like to know the weight of Eric Clapton's hands

I would like to know the weight of Eric Clapton's hands

I would like to know the weight of Eric Clapton's hands

I would like to know the weight of Eric Clapton's hands
 

Cranknfrank

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
64
I've played heavy Les Pauls that sounded great and I've played light (8lbs) that have sounded great as well. The weight issue has been debated to death. If a guitar sounds great, it sounds great.
 

sws1

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Messages
2,846
Can't recall the last time I saw an R9 which weighed over 9 lbs. Plenty of 1959s that are over 9. A big one sold recently that is close to 10 lbs (despite the seller claiming it was closer to 9).

There are also bursts below 8lbs.
And I know of a '56 LP that is 7lb 8oz.

Weights have less variability than they did.

(I put "weight" in the same category as "flamey-ness" when it comes to how a guitar sounds. Meaningless.)
 
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