Wiktor Wise
Electric guitars come in a variety of weights, with the lightest weighing under 3 lbs. The weight of an electric guitar is largely determined by the type of wood used in its construction. Rosewood, for instance, is one of the heaviest types of wood used for guitars, while basswood is the lightest. Other factors that influence the weight of an electric guitar include the size of the guitar, the neck material, hardware, pickups, and finish. For example, the Ibanez Road Core 365, which weighs less than 5 lbs, is considered a lightweight guitar. On the other hand, the Les Paul Artist weighs a whopping 10.6 lbs. Ultimately, the weight of an electric guitar does not affect its tone, and lightweight guitars can sound just as good as heavier ones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lightest solid-body electric guitar | Strandberg NX6, Steinberger, PRS S2 McCarty 594 Thinline, PRS KL1812, Ibanez Ichika Signature, Ibanez Joe Satriani Signature, Ibanez S521, Ibanez RG 421RW, Jackson Dinky JS22, Squier Paranormal Cabronita Telecaster, Brad Paisley Telecaster, Danelectro, Kiesel Zeus Acoustic |
| Lightest hollow-body electric guitar | Epiphone Casino, Guild M75, PRS Hollow body II Piezo |
| Lightest wood for electric guitar body | Basswood, Nyatoh, Poplar, Ash, Limba |
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What You'll Learn
The lightest solid-body electric guitars
The weight of an electric guitar depends on the type of wood used to make it, the size of the guitar, the neck, and the headstock. Rosewood, for instance, is one of the heaviest types of wood used for guitars, while basswood is the lightest. This means that a guitar made of rosewood will be heavier than one made of basswood.
- The PRS S2 McCarty 594 Thinline is described as "feather light" compared to a Les Paul.
- The Strandberg NX6 is considered the lightest solid-body electric guitar by some.
- The Ibanez Ichika Signature is described as "super light".
- The Squier Thinline '60s Tele is a lightweight semi-hollowbody guitar.
- The Steinberger is a lightweight guitar with minimal wood.
- The Ibanez Joe Satriani Signature is one of the lightest guitars according to one user.
- The Ibanez S521 weighs only 2.5 kg.
- The PRS KL1812 is a solid-body guitar that weighs around 6 lbs.
- The Mira X and Starla X from PRS are the lightest solid-body guitars according to one user.
- The Kiesel Zeus Acoustic is a fusion between a headless and semi-acoustic instrument, weighing around 4.5 lbs.
- The Guild M75 is a "traditional" hollowbody electric guitar, with some models weighing under 6 lbs.
- The Danelectro is a lightweight option.
- The Yamaha SLG110S is not electric but is one of the lightest guitars available.
- The Gibson SG Standards usually weigh 6-7 lbs, sometimes even lighter.
- The Ibanez Road Core 365 weighs less than 5 lbs according to one estimate.
- The PRS Hollow body II Piezo weighs 5 lbs 12 oz.
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The lightest hollow-body electric guitars
When it comes to hollow-body electric guitars, weight is largely determined by the type of wood used in construction. For instance, rosewood is one of the heaviest types of wood used for guitars, while basswood is the lightest. The size of the guitar, neck, and headstock will also have an impact on weight.
Some of the lightest hollow-body electric guitars include the PRS Hollow body II Piezo, which weighs 5 lbs 12 oz, and the Ibanez Road Core 365, which weighs less than 5 lbs. The Epiphone Casino is another lightweight option, and the Gibson SG Standard can weigh as little as 6 lbs.
If you're looking for a semi-hollow guitar, the Gretsch Thinline '60s Tele is a good option, weighing in at under 7 lbs. Semi-hollow guitars blend the warmth of an acoustic guitar with the clarity and sustain of an electric, offering a versatile instrument that works well across multiple genres. The James Collins Sapphire Signature GTO is a handcrafted semi-hollow guitar that delivers a rich, smooth tone, particularly well-suited to jazz and blues.
While the weight of a guitar has no real effect on its tone, some guitarists prefer lighter instruments. Lighter guitars can be more comfortable to play and easier to transport.
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The lightest electric guitars by wood type
The lightest electric guitars are often those with hollow bodies, but there are some solid-body guitars that are also very light. The weight of a guitar is largely determined by the type of wood used, but other factors such as the neck material, hardware, pickups, and finish can also contribute to the overall weight.
Nyatoh
Nyatoh is the lightest wood on our list, with an average weight of 7.324 lbs. It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among manufacturers of mid-range guitars. Nyatoh provides a good balance between weight and tonal quality, making it a comfortable choice for extended playing sessions.
Basswood
Basswood is a close second to Nyatoh, with an average weight of 7.451 lbs. It is a favourite among guitar manufacturers, especially for electric guitars. Basswood is known for its soft and warm tonal characteristics, with a smooth midrange and restrained high end. Major brands like Fender and Ibanez frequently use basswood in their Stratocaster and RG series, respectively.
Poplar
Poplar strikes a similar balance to Basswood, with an average weight of 7.506 lbs. It is often used as a cost-effective alternative to Alder, offering a similar tonal response with added brightness and clarity. This makes Poplar suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
Alder
Alder is slightly denser than the previously mentioned woods, but it still offers a good balance between weight and tonal quality. It is known for providing a bright and clear tone, similar to Poplar.
Korina/Limba
Korina, also known as Limba, is a lightweight wood with a density of around 530kg/m3. It offers a good balance between weight and tone, and is known for its warm and smooth sound.
It is worth noting that the specific cut and density of the wood can vary, even among guitars made from the same type of wood. Additionally, other factors such as neck material, hardware, and pickups can also impact the overall weight and tone of the guitar.
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Electric guitars with weight-relief features
The weight of an electric guitar is a very important consideration for guitarists. While some people don't mind a heavier guitar, others prefer a lighter instrument that's easier to play and carry around. The weight of a guitar depends on various factors, including the type of wood used, the size of the guitar, and the neck and headstock.
One way to make electric guitars lighter is through weight-relief methods. Weight relief involves carving out chunks of the guitar's body wood to reduce its weight. This technique can be applied to varying degrees, with semi-hollow guitars being naturally weight-relieved due to their partial hollowness. On the other hand, classic guitars like the Les Paul are known for their solid and heavy mahogany bodies.
Some guitarists prefer lighter guitars and go as far as modifying their instruments to reduce weight. For example, Bruce Springsteen modified his Telecaster by carving wood out of its cavities. Guitar manufacturers have also introduced weight-relief methods to address player preferences. Gibson, for instance, implemented weight relief in the 1980s to adapt to the rising popularity of S-type guitars and changing playing styles.
- Gibson Les Paul: Even with modern weight relief, the Gibson Les Paul remains one of the heavier guitars, typically weighing between nine and 11 pounds. The weight is partly due to its solid mahogany body.
- Fender Stratocaster: Fender Stratocasters weigh approximately eight to 8.5 pounds, depending on the tonewood.
- Fender Telecaster: The Fender Telecaster is slightly lighter than the Stratocaster, usually weighing between seven and eight pounds.
- Gibson SG: The Gibson SG has a similar weight range to the Les Paul, typically between nine and 10 pounds, as they both use mahogany for the body.
- PRS Custom 24, 22, and McCarty: These PRS models weigh within the nine to 10-pound range, similar to the Gibson SG and Les Paul.
- Ibanez Road Core 365: This guitar is estimated to weigh less than five pounds.
- PRS 594 HB II: Weighing at around five pounds, this PRS model is another lightweight option.
- Strandberg NX6: The Strandberg NX6 is noted for being exceptionally lightweight and compact, with a neck that "plays like a dream."
- Epiphone Casino: Being a hollow-body guitar, the Epiphone Casino is described as "super light."
- Gretsch Duo-Jet, Powerjet, Sparkle Jet, Double Jet, and Jet Club: These Gretsch guitars feature chambered or semi-hollow bodies, making them lighter than solid-body alternatives.
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The lightest electric guitars for beginners
When it comes to choosing an electric guitar, weight is an important consideration, especially for beginners. A lighter guitar is generally easier to handle and can help you focus on learning the basics without straining your body. Here are some of the lightest electric guitars that are suitable for beginners:
Strandberg NX6
The Strandberg NX6 is widely regarded as one of the lightest electric guitars available. Weighing just around 2 kilograms (4-4.5 lbs), it features a compact, headstock-less design, making it highly portable and comfortable to play. Despite its small size, the NX6 delivers a surprising tone and versatility, capable of handling any genre or style. The solid-body construction also contributes to its lightweight nature.
Ibanez Guitars
Ibanez offers a range of lightweight electric guitars that are ideal for beginners. The Ibanez GRX20Z, for example, provides impressive specifications at an affordable price. The Ibanez S series, including the S521 and the Ichika Signature model, are also known for their lightweight design and playability. The Joe Satriani signatures from Ibanez are also mentioned by players as being particularly light.
Epiphone Melody Maker E1
The Epiphone Melody Maker E1 is a lightweight electric guitar, barely tipping the scales at 5 pounds. It features a comfortable profile neck, a single cutaway body style, and a 1960s Slim Taper maple neck, making it perfect for smaller hands. The E1 delivers both playability and comfort, rivaling more expensive instruments.
Squier Sonic Mustang
Squier, a subsidiary of Fender, offers the Sonic Mustang, a student-focused electric guitar. Weighing around 7 pounds, it features a slim satin-finish maple neck and a 24" scale, making it easily playable for beginners with smaller hands. The Sonic Mustang provides excellent value, packing snappy single-coil pickups and a musical tone.
Traveler Ultra-Light
If you're looking for an ultra-light option, the Traveler Ultra-Light guitar weighs less than 3 pounds. While it may not be suitable for anything beyond casual playing, it can be a fun and portable option for beginners.
When choosing a lightweight electric guitar, it's important to consider the type of wood used, as this significantly impacts the weight. Basswood, for instance, is known for being lighter than rosewood. Additionally, the size of the guitar, including the neck and headstock, will also affect its weight. Remember, a lightweight guitar doesn't compromise on sound or playability, and it can be a great choice for beginners to develop their skills comfortably.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the lightest electric guitars include the PRS S2 McCarty 594 Thinline, the Steinberger, the Ibanez Joe Satriani Signature, the Strandberg NX6, the Squier Paranormal Cabronita Telecaster, the Guild M75, and the Yamaha SLG110S.
The weight of an electric guitar is influenced by various factors such as the type of wood used, the size of the guitar, the neck material, hardware, pickups, and the finish. Rosewood, for example, is one of the heaviest woods used for guitars, while basswood is the lightest.
Yes, several alternatives to the Les Paul guitar are known for their lightweight design. These include the Ibanez S521, the PRS S2 McCarty 594 Thinline, the SG, and the Steinberger. These guitars offer a more lightweight option without compromising on sound quality.
