Scales - best ones to get to weigh electric guitars

richh

I've been asked for an accurate weight on a Les Paul guitar, and don't have suitable scales.

So I'd like to get a sensibly priced set that would work to weight this (and other guitars).  As well as being reasonably accurate though, I'd like to get something that will work for this purpose.  So needs to be something I can balance a guitar on reasonably safely, without obscuring the readout section!

Any suggestions please?

I've got too many guitars so want to sell a few, so I feel like I may as well get the right scales now, so I can get accurate measurements for the others in due course.

Thanks!

octatonic

Try a pair of handheld luggage scales.

guitars4you

I just use some 'Stellar' scales - digital - dare say most good hardware stores sell them

check tolerance/accuracy/calibration first - say with 2 bags of sugar so you know you are getting an accurate reading - My first set of scales gave a different reading to what it should have been and poor calibration/adjustment

richh

Thanks, yes luggage scales look like a good way to go, as long as they are reasonably accurate!

Ravenous

richh said:

I've been asked for an accurate weight on a Les Paul guitar, and don't have suitable scales.

Be very careful if this person turns out to be an awkward customer. What does "accurate" mean? (Just a warning.)

FelineGuitars

  I used to use handheld luggage ones which were fine, but started using a small letter/parcel scale which is better
Some kitchen scales can work if the will take enough weight

richh

Thanks, and @Ravenous point taken about awkward folk, but in this case it is a particularly valuable guitar, so IMO he has every right to want as accurate info on it as I can give him

Kebabkid

Peach Guitars use this one (Ultraship - Ultra - 75)

http://www.peachguitars.com/guitars/electric-guitars/epiphone-limited-edition-inspired-by-1955-les-paul-custom-outfit-ebony.htm

mark123

Lidl/aldi digital luggage scales accurate and only £4.99 but they are only in stock now and again

richardhomer

Take it into Sainsbury's and hang it on the ones they have for weighing fruit. Then work out a fair price per kilo and barcode it....

Jack_

richardhomer said:

Take it into Sainsbury's and hang it on the ones they have for weighing fruit. Then work out a fair price per kilo and barcode it....

"Unexpected item in the bagging area"

gary_mac

I use Reuben Heaton fishing scales.  work a treat and very accurate.

equalsql

Poundland sale a luggage scale for a.....  quid

PonchoGreg

Second the luggage scale, the ones with the fabric loop - directly around headstock if I'm feeling adventurous, inside the case and subtracting the case weight later if not

Sassafras

I'd be careful about handling a Les Paul around the headstock.

HAL9000

equalsql said:

Poundland sale a luggage scale for a.....  quid

If you're after scales you'll need lb-land, not £-land

Gagaryn

I've always struggled to weigh guitars too as my bathroom scales aren't accurate enough and my kitchen scales are 2 kg max.

This thread inspired me to order some luggage scales - these will be delivered tonight http://amzn.eu/30jXR1w

I'll let you know if they are any good. All I know so far is that my Jazzmaster is an ok weight for a Jazzmaster, my Telecaster is an ok weight for a Telecaster and that my '70's Gibson ES, as expected weighs around about 200 tonnes. Soon I'll be  able to be more specific.

PonchoGreg

Sassafras said:

I'd be careful about handling a Les Paul around the headstock.

Yep, I'm usually only adventurous with the fenders

fretmeister

I've had luggage scales that would vary by over half a pound even when weighing the same thing!

I use my kitchen scales now. It has a 5kg limit, presumably so a heavy pot can be put on it and then zerod.

It seems accurate.

richh

Thanks for all the info, great ideas!

I really didn't want to get something where the item being weighed completely covers the readout.

Sassafras

Pentatonic.