Realistically how much weight can you save on a Les Paul via lightweight parts

guitarfishbay

I have a Trad Pro Les Paul. I just weighed it and it’s 10.8lb. I’d be happier if I could reduce that a bit.

It seems to have standard bridge and tailpiece, the timers are locking Grover Rotomatics which do look pretty bulky.

Realistically will switching out to lightweight bridge/tailpiece and tuners make a sizeable impact to the weight.

And follow on - will it drastically alter the sound, and in which way?

Thanks.

meltedbuzzbox

Can't see it making a massive difference on weight.

Sound.. yes it could make a difference

ICBM

Realistically, not enough to matter.

But having said that, balance is very important to the perception of weight, so if you fit much lighter machineheads it *may* make a difference.

As a first step you could try changing the keys to plastic or wood - those big metal Grover ‘D’ keys weigh almost half the total for the heads. You can get replacements.

It won’t drastically alter the sound, but you may notice a change - really! The mass at the headstock does change the resonance of the neck.

A lightweight aluminium tailpiece will alter the tone too, if the stock one is the usual heavier alloy - but probably make less difference to the perceived weight because it won’t change the balance as much, if at all.

If you want to find out, next time you change the strings do a simple experiment... take the machineheads and tailpiece off and put the guitar on a strap. If it doesn’t really feel any lighter, don’t bother going any further, since changing the parts will make less difference.

Flink_Poyd

Bulk of the weight is the body so you're unlikely to be shaving kgs off by changing the tailpiece. It was something I thought about when I weighed mine as it's roughly the same weight as yours. 

p90fool

Try a Neotech Mega Bass guitar strap, it makes far more difference than a few grammes from the tailpiece. 

I have a few wide comfy straps, but the neoprene one just seems to absorb nso much of the weight, even if you don't move around much. 

guitarfishbay

Thanks all

guitarfishbay

I have a wide Levy’s nylon strap right now, it is ok.

To be honest it’s ok to play at home but if I want to move about when playing with a band it feels more physical than I’d want. 

It does sound great though.

Voxman

I have a 1990 LP Custom that weighs the same. Take my advice, keep it original and don't waste your money. The best investment you can make is to buy a quality wide padded strap to spread the weight more evenly and comfortably on your neck and shoulder. If you're using a thinner narrow non padded strap that change on its own will make it feel like an 8lb guitar. 

p90fool

In which case try the Neotech, seriously, it's far more than just a wide strap and costs less than a new tailpiece. 

Measure your current strap though, to check whether you need the guitar or bass version. 

OilCityPickups

p90fool said:

Try a Neotech Mega Bass guitar strap, it makes far more difference than a few grammes from the tailpiece. 

I have a few wide comfy straps, but the neoprene one just seems to absorb nso much of the weight, even if you don't move around much. 

Those of us who do photography have benefitted by the weight relief neoprene straps for years. 20lbs of bodies, lenses,and assorted gear can be made to feel 2/3 of that weight. 

rossi

Get a foam case maybe .My Midtown is often left at home because the guitar plus case come out heavy .A foam case is much lighter easier to carry and still gived decent protection .i havnt got a foam case for it but have got mainly by chance foam cases for my telecaster  and strat .

UnclePsychosis

guitarfishbay said:

I have a wide Levy’s nylon strap right now, it is ok.

The neoprene straps are miles better than the nylon ones.