Diet plan for my LP

[theusualdan]

You could also ditch the poker chip for a completely minimal weight savings. Also could use a forstner bit under the pickups to get a couple grams off and it would be minimally invasive. Another idea I had that someone mentioned to me was wiring it down to just a master volume and tone (if you're into that) and then using metal plugs or something over the holes. Again, just a couple more grams removing two pots and associated wiring. You'll find that literally any time you make one of these threads dudes will come in and crap over the idea and say it's not worth it, and get a better strap, and fill it with helium (plus tons of other lame jokes). But it's an interesting exercise and thanks for posting your data so thoroughly so others can analyze the various weight savings and their associated costs. As I was typing, i realized if you did a master volume/master tone, you could actually use one of those holes to relocate the 3 way switch thus eliminating that long run of wires. Again, probably a nominal weight savings, but when taken in aggregate, it might make a difference. Cheers, and again, cool guitar!

 

[diogoguitar]

You could also ditch the poker chip for a completely minimal weight savings. Also could use a forstner bit under the pickups to get a couple grams off and it would be minimally invasive. Another idea I had that someone mentioned to me was wiring it down to just a master volume and tone (if you're into that) and then using metal plugs or something over the holes. Again, just a couple more grams removing two pots and associated wiring. You'll find that literally any time you make one of these threads dudes will come in and crap over the idea and say it's not worth it, and get a better strap, and fill it with helium (plus tons of other lame jokes). But it's an interesting exercise and thanks for posting your data so thoroughly so others can analyze the various weight savings and their associated costs. As I was typing, i realized if you did a master volume/master tone, you could actually use one of those holes to relocate the 3 way switch thus eliminating that long run of wires. Again, probably a nominal weight savings, but when taken in aggregate, it might make a difference. Cheers, and again, cool guitar!

Interesting ideas, thanks!

There is a guy (can't remember the name) who got rid of some duplicate/unnecessary washers from the wiring under the pots. Maybe a next step would be there.

I read somewhere that the shielding plate could save another 30+ grams, which could be "easily" replaced for 1g of shielding wiring/soldering. This, plus uncovered pickups would save me another 80-90 grams

But, honestly, I really like the way it is now.
I got a killer deal on some uncovered boutique pickups that I don't know what to do once it arrives since I'm satisfied with the current weight now lol

In retrospective, it's funny that I left the guitar bone stock for over a decade... and only started modding now. I do love and play her more now - so I guess that's what matters and makes me laugh about weight jokes

 

[rockstar232007]

Good job! Gradual weight loss is always better than extreme yoyo dieting...

View attachment 521800

BTW...this is from an actual Reverb listing....

1971 Gibson Les Paul Standard | Reverb

This is a really unique guitar that I wish I knew the history on, but unfortunately I do not. This 1971 Gibson Les Paul Standard has been heavily modified in a twisted or "S" manner which the pictures should show you what you need to know as far as cosmetics go. I purchased it about a year ago an...

reverb.com

Don't know what's worse, the guitar, or the price...

 

[fleahead]

Hey, don't forget to take the pup covers off

 

[BKS]

Make it fretless, the weight that is saved that way is.... Oh well...

 

[diogoguitar]

Hey, don't forget to take the pup covers off

sorry about the late reply. I ended up trying out taking the pickup covers off. It saved another 60g, or 0.1lbs.

 

[Peter M]

Pfft...burgers and fries for my LPs. I praise them for their portly physiques.

20211022_200108_001_001.mp4

drive.google.com

 

[moreles]

I lost a similar amount and though 1/2 lb. seems like little, when you're on the borderline it can be a really nice, tangible difference. Changing out metal Grover buttons for plastics can be a big change, and bridge and stop-bar are major, too. Though people carp about cost, I like to find used parts at reasonable cost, and compared to the total cost of a LP, the addition can be made negligible. If you buy all new stuff at full retail, you'll get hosed, but that's not necessary. I love aluminum stoptails.

 

[Musha Ring]

So, you mean I can make my 10lb 9oz Classic weigh only 10lbs 1oz??

 

[rjwilson37]

If you're happy with it, that is all that matters. I like my lighter guitars 7.5lbs and such, but I don't mind an 8-9lb guitar at all. I don't like the 9.5lb plus guitars though.

 

[ReWind James]

If weight is the primary goal - you can definitely shave off some serious weight by considering your pickups. I'm only mentioning it because I noticed your chart had a category for it, but it was left blank. All that copper and iron and steel! Potted coils also really add to the weight. As a guy who ships lots of pickups, there's a weight difference even in just low turn count coils and high turn count coils. Start moving away from traditional low carbon steel parts and iron magnets, and things can really get light. Pickups are a very heavy part of a guitar.

Not that I actually suggest buying pickups, or any hardware really, based on the weight but that is the topic here, so... ya.

 

[Brazilnut]

I'll take weight weenie!
I'm probably that 1-5% of the LP player population who doesn't eat wheaties and complains about guitar weight.

+1!