When you buy a new guitar, don’t just focus on the sounds it produces and the aesthetic value it offers.
While these are valid metrics, there are more important factors to consider, like wood type, design, and weight.
Yes, you need to consider its weight. There’s no point in buying a heavy guitar if it’s not comfortable and playable.
So, how much does an acoustic guitar weigh? And how does the weight affect the playing experience?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions so you can pick a guitar that gives you a solid performance and a comfortable experience.
How Do Different Acoustic Guitar Brands Weigh?
On average, acoustic guitars weigh 2.5-5 lbs. That said, expect different sizes from different types of guitars. For example, dreadnought guitars weigh 5-6 lbs, while mini acoustic guitars weigh 2-5 lbs.
What Variables Factor Into an Acoustic Guitar’s Weight?
It’s not just about size. Every design choice taken during the manufacturing stage will affect a guitar’s weight.
Design
To the untrained eye, all guitars look the same. However, each manufacturer makes subtle design choices that separate them from the rest of the herd.
Not only do these choices affect the guitar’s performance, but they also affect how much wood they’d use and how big the guitar would be. Naturally, the bigger the size of the guitar, the more it weighs.
For example, as dreadnought guitars have broad bodies and wide waists, they weigh more than concert guitars, with their narrow waists and balanced shape.
Type of Wood
The type of wood that goes into building a guitar is probably the most influential factor in determining its weight.
Generally, manufacturers build acoustic guitars from solid or laminated wood. A solid guitar usually weighs more than a laminated one, as the wood used in assembling it is denser.
Rosewood and mahogany are solid woods, and they’re two of the heaviest wood materials in the industry. That said, a guitar is usually made with more than one type of wood.
It could have a rosewood body, a maple top, and a spruce neck. The combination of these materials is what determines its weight.
Built-in Electronics
Some manufacturers incorporate built-in electronics, like microphones and pickups, to allow the guitar to connect to an amplifier.
As different manufacturers include different electronics, the weight of a guitar depends on the type of incorporated electronics.
They’re usually not that heavy. The Piezo pickups that most guitars use weigh around 2 oz. They can make a noticeable difference in a guitar’s weight, though. You’ll notice that difference if you compare it to a guitar with no built-in electronics.
Hardware
A guitar isn’t one whole body. It’s made up of different pieces that are built separately and then assembled later. Whether it’s the truss rod, tuners, or the bridge, every part has a different weight and density.
Therefore, the type of hardware used in a guitar affects its weight differently.
Finish
A finish refers to a thin layer of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer that’s applied to the guitar for protection.
It’s hard to determine how this layer affects its weight, as different manufacturers use different formulas.
On average, acoustic guitars weigh between 2.5 – 5 pounds.
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Does the Weight of an Acoustic Guitar Affect Its Sound?
The weight of an acoustic guitar can indirectly influence its sound. As you know by now, the weight of a guitar depends on the type of wood used in its manufacturing, and it’s the wood that affects the quality of the sound.
Unlike electric guitars, where the sound depends on pickups and amplifiers, the vibrations of an acoustic guitar travel from the saddle to the soundboard, then to the sound hole.
Naturally, different wood materials would interact with these vibrations differently, producing different sounds. A guitar made with lightweight basswood would produce thin, warm tones.
On the other hand, a high-end guitar made from heavy mahogany wood would make rich sounds with sharp tones. Yes, it’s the type of wood that factors into the quality of the sound, but the wood also dictates the weight of the guitar. So, high-quality sounds are generally associated with heavy guitars.
Does the Weight of Acoustic Guitars Change With Time?
Yes, it does. Like humans, guitars age as time goes by. As different parts get old and wrinkly, they also become lighter.
If you’re new to the music industry, the idea of an aging guitar might sound scary. You couldn’t be more wrong, though. As guitars age, the wood becomes drier and stiffer, resulting in more resonant sounds.
That’s not a guaranteed transformation, though. Some guitars don’t age well. Additionally, aging won’t improve the sound of a cheap guitar.
If you want your guitar to age well, stay on top of your maintenance game. Even great guitars can decay without proper maintenance.
Why Does the Weight of a Guitar Make a Difference?
When you buy a guitar, keep in mind that you’ll carry it around a lot, whether it’s to practice, parties, or jamming sessions.
You’ll play it standing up and sitting down. If your guitar is too heavy, it’d be unplayable. So, make sure to choose a comfortable guitar with a firm grip.
If you travel too often, a lightweight guitar would be more efficient. However, if you’re still learning at home, It’s okay to choose a heavy one if it sounds good, as you can play sitting down.
What Do Different Acoustic Guitars Weigh?
That’s a difficult question to answer, as manufacturing techniques have changed throughout the years. The weight of your guitar might depend on the year it was assembled in.
That said, we can show you some examples of famous brands, what they weigh, and how they perform.
- Gibson Hummingbird
The distinctive design and vibrant sounds make the classic Gibson Hummingbird an industry standard in the world of acoustic guitars.
The dreadnought body that combines mahogany, rosewood, and spruce gives it character and liveliness. It comes in at 4.5-5 lbs. It’s not the lightest model on this list, but if you get a solid grip on it, you got yourself an all-rounder.
- Gibson 60s J-45
Although it was originally marketed as a budget-friendly option, the Gibson 60s J-45 has risen to the top of the acoustic guitar pyramid.
The sloppy shoulder provides a firmer grip, which gives you a more convenient playing experience. The spruce neck and mahogany sides and back give you warm, velvety tones with excellent projection.
With the triple wood combo and the dreadnought body, the 60s version weighs 3.14-4.2 lbs, making it comfortable to hold and dense enough to produce rich sounds.
- Epiphone DR-500M Masterbilt Dreadnought
Epiphone’s Masterbilt acoustic series combines authentic manufacturing techniques and high-quality materials.
The dreadnought-style body, solid spruce top, mahogany back, and rosewood fretboard offer warm sounds with a silky feel.
With the classic design and high-quality wood materials, the Epiphone DR-500M weighs around 4.2 lbs.
- Yamaha FG830 Dreadnought
The Yamaha FG830 is the successor to the popular FG700. Not only does the new installment immortalize the legacy of its predecessor, but it also takes the playing experience a step further.
Combine the spruce top with the rosewood back, sides, and neck, and you get a 4.5 lbs beast. While it’s on the heavy side, the excellent projection, improved sustain, and deep sound make it worth it.
- Gibson SJ-200
Throughout the years, the Gibson SJ-200 has maintained its status as the king of flat-tops. While the Gibson Corporation used rosewood to produce the early installments of this model, it later switched to maple.
The maple back and spruce top offer a broad resonance with powerful sounds. Combining the heaviness of maple and lightweight spruce, the Gibson SJ-200 comes in at around 4.7 lbs.
Wrapping Up
So, the next time someone asks: How much does an acoustic guitar weigh? You know what to say, or you can refer them to this article.
Whether it’s design, size, wood type, or hardware, different variables factor into a guitar’s weight. So, when you buy a new guitar, keep these factors in mind, as they can affect the playing experience.