Re: NGD Les Paul Classic Antique
So what is the general average weight reduction with chambered LPs? I've played a few ES Les Pauls that were surprisingly heavy for having F-holes.
Okay, I have 11 Les Pauls. Four are solidbody Historics, and all four weigh between 9.0 to 9.2 lbs. Necks vary from FAT to Slim-Taper.
Both of my 1960 Classic Premium Plus models weigh 9.1 lbs. I added a LW aluminum tailpiece which took off an ounce or two. (The Historics have these as OEM.) These are weight-relieved, i.e. "swiss cheese". Slim-Taper necks.
My two LP Supremes also have tailpiece upgrades. These are chambered, with a figured maple top and back, adding weight and body depth. The Sunburst weighs 8.9 and the Root Beer is 9.1 lbs.
My Custom Shop Elegant also has an upgraded tailpiece. It is chambered, and weighs 9.0 lbs. Slim-Taper neck.
(Note that the Supremes and the Elegant have ebony fingerboards, theoretically heavier than rosewood.)
I have two Classic Antique Les Pauls from the 2007 Guitar Of The Week series. Both have stock zinc stop-tails. The Fireburst finish guitar is 7.8 lbs.; the Tom Morgan Artist is 8.4 lbs. These are chambered but it is done differently than the Supremes, which are different from the Elegant. Three unit patterns. None have neck dive. Both of the Classic Antiques are very resonant. The are different from the 1960 Classics. I am not familiar with the current Classic, but they are different than my guitars.
The Fireburst is very light, almost to the point of feeling flimsy. Probably is, LOL. They rock though.
Right around 9.0 lbs. is "the zone" for Les Pauls, IMO. BTW, I have a G&L Legacy Special that hits 9.5, and an ASAT Deluxe at 9.6. and that's about as heavy as I want to go. I've passed on several LP Customs weighing more than 10 lbs.
My weigh-ins were done with a digital Berkeley fish scale.
I hope this helps.
Bill
