Acoustic guitars have been used as musical instruments for centuries; however, not many people have ever thought about weighing them. Here, we took the initiative and decided to weigh different types of acoustic guitars and figure out what factors affect the weight.
There are many reasons why you may want to know how much your guitar weighs. Perhaps you want to travel with your guitar, want to fulfil some shipments, or simply want to know how much various acoustic guitars weigh. We are here to help you out and provide you with all the information you may need, regardless of the reasons.
Read also The Best Taylor Acoustic Guitar Review in 2022!
So, how much does an acoustic guitar weigh?
Acoustic guitars have varying weights depending on their shape, size, design, and the material used. A big percentile of acoustic guitars weigh between 2lbs and 6lbs (or between 0.9 and 2.7 kilograms); however, grand jumbo and jumbo designs weigh much more. Often, regular (standard) acoustic guitars weigh between 2.5lbs and 5lbs (or between 1.1 and 2.2 kilograms).
How much do different guitar types weigh?
It’s tough to find the correct answer on how much does an acoustic guitar weigh? There are common guitars whose weight is known. Here are a few common acoustic guitar designs we researched and a close approximation of their weight.
- Tenor or parlor guitar: These guitars (parlor) were quite popular during the 19th century. Parlor guitars are smaller than regular guitars, but they cost way more than bigger acoustic guitars. They are suitable for users of any skill level (in playing instruments).
Tenor guitars aren’t your average type of guitar. They have four strings that are tuned to CGDA. They are smaller and have thinner neck because they have four strings.
They weigh about 2 pounds (0.9 kgs)
- Grand concert and concert guitars: often, companies won’t distinguish between grand concert and concert guitars. The primary difference separating the two guitars is usually a few inches, and they are great for beginners and recording.
They weigh between 3 and 5 pounds. (1.3 – 2.2 kgs)
- Grand auditorium and auditorium guitars: An auditorium guitar is a medium-size guitar similar to the orchestra (something that also applies to an auditorium and a grand auditorium. They are some commonest sizes with a minor difference of a couple of inches.
They weigh between 4 and 5 pounds. (1.8 – 2.2 kgs)
- Dreadnought guitars: This type of guitar was created in the early 1900s by Martin. They are bigger than grand auditorium guitars, and they aren’t (exactly) beginner-friendly. Experienced musicians often use them.
They weigh between 5 and 6 pounds. (2.2 – 2.7 kgs)
- Grand jumbo and Jumbo guitars: These types of guitars are the biggest. They are slightly wider, weigh over 6 pounds (over 2.7 kgs), and it isn’t easy to find bigger guitars.
- Full-scale traveller’s guitar: Travel guitars are often designed for individuals that don’t like carrying full-sized guitars. The guitars are designed for easy storage; however, they often compromise their sound quality.
- They often weigh between 5 and 10 pounds. (2.25 – 4.45 kgs)
- Mini acoustic (smaller than average) guitars: Mini acoustic guitars come in various sizes like ¼, �, and � mini acoustic guitars. They are often designed with light, standard quality materials and thus don’t weigh a lot.
- They weigh between 2 and 5 pounds or less. (About 0.9 to 2.2 kgs)
How much does an acoustic guitar weigh: Factors affecting their weight
Size and design
A guitar’s size affects its weight. Looking at various guitars, their sizes, and the corresponding weight, you can notice how their size is directly proportional to their weight. Simply put, bigger guitars weigh more than smaller guitars with a 4-pound weight difference (or more!).
Wood
Various materials used to design your acoustic guitar affect the guitar’s weight. For instance, an acoustic guitar can be made from wood, plastic, and metal. While its metal and plastic components are usually minimal, the type of wood used usually plays a huge role in the guitar’s weight.
There are two types of guitar tops: laminated tops and solid tops. Laminate tops are great for individuals who want their guitar to last for a long time, while solid top guitars are for individuals who want their guitar to produce a rich tone (with age).
However, solid top guitars are harder to maintain. They are also heavier depending on how ‘solid’ your guitar is. The type of wood used is another major factor affecting your guitar’s weight.
Types of wood that are often used include:
- Koa
- Maple
- Indian rosewood
- Mahogany
- Stika spruce
- Brazilian rosewood
- Red spruce
Pickups
Other guitars have in-built electronics, i.e., microphones, pickups, tuners, etc. These electronics are more common with intermediate (and higher) guitars since they allow for more versatile performance and recording.
The types of electronics included in the acoustic guitar often affect their weight. While they aren’t especially heavy, they can still add some weight, which (when combined with other factors) make your guitar heavier.
Hardware
As mentioned before, the type of hardware used also affects your guitar’s weight. These include the strap pins, machine heads, truss rods, etc.
Finish
A guitar’s finish may seem inconsequential regarding its weight; however, it does play some role. Most guitars have a lacquer, shellac, or catalyzed polymer finish. We aren’t sure if these types of finish differ greatly by weight. However, there is a possibility that they could, especially when you add all other factors.
Read also 7 Best Yamaha Acoustic Guitars for 2022!
Conclusion: Does the guitar's weight matter?
The guitar’s weight matters depending on what your intentions are. For instance, if you plan to ship lots of guitars, then every gram counts; however, if you want to play your guitar and wonder whether its weight will affect you, then the answer is- not that much.
You only have to ensure that you are comfortable with the guitar’s size, current weight, and everything will work itself out. Most people believe that guitars get lighter with time. This is somehow true, especially if your guitar is made of wood (they lose moisture as time goes by). However, it isn’t a proven fact. Regardless, you should try and have fun. Enjoy your session!
