#1
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Same Model - Different Weight?
I have 2 Epi 339s, one '12 w/HB and one '16 w/P90. Epi says both have the same features/design, laminated maple bodies/tops, same hardware other than pickups, necks feel the same size/shape.
But, the '12 weighs .8 pound more than the '16 (7.4 v. 6.6 on a good digital scale). I get that no two guitars will weigh the same due to variations in wood used, etc., which is why manufacturers don't typically list weight, but almost a full pound? That seems like a lot, it's a high percentage of the total weights we're talking, and I wonder if anyone has any Epi-knowledge of what could account for the sizable difference. Also interesting is how different even 12-13 oz feels when you pick up the guitar. It's really noticeable. |
#2
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Are they made in the same plant?
And I have seen variations in the range of + or - 200 gr. on electric guitars.
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'04 Ovation Custom Legend 6759 (12 strings) '06 Ovation Balladeer K1111 '10 Gibson Sheryl Crow '11 Martin HD-28V '16 Yamaha FG180 50th anniversary '18 Gibson Southern Jumbo '20 Guild F-512 MPL |
#3
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I see others have had the same question, and the differences are more pronounced with solid body guitars, so I should have mentioned that the 339s are semi-hollow, with a center block. Last edited by ChrisN; 10-16-2018 at 11:52 AM. |
#4
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With any species of wood there can be significant differences in density, even in the same species, same tree, and same board.
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#5
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Quote:
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#6
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Good thing I was an English major! Thx
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#7
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That's only a 12% difference, could easily be due to different wood densities, even if they are the same species.
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Rodger Knox, PE 1917 Martin 0-28 1956 Gibson J-50 et al |
#8
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I could more easily see such a difference between Gibson's 339 and the Epi, with the Epi the heavier of the 2, due to more individual wood pieces for the top/back, consequent glue, and perhaps an added veneer to visually unify the frankenwood pieces. The Gibson version's weights I've seen are 7-7.2 pds, but it wasn't clear which of the 2 offered necks (heavier '50s or lighter 30/60) was in place. |
#9
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I've got two Gibson Les Pauls, a '74 that weighs 9.8 lbs and a 2018 that weighs 7.8 lbs. Now, the 2018 IS weight-relieved, with a system of eliptical cavities routed into the body.
Is there any chance that one of the two guitars is weight relieved? And yes, the difference in weight between the two guitars is profound. Both sound great. I've played the '74 since '77 and it has grown rather fullsome to carry for a two hour gig or a long session as I've, ummm... matured. Bob
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"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' " Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (my website) |
#10
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In terms of weight I know Gibson select the mahogany backs, the lightest non relieved go into the 1959-1960 reissue, the heavier into the Customs as the Custom has a reputation of being an heavier sounding guitar, in that case the difference might be about 500 gr. Norlin Les Pauls were even heavier than 4.5 kg, Yamahas SG2000 from the 70s were above 4.5 and generally heavier than LPs (they had more maple), SG3000s from the early 80s might get to 4.7 kg, mine which is from 2009 is "lightweight", 4.45 kg. My 2009 SG2000 in comparison is 4.25, and I can feel the difference on the shoulder and in the sound.
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'04 Ovation Custom Legend 6759 (12 strings) '06 Ovation Balladeer K1111 '10 Gibson Sheryl Crow '11 Martin HD-28V '16 Yamaha FG180 50th anniversary '18 Gibson Southern Jumbo '20 Guild F-512 MPL |
#11
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I should add that the heavier of my 339s is part of a limited "Black Royale" run that has a little metalflake in the paint, as well as a double sparkle binding on body and neck (oh yeah, it's pimped), while the lighter one's less sparkly. It's possible something about that Black Royale finish and accoutrement adds a bit to the heavier one's number. |
#12
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If they were made in different plants it might be possible one had a mahogany block and the other maple.
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'04 Ovation Custom Legend 6759 (12 strings) '06 Ovation Balladeer K1111 '10 Gibson Sheryl Crow '11 Martin HD-28V '16 Yamaha FG180 50th anniversary '18 Gibson Southern Jumbo '20 Guild F-512 MPL |
#13
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That size piece would certainly get to the difference here. Gibson specs maple for their 339 block, while Epi specs "solid center block."
Last edited by ChrisN; 10-17-2018 at 10:29 AM. |
#14
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I have owned a few guitars/basses that were the same model and same woods. Weight varied, as did the tone.
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#15
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It's pretty common. Not in Epi specifically, but in general. I have a Tele that's super light and comfy, and another one that I could use to drive railroad spikes. And they sound just about the same.
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