How Much Do Acoustic Guitars Weigh? – 2023 Guide

Want to accomplish an outstanding performance with an acoustic guitar or consider whether you can pack it for the overseas trip? These situations will require you to have sufficient knowledge about the weight of this awesome instrument. Choosing or purchasing the appropriate guitar is key to the successful accomplishment of several plans.

Type of Acoustic Guitar
Parlor Guitar
Fender CP-60S Solid Top Parlor Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings,...
Concert Acoustic Guitar
Fender CC-60S Solid Top Concert Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings,...
Dreadnought Guitar
Guild DS-240 Memoir - Vintage Sunburst
Jumbo Guitar
Guild F-250CE Deluxe - Antique Burst
Title
Fender CP-60S Solid Top Parlor Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings,...
Fender CC-60S Solid Top Concert Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings,...
Guild DS-240 Memoir - Vintage Sunburst
Guild F-250CE Deluxe - Antique Burst
Weight
2lbs
4 lbs
5 lbs
more than 6 lbs
Prime Status
-
-
Amazon Prime
-
Parlor Guitar
Type of Acoustic Guitar
Fender CP-60S Solid Top Parlor Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings,...
Title
Fender CP-60S Solid Top Parlor Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings,...
Weight
2lbs
Prime Status
-
Concert Acoustic Guitar
Type of Acoustic Guitar
Fender CC-60S Solid Top Concert Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings,...
Title
Fender CC-60S Solid Top Concert Size Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings,...
Weight
4 lbs
Prime Status
-
Dreadnought Guitar
Type of Acoustic Guitar
Guild DS-240 Memoir - Vintage Sunburst
Title
Guild DS-240 Memoir - Vintage Sunburst
Weight
5 lbs
Prime Status
Amazon Prime
Jumbo Guitar
Type of Acoustic Guitar
Guild F-250CE Deluxe - Antique Burst
Title
Guild F-250CE Deluxe - Antique Burst
Weight
more than 6 lbs
Prime Status
-

There are multiple aspects to just this one characteristic of these guitars, that is weight.  These include construction materials, design, wood, and many others. For your convenience, I have mentioned all the main information that you require to know along with the examples.

How Much Do Acoustic Guitars Weigh?

carrying a guitar
Source: lumberjac.com

Usually, the weight of acoustic guitars is in the range of 2-6 lbs, that is, 0.9-2.7kg. In general, the standard-size guitars weigh between 2.5 lbs and 5 lbs (1.1-2.2kg). The jumbo designs of these musical instruments are heavier than regular ones. This aspect can also differ from type to type, regarding which you will gain further knowledge after reading the article.

Weight of Different kinds of Acoustic Guitars

Following are some types of acoustic guitars and their respective weights.  You will observe that parlor guitars and mini guitars are the lightest among these types, while the jumbo and grand jumbo guitars weigh the most among all these.  Compare them and think which one of these might be a better option for you.

  • Tenor/Parlor guitar: approximately 2lbs
  • Grand Concert and Concert acoustic guitars: between 3 and 5 lbs
  • Grand Auditorium and Auditorium guitars: about 4 to 5 lbs
  • Full-scale travel acoustic guitars: about 5 to 10 lbs
  • Dreadnought guitars: in range of 5 to 6 lbs
  • Mini guitars: less than 2 lbs or about 2 to 5 lbs
  • Jumbo and larger guitars: more than 6 lbs

Factors Affecting Weight of Acoustic Guitars

acoustic guitar Weigh
Source: unsplash.com

Dimensions and Shape

The weights of these instruments are highly dependent on the shape or appearance and size. You have noticed about the most common designs listed above that their model and size result in their different weights. Hence, the larger the acoustic guitar, the heavier it will feel. In addition, the more the edges and compactness in design, the lesser the weight.

Wood

Although all materials used for a guitar’s construction impact its weight, a major contributor among them is wood. The type of wood present and its proportion in guitar is what results in multiple weights of these musical instruments.

The guitars that have the laminate design all over the body give a sturdy appeal and generally do not sound bad. This design has some advantages, including reliability and durability. They resist damage from stress or weather conditions.

Solid top guitars have only a single sheet of wood for the soundboard. As the soundboard is faced towards the audience, these acoustic guitars have the highest impact on the tone of the guitar in the best-case scenario.

Finally, there are all-solid acoustic guitars that have the wood on the whole body. They are more costly than the other types. These instruments produce great tones and are generally heavier than others. However, visually it is not as aesthetic as the others and is also more susceptible to damage. Hence, they require high maintenance.

The most popular woods that manufacturers utilize for guitars are Mahogany, Maple, Red spruce, Sitka spruce, Brazilian rosewood, Indian rosewood, and Koa. All these woods have distinctive weights when present in guitars.

Electronics

acoustic guitar Weigh
Source: acousticlife.tv

Electronic items that are built-in also affect the final weight of guitars. These include microphones, pickups, and tuners. They are more versatile than normal acoustic guitars, are heavier, and have a moderate price tag. Though these additions do not have a considerable mass, still they should be considered when comparing them with guitars without any electronics.

Accessories

Acoustic guitars have certain hardware attached to them, which adds to their weight. These items include truss rods, strap pins, and machine heads. The more the hardware, the heavier the guitar. Similarly, the lesser the accessories, the lighter the weight of these guitars.

Finish of Guitars

It might be quite surprising for you that even the finish of these instruments can impact the overall weight. The most common finishes are shellac, catalyzed polymer, and lacquer. These finishes make the body shine as well as act as a protective layer. There is not much known about the difference in their weights.

Famous Acoustic Guitars and their Weights

I have also mentioned some examples of guitars. Note that their weights primarily depend on construction techniques and design, which can change in future periods. These instances will help you in providing better knowledge about guitar types and their corresponding weights. They are as follows:

Gibson SJ-200

Gibson SJ-200
Source: tdpri.com

It weighs 4.8 lbs, which is moderate weight. It comes in jumbo style and is heavyweight. Many popular musicians such as Chris Isaak, Jimmy Page, Jeff Tweedy, George Harrison, and Pete Townshend have played it. Due to its fame all over the world, it is titled “King of the Flat-Tops”.

Ovation Applause

Ovation Applause
Source: tundramusic.com

Applause is a trademark model of Ovation. This acoustic guitar is ideal for live performances. In addition, they also weigh less than a regular dreadnought, which makes it convenient to use them for several hours. Hence, you might be considering adding this to your collection if you are a passionate performer.

Guild D-55

It is a dreadnought guitar which the company produced on special demand. Since its release, it has been one of the most popular guitars in the music industry. It has a medium weight of 5.2 lbs or 2.36 kg. The design is appealing and one-of-a-kind headstock adds to this quality.

FAQ’s

acustic guitar Weigh
Source: loviesguitars.com

Why are some acoustic guitars heavier than others?

Several factors affect the weight of guitars. These include size, amount, and type of wood, electronics like microphones, and hardware. For example, larger guitars will weigh more than smaller ones.

What should be the weight of the acoustic guitar?

Generally, acoustic guitars weigh between 2.5 lbs and 5 lbs. Jumbo sizes weigh more than 6 lbs.

Is a lighter acoustic guitar better?

In general, the guitars that have high weight have incredible sustain and higher resonance than the lighter ones. Also, they produce a louder and fuller tone.

Conclusion

You will agree with me that it is necessary to consider the weight of acoustic guitars, and not only their cool and attractive appearance. Moreover, this knowledge facilitates the musicians of all levels to select a particular guitar according to their requirements. Not only this, it allows them to compare the functioning of guitars well (e.g. production of warmer tone).