WEIGHT WATCHERS

When it comes to guitars, is there an optimum weight for the best playability? Dave Burrluck pulls out the scales

- Dave Burrluck

Q You were quite critical of the weight of an Epiphone ’57 Goldtop reissue you reviewed recently. Is there an official weight limit for guitars? I read somewhere that heavier is better. I'd be interested to know your thoughts. Doug, via email

A Ha, no - there’s not an official weight limit, but the bulk of any guitar, not least a Les Paul, can play a big part in both your engagement and use. Many players will certainly say it doesn’t bother them or, as you say, the heavier the better. The Les Paul is a bulky guitar and is always known as a heavier proposition to light ash-bodied Fenders, although there are plenty of exceptions to that generalisation.