here's a sample of some LP types that I currently own, and a few that I have sold, along with the corresponding weights.
I weigh all of my solid body guitars on a calibrated digital scale, which is accurate to within 1/10 an oz.
Weighing a guitar is a bit different than weighing other types of items but all of my weights are pretty accurate AFA weighing a guitar.
I make a valid attempt to find out what a guitar weighs, before I purchase it.
I often ask for photos of (body) wood end grain to determine the growth ring size
Of course this will only work for stained/unpainted examples
I am interested in growth ring size but I am also interested in it's orientation in relation to the instrument.
For example quarter sawn, rift sawn, or flat/plain sawn lumber.
Generally, my better LP types are in the 8.75 lb. to 9.00 lb. range.
This seems to be a 'sweet spot' so to speak AFA general weights for LPs in my experience.
I some times make exceptions for weights outside of that rough guideline.
I have had one or two in the 10 lb. range that were very good but that's not 'normal' from my experience.
EDIT: IMO there is no need to force a 'boat anchor' upon yourself just to have a good, or even a great sounding Les Paul.
It's a choice one makes to do, or not to do.
I make the choice not to play a boat anchor
~1985 Burny RLC @ 8 lb. 15 oz. (ALL mahogany
)
~1985 Burny RLG @ 8 lb. 15 oz. (this is my "last one standing" Les Paul 8) )
~1988 Burny RLG @ 8 lb. 14 oz.
~1985 Burny RLG @ 8 lb. 10 oz. (currently for sale)
1982 Greco MC/EG- gold top @ 8 lb. 13 oz.
~2000 Bacchus BLS-120S @ 8 lb. 14 oz.
~2000 Bacchus BLS-59 @ 8 lb. 13 oz.
2000 Tokai LS-320 @ 9 lb. 3 oz. (weighed without pick guard/not installed
)
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~1985 Burny RLG @ 9 lb. 4 oz. (recently sold)
1989 Greco MC/EG - plain top @ 8 lb. 8 oz. (recently sold)
1996 Orville - gold top @ 8 lb. 7 oz. (sold to TF member)