Robben Ford Discussion

sfhalo · Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 2:44 pm Post subject: Weights: Telecaster vs. Les Paul

Daved: Though I realize the weights of guitars can vary withing the exact same model, I'd appreciate it if you could tell me the difference in weight between Robben's Telecaster & his Les Paul.
I thought information on guitar weights could be easily located on Google, but it seems to not be the case.
Though I curently play a Tokai Les Paul, my recent shoulder surgery might cause me to go to a lighter guitar. Since LPs and Teles are the only two types of guitars I consider playing, knowing the difference in wieght would be beneficial.
Your help is most appreciated.

Bill Morgan

JackD · Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:11 pm Post subject:

I have a great solution to the weight issue: A Cloud 9 (Chambered Reissue) Les Paul. I just picked up an (historic) '57 Gold Top Chambered Reissue. It weighs 7 1/2 pounds! It is lighter than my ES 335. It also sounds AMAZING. Very open and responsive. Sweet on top but still fat. Overall, it's an excellent guitar. A photo is attached:

sfhalo · Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 5:17 pm Post subject:

Bill:

Thanks for the quick reply. I've owned quite a few LPs during my playing career in the 1970s, but never used Fenders until a very recent purchase of a Squier Affinity Series Telecaster. I sold the Squier Tele in anticipation of the arrival of my new Tokai LP. However, the LP is quite heavy and I began thinking a return to another Telecaster might be better due to a reduced "load" on my shoulder. Without having them side-by-side, I just assumed the Tele was lighter. I have a drummer friend who mentioned the Warmouth bodies to me several months ago and I did think about checking them out. Before I do anything, I think I'll venture out to a local Guitar Center store and physically check the weight of a new Telecaster......both a "real" one and a Squier. BTW......the Squier Tele I had was really a nice guitar.....particularly considering the price. Thansk, again.

Daved · Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 6:59 am Post subject:

Weight is an issue with Robben, but he is more concerned about balance. He hates having to support the neck while playing it.

His Tele is quite light and very well balanced, as is his '54 gold Les Paul. When we retired his LP from the road, he spent some time trying out a variety of new Les Pauls to find one that feels good and is not untolerably heavy.

I've been trying to get him to try out one of the new chambered LPs, but I don't think he has yet.

Derek Trucks recently bought one of the lighter chambered LPs for his wife, Susan Tedeschi, and likes it so much himself that we have been keeping it with us at the Beacon for when Susan sits in with the ABB and using it as his onstage backup guitar.
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sfhalo · Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:23 am Post subject:

Daved & JackD: Thanks to you both for the info on the chambered LPs......I didn't even know they existed and will definitley try to locate a dealer in southern CA who might have one/two in stock. Your help is most appreciated.......thanks, again.

FatTeleTom · Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2004 Posts: 191

Weights definitely vary, even for the same type of guitar. My Fender American Series Tele is around 8lbs or a little more.

My new Glendale Tele (www.glendaleguitars.com) is under 7lbs--the difference is very noticeable. There's a lot to it, but the big factor is probably the body--the Glendale is 1.5" thick, and a single piece of pine. The Fender is the more common thicker body (1 and 7/8" I think), and 3 or 4 pieces.

So, if you're looking for a lighter guitar, you'll need to look at lots of different examples of any particular style.

And Jack--I love the looks of that Les Paul. Sounds like it must be a really nice guitar.

Bill Morgan · Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 6:24 pm Post subject:

JackD · Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:11 pm Post subject:

The weight is one thing, but the sound is another. In looking for a chambered solid body, I bought both a Baker B1C and the Cloud 9. The Baker was very nice and the quality was superb. But I didn't end up keeping it. However, the sound of the Cloud 9 is fantastic. It big and fat and at the same time it has a nice sweet top end. Nice and open while still sounding like a Les Paul. I love it.

Daved, it's interesting that you said Derek bought one for Susan and liked it. I thought the sound would suit him very well. As for Robben, I also think he'd like a Cloud 9. One thing for him, however. I know Robben likes a more standard "C" size and shape neck. All of the Cloud 9s that were made are all reissues of 56s to 59s. As a result, nearly all have fairly big chunky 50s necks. Some of 59s are a little bit slimmer, but still fairly fat. I was very lucky to find a '57 Gold Top with what is called a t 30 over 60 neck (also known as a Players Neck Carve). This neck is a "C" shape and it is a size that is between a '59 and a 60s slim taper. Some of the Cloud 9s had these necks, but not many. If you order one, I believe you can specially order one of these necks. If Robben were to check one out, I think he'd like them too.

sfhalo · Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2006 6:32 am Post subject:

Bill Morgan: Actually, the guitar I'm considering the most is a Fender Highway 1 Telecaster with Rosewood fingerboard. However, I've checked out all the local guitar stores and can't find one in stock to play and check the weight. Yesterday, I did play a very nice G&L Tele but am looking to pay less than $1000 for another guitar. The G&L ASAT Standard was $1200.....a bit out of my current buying range. I really did consider buying the Squier Esprit, but have pretty much settled on a new Telecaster. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Aeolian · Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2006 3:42 pm Post subject:

Played a few Highway 1's and they're not too bad. I think they are all alder. It's the ash bodied Tele's that weigh a ton. But they usually sound great too. Every piece of wood is different. If you look at high end shops that sell over the internet like the Wildwood sponsered here, they list the weight of all the Les Paul's for sale.

Weight, neck carve, wood density and response. So many variables. I would never buy a serious guitar unplayed, over the net. I need to have it in my hands first.
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BlueRunner · Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 10:16 pm Post subject:

When I first saw the title of this thread I thought we were talking about muscle-building workouts. But only because our "music room" here at the house is also the "exercise room," with a treadmill, weight bench, and a rack of dumbells. I could just picture doing presses on the bench with a Tele in one hand, and a Les Paul in the other. (Heck, my Carvin SC90 and my Strat sit on stands right near the bench. Musical Jack LaLanne.)

Anyway, the actual postings have been far more interesting. Thanks!
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frank0936 · Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 11:20 am Post subject: Net guitars

I have a Squier Tele that weighs a ton. It sounds great, but it's heavier than both my Strats. I bought it and the Esprit on the web, unplayed, and lucked out with both. It's not something I want to make a habit of, but the Tele was an experiment just to see if I would like the sound. It was cheap and I figured if I could live with it, I'd sell it and get a good one locally. Surprise! Mine is a keeper. The Esprit I got online from the Friend so I knew I could return it. Once I got it I knew that would never happen.
Frank

PaulG · Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 8:39 am Post subject:

Anyone have any hands-on input regarding the Guild Bluesbirds? The newer (90s on up) versions are chambered and everything I read about them indicates they're well made, light, and versatile. I've got an early 60s Guild jazzbox that I really like and I've had my eye on these Bluesbirds for some time. Trouble is, nobody I know has one.

Daved · Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:21 am Post subject:

Robben has had his new gold top (not the gold LP given to him by Larry Carlton) refinished with a solid Burgandy color on the top.

The Carlton LP remains untouched other than his having it refretted. Larry uses a very flat radius/very low action which was difficult for Robben to play. Robben has had his usual jumbo frets installed.
_________________
B C-ing U!
( }:-Daved
"This boy's diseased with rhythm!" -Bing Crosby (Road To Rio, '49)