I've noticed that lighter Strats are usually more desireble. Everyone's talking about light Strats and how the lighter is better. Is that really the case or not? How does the weight influence the sound and is what is considered to be the perfect weight for a Strat?

I believe that Mike (Eldred) said the opposite and that the masterbuilders preferred heavier...I could be wrong, but I read something in his forum...try a search...I think a few topics exist.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

My lightest guitar is also my best -- a custom-built Mary Kaye hardtail from fifty-year old swamp ash with an all-nitro finish. It tips the scales at just under 6.85 lbs.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Mine is:
Sienna Burst = 8.30lbs

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This is my guitar, there are many like it but this one is mine.

I don't know if it was a coincidence or not but the '78 black ash Strat I had weighed in at over 10 lbs and sustained better than any other Strat that I've played before or since.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

That's because Lighter is easier on one's back (when standing up and playing).


Gibson turns their LP bodies into "swiss cheese" to make them lighter.
Imagine the complaints they got about the weight ...

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

I have three and are all around 8 lbs. I tested a 75 strat that was around 10 lbs, I could not tell the difference in sustain. I would say go for the lighter.