“There does seem to be something of an obsession with lighter guitars”: Do lighter electric guitars sound better?

Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.

Let me preface things by saying that this is neither a scientific paper nor a definitive answer. It’s simply a slice of wholegrain common sense, a meaty layer of builder knowledge, with a dollop of full-fat player experience. 

To this end, I’ve conscripted music industry friends with bags of the aforementioned to help guide me through the shark-infested waters of opinion.