Know that feeling about relative playability characteristics. It'll surprise you sometimes. Price isn't always an indicator either IME.
No comparison between the weight of the SG and LP or the physical balance regardless they are both Mahogany bodies. It's just the sheer bulk of the LP body with such a dense wood. I remember my SG, and was really surprised with my LP which was my first of type. And, mine isn't even a full thickness body LP, but a thinner Custom with cutaways as well. The real McCoys are utter backbreakers. Need to be 6'4", built like and oak with the spine and back muscles of an 18 year old gymnast to stand on stage and perform with them for more than 20 minutes.
Interesting that there's a noticeable difference in fret finish. You can polish your Epi frets to that same smoothness with some masking tape sandpaper and polish. It'd be interesting to know if they are both the same fret material from the same source supplier. Unlikely if one is made in Asia and the other in the USA. Even with the same hypothetical material, i.e. nickel alloy, not all alloys are equal IME. Some are soft AF. The quality really counts when it comes to wear especially.
No not a LP man particularly. They're all just different tools on the toolboard. I like its shorter scale, tones, and cosmetic aesthetic, but the high weight, awkward body shape fit when sitting, and utterly rubbish neck to body balance are offputting. Even with some of them corrected AFAP, can't get away from the fact that its definitely illustrative of a design hailing from an earlier first generation era with all its flaws. In my book, Leo got his first attempt with the Broadcaster/Telecaster 'righter'.
If I had to choose one guitar type from my toolbox, it'd probably be a contemporary HSS Strat style for its tonal versatility, comfort and all round playability. My personal favourites to hold, play and manipulate tones on though is a contemporary Tele style with thinner body and cutaways like my Cort Manson Stage Series Classic TC.
[br]With amps like your Katana, there's so much one can do with any guitar these days to manipulate tones, and the guitar which fits like the proverbial kid glove is the one we'll alway find ourselves subliminally suddenly jamming away and exploring on without conscious thought or effort IME.
Lucky man.
