1977 Gurian JR
Serial # C2759. Michael Gurian set-up shop in New York City in the mid 1960's. He was a pioneer of the small-scale-production guitar shop, and help set the stage for the today's generation of boutique guitar manufacturers. Gurian is no longer involved in guitar building, per se, but is very much a part of the luthiery industry -- his company, Gurian Instruments, supplies many of the world's best builders with high-quality bridgepins and inlay strips.
The JR is Gurian's Jumbo model, in rosewood. The top is Sitka Spruce, and the instrument is bound in maple. A fine rope-pattern purfling borders the top, and the rosette features a herringbone center of and wooden outer rings. Scale length measures in a 25.6", nut width is 1-5/8", and the neck has a comfortably asymmetrical rounded profile. The name Jumbo is a hair misleading as the guitar measures 15.5" across its lower bout -- but it is quite wide across its upper bout and waist, and has a depth that tapers from 4-3/4" to 4-3/16". The air volume inside the box is quite substantial, and gives the guitar its big yet balanced tone.
The guitar is in very good condition, without cracks, bracing repairs, or excessive finish wear. Its original pickguard had come unglued, so we opted to make a bevel-edge tortoise-celluloid replacement (the original will accompany the guitar). New bone nut and saddle by our repair-shop as well. 30 years worth of regular use has given the instrument's finish a lovely patina, and the case a quality collection of K.D. Lang, John Mellencamp, and Bruce Cockburn VIP and back-stage passes. It still plays well, and has a deep-bodied rosewood voice.
With original hardshell case
The JR is Gurian's Jumbo model, in rosewood. The top is Sitka Spruce, and the instrument is bound in maple. A fine rope-pattern purfling borders the top, and the rosette features a herringbone center of and wooden outer rings. Scale length measures in a 25.6", nut width is 1-5/8", and the neck has a comfortably asymmetrical rounded profile. The name Jumbo is a hair misleading as the guitar measures 15.5" across its lower bout -- but it is quite wide across its upper bout and waist, and has a depth that tapers from 4-3/4" to 4-3/16". The air volume inside the box is quite substantial, and gives the guitar its big yet balanced tone.
The guitar is in very good condition, without cracks, bracing repairs, or excessive finish wear. Its original pickguard had come unglued, so we opted to make a bevel-edge tortoise-celluloid replacement (the original will accompany the guitar). New bone nut and saddle by our repair-shop as well. 30 years worth of regular use has given the instrument's finish a lovely patina, and the case a quality collection of K.D. Lang, John Mellencamp, and Bruce Cockburn VIP and back-stage passes. It still plays well, and has a deep-bodied rosewood voice.
With original hardshell case