Gurian JM Jumbo Mahogany Steel String Guitar, 1979

During the 1970s Michael Gurian built many guitars like this Gurian JM, or Jumbo Mahogany guitar, from his factory in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. However a devastating fire in 1979, and the rising tide of synthesizer music forced Gurian to fold in 1981 as far as building guitars was concerned.

Now, Gurian instruments is located in Seattle, Washington and produces components such as bridge pins, marquetry and inlay elements, raw materials for inlay, not just for musical instruments but also for architectural, automotive and marine uses. 

The Gurian JM or Jumbo Mahogany is a large body guitar, Gurian’s largest, but is more akin to an OM or Classical guitar than a traditional Jumbo steel string like the Gibson J-200.

As the name suggests, the JM uses Mahogany for the back, sides and neck, with Sitka Spruce for the top. The fingerboard is Ebony and the bridge and head plate are Indian Rosewood. A ‘rope’ purfling lines the top and the soundhole.

This Gurian JM example was built during 1979 before the fire at the Hinsdale NH factory, and is in good playing condition. There are a number of small dents and dings, but at 40 years old, that’s to be expected.

It also sounds and plays very nicely!

A black hard shell case is included.