(Serial No. C3933) Excellent condition showing some typical playing wear and one stable but noticeable repair. Here is one of the American luthier Michael Gurian S3M model made in the early 1970s in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. It is a small jumbo body shape with a 15 1/4 inch lower bout and a 11 1/2 inch upper bout. It is just slightly larger than a Martin 000. Gurian got his start building classical guitars and even though this is a steel-string guitar, it has a lot of classical elements such as the slightly rounder less squared-off body, a plain fretboard, and wooden binding. Has a Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The binding is maple and a fine rope-pattern purfling borders the top. The rosette features a herringbone center and wooden outer rings. Fitted with the original Schaller tuners. Scale length measures 25 3/4 inch, nut width is 1 5/8 inch, string spacing at the bridge is 2 1/4 inch, and the neck has a comfortably asymmetrical rounded profile. Gurian guitars sound really good and they play very easily. This example was obviously well loved and played, and it would be perfect instrument for someone looking for a robust but well-mannered fingerpicking guitar. The guitar is clean throughout and in excellent structural condition with a fast playing neck typical of Gurians. The center seam in the top has been reglued. The repair is evident but it is structually sound. The tone of the guitar is deep, warm, and mature revealing the clarity of each note. Gurians are rare high quality acoustics that have been played by pros like Jackson Browne, Paul Simon, Pierre Bensusan and of course many others. As a side benefit, Gurians have the best label ever inside! It reads "Gurian Workshops, Earth, third planet from the Sun". This is a fine example of Gurians craftsmanship—warm and articulate in tone, comfortable in hand, and full of personality. Comes with a period hardshell case.
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