Gurian CRH (Cutaway Rosewood Herringbone), circa 1978. Spruce top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, Brazilian Rosewood bridge, ebony fingerboard. Fully bound in herringbone purfling (top, sides and back). Serial Number C38xx. Gold Schaller tuners. F.R.A.P. (Full Audio Response Pickup) GF100 with 18 volt preamp installed (uses 2-9 volt batteries). [Note--This is the pickup system used TODAY on stage by Neil Young, Beck and other "tone freaks" for its natural sound.] Brass volume knob on bass side of the bridge (unobtrusive); output jack at end pin (with original brass fitting.). Also comes with hard shell case (don't know if its original ut it fits very well and is in excellent shape.

Condition: Generally excellent for a 30 year old guitar that has been well played. No cracks or major scratches. There is a "blemish" on the top that looks as if it might have been dinged early in its life but it is merely cosmetic and the finish on the top is not marred or compromised (perhaps an early finish repair?). [Note: the "circle/spot" on the back photo is a reflection of a light in our ceiling, the back is pristine.]

Here's what was written in the original Gurian brochure:

This latest instrument in the Gurian family is both acoustic and electric. In balance and tone, it is unsurpassed by any other instrument. For the electric musician, the Cutaway is a new experience. It is the fantastic but slightly altered sound of the Size 3 Undistorted plus the power of amplification. To achieve a truly flat-top sound, amplified, has been an unrealized dream since Charley Christian first attached a crude pickup to his arch-top. The Cutaway, with its specially designed and amplified transducer, achieves this dream. No words can adequately describe the purity of tone and balance found from the low E to the highest fret on the first string (which due to the cutaway, is fully accessible). With the Cutaway, a new page is begun in the history of the development of the guitar. The sound of the Size 3 Gurian, either acoustic or amplified, with superb electronics, combined with the increased range and speed of a cutaway guitar.

Measurements: Lower bout= 15 1/4"; Upper bout= 11 3/4"; Overall length= 40 7/8"; Nut= 1 5/8"; String Spacing @ Bridge= 2 1/4"

Gurian guitars have long been the favorites of many recording artists, notably Paul Simon and Jackson Brown. The Cutaway was featured in the December 2005 Guitar Player magazine article; here's an excerpt:

One of the last models to be introduced was the Cutaway, which was developed at the behest of vintage guitar dealer Matt Umanov. Designed at a time when plugging-in was new and hip, the Cutaway featured a Frap GF100 transducer with a differential FET preamp and a bridge-mounted volume control. With its bold looks, enhanced playability, and onboard electronics, it’s easy to see how the Cutaway changed the course of modern acoustic guitar design.
By all accounts, Gurian seemed destined to become a dominant force in the boutique acoustic market. Its reputation was solid among studio players who appreciated the slim, fast necks of these guitars, as well as their tightness and punch (which was partly due to an extra-long scale length). Gurian also made its mark with top folk and pop players, including Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Paul Simon. Then disaster struck on February 3, 1979, when a fire caused by a boiler explosion destroyed the factory, much of the equipment, and $100,000 worth of guitars.

According to the information available on the Internet, 3 cutaway guitars were finished before the fire. I have no way of knowing if this is true BUT this is a pre-fire guitar and it IS truly rare. This guitar was recently set up (and had the frets dressed) by noted luthier and Vintage Guitar columnist Tony Nobles. Neck set and action are fantastic; if you like to play fast, you'll love this guitar. If you're a TONE fan, you'll love this guitar. It is a GREAT guitar. I am selling it (and some others that I am listing at the same time) because of some "under employment" and the fact that it has a 1 5/8" nut, which is very comfortable from many folks but a bit too small for me. I did use this guitar on recording sessions last fall and it was stunning. The new owner will have a true gem.

Price=$2650 + shipping

Will trade for the right electric guitar (+ or - cash)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Duolian,

Is there no love for the Gurian...the FRAP?!?

Sold...not here...not eBay...ah the web is an amazing thing at times.