Not just an artist and musician, Colorado-based luthier Michael Bashkin comes to lutherie with a background in the study of trees and the mechanics of wood. He honed his craft with Ervin Somogyi before launching his own workshop. He describes his JM model as a "mid-sized dynamic contemporary guitar". That it certainly is, from tone to aesthetics. With a 15.6" lower bout, he achieves the low end power and presence of a larger guitar while still keeping the clarity and balance of the OM shape. A distinctive cutaway is both visually appealing while offering the player easy access beyond the 14th fret. Swiss spruce offers a wide dynamic range and a quick response, as well as a sparkle in the high end that marries beautifully with the complex tone and sustain of Brazilian rosewood. The end result is a guitar that sounds at once timeless and modern, offering hours of satisfying playing to the soloist and the ensemble player alike.