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Sad day - Jim Mouradian Died

40Hz

40Hz

May 24, 2006
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#1
Looks like 2017 is getting off the ground on a mournful note. Word up on FB says that bassist and master luthier Jim Mouradian has joined the long list of musicians and good friends who are now numbered among the departed.

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Very sad day. He'll be missed.
 
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#3
I met Jim in '85 when I moved to Boston from NYC. I asked around who was the guy to do instrument maintenance and someone mentioned him. So I took the bass I'd made in '78 when I was living in Miami over to his upstairs shop in Cambridge for a tune up. He was complimentary, we started talking and 2 hours later it was like I'd been with a long lost brother. Since then he was the only person that's touched any of my instruments. I live in northern New Hampshire now, but when I needed something done I would call up and he would always work me in, as he would for any professional.

Jim was a great luthier, wonderful player, one of the nicest people you could ever know, and a true ray of light in our musical community. he is already missed.
 
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#6
I got to meet Jim through my GF. She is good friends (and a former student) of Ronnie Earl. Through her friendship I got to meet and get to know Ronnie's band, The Broadcasters, where Jim was holding down the bass chair. You couldn't find a more humble or warm person than Jim, to say nothing of an equally impeccable and tasteful musician. I had only been up to his shop in Winchester one time with my GF to get some work done on one of her Strats. He ran an impressive shop, and he incredibly open about sharing his considerable knowledge and experience. The little tour he gave us while we were there was impressive. If you were the type of person who has never experienced GAS, the instruments Jim had for sale were enough to guarantee you wouldn't be able to make that claim much longer. And the instruments he was working with on his bench were even more impressive. Alex and I have lost a really good friend, a knowledgeable advisor, and the best luthier either of us have ever known. We were looking forward to seeing Jim at Daryl's House in Pawling NY at the end of the month for a show with Ronnie Earl. Just goes to show the importance of cherishing every moment with a good friend no matter the occasion. There's no guarantees in this world. And for better or worse, everything comes to an ending eventually.

The world lost a good soul with Jim's passing. He will be sorely missed.
 
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#7
Jim was a wonderful guy and I can tell you that all the guitarists and bassists in the Boston music community have been sharing a lot of sadness about this today.

No matter how busy my life got, I never just "dropped off" an instrument with Jim. I always made sure that I took the time to talk to him. It was a gift to myself to be in his company. He has such a positive outlook on life and music and he was extremely gifted with instruments. He just made them play better. I am sitting in a room, looking at 5 or 6 instruments that he worked on for me.
 
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#8
And also the Mouradian basses (model ZB100) + guitars (model ZG100) made for Washburn.
Couple of years ago, an ebay vendor named fastkey61 offered the blue bass for $1,000,000.00 +$5,000.00 shipping. I bet it did not sell. All you can do shake your head at some peoples' inflated ideas. :rollno:
The guitars were actually designed by Chris Squire of all people (bassist for YES, more widely known as a Ric player), for Nuno Bettencourt and then made by Mouradian. Nuno's letter below was when he sold the red guitar.

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Nuno ltr of authenticity when selling red Mouradian gtr 2011.jpg
 
#9
I never had the honor of meeting him. Always got great reviews. Missed many opportunities last year to get my bass modded by him. Was actually going to bring the bass down within the month.

Hopefully his son Jon will keep the business going.
 
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#11
I live about 15 minutes away from Mouradian guitar, and have brought basses to Jimmy several times for work. He was a master craftsman, and an excellent musician. He was also truly one of the nicest people I have ever met, and the happiest. Every time I would go into the shop, and ask, "Jimmy, how are you?" He would say, "fantastic!" I once asked him why he was always so happy, and he said, "one word: 'gratitude'". Jimmy did what he loved, worked with his son, and never forgot that he was a lucky man. We were all lucky to have known him, and we will miss him greatly.
 
#12
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Everything he touched was lifted up to a better level including the hearts of his customers. He was just a really nice guy with a gift. See that bass in my avatar....he set that up and it plays....it just really plays! He set up both of my Fenders pictured here. Rest in peace Jim!
 
#13
What terrible news ! Jim was really generous with his time and thoughts when I met him various times thru the years at Ronnie's gigs . He was a very sweet soul and obviously , a very gentle one too . He went above and beyond to be honest , kind and considerate - truly , a great loss . I loved watching the whole band as they grooved so well behind Ronnie's wonderful guitar work . Very , very sad to see this ..... Kelly
 
#16
Jim will be sorely missed. I had just talked to him last Friday and set up a time in March to have him set up my Strat. He worked on my guitars and basses for the last few years and was a friend. No matter how busy he was he ALWAYS had time to talk. I remember the last time I visited the shop talking about our favorite Jimi albums. I was so blessed to have known him and see him with Ronnie so many times. Very sad day for all of us....my heart goes out to his family.
 
#18
We've since been told Jim suffered a massive coronary right after the end of the show where he was playing with Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters at The Kate in Old Saybrook, CT. Those there said it came with absolutely no warning. Jim was fine before and throughout the show, but suddenly began to experience chest pains backstage. Emergency services were immediately called in. The local EMTs and the hospital he was brought to did everything they could. But despite everyone's hopes and best efforts, Jim passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Vaya con Dios, Jim.

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