We bet this Olson was a powerhouse when new in 1997. Now, some thirty odd years later, it’s even more so—with the added sweetness, power, and breathiness that comes with opening up for a few decades. This is such a wonderful example of Jim’s work from the late 90s. Indian Rosewood body with Cedar on top, plus a florentine cutaway and tortoise-style bindings and herringbone appointments.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, james taylor, 5-ply, fingerpicking, 25.4, 716

Here we’ve landed an early Jim Olson SJ, this time from 1992! Of course Jim was already at guitar #406 by then. This beauty has been well cared for by its single owner in all that time and is in great playing shape. Indian Rosewood body with Sitka Spruce on top sets it apart from the Rosewood-Cedar Olson sound, and this one has a bit extra oomph and power as a result. It’s still excellent for fingerstyle, but holds up well under a flatpick too. Upgrades include a forentine cutaway, Abalone trim plus Tortoise-style bindings, and Jim’s signature O headstock inlay plus MOP dove fretboard inlays. And the classic L.R. Baggs LB6 pickup to round it all out!

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, james taylor, 5-ply, fingerpicking, 25.4, 406

A powerhouse SJ from the one and only Jim Olson that’s opened up handsomely since 1998—spruced up with a tree of life vine inlay and an effortless setup. Straight-grain Indian Rosewood with Cedar and Jim’s five-play neck; additional Pearl trim to make it pop; and tortoise-style bindings for a bit of a vintage nod. This Olson sounds, frankly, gorgeous. The treble overtones are powerful and articulate in particular, and the voice overall has incredible balance across the registers.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, james taylor, 5-ply, fingerpicking, 25.4, 745

Oh, we love it when a guitar’s woken up, wide-eyed and singing. This Olson from 1996? Belts it right out. The voice is rich and quick, lively—energetic and velvety at the same time. The mid 90s are some of our favorite Olson SJs, and this one is no exception. There’s just something special about the string energy and overall projection that’s particularly engrossing. And of course, this beauty is upgraded with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides with Engelmann Spruce on top for added power, plus Abalone appointments for good looks. Weighs in a little over four pounds, and still rocking the same glassy setup from when it rolled off Jim’s bench in ’96. Get it while you can!

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, james taylor, 5-ply, fingerpicking, 25.4, tweed, 654

To celebrate #1300, Jim Olson pulled off a beautiful feat of lutherie that’s adorned with the inimitable Larry Robinson’s inlay work along the fretboard. “1300” is inlaid at the ninth fret in Black MOP and silver dust, with fine silver vines entwining around it among Paua Abalone leaves and Black Abalone flowers. The body boasts a fabulously figured Brazilian Rosewood back from Jim’s private reserve stash, and a Master Grade Cedar top for the classic Olson sound. BRW bindings, rosette, and heelcap; gold Gotoh 510 tuners; classic Calton flight case in burgundy.
It’s a feat just to have reached 1300 guitars in a lifetime, and this work of art is a proud testament to Jim’s career and passion.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, james taylor, red cedar, 5-ply, fingerpicking

One of the more unique Olson guitars we’ve seen! This beautiful SJ from 2010 has striking Ziricote back and sides with a Sinker Redwood top, Rosewood bindings, and Rosewood dove inlays across the fingerboard. An L.R. Baggs LB6 pickup brings you faithfully onto the stage, and the fingerstyle response both amplified and acoustically is superb.