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.

James Taylor + James Olson = pure bliss. Check out our latest James Taylor SJ Clone, this time from 2015 with gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood and Cedar on top (of course!). Abalone dove inlays along thee fretboard, Abalone trim and appointments, and the glassy, smooth-sailing tone that’s made both Jim and James famous. This beauty is a single owner in exquisite condition, hardly more than a fingerprint to be found! And to keep it just as safe n sound, a custom Hoffee flight case.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilidng, james olson, james taylor, quilted mahogany, figured mahogany, red cedar, 5-ply, fingerstyle, bespoke guitar

Jim Olson is at the top of his game, and playing this Tree Olson is like standing on top of a mountain—but much, much warmer. We love just how warm, responsive, and enveloping this 2018 Olson SJ plays. And why be surprised? Highly figured The Tree Mahogany back and sides with a pale Cedar top—of course it’s going to sing like a blazing fire. Individual note definition comes with a whole host of rich, velvety overtones. Built only yesterday in 2018, this Olson is basically new, plays like a dream, and boasts intricate floral and thorn inlays along the fretboard from the inimitable Larry Robinson. An honest-to-god collector’s passion.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilidng, james olson, james taylor, quilted mahogany, figured mahogany, red cedar, 5-ply, fingerstyle, bespoke guitar

To celebrate his 1600th guitar, James Olson pulled out all the stops. This SJ comes bedecked with shockingly beautiful Blue Paua Abalone, The Tree Mahogany back and sides, and an Italian Spruce top from the Fiemme Valley. Larry Robinson executed an impressive inlay scheme along the fretboard to celebrate this milestone guitar. Honestly, one builder reaching 1600 guitars? Simply incredible. This one came in, and went right back out the door before we could even list it.

Here’s an Olson that stands apart from the crowd: an Olson Dreadnought from all the way back in 1984. Indian Rosewood and Spruce, Jim’s hallmark 5-ply neck, and the same easy playability you’ll find on his more common SJs. The voice is very even and balanced across the registers, and loved it when we dug in for a more aggressive response. Being nearly four decades old, this Olson has its fair share of play wear and finish checks, but we’ve gone over it toe to tip to make sure everything is ready to roll—this one’s got a clean bill of health. Additionally, there’s a Fishman Matrix Infinity pickup installed that’s killer; ready for the stage today, the recording studio tomorrow.

Other keywords: james olson, olson guitars, james taylor, allen Shadd, flatpicking, bluegrass, flatpick, herringbone, 28-style, schaller