Here we got a gorgeous example of Jim Olson’s work, with some atypical wood combinations. Mahogany and Sitka Spruce is by no means an unheard of combo, but Jim is mostly known for his Rosewood and Cedar guitars. So this 2000 SJ really stands out from the mix and brings some fresh flavor to the table. A quick voice, snappy and punchy. Playability is classic Olson, very easy on the hands. Slender net profile. Looking for a unique Olson to add a splash to your collection? Ready for the plucking!

Other keywords: lutherie, james olson, 923, fingerstyle, james taylor

A masterpiece from Jim Olson, and a work of art from Larry Robinson. The 2011 Olson Lion is incredible. Brazilian Rosewood back and sides with Cedar top and extensive Abalone trim, cutaway, BRW rosette and bindings–then Larry’s intricate inlay artwork all along the fingerboard and headstock. A pair of lions peer out from under the strings, the outlines of their bodies reminscent of twinned mountains, while a dramatic sunscape is rendered above them in various shades of pearl and shell and 14-18ct gold. The attention to detail is astonishing, and the flawlessness of the execution humbling. Then there’s the voice. Crystal clear and responsive, top end chime and a bass register that fills the voice without overpowering it.

Other keywords: lutherie, james olson, calton, 1373, inlay art, bespoke, brazilain

This SJ comes to us as a well preserved example of Jim Olson’s handiwork from the 1990s. A build date right in the middle at 1995 puts this beauty at 29 years young today, and it’s still going strong and ready for action. Indian Rosewood body with Cedar top, and both have been trimmed out with addtional purflings and Abalone for a striking, outstanding aesthetic. You’ll find an intricate series of fleur-de-lis position markers and at the bridge wings extend the pearl motif; ditto for the headplate trim. The end result is a dressed-to-the-nines ’95 Olson SJ.

Other keywords: lutherie, james olson, james taylor, fingerstyle, 237

A sumptuous feast is this 2011 Olson SJ. Chocolate-dark Brazilian Rosewood, rich Red Cedar top, and aodrned from head to tail with extensive and well-executed Abalone inlays. The fingerboard is replete with a tree of life vine; the headstock and top are trimmed out; and the rosette ties together Brazilian Rosewood with Abalone at its center. This beauty has been well cared for and is in excellent shape. A masterstroke from the man himself, Jim Olson.

Other keywords: james olson, james taylor, 1374, fingerstyle, petteway, brazilain, fingerpicking

Here’s an Olson SJ to set you apart from the crowd–outfitted with Presentation Grade Koa back and sides, Sitka Spruce top, Brazilian Rosewood bindings (plus rosette), and Koa/Maple fleur-de-lis position markers all along the fingerboard. We’ve seen so many Rosewood/Cedar Olsons over the years, and we’ve loved every one of them, but it’s great to see a new wood combination from Jim to spice things up with this 2004 build. Accordingly, the voice is quick and punchy, has a bump in the mids that really sings out when you play big chords, and all that while maintaining the sparkle in the trebles that Olsons are all known for. The result is an energetic SJ that manages to play and sound familiar and fresh at the same time.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, james olson, james taylor, stika, 1117, calton

Slice of heaven. It’s always a pleasure to have an Olson in the shop, but this 2020 JT Clone takes the cake for wide open, sweet mids, and the classic top end sparkle that Jim’s known for. Additionally, being a JT Clone this model has been seriously upgraded with chocolate-dark Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides with Cedar on top, BRW rosette and bindings, extensive Abalone trim and dove inlays along the fingerboard, plus an L.R. Baggs LB6 pickup.

This is more than a collector’s piece. It’s more than a great-sounding guitar. It’s a lifetime instrument.

Other keywords: lutherie, james olson, james taylor, 1618, mainstage, fingerstyle, brazilain

A chance to own a particularly desirable and collectable Olson! This 2013 James Taylor Signature Series 1 model is one of only 80 such instruments built by Jim, based on Taylor’s personal Olson with dove inlays, Abalone trime and rosette, and here featuring a tight-grained Indian Rosewood body plus Cedar top. Very well cared for, this guitar is very minty and plays like butter. The voice has a great mix of sweetness, power, and definition across the registers. The kind of guitar that makes even wrong notes sound good.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, fingerstyle, 1429, signature guitar