An extraordinary early gem from the legendary bench of Jim Olson—serial number 56, and the earliest Olson we’ve ever had the pleasure of offering here at Dream Guitars. This is a 1980 Olson Dreadnought built with Indian Rosewood back and sides paired with a Spruce top, and it’s a remarkable window into the genesis of one of the most sought-after modern luthiers in the world.
Already in this early work, you can see Jim experimenting with and refining the tonal architecture that would later define his signature sound: clarity, balance, and warmth, all housed in a traditional dreadnought frame. The Indian Rosewood delivers depth and power, while the Spruce top offers a quick, articulate response—qualities that have only improved with decades of play.
A Schertler Bluestick pickup has been installed, making this piece ready for the stage as well as the studio. And yes, this guitar has been played—and beautifully so. The honest play wear tells a story of music made and miles traveled, the kind of patina that speaks to a life well lived in sound. We love seeing instruments like this: well-loved, open, and alive.
For the collector, this is an incredibly rare opportunity to own a historically significant Olson, from a time before his waitlist stretched for years and his name became synonymous with bespoke tone. And for the player, it’s a chance to experience the roots of that Olson magic—warm, articulate, and undeniably musical.
Other keywords/misspellings: Luthier, lutherie, handmade, james taylor, 56
I’ve known Jim Olson a long time, and it’s always special to see one of his early guitars come through the shop. This one—serial number 56—is the earliest we’ve had, and it really shows where Jim was headed even back then. The tone is wide open and full of character, thanks to years of honest play. You can hear the beginnings of that classic Olson sound. For anyone who appreciates Jim’s work, this is a rare and meaningful piece. 
Oh, the perks of maturity: an early, low serial number Olson, Dreadnought no less, with the marks of regular use like badges of honor. This beau is sweet and warm, combining bloom on the low registers with a focused, crisp set of treble strings. 1 in stock
| Scale Length | 25.4 in |
|---|---|
| Nut Width | 1.688 in |
| String Spacing | 2.125 in |
| Woods | Spruce, Rosewood - Indian |
An extraordinary early gem from the legendary bench of Jim Olson—serial number 56, and the earliest Olson we've ever had the pleasure of offering here at Dream Guitars. This is a 1980 Olson Dreadnought built with Indian Rosewood back and sides paired with a Spruce top, and it’s a remarkable window into the genesis of one of the most sought-after modern luthiers in the world
I’ve known Jim Olson a long time, and it’s always special to see one of his early guitars come through the shop. This one—serial number 56—is the earliest we’ve had, and it really shows where Jim was headed even back then
Oh, the perks of maturity: an early, low serial number Olson, Dreadnought no less, with the marks of regular use like badges of honor. This beau is sweet and warm, combining bloom on the low registers with a focused, crisp set of treble strings. Select at least 2 products
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