January 2009 \ Eye Candy \ Modern Builder Vault \ Modern Builder Vault: James A. Olson Guitars

Modern Builder Vault: James A. Olson Guitars

A look at James A. Olson's 30th Anniversary Model
Premier Guitar January 2009

Luthier James A. Olson performs every aspect of guitar construction and has been honing his reputation as a fine flattop maker since 1977. Known for his custom tooling and high profile clients like James Taylor and Phil Keaggy, Olson’s starting price for a custom guitar is $12,500. He currently produces about 40 guitars a year with a wait time of about nine months.


The guitar pictured here is one of two Anniversary Models Olson produced to celebrate his 30th year of guitar making. Identical except for one model having a cutaway, the guitars have cedar tops and “special reserve” Brazilian rosewood backs and sides. They feature Brazilian and paua shell rosettes, old growth Brazilian rosewood neck laminates and WBW purfling. These Anniversary Models also feature fossilized ivory nuts, saddles and bridge pins. This model features special fingerboard inlays by Larry Robinson. It sold for $35,000.

olsonguitars.com

     

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Comments

 (8 comments) display by
UsernameComment
Penn Rettig
on 02/11/2013 		I must alas part with my 92 Rosewood Olson. Just can't stand to get ripped by a dealer on such a treasure. Penn Pennrettig@gmail.com
JrT
on 11/28/2011 		To RicJ: I have a 1995 Taylor 710. A classic. Aas a live performing player, those who have heard it marvel at the tone and balance. The "REP" on older Taylors is no low-end. This one has it with room to spare. It has been played. So . . . I might consider trading for one of your Olsen's, might. (I have owned Charis, Collings, Martin, R. Taylor, Langejans) This 710 is for real.
oneplayer28
on 09/29/2010 		I am waiting for my 1st Olsen right now. After talking with Jim, only those with a lighter touch will really find the gold in his guitars. Not good for those who really push their guitars hard. I have heard nothing but "wows" coming from other Olsen owners I know. Sounds like James Taylor agrees.
Ricj
on 05/25/2009 		Hello, I own 11 Olsons and they are the finest guitar ever. I have Martins and Taylors. The Martins are classic and wonderful, the Taylors have some really nice collectors features. The Olson's do not even compare on any level. There ae some classic Martin's to be kept be cause they are classic martin's. I am yet to play a classic Taylor though I have a few which are really nice and make for a really nice collections item. My Olosn' on the other hand are keepers, every on eof them
rr
RE
on 04/11/2009 		I am actively engaged in purchasing a cedar Olson. Historically, I have been attracted to spruce top guitars and played a spruce Olson a few years ago (was knocked out!)I am a tad concerned about cedar's headroom if "pushed"..Any comments from your experience would be appreciated.
JJ
on 02/17/2009 		I recently recieved my Olson Guitar after a 9 month wait. It is simply a dream to play and hear. The action is so easy and sound so rich. There is no comparison. It comes with a steep price tag and it is worth every penny.
Rich
on 01/30/2009 		And a month later, they are still the best
Rich
on 12/23/2008 		Olson Guitars are simply the best



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