NGD - not quite yet, but ordered an Olson!
 

So after trying to find just the right Olson SJ on the secondary market, I decided to contact Mr. Olson and see if he was still taking orders. He kindly agreed to build me a guitar this year - he acknowledged that he's slowing down, but the guitar I requested happens to be in his sweet spot and he can fit me in - I couldn't be more excited, especially as I don't think I would have this opportunity in the next couple of years.

It's going to be an SJ, cedar top and BRW back and sides. I'm going with a minimalist Ryan style 12th fret inlay.

Here are the specs, and a a couple of pics of what it should look like (although this one has the dove fret marker inlays, rather than the single 12 fret Ryan style that I will get).

SJ non cut-away
Brazilian Rosewood back and sides
Cedar top
Brazilian and Paua shell rosette
Brazilian binding and end wedge
Paua shell top edge, back center strip, and end wedge borders
Ebony fingerboard with WBW purfling
Ryan style 12th fret inlay on fingerboard
Ebony peghead front with Paua infilled "O" logo
Brazilian Rosewood peghead back veneer with ebony binding and WBW purfling
Gold tuners with ebony buttons and "O" logo
Calton "deluxe" flight case

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/...ront%20002.jpg

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/...back%20002.jpg

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/...ront%20002.jpg

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/...0close%201.jpg

http://i1163.photobucket.com/albums/...ead%20back.jpg

Wow, you should be excited. Keep us posted. What's the expected delivery date?

Not sure of an exact date yet - before the end of 2017. Could be a bit sooner, but I don't think Jim knows quite yet how many he wants to build this year.

Congratulations! Jim Olson makes one of the finest guitars on the planet! I look forward to hearing more about the journey and the final product.

When I custom ordered a guitar 13 or so years ago, I lusted after an Olson but just couldn't afford it. I was fortunate to be able to order a Wingert and have no regrets as it is a stellar instrument and comparable to an Olson. Jim's guitars are quite special.

Best,
Jayne

Sweet!!! Here's to a great ending to 2017 for ya.

Woa.. beautiful.. good luck, hope the wait is not too long.. Congrats!

Wow!! Breaking the bank. Congrats to you and good to hear Jim is still doing his thing. I played an Olson years ago that a guy had at a guitar camp I was attending. He bought it at a pawn shop on the left coast for 2k and it had been beaten to death by a flamenco type player. Cosmetically it was painful to look at, but it was by far the greatest guitar I have ever played. A true fingerstyle players dream.

Congratulations on your upcoming NGD. I can only imagine what the anticipation must be like as you wait for a masterpiece like this to arrive.

Looking forward to your NGD post later this year...pics AND sound clips required!!!

I'm jealous ...extremely jealous.

Congrats, can't wait to see the finished product.

Please keep us posted on your Olson adventure. How exciting that you have so much to look forward to in 2017! I love my Olson, although I purchased mine used from Guitar Gallery in 2014. I was fortunate, however, that a forum member was the original owner and he forwarded me build pics that Jim sent to him throughout his process. You will love that guitar. I love all of my guitars, but my Olson is by far the best of the bunch.

Man, BIG congrats! I've only had the privilege to play one Olson, but it was a fantastic guitar. I hope the time passes quickly and you are able to enjoy it soon!

Hi S-63

Congratulations! Best thing I ever for my playing did was order my Olson in 1992.

It's been my constant companion and main guitar now for 25 years.

I hope yours will be equally useful, and satisfying.



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Wow, that is going to be a wonderful guitar! I know you will be on pins and needles waiting for this guitar to be finished. Very nice!

I have an Olson SJ with EIR back and sides and cedar top. It's really a lovely guitar and sounds wonderful. I have played a BRW version of the Olson and it has a little more sparkle on the high end, a little clearer bass. Yours will be a true lifetime guitar!

- Glenn

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone. I am beyond excited and will find it hard to wait. I'll post pics as I get them...no sound clips from me as I'm too self-conscious of my playing to share (but perhaps I'll have one of my more talented friends do a piece!).

S