NGD - not quite yet, but ordered an Olson!

[cpabolting]

Do yourself a favor...buy an Olson. They are beautifully made, hold their value, and are worth every penny. Truth.

[TJNies]

Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that my abilities do not merit an Olson.
Amazingly, my wife was on-board to move forward.

I was hoping to at least play one before committing but it appears no one in my area has one (or at least willing to let me hold and play it).

I'd want to go for the Brazilian, and I suspect no matter how good it is I will second-guess myself and question the outlay of cash. Perhaps a used one will come available some time in the future.

I may consider a vintage 000-28 in the future, but for now I resign myself to my current Martins (don't feel too bad for me!).

OP, keep us informed so I can live vicariously!

[frances50]

Originally Posted by TJNies

Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that my abilities do not merit an Olson.
Amazingly, my wife was on-board to move forward.

I was hoping to at least play one before committing but it appears no one in my area has one (or at least willing to let me hold and play it).

I'd want to go for the Brazilian, and I suspect no matter how good it is I will second-guess myself and question the outlay of cash. Perhaps a used one will come available some time in the future.

I may consider a vintage 000-28 in the future, but for now I resign myself to my current Martins (don't feel too bad for me!).

OP, keep us informed so I can live vicariously!

If I went on playing abilities, I wouldn't have purchased my Olson. My analogy to learning how to play a guitar is similar to learning to drive a car. It's far more enjoyable to learn to drive a Cadillac than a Yugo (no slam to anyone who has or has ever owned a Yugo). My Olson doesn't make me sound any better, but she sure is fun to play.

I do agree that one has to prioritize purchases and if you want to play an Olson before you buy or commission one, that may limit your options. For me, playing a guitar before purchase has never been an issue.

Olson guitars tend to hold their value, so I wouldn't expect to save a lot on a used one versus a commission although deals do come around from time to time.

Vintage Martins can cost a bundle as well, many costing more than an Olson. I've done a little browsing in that area too. But it's always fun to keep looking.

[Stevied63]

Originally Posted by TJNies

Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that my abilities do not merit an Olson.
Amazingly, my wife was on-board to move forward.

I was hoping to at least play one before committing but it appears no one in my area has one (or at least willing to let me hold and play it).

I'd want to go for the Brazilian, and I suspect no matter how good it is I will second-guess myself and question the outlay of cash. Perhaps a used one will come available some time in the future.

I may consider a vintage 000-28 in the future, but for now I resign myself to my current Martins (don't feel too bad for me!).

OP, keep us informed so I can live vicariously!

I will definitely add to this thread once I get some build pics! I don't think Jim returns from Arizona until April, so may be a little while, but the anticipation is half the fun.

I understand your decision - it's a lot of money. I'm sure you already know, but Luthiers Collection has a number of used ones available.

[drplayer]

Originally Posted by TJNies

Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that my abilities do not merit an Olson.

I've heard others make similar statements over the years, and my response is always the same...HOGWASH! if an Olson is what you truly desire, and if you can afford one without it causing any financial grief or stress, then you should get one. Life is too short to allow our decisions to be jaded by misdirected guilt and/or the self-deprecating feelings of unworthiness. Step outside & smell the flowers.

[runamuck]

Originally Posted by TJNies

Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that my abilities do not merit an Olson.)

Good for you, Why not use money where it makes the most sense. If it's that disposable maybe you could pass on your good fortune to another in some way.

[TomB'sox]

Originally Posted by drplayer

I've heard others make similar statements over the years, and my response is always the same...HOGWASH! if an Olson is what you truly desire, and if you can afford one without it causing any financial grief or stress, then you should get one. Life is too short to allow our decisions to be jaded by misdirected guilt and/or the self-deprecating feelings of unworthiness. Step outside & smell the flowers.

Originally Posted by runamuck

Good for you, Why not use money where it makes the most sense. If it's that disposable maybe you could pass on your good fortune to another in some way.

Well, there you have it then, these two opinions should really help you make your decision...

[drplayer]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Well, there you have it then, these two opinions should really help you make your decision...

Yep, about as helpful as any other post on AGF offering opinions...

[TomB'sox]

Originally Posted by drplayer

Yep, about as helpful as any other post on AGF offering opinions...

HAHAHA, I mean really, right? Back to back posts paraphrasing of course: Hey, you have worked hard for your money, life is too short, reward yourself for your obvious hardwork before it is too late and you regret that life has passed you by. Of course followed by: If you have that much extra cash you don't need it, give it away to charity and help someone other than yourself...

Those two posts could not be more opposite.

Sorry to hijack, just found the irony too good to pass up...ps. I am a fan of the first advise with some good will thrown in as well....FWIW.

[TJNies]

Originally Posted by drplayer

I've heard others make similar statements over the years, and my response is always the same...HOGWASH! if an Olson is what you truly desire, and if you can afford one without it causing any financial grief or stress, then you should get one. Life is too short to allow our decisions to be jaded by misdirected guilt and/or the self-deprecating feelings of unworthiness. Step outside & smell the flowers.

I actually cannot disagree with you, and that is how my wife feels. That's why her comment was simply, "If you really want it, get it. We work hard in stressful jobs for our money".

Originally Posted by runamuck

Good for you, Why not use money where it makes the most sense. If it's that disposable maybe you could pass on your good fortune to another in some way.

Well, we have no heirs, so as far as i'm concerned I hope my last penny is spent the moment I die!

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

HAHAHA, I mean really, right? Back to back posts paraphrasing of course: Hey, you have worked hard for your money, life is too short, reward yourself for your obvious hardwork before it is too late and you regret that life has passed you by. Of course followed by: If you have that much extra cash you don't need it, give it away to charity and help someone other than yourself...

Those two posts could not be more opposite.

Sorry to hijack, just found the irony too good to pass up...ps. I am a fan of the first advise with some good will thrown in as well....FWIW.

I do deserve these replies - you guy are like the angel and devil on my shoulders! Except both are correct.

[TJNies]

Originally Posted by TJNies

Yes, by "too deep" I did in fact mean body depth. I do have a D-28 but am not entirely comfortable with that size. It's by far my least-played guitar. I compared my 000-42 vs the Olson SJ measurements, and the waist is a tiny bit smaller than the 000, and the depth is about 1/2" more for the SJ. All other measurement differences were negligible.

Evidently I can't read...the SJ is almost 3/4" deeper than the 000; doesn't seem like it should make that much difference, but the depth of a D-28 is a little uncomfortable for me, since I am not that big and usually play seated.

Not sure if the body shape differences vs. a dread would offset the depth issue.

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by TJNies

Evidently I can't read...the SJ is almost 3/4" deeper than the 000; doesn't seem like it should make that much difference, but the depth of a D-28 is a little uncomfortable for me, since I am not that big and usually play seated.

Not sure if the body shape differences vs. a dread would offset the depth issue.

Maybe try to play your 000 with two sweaters? That would probably add half an inch or so.

Or perhaps ask Jim for a Manzer wedge?

[mikealpine]

I hate to add to any confusion, but have you had a chance to play a Ryan with an arm bevel? Or any of our other very talented luthier-built guitars with an arm and rib bevel? I'm 5' 5", and don't have the longest wingspan, and both of those options make larger guitars much easier to play for me. I know you want an Olsen, and though I've never played one I can perhaps understand that nothing else can sound like one, but figured I'd make this suggestion in case you want to pursue an avenue that allows you to have a stellar guitar built for you that fits you better.

[TJNies]

Originally Posted by mikealpine

I hate to add to any confusion, but have you had a chance to play a Ryan with an arm bevel? Or any of our other very talented luthier-built guitars with an arm and rib bevel? I'm 5' 5", and don't have the longest wingspan, and both of those options make larger guitars much easier to play for me. I know you want an Olsen, and though I've never played one I can perhaps understand that nothing else can sound like one, but figured I'd make this suggestion in case you want to pursue an avenue that allows you to have a stellar guitar built for you that fits you better.

I appreciate the mention. Once again, I'd really like to play any guitar before I decide.
Jim Olson had said that I had a 48-hour approval period where I could return the guitar if I didn't care for it. I'd only be out shipping both ways.

Anyone who has an Olson and a Martin dreadnaught can explain if the depth is offset by the body shape (making the depth less obvious)? I find the overall size of a D to be more than I am comfortable with full-time.

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by TJNies

I appreciate the mention. Once again, I'd really like to play any guitar before I decide.
Jim Olson had said that I had a 48-hour approval period where I could return the guitar if I didn't care for it. I'd only be out shipping both ways.

Anyone who has an Olson and a Martin dreadnaught can explain if the depth is offset by the body shape (making the depth less obvious)? I find the overall size of a D to be more than I am comfortable with full-time.

It doesn't feel like a dread at all.

That being said everyone's physical limitations are different and I can't answer your question.

Short of trying an Olson SJ, you could probably locate a J-185 and give it a shot. The J-185 is actually slightly larger but the curves are similar.

Quite frankly I think you worry a lot for very little.