I've only had my Olson SJ "The Tree" for a bit over a week and I've already nearly dinged it twice.
The first time I stopped about an inch away from banging the top against the mic stand. And the second time I actually swung the guitar against that same mic stand -- but miraculously the metal pole got stuck between two tuner buttons and never touched the wood. A friend of mine actually had to help me separate the two objects.
All of this is telling me that I need a less blingy Olson. It's not a matter of money as there isn't that much of a difference -- but a plain guitar always survives a few marks better than one with paua all over the place.
And quite objectively, the Olson SJ is a really good fit with my visual and sonic preferences.
So I've asked Jim to build me something similar to James Taylor's signature guitar -- but with BRW back and sides and BRW veneer on the back of the peghead. Everything else, including the three-ring rosette, the solid MOP inlays and even the black pickguard, will be "vintage" spec.
Here's a picture of the guitar that inspired me:
So another Olson build will start in just a few months. Yes, it's very unreasonable -- but we only live once...
Happy New Year!