Olson Acoustics ... what are your thoughts?

[TuckerRE]

CPA, I do not disagree with what you're saying and as for me, I think I don't get along with cedar as much as you do, perhaps. I find that they sound GREAT on day one, but I much prefer how the spruces mature with time. My Santa Cruz "Tree" seems to run circles around my Olson, but as you say, our ears may be different. I happen to like mahog on larger guitars, not so much on smaller. Have a Port Orford cedar classical coming soon so I can then comment on it, but so far I am not a huge fan of cedar as it ages...perhaps, as you say, just me.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts - do not disagree.

Cheers.......

[cpabolting]

Originally Posted by TuckerRE

CPA, I do not disagree with what you're saying and as for me, I think I don't get along with cedar as much as you do, perhaps. I find that they sound GREAT on day one, but I much prefer how the spruces mature with time. My Santa Cruz "Tree" seems to run circles around my Olson, but as you say, our ears may be different. I happen to like mahog on larger guitars, not so much on smaller. Have a Port Orford cedar classical coming soon so I can then comment on it, but so far I am not a huge fan of cedar as it ages...perhaps, as you say, just me.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts - do not disagree.

Cheers.......

Cedar goes with his sj...always has and always will be his signature guitar. And that is what I believe made him famous. That said, he builds wonderful dreads as do many other builders. Here is my adi topped brazilian dread Olson. I think is spectacular... though I am not playing it, a friend recorded with it.

http://vimeo.com/58733511

[dylanheeg]

Originally Posted by Armadillo

Part of the higher prices of owning an OLSON had to do with what some would call the American way. I think that Jim realized after he got so far behind in orders and the guitars were selling for more on the second hand market than he was making, he made a wise business decision to go up in price. Smart move on his part. If you have never owned a business it's hard to understand the pressures of having a 3-4 year back log of work and the expenses that go along with it. He does make a fine instrument. Is it worth $10-$20k. Evidently a lot of folks think so. I am sure like every builder experiences not all instruments sound the same so judging his instruments by playing one is not good evaluation. I am not sure why Olsons seem to be the only guitars that most question why the high cost, when there are many other builders charging the same or more and don't seem to be scrutinized as much. Knowing what it takes to build an acoustic, he has paid his dues and deserves to charge whatever he feels like he needs to make a comfortable living. I think the acoustic community is a better place for having someone like him and Mr Hoffman and numerous others to look up to and try to emulate their success. Life is to short. My .02 cents.

^^^ this. Supply and demand. It is the only way to determine value in a subjective item where raw materials cost the same for each builder. You are paying more for Jim's time than you would for someone else's time. Supply and demand....god bless America

[cpabolting]

Originally Posted by dylanheeg

^^^ this. Supply and demand. It is the only way to determine value in a subjective item where raw materials cost the same for each builder. You are paying more for Jim's time than you would for someone else's time. Supply and demand....god bless America

Cheers to that..the good news is they hold their value well. I would rather spend $15,000 on a guitar that in 10 years is worth $15,000 than one that costs $7000 now and worth $3,000 in 10 years. There is time value of money to consider, but Olson won't build guitars forever and in my mind, they will always be sought after particularly when he is no longer building!