Olson 12 string?

kyee · #1 06-04-2010, 12:58 PM

Does anyone here have an Olson 12 string? Was thinking my Ryan 12 string might like some company ...

Want some feedback on how Jim's 12 strings sound. thanks.

cpabolting · #2 06-04-2010, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyee

Does anyone here have an Olson 12 string? Was thinking my Ryan 12 string might like some company ...

Want some feedback on how Jim's 12 strings sound. thanks.

I asked Jim Olson about one....he said NO....like 4 times NO. and then he said "NO I WON"T DO THAT".....but wouldn't it be seriously schweet.

kyee · #3 06-04-2010, 07:05 PM

Really? He offers a 12 string option on his website.

cpabolting · #4 06-05-2010, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyee

Really? He offers a 12 string option on his website.

I know he does and that is what he said. I am sure one would be a work of art.

Bevelman · #5 06-05-2010, 06:20 AM

From Jim's site:

-12- · #6 06-05-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpabolting

I asked Jim Olson about one....he said NO....like 4 times NO. and then he said "NO I WON"T DO THAT".....but wouldn't it be seriously schweet.

It takes a real pro to build a good 12 string :>)

cpabolting · #7 06-05-2010, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -12-

It takes a real pro to build a good 12 string :>)

I would assume so, just aren't sure if you are saying something other than that.

brian a. · #8 06-05-2010, 07:02 PM

Send Jim an email or call him and ask him yourself if he will build you a 12 string.
Another Minnesota builder to check out would be Michael Keller.

http://www.kellerguitars.com/keller_content.html

-12- · #9 06-05-2010, 07:02 PM

He's just saying he's not capable of building a decent 12. That's all. and I agree with him.

Look around. everyone can build a guitar.. Not everyone can build a 12 that's worth you-know-what.

Did you notice he builds mostly cedar topped guitars? He's a one trick pony, thats why.

cpabolting · #10 06-05-2010, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -12-

He's just saying he's not capable of building a decent 12. That's all. and I agree with him.

Look around. everyone can build a guitar.. Not everyone can build a 12 that's worth you-know-what.

Did you notice he builds mostly cedar topped guitars? He's a one trick pony, thats why.

You have no idea what you are talking about to stay the least.

His dreads are better than ANY other dread I have played and I have literally played hundreds of them.

On his worst day, he could build a 12 string that would be in the top 5 I am certain.

One trick pony? You really know how to open up and remove all doubt.

Hey....why don't you show us a picture your 12 string? I would be very interested to see what you are using as your frame of reference.

keyshore · #11 06-06-2010, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -12-

He's just saying he's not capable of building a decent 12. That's all. and I agree with him.

Look around. everyone can build a guitar.. Not everyone can build a 12 that's worth you-know-what.

Did you notice he builds mostly cedar topped guitars? He's a one trick pony, thats why.

Hi,

Just to keep the record straight, Jim's guitars in any wood combinations are one of the most sought after instruments the world over, that's why, even in these tough economic times, a used Olson is snapped up quickly, try going through the website of dream guitars, you will find almost everyone from Traugott to wayne henderson, but Olsons are gone sometimes before they can be listed on the website.

Besides his guitar building skills, Jim is one of the most modest, soft spoken man I have ever spoken to, he is a source of inspiration to his fellow guitar builders,he has also not only personally tutored but has allowed luthiers to take detailed measurements of his bracing techniques etc. Some of the guitars being built, are blatant copies of Jim's SJs but only Jim is blessed with that special tone. Sure, there are many other great builders around but IMHO Jim will always be special.

The only reason, I think why he will not agree to built a 12 string because he will probably not have the time at his age at this point of time to invest in a 12 string which I am sure will be more time consuming then his usual SJs.

If he does agree to build one as a special favor to someone, it will be a work of art, no mistake about it.

"One trick pony"?, respectfully I dont think so.

Keyshore

riorider · #12 06-06-2010, 09:08 AM

Quote:

He's a one trick pony, thats why.

Here's another pony trick from Jim: 'tree' mahogany b/s with a spruce top. And one of the best I've ever seen.

Cheers,

rr

jeastman · #13 06-06-2010, 09:45 AM

Although I've never owned an Olson, I've played quite a few of them (though still probably not as many as Keith owns!). Two of them were Cedar topped.

I think the comment that he is a 'one-trick pony' may be one of the most unqualified criticisms I've heard in a while. Not only is Jim listed at the top of the heap by many guitarists, but many luthiers as well.

The fact that he builds mostly cedar topped 6 strings probably is a better indication that the has more than enough work to keep him busy for years, so why not chose the ingredients he really likes working with.

K III · #14 06-06-2010, 10:39 AM

I am really glad I commissioned the one trick with "Jim the pony" that he knows. No reason for me to ride upside-down on a pony if the pony had properly riding jockeys in 30+ years of pony tricks.

Oh, I hope I didn't catch the pony off track when I ordered a unique fretboard inlay. Maybe I should change to plain or "Olson No. 1", just to make sure and not put the carriage in front of the pony.

Coke_zero · #15 06-06-2010, 01:22 PM

Just because he enjoys using cedar doesn't mean he is a one trick pony. I'm sure a lot of builders prefer using certain woods but it's just preference.

I've never seen a 12 string Olsen build thread on the AGF before, would be interesting to see.