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  #1  
Old 10-15-2018, 09:33 PM
mmcs1202 mmcs1202 is offline
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Default NGD -2018 Olson BRW SJ

Hi everyone,
I thought I’d share some photos of my long-awaited SJ, built this year by James Olson.
I *believe I may hold the title for the longest time (# of years) -between the day a guitar by Jim became my “someday” wish ...and my dream guitar finally coming to fruition: 36 years. (*If I’m wrong about this, feel free to correct me.)

The basis for my presumption: I had a babysitting job with the Olson’s when I was 14 yrs. old, wayyyy back in 1982; This was when I first had the opportunity to play one of Jim’s guitars. The tone and beauty of that instrument was unforgettable.

I visited the idea of ordering a guitar from Jim -several times- over the following years, but couldn’t justify doing so....especially given my relatively low playing ability, and the fact that playing the guitar is a mere hobby for me. (I’m not a professional artist/performer; I couldn’t get away with playing one on TV, either.)

Well, this year, my husband decided -and insisted, when I balked- that my 50th birthday gift would be a guitar built by Jim...AND instructed that I include/add any specifications or details I wanted. (When I mentioned this to Jim, he said: “Wow...He must really like you!” Lol!)

I’ve always had a difficult time when it comes to making decisions -and this was no exception.
I spent many (I’m ashamed to admit how many) months agonizing over the fretboard design & other details... Building a guitar can become quite a rabbit-hole, if you allow it to! But I eventually crawled my way out, and am absolutely thrilled with the end result.
The inlay design I finally decided on was executed to perfection by Larry Robinson. I have no doubt that I tried his patience with all of my questions & pickiness throughout the process.

Anyway, without further ado (my apologies for such a long ado).... Here are a few photos of my “dream” guitar.
She sounds even better than she looks.






















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Last edited by mmcs1202; 10-15-2018 at 09:49 PM.
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Old 10-15-2018, 09:37 PM
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mikealpine mikealpine is offline
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That is an incredible instrument and a wonderful story! Congratulations!!
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Old 10-15-2018, 09:38 PM
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TomB'sox TomB'sox is offline
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Congrats on virtually a life long dream come true. I grew up about 15 miles from where Jim lives so we must have been neighbors if you babysat for him...the fretboard is stunning.
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Old 10-15-2018, 09:40 PM
mmcs1202 mmcs1202 is offline
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Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikealpine View Post
That is an incredible instrument and a wonderful story! Congratulations!!
Thanks, Mike😊.
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Olson Custom SJ (2018)
Gibson J45 Custom (2014)
Martin SPD-16R (2000)
Wechter Traditional Custom (2003)
Yamaha LL16 (2000)
Yamaha FG 460 S-12 (1986)

www.youtube.com/mmcs1222
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Old 10-15-2018, 09:45 PM
mmcs1202 mmcs1202 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TomB'sox View Post
Congrats on virtually a life long dream come true. I grew up about 15 miles from where Jim lives so we must have been neighbors if you babysat for him...the fretboard is stunning.
Thank you, Tom😊.
Yes- I live in TN now, but grew up on the West Side of St. Paul (which is where Jim & Sue lived at the time). Do you mean you’re near there, or Circle Pines (where he lives currently)?
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________
Olson Custom SJ (2018)
Gibson J45 Custom (2014)
Martin SPD-16R (2000)
Wechter Traditional Custom (2003)
Yamaha LL16 (2000)
Yamaha FG 460 S-12 (1986)

www.youtube.com/mmcs1222
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Old 10-15-2018, 10:08 PM
JoeCharter JoeCharter is offline
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Your SJ looks fantastic!

Quite possibly the prettiest inlays I've seen on one of Jim's guitars. Absolutely wonderful.

Congrats!
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Old 10-15-2018, 10:19 PM
alistairm alistairm is offline
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That is absolutely gorgeous.

The inlay is brilliant, and matches the instrument perfectly. And the BRW is gorgeous. I have a feeling I have a very good idea how it sounds!
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Old 10-15-2018, 11:21 PM
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I just about fainted.... Congrats...!!!
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Old 10-15-2018, 11:29 PM
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That’s a staggeringly beautiful guitar!
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Old 10-16-2018, 02:27 AM
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Deft Tungsman Deft Tungsman is offline
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That is a beautiful guitar and a wonderful story. The inlay is so sweet, and that abalone ring around the soundhole is outrageous!! You are definitely one lucky ex-babysitter!

Let's hear it for all those spouses/partners who support us guitar junkies!
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Old 10-16-2018, 03:45 AM
Vaillant75 Vaillant75 is offline
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What an amazing guitar, and quite a story to match!
Jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Enjoy it,
Tom
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Old 10-16-2018, 05:09 AM
stringjunky stringjunky is offline
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I guessed, wrongly, Jimi Wingert had done the inlay as that seems her style. Larry has certainly done a monumental job... the wings on that insect are perfect. You've clearly caught everyone involved at the peak of their powers... super.
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Old 10-16-2018, 05:27 AM
jt1 jt1 is offline
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A beautiful instrument and even more beautiful story. Thanks for sharing both with us.
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Old 10-16-2018, 05:34 AM
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He was right about your husband! Good lord, what an amazing instrument. The inlay would be a little busy for me, but it's AMAZING work and I can't imagine a nicer execution of what you wanted.

Congratulations! Play it well for many many many years to come!
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Old 10-16-2018, 05:46 AM
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Great story, great husband, beautiful instrument.
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