Olson SJ BRW

JoeCharter · #1 12-31-2012, 12:50 PM

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!

Fsgeek · #2 12-31-2012, 12:55 PM

Congrats on your beautiful guitar... are you planning to have another cedar topped SJ??? One of the best Olsons I have played had an Engelmann spruce over braz... Happy New Gear, I mean Happy New Year

JoeCharter · #3 12-31-2012, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fsgeek

Congrats on your beautiful guitar... are you planning to have another cedar topped SJ??? One of the best Olsons I have played had an Engelmann spruce over braz... Happy New Gear, I mean Happy New Year

Thanks!

Yes it will be another cedar top Olson. Sonically it won't be too far off the one I already have -- but it's semi important for me to own a guitar that is close enough to JT's main guitar. As silly as it may seem, I really want that black pickguard!

If all goes well, I'll commission a blingy Olson with a spruce top in 2014.

jeastman · #4 12-31-2012, 01:42 PM

If I were blessed enough to own an Olson, it would look exactly like that. Great choice!

ZekeM · #5 12-31-2012, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

If all goes well, I'll commission a blingy Olson with a spruce top in 2014.

3 olsons

I wish I wish I wish.

You are a lucky man joe

ukejon · #6 12-31-2012, 03:26 PM

You are ordering an Olson beater? Dang!

#7 12-31-2012, 03:26 PM

Ok, Joe, you are not helping my contentment with this new thread!!!

Seriously, I am very excited for you and am eager to watch this thread as it develops. As I mentioned to you before, IF I am able to commission a second Olson, it will definitely be spruce/RW non-cutaway. But no pick guard, not even clear. I just can't do it

But I know what you are going for here (classic JT).

Billy Boy · #8 12-31-2012, 03:37 PM

Oh, my goodness, Mau! Already "The Tree" Olson, and now a braz/cedar on order, and potentially a braz/spruce in a couple of years?!?! I save my pennies to get my one Olson, and I feel very fortunate to own that. It's currently shown on Jim's website under "Recently Sold" at the bottom of page 3. Not much bling, but I sure love it!

http://www.olsonguitars.com/rs.php?page=3

I look forward to your continuing this thread once the build begins.

JoeCharter · #9 12-31-2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeastman

If I were blessed enough to own an Olson, it would look exactly like that. Great choice!

Thank you!

I actually saw a similarly appointed model at Jim's shop -- and in person it is really gorgeous. The photos often make the guitar look a bit bland -- but with the pickguard on it has a great vibe.

JoeCharter · #10 12-31-2012, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZekeM

3 olsons

I wish I wish I wish.

You are a lucky man joe

Well, for now, just one Olson...

I grew up in a suburb of Montreal dreaming of owning a car so I could stay out past 11 pm. Now I live downtown and call a taxi when I have to go anywhere. Huge yearly savings.

I've also lived in the same modest place for the past 10 years and my mortgage accounts for less than 5% of my income.

I'll look for a bigger place when I run out of storage room for my guitars!

JoeCharter · #11 12-31-2012, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukejon

You are ordering an Olson beater? Dang!

I beat my guitars very gently -- but yes, an Olson beater indeed.

I treat my guitars very nicely but I do play long hours -- wear and tear will inevitably show up. I'm not much of a collector but I'd like to spare the ornate Olson a bit if I can...

JoeCharter · #12 12-31-2012, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GraceGuitars

Ok, Joe, you are not helping my contentment with this new thread!!!

Seriously, I am very excited for you and am eager to watch this thread as it develops. As I mentioned to you before, IF I am able to commission a second Olson, it will definitely be spruce/RW non-cutaway. But no pick guard, not even clear. I just can't do it

But I know what you are going for here (classic JT).

Hey Jon,

Yeah I call it my "faux JTSM". From the front it'll be just like the signature model. I actually prefer the JTSM I to the new/upgraded model.

I meant to ask you, do you use your Charis and Olson in similar contexts or do you try to spare the Olson a bit when you choose which instrument to play/gig with? I was curious to know what motivated you to commission those three builds.

cigarfan · #13 12-31-2012, 05:17 PM

Wow! Another Olson?

I guess as a previous customer you must get preferential access to Jim's build schedule. That's amazing!

Congrats big guy! I know you can make em' sing. Seems only fitting you should have a few.

cedarkoa599 · #14 12-31-2012, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

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!

if I were you I think I would do the same thing.

#15 12-31-2012, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

Hey Jon,

Yeah I call it my "faux JTSM". From the front it'll be just like the signature model. I actually prefer the JTSM I to the new/upgraded model.

I meant to ask you, do you use your Charis and Olson in similar contexts or do you try to spare the Olson a bit when you choose which instrument to play/gig with? I was curious to know what motivated you to commission those three builds.

The bottom line: tonal variety. I use them interchangeably pretty much regardless of the type of piece, depending on what mood I'm in

As to what motivated the builds, it was hearing Michael Card perform and record with both a Charis and Olson. Michael played a cedar/EIR Charis GC and also an cedar/EIR Olson SJ. I wanted the spruce/EIR Charis to replace my original Charis that I had sold with similar specs.