Olson SJ BRW

[ukejon]

However, as much as Larry Robinson's work is truly outstanding, I usually prefer my "collectible" to come from one artist rather than a collaboration.

Yes, I'm similarly selective. That is why I own a guitar that was made by Mr. Sigma himself. At least that is what I was told....

[mikealpine]

Bling on the fret board on a beater is fine. That doesn't get much abuse anyway. Go for it!!

[ukejon]

Bling on the fret board on a beater is fine. That doesn't get much abuse anyway. Go for it!!

Sort of like putting spinning gold hubcaps on a well worn 1978 Ford F150 pickup truck....

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

But please understand that bling is addictive so I have to quit one step at a time...

This further confirms my theory of 3 Olsons

[cedarkoa599]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

Guys, if I ever go for the paua edging again, you can give me a hard time.

But please understand that bling is addictive so I have to quit one step at a time...

Yes go for the bling since you have such a great piece of wood build another masterpiece!

Then the build another and have that one be your beater!

[JoeCharter]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I appreciate it!

Looking at Jim's list of options makes it difficult for me to walk away with a base instrument. Add some paua here and there -- and before you know it you're in serious trouble...

[Water cooled]

Hi Mau... I've been following your thread from sometime and I believe I am ready to "make the plunge" myself on an SJ JT Signature. Do you think this is the way to go or would it better to go for an SJ with some upgrades?

Thanks
Robert

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by Water cooled

Hi Mau... I've been following your thread from sometime and I believe I am ready to "make the plunge" myself on an SJ JT Signature. Do you think this is the way to go or would it better to go for an SJ with some upgrades?

Thanks
Robert

Hi Robert,

There is a small cost associated with having JT's signature on the label. However, the signature model also seems to do better on the used market.

Personally, I'm not much of a signature model guy but I was nonetheless very tempted by the JT -- notably because it is a "true" signature model.

In the end I've decided to come up with my own specs -- but that's totally a matter of personal preference.

Hope you come to an agreement with Jim. The SJ is a wonderful guitar.

[Water cooled]

Thank you Mau, I appreciate your input. Sorry, I did not mean to disturb the thread, however I needed some advice from an Olson owner. It's going to be a JT for me since thanks to you, I became aware the Jim has a few in production. Thank you so much got the info. I have a chance at a once in a lifetime situation.

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by Water cooled

Thank you Mau, I appreciate your input. Sorry, I did not mean to disturb the thread, however I needed some advice from an Olson owner. It's going to be a JT for me since thanks to you, I became aware the Jim has a few in production. Thank you so much got the info. I have a chance at a once in a lifetime situation.

Nice.

If you want a new JT, this is pretty much your last chance. Used ones don't come up very often -- and they usually go pretty fast.

Having JT's signature on the label won't make the guitar sound any better -- but it's a very cool collector's piece indeed.

[Water cooled]

I agree.

Last question...

Pick guard or not?

Strap peg or not?

Pick up or not. Sorry that is actually three questions.

I am not a professional musician. I'm just a guy that helps fix broken hearts. I work for a medical company that manufactures implantable devices for the heart. So I don't really need some the options above and oh BTW I play mostly finger style. Practically never use a flat pick.

Thanks again,
Robert

[mikealpine]

Based on what you wrote, and simply my opinion, and not as an Olsen owner:

- No pickguard
- Strap peg (unless you never plan to play standing, but I do fairly often)
- Pickup (an unobtrusive one)

No matter what you do, it should be an absolute joy to own!

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by Water cooled

Last question...

Pick guard or not?

Strap peg or not?

Pick up or not. Sorry that is actually three questions.

All a matter of personal preference. I do have an opinion for myself -- but not for others.

I certainly wouldn't want a strap peg on an acoustic unless I really plan to play it with a strap (which I don't).

[racman]

Originally Posted by Water cooled

I agree.

Last question...

Pick guard or not?

Strap peg or not?

Pick up or not. Sorry that is actually three questions.

I am not a professional musician. I'm just a guy that helps fix broken hearts. I work for a medical company that manufactures implantable devices for the heart. So I don't really need some the options above and oh BTW I play mostly finger style. Practically never use a flat pick.

Thanks again,
Robert

Simple answers:

1) Do you play "into" the top/Soundboard or not?

2) Do you use a Strap ... or not?

3) Do you plug in ... or not?

All three are easy to install later if your playing conditions change.

[Glennwillow]

The new Olson is going to be a great guitar, Mau. I sure enjoy mine. As you know, mine has no bling on it at all. A little would be nice, but I got a very nice deal on a used one, cedar/EIR.

Interesting questions and comments regarding pick guards. With a cedar top, I am glad mine has a pick guard, and I think it looks good. I just removed the pickup that was in the guitar and replaced the saddle with new bone, so I guess you can see my feelings about pickups I don't use. The strap peg is the remains of the pickup preamp, which I didn't remove because I didn't want to deal with the open hole. I haven't used a strap in a dozen years, since I stopped playing live.

Best of luck on this build, Mau.

- Glenn