A local player, Jim Jewell, was kind enough to bring his Olson by for me to play once back in the mid-90s or so. It remains one of my most treasured guitar moments. I almost ordered a cedar/rosewood guitar a la Phil Keaggy but chickened out because of the cost. At around $5000.00 (if that part of my memory serves), I just couldn't make it happen. Thank you James Olson, Jim Jewell and Phil Keaggy for all being a part of the magic of that day. I played "In the Light of Common Day" and despite my personal level of ability - "that sound" was there in abundance. What a memory! What a guitar!
181st LIKE; 6,585th Phil Keaggy, James Taylor, CSN, Paul Simon fan-view - great story, Mr. Olson - thanks for sharing your talent and skills with the world.
Thx jim....ive been following phil keaggy for many years and saw him in concert once and noticed he always played Olson guitars...ive always wanted on,i played one once a friend had and loved the ease of playing and the sound...maybe some day...im still saving for one...thx again for telling us your journey.
Amazing video! Owning an Olson has been a dream of mine for years. I am amazed to see how much they have gone up in value in the last decade. It would have been a good investment. Maybe still is.
When Phil Keaggy’s “Chester tree” came on at 2:30 I got the chills. Makes sense that Phil Keaggy is in this video being that he plays an Olson. But of all the songs, I’m impressed that’s the choice in this video. Deep tracks only!
I met Jim WAY back in the early days. We got to be friends and I ordered mine in '95. Later I dated a beautiful guitar playing girl, and her engagement was an Olson guitar, custom made similar to mine. Jim has always been a good man, and with great integrity.
Jim built me a stunning SJ. I'm hardly worthy of such a gorgeous instrument. I'm just putting all the vibration I can through it in the years I have left to walk this planet in the hopes that it will sound even more amazing in the hands of the master musician who will inherit it. Thank you, Jim, for building a generation of such tunning, inspiring guitars.
Thanks for putting this together! I love hearing the history of such wonderful luthiers - I love watching interviews of Andy Powers, Bob Taylor and George Lowden. There's no secret to success - just a lot of hard work and determination! I was super fortunate to have met, talked to, and thanks Andy and George for making such wonderful guitars for me - Bob is elusive! Thanks so much for sharing Jim and the guitar community has upmost respect for everything you have ever done! Cheers!
God bless you Jim.Youve been a winderful part of history by making such a wonderful guitar.i hope one of your children will continue your legacy more power to your Channel be safe.
I've been following luthier Jerry Rosa, Rosa String Works ch for some time now, and find it very interesting. Today I came across a YT vid of Phil and Paul, and Phil spake of your guitars. So here I found you and subbed. Lookin forward to the vids. Don
A FRIEND OF MINE FOUND AN OLSON GUITAR BACK IN HIS PRE-RECOGNITION DAYS . THE GUITAR WAS ON CONSIGNMENT IN A DURHAM MUSIC STORE FOR AN AVERAGE GUITAR PRICE . IT HAD RUNS IN THE FINISH SO THE STORE SUGGESTED THEY SENT IT BACK FOR SOME REFINISHING . WHEN OLSON GOT IT , HE FELT IT WAS NOT UP TO HIS CURRENT STANDARDS AND APPARENTLY DESTROYED IT , IT WAS AFTER ALL STILL HIS GUITAR ! MY BUDDY MICAH IS STILL SMARTING OVER THAT ONE !
I'd loved one but too rich for a struggling singer songwriter such as I... Beautiful though and more than the sum of the parts! Pete Woodroffe Music UK
A local player, Jim Jewell, was kind enough to bring his Olson by for me to play once back in the mid-90s or so. It remains one of my most treasured guitar moments. I almost ordered a cedar/rosewood guitar a la Phil Keaggy but chickened out because of the cost. At around $5000.00 (if that part of my memory serves), I just couldn't make it happen. Thank you James Olson, Jim Jewell and Phil Keaggy for all being a part of the magic of that day. I played "In the Light of Common Day" and despite my personal level of ability - "that sound" was there in abundance. What a memory! What a guitar!
181st LIKE; 6,585th Phil Keaggy, James Taylor, CSN, Paul Simon fan-view - great story, Mr. Olson - thanks for sharing your talent and skills with the world.
Olson's guitars are stunning. His 80's dreads are amazing. Olson SJs with Cedar are exquisite.
thanks for doing such great job, Jim... My own Olson is one of my best friends, ever!!
Your personal humility shines brightly in those beautiful instruments! Thank you for what you do!
Thx jim....ive been following phil keaggy for many years and saw him in concert once and noticed he always played Olson guitars...ive always wanted on,i played one once a friend had and loved the ease of playing and the sound...maybe some day...im still saving for one...thx again for telling us your journey.
Wow glad I found this video..what a sweet guy, I bet some of the luthier's personality spills over into the instrument.
Amazing video! Owning an Olson has been a dream of mine for years. I am amazed to see how much they have gone up in value in the last decade. It would have been a good investment. Maybe still is.
Sir Jim Olson I salute you. Someday! if I have enough savings I will buy one of your guitar. I admire your hard work and dedication.
When Phil Keaggy’s “Chester tree” came on at 2:30 I got the chills. Makes sense that Phil Keaggy is in this video being that he plays an Olson. But of all the songs, I’m impressed that’s the choice in this video.
Deep tracks only!
I met Jim WAY back in the early days. We got to be friends and I ordered mine in '95. Later I dated a beautiful guitar playing girl, and her engagement was an Olson guitar, custom made similar to mine. Jim has always been a good man, and with great integrity.
the man made his own machine, big respect!
Jim built me a stunning SJ. I'm hardly worthy of such a gorgeous instrument. I'm just putting all the vibration I can through it in the years I have left to walk this planet in the hopes that it will sound even more amazing in the hands of the master musician who will inherit it. Thank you, Jim, for building a generation of such tunning, inspiring guitars.
I was in your sons grade and enjoyed jamming back in the day! Keep it up!
This video always gave me hope with my own guitar building. Thanks for your help when I needed it, Jim.
Yes you do indeed. Top notch my friend.
Thanks for putting this together! I love hearing the history of such wonderful luthiers - I love watching interviews of Andy Powers, Bob Taylor and George Lowden. There's no secret to success - just a lot of hard work and determination! I was super fortunate to have met, talked to, and thanks Andy and George for making such wonderful guitars for me - Bob is elusive! Thanks so much for sharing Jim and the guitar community has upmost respect for everything you have ever done! Cheers!
I hope to find a James Taylor edition soon!
God bless you Jim.Youve been a winderful part of history by making such a wonderful guitar.i hope one of your children will continue your legacy more power to your Channel be safe.
Love it!
I've been following luthier Jerry Rosa, Rosa String Works ch for some time now, and find it very interesting. Today I came across a YT vid of Phil and Paul, and Phil spake of your guitars. So here I found you and subbed. Lookin forward to the vids.
Don
Inspiring! Hope to fallow the same path!
A FRIEND OF MINE FOUND AN OLSON GUITAR BACK IN HIS PRE-RECOGNITION DAYS .
THE GUITAR WAS ON CONSIGNMENT IN A DURHAM MUSIC STORE FOR AN AVERAGE GUITAR PRICE .
IT HAD RUNS IN THE FINISH SO THE STORE SUGGESTED THEY SENT IT BACK
FOR SOME REFINISHING .
WHEN OLSON GOT IT , HE FELT IT WAS NOT UP TO HIS CURRENT STANDARDS
AND APPARENTLY DESTROYED IT , IT WAS AFTER ALL STILL HIS GUITAR !
MY BUDDY MICAH IS STILL SMARTING OVER THAT ONE !
wow a church campfire with 15-20 Olson guitars. Wish i coulda been there, sir.
Bet those people are happy with their purchases considering what his guitars go for nowadays 😂
Fabulous story, Jim!
How are they better than other top of the range acoustics ? Sound, play-ability etc.
Can you make the nut width on the guitar 1.575 artist tapered low profile ??
I'd loved one but too rich for a struggling singer songwriter such as I...
Beautiful though and more than the sum of the parts!
Pete Woodroffe Music UK
Jim, a request.
Please sing us a song, perhaps a James Taylor song, using your guitar.
phill keaggy
I'd love to hear Kottke's story about finding Jim cleaning the toilets.
almost got one but just when my name came up they went from $3500 to $12500.00
Currently a nice even 20k....