Interviews and Profiles

"The Art of the Hand-Made Guitar"

For their first article in an ongoing series profiling outstanding luthiers, Fingerstyle Guitar magazine chose to introduce readers to Jim Olson and Michael Millard of Froggy Bottom Guitars. We have reproduced the part of the article focusing on Jim here. Author John Schroeter briefly touches on how Jim got started building guitars, and then focuses on the distinguishing characteristics of Jim's approach to guitar making.

"Crafted in Minnesota, strummed worldwide"

Veteran pop critic Jon Bream of the Minneapolis newspaper Star Tribune did an in-depth article on Jim Olson and Olson Guitars. The November 2nd, 2002 story appeared on the front page of the Metro Edition. It was also repeated on November 3rd 2002 in the "entertainment section" with some additional text.

"No Secrets, No Edens: In The Shop With Jim Olson, Olson Guitars"

Written for Kamikaze, a Minnesota arts newsletter, this article focuses on the history of Olson Guitars and on the motivation for Jim's commitment to excellence in his craft.

"Frets Visits... St. Paul, MN: Olson Guitars"

This article, from the now-defunct (and much missed) magazine, Frets, was written in 1982, just five years after Jim started building guitars full time. As is evident from the text and photos, Jim was already creating custom tooling—but he sure has come a long way since those days when he owned just a single router!

"Video Interview of Jim Olson by Will Ackerman"

William Ackerman, acclaimed acoustic guitar instrumentalist and founder of the Windham Hill record label, hosts this 1995 video (now out of print) providing an intimate peek into the world of guitar making. Will interviews Jim Olson as well as luthiers from Froggy Bottom, Breedlove, and Klein Guitars about their unique approaches to the art of luthiery. Click title or image to download this video interview with Jim. Warning! this is a large file.