Welcome to the internet home of James A. Olson Guitars! If you're a new visitor, we're glad you're stopping by; some navigation tips appear below. If you're returning, we've recently added new material; check below for highlights.
One Man Band, is a new CD/DVD set of live recordings, stories, and photos behind the songs. It was recorded at the Colonial Theatre in the Berkshires. It is an intimate setting featuring James with his "One Man Band" Larry Goldings on piano. If you missed the "One Man Band tour" now is your chance to bring it home to your living room! A brief video preview can be seen at Amazon.com.
Amazon "One Man Band" ordering and preview
In a heartfelt story, Donna Havens, musician and teacher, talks about her Olson guitar and the journey that led her to order it. You can read about Donna and what her Olson guitar has meant to her in this wonderful article at Mel Bay's "Guitar Sessions" online magazine.
Mel Bay's Guitar Sessions
James Taylor made a return appearance to Boston's Fenway Park to perform the "National Anthem" before game 2 of the World Series.
You can read the press release and view the performance at the MLB web site. JT National Anthem 2007
Jim Olson was the feature of a March 11th news story on the CBS affiliate, WCCO TV. In a segment called "Finding Minnesota", reporter Bill Hudson visited Jim in his shop. The segment can be viewed on the WCCO web site. Video clip
People magazine (July 20th 2006) had a nice photo of the legendary David Crosby with his Olson guitar in hand. The feature story included an interview, and photos of David's family. Mentioned in the article was David's book of memoir titled "Since Then" as well as his soon to be released 52-song box set, "Voyage" featuring his work from 1966 to 2004 along with 16 previously unreleased tracks.
Visit the recently updated Jim Olson sightings page for some new photos. Also check out the group photo of Jim with David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash.
The "Video Vault" is out most recent addition. We will be featuring videos from some of our favorite artists performing on their Olson Guitars. We plan to show some vintage television footage as well as some recent. Check out the Video Vault from time to time to see what's new.
Video Vault
Over the years Jim has occasionally been seen wearing an "Olson" T-shirt around the shop. After many inquiries asking, "How and where can I get one?" Jim has decided to offer a limited line of "OlsonWear" clothing for sale. To keep Jim in the shop and working on your guitar, all sales and shipping will be handled by his wife Sue. Jim was seen wearing one of the T-shirts at "The Healdsburg Guitar Festival".
Pictured with Jim are his lovely wife Sue and friends Kevin and Barb Ryan.
Click here to visit the online store.
Jim is still currently taking orders for Custom instruments. See the Ordering Info page and the Guitar Models page for further information. Orders are also still being taken for the James Taylor Signature Models. Although the Brazilian Rosewood version of this limited edition has sold out, there are still instruments available in the "Series I" Indian rosewood version. See theJT Signature Model page for more information.
Jim will also be producing some unique "spec" guitars in the future—instruments built to specifications of his own choosing, offered for sale upon completion via the Available Models page. Check the page from time to time to see these or perhaps an occasional "used" Olson as they become available.
Jim's oldest son Bill recently graduated with his Masters degree from the "Eastman School of Music" in Rochester New York. Be sure to check out some of the soundbites and photos on Bill's homepage at billolson.com
On September 29th Jim witnessed the launch of Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne in it's quest to win the 10 million dollar Ansari X Prize. Check out the Sightings page for links to the "SpaceShipOne" guitar and Jim's visit to Scaled Composites.
You should be able to find your way around pretty easily, but here are some tips that may make your visit more enjoyable:
Enjoy your stay at James A. Olson Guitars!
