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Olson SJ (Small Jumbo) Guitar

Olson SJ (Small Jumbo) Guitar

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Page last updated Aug 11, 2025

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Description

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The SJ is Jim’s most popular model. It is the guitar of choice for James Taylor and Phil Keaggy and most of the Artists on Jim’s Artist page. Although It is best suited for finger style it can handle a flat pick as well. It favors strong overtones and harmonics with lots of sustain. It is equally balanced throughout the fingerboard making it well suited for alternate tunings and capo use.

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Dolphin Guitars

James Olson SJ Cutaway Brazilian Rosewood Demo

Dolphin Guitars

2002 Olson SJ, Indian Rosewood/Cedar

Dream Guitars

Guitar Gallery presents Olson SJ Guitar

Guitar Gallery

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Olson SJ (Small Jumbo) Guitar.

Features and functionality

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The Olson SJ is often compared to custom shop guitars, sharing a similar build approach that emphasizes artisanal craftsmanship and unique tonal qualities.
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User experience

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Some players express apprehension about using high-end guitars in public settings due to concerns about damage, highlighting the need for careful handling and storage.
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Comparisons

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The Olson SJ's sound is often likened to master-grade instruments like those from boutique makers, with particular emphasis on its tonal clarity and projection.
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Use cases and applications

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The Olson SJ is favored by professional musicians for its ability to deliver consistent performance in studio settings, particularly noted for its balance and resonance.
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Value and pricing

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High-end guitars like the Olson SJ often see significant depreciation in the used market, offering potential savings but requiring careful market research to ensure fair pricing.
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Artist usage

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John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

Verified via Olsonguitars

On James Olson's website he shares that guitar number #1593 was purchased by John Mayer after being built, not as a direct commission. The guitar features Brazilian Rosewood with Koa binding. All inlay and construction performed solely by Jim Olson.

Lou Reed

Singer, Guitarist

The Velvet Underground

Verified via YouTube

In this concert, Lou Reed plays an Olson guitar. He had already played it in Perfect Night (https://www.guitarworld.com/magazine/lou-reed-talks-about-velvet-underground-songwriting-and-gear-1998-guitar-world-interview), saying that "It’s a guitar built by a guy named Jim Olsen [sic]". And he added "“I have never been so stunned by a guitar, this guitar is a living thing" (https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2013/10/31/remembering-lou-reed-calm-vineyard-moment). From the 5 Olson models (https://olsonguitars.com/the-art/guitar-models/), it seems to me that his is an SJ. However, I am not sure.

Phil Keaggy

Guitarist

Glass Harp

Verified via Photo

In his artist profile on the James A. Olson website they state he ordered an SJ Cedar top cut-away.

"Phil bought is first Olson in 1983. A spruce topped SJ cut-away. He then ordered an SJ Cedar top cut-away. Delivered in 1984, this was the first Cedar top guitar ever produced by Olson Guitars."