Tag Archives: Olsen¸ Tim

Tim Olsen

Harvey Thomas Custom Guitars

Editor-in-Chief Tim Olsen is the founding editor of GAL publications. Beginning with the Guild of American Luthiers Newsletter and the GAL Quarterly and Data Sheets in the early 1970s, which evolved into our quarterly journal American Lutherie in 1985, Tim has edited, rewritten, clarified, compiled, corrected, and/or combed over every article in every journal or book published by the Guild. His commitment to the Guild’s founding principles of openness and sharing is evident in his stewardship of the Guild over the last forty years. Tim’s interest in lutherie started as a twelve year old when he started his first guitar. He was operating his own shop at seventeen, and completed his professional lutherie career in his mid-twenties, when he began dedicating his full time work to the Guild and its publications. [01-21-2022]

Let’s Catch Up with Steve Kauffman

2023
AL#148 p.10               
Tim Olsen   Steve Kauffman                                                                                       

▪ What has happened with Steve Kauffman since he was interviewed for American Lutherie twenty-four years ago in AL#59? He’s still working with the other Steve K, that is, Klein. He has moved from an idyllic shop in a California garden to an idyllic shop in an Oregon garden. Mentions 1978 GAL Convention. Mentions 1979 GAL Convention. Mentions Steve Klein, John Dillon, CF Martin IV, Jimmy D’Aquisto, Richard Schneider, David Russel Young, George Peacock, Ervin Somogyi, Wilson Schunemann, Les Stansell, Port Orford cedar.

Joshia’s Twisted Neck

2019
AL#137 p.26               
Tim Olsen   Joshia de-Jonge                                                                                       

▪ Here’s Joshia’s method of building an elevated neck with a sophisticated geometry to let the bridge height be constant across its width while the low strings have the necessary clearance over the frets. It is inspired by the work of Eric Sahlin.

In Memoriam: Leo Bidne

2019
AL#137 p.61               read this article
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Leo Bidne was great example of the restless rabble from which the GAL arose in the early 1970s. He was a curious and persistant teenager who, without instruction and with slim resources, managed to make guitars. Leo was member of the GAL Staff in its formative days.

GAL Instrument Plan #76: 1957 Martin 0-15 Guitar

2018
AL#135 p.36               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Martin’s 15-style guitars were the bottom of the line back in the 1940s and ’50s. All the fancy stuff was stripped away, leaving a very respectable all-mahogany guitar with no binding. Here’s a drawing of the smallest, cheapest one in the time-tested series. Hardwood top.

Warmoth Guitar Products in the 21st Century

2018
AL#134 p.16               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Ken Warmoth is one of the pioneers of the Strat-compatible guitar parts scene, starting small in the 1970s and working up to the sophisticated operation he runs today. He’s a born engineer, constantly refining and rethinking each operation for better accuracy and efficiency. Of course these days that involves CNC machines, and he’s got them. But you may be surprised to see which operations use them and which don’t. Our last visit with Ken was in 1991, so there is some catching up to do.

Meet the Maker: Jason Lollar

2017
AL#130 p.6               
Tim Olsen   Jason Lollar                                                                                       

▪ Jason Lollar attended the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery way back when founders John Roberts and Bob Venn were still instructors. Jason went on to do a lot of guitar repair and some guitar making, but his early interest in winding pickups eventually grew into a twenty-person shop specializing in reproducing vintage models.

In Memoriam: Frederick C. Lyman

2013
AL#113 p.71               read this article
Ken McKay   Tim Olsen                                                                                       

▪ Remembering Frederick C. Lyman (1925-2011) WWII veteran, art painter, bass builder, and free jazz musician.

Meet the Maker: Cyndy Burton

2009
AL#98 p.18      ALA3 p.58         
Tim Olsen   Cyndy Burton                                                                                       

▪ Burton has been tenacious in her pursuit of the classical guitar, traveling widely and learning from the likes of William Cumpiano, Eugene Clark, and Jeffrey Elliott, making a name for herself in what has largely been a man’s world. We’re all members of her fan club and rejoice at finally knowing more about her. With 17 photos.

In Memoriam: Nicholas Von Robison

2000
AL#63 p.3   BRB6 p.88            read this article
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Nick was a multi-faceted friend of the GAL and instrumental in its on-line existence. He was a frequent AL author, especially on the subject of botany.

Meet the Maker: Joseph Curtin

1998
AL#54 p.34   BRB5 p.194            
Tim Olsen   Joseph Curtin                                                                                       

▪ The personal history of violin people is often the most interesting because so many of them realize that a formal approach to learning their craft is often the fastest way of being recognized in the business, even though they may invest many years in the process. And they frequently find themselves in exotic places as they learn. It must work, too. How many of us need an assistant and a business manager to help hold down the fort, as Curtin does? With 6 photos.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Meet the Maker: R.E. Brune

1997
AL#52 p.42   BRB5 p.144            
Tim Olsen   R.E. Brune                                                                                       

▪ Brune was an original founder of the Guild, has been a GAL convention lecturer, and an American Lutherie author. He’s also a world-renowned maker, dealer, and collector of classical guitars. In this interview he offers some personal background as well as what he thinks it will take to stay afloat in the lutherie world that’s coming. His insider’s view of high-buck instrument dealing is especially compelling. With 7 photos.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Meet the Maker: Michael Hornick

1997
AL#50 p.40   BRB5 p.68            
Tim Olsen   Michael Hornick                                                                                       

▪ Hornick has become renown as the creator of Shanti guitars. In this interview he discusses the road to the top of the lutherie profession as well as tonewood and guitar design. With 3 photos.

Meet the Maker: Fred Carlson

1997
AL#49 p.28   BRB5 p.18            
Tim Olsen   Fred Carlson                                                                                       

▪ Carlson grew up on a New England commune and never outgrew the philosophy of sharing. He would rather let his uniqueness bloom than give in to commercial considerations. You’ll be glad you met him here. With 16 photos.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Learning Guitar Making

1997
   LW p.124            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Now that lutherie has boomed, is it best to attend a school to learn the trade? Or does self-education (and self-discovery) still make sense. It depends.

James L. D’Aquisto: Building the Archtop Guitar. A Brief Overview

1994
AL#37 p.6   BRB4 p.2            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Nobody built a better archtop than D’Aquisto did. Olsen outlines the procedures and peculiarities of a famous luthier’s work.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s fifty best articles published before 2010.

James L. D’Aquisto: Building the Archtop Guitar. The Soundboard

1994
AL#37 p.10   BRB4 p.6            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Olsen travels from the general (in the preceding article) to the specific. He zeros in on D’Aquisto’s soundboard work for a detailed examination. With 47 photos.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s fifty best articles published before 2010.

Meet the Maker: Guy Rabut

1992
AL#32 p.52   BRB3 p.268            read this article
Tim Olsen   Guy Rabut                                                                                       

▪ A long-time Guild member makes it as a violinmaker in the Big Apple after a twenty-year run. Mentions Ed Campbell, Peter Prier, Rene Morel.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Meet the Maker (of the Guild): Tim Olsen

1992
AL#32 p.26   BRB3 p.258            
Todd Brotherton   Tim Olsen                                                                                       

▪ Olsen is the leader of the Guild, though he would strongly resist being called the boss. Sometimes it seems that people are led to where they can best serve, regardless of the path they might have chosen for themselves. Tim doesn’t make instruments any more, but through the GAL he shines a light upon all of us who do. This interview is proof that, often, people are even more interesting than you suspect. Mentions Deb Olsen, Bon Henderson, J.R. Beall, Bob Petrulis, Leo Bidne, Harvey Thomas.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Meet the Maker: Dan Erlewine

1991
AL#25 p.36   BRB3 p.13            
Tim Olsen   Dan Erlewine                                                                                       

▪ Is there any doubt that Erlewine is the world’s best-known guitar fixer? He’s also a heck of a nice guy. Editor Olsen nailed Erlewine’s feet to the floor long enough to answer a few questions. With 4 neat snapshots. Mentions Herb David, Mike Bloomfield.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Questions: Finish Removal

1990
AL#21 p.58               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Refer to data sheet 280 for information on neutralizing the residues of paint strippers.

Review: From the Pages of Experimental Musical Instruments, Vol. III

1988
AL#16 p.55   BRB2 p.493            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ It’s hard to tell when the reviewer is being enthusiastic or facetious, but I think he likes this cassette collection of odd musical noises (noisy musical oddities?).

An Introduction to the Stradivarian Mystique

1989
AL#17 p.6   BRB2 p.162            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Whether or not there is anything new to be said about Stradivari, it is impossible for a serious publication about lutherie not to take him into account at some point. Olsen’s lengthy article includes analytical drawings and photos of the master’s work. All the guitar and mando folks might wonder what the fuss is about. Olsen sets us straight.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s fifty best articles published before 2010.

Meet the Maker: Hammond Ashley

1988
AL#15 p.30   BRB2 p.82            
Tim Olsen   Hammond Ashley                                                                                       

▪ This is a “factory tour” of the Ham Ashley shop.They specialize in the larger members of the violin family.

Review: The Shrine to Music Museum — A Pictorial Souvenir

1988
AL#15 p.69   BRB2 p.492            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ The Shrine to Music Museum holds some of the world’s most important collections of musical instruments. This inexpensive volume is not only a great souvenir to those who have visited the museum, but a valuable research resource.

Review: From the Pages of Experimental Musical Instruments, Volume II

1988
AL#13 p.57   BRB2 p.490            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Olsen admits to an interest in odd musical noises. This cassette gets his approval as “interesting,” and not a lot more.

The Great Tree vs. Bug Controversy

1988
AL#14 p.11   BRB2 p.45            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Is shellac made of sap from a tree in India? Or is it from juice exuded from a bug that eats that sap? Or is it more complicated than that?

Portland, Oregon, is a Lutherie Town!

1987
AL#12 p.20               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ This article offers 7 photos from a Portland instrument exhibit and a listing of Portland builders and repair people. The next six articles on this list are also by or about Portlanders.

Steiny and the Everly Guitar

1987
AL#12 p.26   BRB1 p.460   ALA4 p.4         
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Enhanced with 6 photos, this is the tale of one luthier’s connection to famous musicians, the Everly Brothers. Have you ever made a guitar with solid gold frets and binding? Robert Steinegger has.

Robert Lundberg: In Tune With the Universe

1987
AL#12 p.30   HLC p.xiii            
Tim Olsen   Robert Lundberg                                                                                       

▪ Did people of a given time and place think and respond differently than we do? Lundberg thinks so. He has learned to think like an ancient luthier by studying their work, and has therefore made a connection to a neglected tradition and society. It shows in his work and his speech, and apparently, in his life.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

When We’re 64

1987
AL#12 p.65               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ The GAL is 64 issues old, counting all its publications.. Editor Olsen lists the qualities that have made the Guild successful.

Harvey Thomas and the Infernal Music Machine

1987
AL#11 p.44   BRB1 p.440            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ A rollicking, good-time account of a era gone by and a free-spirited maker of outrageous electric guitars who was pretty much unknown outside of his own territory. It’ll make you feel good.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Review: From the Pages of Experimental Musical Instruments, Volume 1 by Experimental Musical Instruments

1987
AL#9 p.56   BRB1 p.500            read this article
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ The reviewer is enthusiastic about the mind-opening possibilities of this booklet/cassette combination.

Review: The New Yorker Special by Frederick Cohen

1987
AL#9 p.57   BRB1 p.500            read this article
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ The reviewer has high praise for this 28-minute film about famed archtop builder Jimmy D’Aquisto. As well as being a “valentine” to D’Aquisto, this film offers a tasty repast for information-hungry luthiers. (AL#9 p.57).

Building the Flattop Bass

1987
AL#9 p.24   BRB1 p.322            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Olsen offers the philosophy, theory, construction details, and plans for a new instrument. The plans are a shrunken version of GAL full scale Plan #13. Though Olsen and a few others began building flattop basses in the 1970s, in a real sense this article is the birth certificate of the instrument. The flattop bass is a flattop guitar on steroids, not to be confused with the bass viol.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Durkee’s Patent Bridge

1987
AL#9 p.44   BRB1 p.201            
Tim Olsen   Robert Steinegger                                                                                       

▪ Here’s the low down on a trick Washburn bridge from 1897. A photo and drawing explain the plot line, but the mystery remains.

Cylinders Don’t Make It

1986
AL#8 p.49   BRB1 p.298            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Editor Olsen figures that for the lowest string action a fingerboard must resemble a cone shape, rather than a cylinder. Find other related articles by searching for the term conical.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s fifty best articles published before 2010.

More Lore (conclusion of the series)

1986
AL#8 p.52               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ This is the last in the series combining GAL history with a listing of Quarterly back issues. Quarterly was the GAL publication preceding American Lutherie. Volumes 11 and 12 are described.

More Lore

1986
AL#7 p.58               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Editor Olsen again describes a number of Quarterly back issues, volumes 10 and 11 from 1982 and 1983.

Tacoma Triumph

1986
AL#7 p.34               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Editor Olsen highlights the events of the GAL’s 10th convention, which was held near the Guild’s headquarters city of Tacoma, Washington, in 1986. With 20 photos.

GAL Lore Galore

1986
AL#5 p.44               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Editor Olsen gives a brief history of the GAL and describes the back issues of Vols. 6 and 7 of the GAL Quarterly that were then available.

Where Are They Now?

1985
AL#2 p.13   BRB1 p.56            read this article
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ An update of the 1980 Lutherie Business panel discussion, featuring George Gruhn, Max Krimmel, Steve Klein, Robert Lundberg, and R.E. Brune.

Luthiers Snowflake

1984
DS#301               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ To have holiday fun, you gotta have a luthier’s snowflake. To make a luthier’s snowflake, you need the following stuff.

Nuts and Bolts for Bridge Gluing

1979
DS#126   LW p.98            read this article
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ How to use bolts and wing nuts to align a bridge through the pin holes and form part of the clamping force. With 1 drawing.

Heat Pressing Necks

1978
DS#86   LW p.110            read this article
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ No, you don’t press a neck to take the wrinkles out. Sometimes it’s necessary to heat a crooked neck, overbend it with clamps, then hope it cools and relaxes into some semblance of straightness. This sort of caveman lutherie is still called upon from time to time, and you probably won’t find a more detailed description of the operation than this one. With 5 illustrations.

Making Pointy Rosettes

1978
DS#88   LW p.78            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Are you tired of rosettes that are just rings around the soundhole? Here’s a jumping off point if you want to take the plunge. The next step is to get rid of the round soundhole. With 3 diagrams.

Top and Back Joints

1978
DS#99   LW p.101            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Build a simple shooting board to make plate joints with a plane, then use one of 3 tried-and-true forms of clamping workboards to glue them together.

Six Un-invented Instruments

1978
GALQ Vol.6#1 p.16               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Olsen dreams up six new instruments. Decades later, he still has not built them. Admittedly,the teepee-gurdy would be a bit of a project.

Razor Scrapers

1978
DS#84   LT p.29            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Regrind single-edged razor blades into good little scrapers.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Lining Strips

1978
DS#77   LT p.101            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Table saw jig to evenly cut kerfs in rectangular strips of lining.

Bandsaw Dust Collector

1978
DS#65   LT p.88            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Machine manufacturers have become hip to the health problems that accompany the use of their equipment, and most incorporate dust collection ports into their new machines. This was hardly the case in the old days, and there are still tons of old machines in use. If you have one you are responsible for your own health, and thus the modification of your machine. The author’s ideas can be adapted to almost any bandsaw.

A Laminated Neck Design

1977
DS#50   LW p.112            read this article
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Necks fashioned from one hunk of wood are beautiful but wasteful. Laminated designs intended to conserve the most wood are often considered unsightly, so Olsen tackled the problem with a laminated design that offers the prettiest wood, the highest strength, and that makes the installation of a curved truss rod a snap.Pretty cool. With 7 drawings.

Hangers for Spraying

1976
DS#24               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Utilizing 12 gauge plastic coated copper wire to hang an object for spraying with lacquer and other finishes.

Torch and Pipe Bending Iron

1976
DS#25   LT p.10            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Four variations on the propane torch and water pipe.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Luthiers Whimsy

1975
GALNL Vol.3#5,6 p.30               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Three illustrated humorous poems that will only mean anything to luthiers.

Glue for Inlay

1975
DS#7               
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Use fine wood dust and epoxy for inlay. Duh. But this was 1975, and the first time anybody said it in print.

Splicing on a New Peghead

1975
DS#14   LW p.114            
Tim Olsen                                                                                           

▪ Sometimes a peghead break is so traumatic that the best plan is just to toss the old one in the trash and start over. Here’s how (using mostly hand tools), and don’t be surprised if the rebuilt neck is better than the original. With 13 illustrations.