James Taylor - Me & My Guitars - Full Interview

In 2011, James sat down at his home studio, TheBarn in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, with writer/director David Mirkin to give a special tour of his guitar collection which James calls "like a photo album of my life". The tour includes James’s first guitar purchased when he was 14 years old (and painted blue by his older brother, Alex), the Gibson J-50 guitar on which he wrote the song “Fire and Rain.” Also included is a James Olson custom guitar that he first encountered in a Minnesota hotel room and has played almost exclusively since 1989.
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[@Onemattressatatime]

So glad James Taylor is still with us

[@guyincognito1423]

It's nice to see an accomplished players acoustic guitar collection that's not just a multitude of Martins of various models and years.

[@melodymakermark]

Right? I was impressed with the Yamaha. My first guitar was a Yamaha FG-750S from 1979. A solid wood instrument that just plays and sounds like a dream. I recently had it gone over by a professional luthier, and I wouldn’t trade that baby for all the Martins and Gibsons out there.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

I agree with the wide neck on the telecaster. It fits like a glove 👍‼️

[@AlanStransman]

If I were to come up with the most interesting topic for a video that I could possibly imagine it would be James Taylor talking about his guitars. This could be an entire television series or even a 24-hour channel.as far as I am concerned....For now, I will simply savor the 13 1/2 minute video above....

[@GS-xt8fu]

James. I am 57. Growing up in Ohio, riding our bikes, warm and peaceful summer days of the seventies. I started really listening to music and playing the classic school flute. I progressed from there and listened to many of the seventies ( probably the best decade) great singer song writers etc. You were one of my favorites and of course, still are. Thanks so very much. I grew up with you and some of my other favorites. Although we will likely never meet….you’ve got a friend.

[@diegoterneus2250]

James Taylor: an integral part of the soundtrack of my life. Thanks, James.

[@jimmysavageultrabrutal8130]

The way he embraces his guitar with his face showing tranquility and something like "I feel complete" - tells everything .

[@HoneyboyDominguez-dw8if]

Those guitars should be safely kept as American treasures just as how Egypt treasures their precious ancient artifacts. From the Philippines Mabuhay to you JT.

[@raspyni]

What a joy to watch a gracious artist share his heart. Thank you, JT. You've been with me for decades :)

[@11kerol]

No words to say just love it man for love of guitar.😊

[@mikemccartneyable]

Such a legend of songwriting, singing and guitar playing ...yet so humble. Just a regular guy in a room showing you his fav guitars 👍

[@danielstein5290]

are you Paul's brother Mike? lol

[@seymourtompkins]

That J50 is the James Taylor sound that i love most of all. It is like your aural signature.

[@giulianodemedici7641]

James Taylor playing that Gibson J-50 triggers so many memories . So many amazing songs written and recorded on that workhorse guitar.

[@robc1961]

It's nice that there is a great story to go with each instrument. They become part of you.

[@8xlaxx]

JT's unique guitar tone has never really changed across all those instruments. The Yammy sounded awesome in that room.

[@waynerichards3025]

Spent my life listening and appreciating James Taylor's music and his guitar playing style.

[@mercurusblastomus879]

James Taylor, always inspired and moved by His music and His humble demeanor a true American treasure.

[@absoluteinspections]

Wonderful story James! I started with a $69 Norma electric I pestered my dad enough to buy me in 1969. I was 12 and fell in love with that little crappy guitar. Three years later that was followed by my first acoustic...a $150 Harmony. Over the years, I’ve been through Epiphones, Yamahas, a Tacoma and a few others I can’t remember, but still have a fondness of those early guitars, which I still have. My current is a Taylor and at 62 years old, am itching to give an electric another try. My guitars have been my therapy throughout a life of ups and downs. Thank you again James!

[@jamesmcgrory6391]

I met James Olson and toured his shop in 2010. He was already half way through making a batch of guitars but was nice enough to make one for me and catch it up to the others, after first saying he wouldn’t be able to do it. Such a nice guy and fascinating to see his shop and all of the machines which he made himself to do the work. The clarity and brightness of tone of that guitar is unmatched. One of the high points of my life… Thanks Mr. Taylor and Mr. Olson

[@aaroneley2125]

I first heard Fire and Rain on vinyl when I was in high school in the 1990s, and I had to know how that sound was being made. I walked through every music store I could visit in 3-states, plucking the low E string of every acoustic guitar until one day one's resonance spoke to me. It also fortuitously resembled Mr. Taylor's Olsons. It was a 1995 LL-11. Imagine my astonishment decades later when I learned JT owned a very similar model. Finally got to see him live in Shreveport about 6-yrs ago.

[@motohirokatagi9087]

Every time , I watch this video , it gives me great inspirations . Thank you .

[@glennjames7107]

That J50 is amazing ! I recognized that guitar as James's immediately upon hearing the first few notes ! That guitar is the original James Taylor sound !

[@777bigbird]

That's why I've hung on to my 69 J 50 all these years . I actually learned on a J45 and a ovation matrix non electric back in 76. I'm actually a veteran drummer but wanted to write and by age 20 I was playing pretty good. The J 50 is a great guitar.

[@billwilkie6211]

It's why I bought a '65 J-45, that characteristic sound.

[@godbyone]

Wow. Great sound

[@GordonPavilion]

Had the same feeling upon hearing that guitar.

[@triktrak_1451]

Love you, James. Life would be less without your songs, and your charm.

[@tonynoon8693]

My first guitar was a Yamaha that my Dad found floating down the Merrimack River with a big hole in the bottom. I still have it 35 years later and it still sounds great.

[@vsurg]

And that Mr Taylor, is why I saved for five years to have James Olson make me a JT cutaway SJ (without the signature...). It is a visceral thing, to play it and there is nothing like it. When JT, David Wilcox, Leo Kottke and Phil Keaggy play the same instrument, even EF Hutton listens... Thanks for this walk down your memory lane.

[@SRKanai1]

Ive heard that those guitars are amazing beyond words. Do they live up to the reputation?

[@mojoefelix]

He says it has a wide nut. How wide is it?

[@robh9352]

@vsurg - Sir Paul McCartney was gifted an Olson Guitar by none other than Phil Keaggy when they invited Phil to a private family wedding to perform. If you search google you will find Phil and Paul sitting on an edge of a bed playing guitar together.

[@jordanfeltcorn1645]

I believe the first James Olson guitar that he commissioned was actually bought ahead of taking delivery by Justin Hayward because he loved it too much

[@jaykay6412]

When I discovered Wilcox in ‘89 he was playing a guild but when he switched to the Olson i noticed. It wasn’t until many years later, on a Blink-182 record in 2003 of all things, when i was assistant engineering in LA, that the producer Jerry Finn asked me to grab his acoustic to record. I opened up the case and, like the suitcase in pulp fiction with the underglow, i had come face to face with the unicorn. One strum and that was it. I still have my Collings 02H simply bc i didn’t have the $10k or the patience to obtain an Olson. Enjoy yours, buddy. The acoustic on Blink’s “I Miss You” is an Olson

[@jennifersman7990]

Just to add to his story about auditioning for McCartney & Harrison, Peter Asher was also there as he’d brought Taylor to their attention and Paul was dating (or had been dating) his sister Jane. Paul liked what he heard from James, turned to Asher and said “You want to produce him?” Asher nodded “OK, go ahead then” and James Taylor was signed to Apple Records.

[@suzannehedderly1331]

I could listen to James talk all day. That was VERY interesting! Hearing him play those first notes of "Something.." literally brought tears to my eyes. Thank you James and videographer for this wonderful piece. Keep talking James...

[@rubensalcido5606]

Still remember 'two lane black top' James Taylor was in.Awsome singer!

[@thomasmalone8216]

A legend and yet a humble man. Thank you for the music.

[@misterchristopher8857]

These "arachic minutiaic" shares are wonderful. Having a close relationship with the instruments creates an energetic bond which is as real as any other relationship in life. The woods, metals and ingredients of an instrument absorb, then reflect back this devotion, love and friendship. Thank you for this share.

[@sandyedens9222]

Your songs helped me survive my unhappy childhood. Thank you for all those meaningful lyrics Mr Taylor.

[@stevedavid6207]

What a treat listening to you talk about your guitars.......they sound amazing. And I'm still listening to a few of your albums on vinyl after 50 some years and never get tired of them, Thanks for all the great memories of those great times 😀

[@colinpadley1897]

I you read this James because I remember seeing you in London a few years back, I think it was the Royal Albert Hall but could be the Hammersmith Odean, and you did something I've never witnessed before, instead of walking off at the break you sat on the edge of the stage signing autographs and having pictures done, what a great thing to do.

[@rickmontgomery3037]

What a national treasure! And so are his guitars 😉

[@Allthrashedout.]

such a gentle soul.. and down to earth

[@bestwaterfrontdest]

One thing I love about James Taylor is his down to earth approach to everything! Such a great talent and humble attitude. I have loved every one of the concerts I have been to. Great sense of humour. Keep up the great work James!

[@daisypodd]

what a genuinely decent, humble human being..no ego.no flashiness..just a good person, oh and a very very good singer/songwriter toboot!....such a refreshing change from most of todays "stars/celebs" etc...quite inspirational...ps, im just off to pick up my ovation semi acoustic and have a play..thank you James Taylor.

[@patriciabedding349]

The epitome of a singer/songwriter telling us about his life! I am getting through this difficult time with James as my background to stabilize me. I am rediscovering his songs with a new sense of what is important in life. I’m about his age...can relate to him somewhat from 3,000 miles away. I’m glad we get to see his guitars and their meaning for him. He has a great soul! ✌🏼

[@anncaswell8569]

Just watching this video on 12th September. Hoping that all is going well for you today.

[@juana1483]

You can re-connect with Jim Croce as well???

[@gilldanier4129]

James, when you started playing that Gibson, my heart burst!! what a beautiful song and playing. Such wonderful memories too.

[@bpman57]

I sure do love your storytelling, JT. Whether it be in song or monolog. This was a wonderful history of your guitars and their place in your life chapters. My wife and I saw you in Ohio when you performed with your son Ben. Your music was my constant companion during my stressful college years in the 1970's. I would grind away with studies and exam angst, but when I was at my wits end, your early albums would always comfort me. I spent many a night drifting asleep to those glorious tunes from yesteryear.

[@TheCream14]

As a guitar player and huge JT fan, thank you for this great video. JT certainly was one of the biggest influences in my life. His songs always mellow me out in this crazy world!

[@mro2112]

My last name is Olson also. I talked to Jim on the phone once cuz I was interested in his guitars. Now, there are many Olsons in the north, so I said "we're prolly related". The earliest Olsons came to the northeast long ago on wooden ships across the Great Lakes...but I digress. Since the waiting was at least 1 year (in 1996), I decided instead to buy two Taks for performance, and a Landola, made of rosewood and spruce...for the same price as ONE Olson. Seems 'relatives' don't get a discount...he he he. Love you live, James. You are an inspiration - - Mark Olson. 😎

[@henryphillips4683]

James, my friend Pam Miller, the past mayor of Lex, Ky for 2 terms, was your family babysitter for a while. She Is still in touch with your mother and told me of traveling with your family in Europe in a VW Bus. She said you were in the VW bugging the family with a harmonica and she switched you to a Mandolin. She has a good Pantomime of your laugh way back then. Before I met her, since 1968, you were my singing and Guitar Muse, so to hear these stories was amazing. Your mom may not know that her husband and my Hang Gliding best buddy Ralph Miller, passed away recently...... TY for so much pleasure in my life!!! ...Henry Phillips

[@michaelelliott1212]

I love hearing JT talk, (more, obviously when he sings). It builds the anticipation for the moment his fingers touch the strings, and then...magic! ❤️

[@TheMensRoom2024]

James Taylor da GOAT!!!

[@djross2043]

Thank you Mr. Taylor for sharing your guitar story.

[@Allguitarinfo]

James...Thanks for sharing the Love of your precious guitars thru your gift of song to so many of us..We hear the pain ,joy and every emotion bled from your heart thru fingers to fretboard and the melody of your voice......Fellow Carolinian here....Love that Gibson man...2nd guitar JUST WOW...

[@WmRob]

I’ve played one Olsen in my long life and it played like butter. Wonderful instrument. And God bless James Taylor.

[@timwooten6776]

I missed his in 2009. I’m 35 and fell in love with his music at 20. It’s like 3 months away and I’m still counting the days. This isn’t a concert, but a dream come true!! Doesn’t seem real. Legend!!!

[@tjukkv]

Such a gentle and sweet human being.

[@4Score747]

Thanks for the tour! Love your backyard view. Peaceful ❤

[@trevorm3354]

That J-50 has such a voice- it just sounds like those early songs!! These are all great guitars but this old Gibson stands out to me personally!!

[@keithhunter3910]

Exactly! The sound took me straight back there.

[@rogerarmstrong8893]

James Taylor is a name that comes to mind when think about what I would call Music perfection. Every note cord strum of his guitar and voice is harmony beautifully perfected to an unmistakable warmth you instantly recognize .

[@scottb6282]

I love this guy. His songs touched me deeply in my formative years.

[@mpojr]

Thank you James been listening to your music for about 50 years now ; l enjoyed the little side trip about your guitars.Your music made me smile when l felt down.

[@linkedup7346]

Holy SHHHH___! I never dreamt I'd have the opportunity in a life time to see James Taylor talk about his guitars. They are beings to him who did him well in writing, touring, and just enjoying. He actually was very instrumental in helping Leland Sklar to become so popular. I spoke to James's brother Livingston at a show. He told me that all music is done now on the internet. This is when I asked his help with getting my songs heard.

[@ericspath5430]

The barn has fantastic sound! However of all your guitars the J50 and Yamaha caught my attention. I've always loved your sound and noticed that they both have that great intonation. Thanks for you music - always been uplifting.

[@seanmcaleavy2369]

I hate how people are always using the word underrated to describe people who are in no way actually underrated. But, having said that, you rarely hear the name James Taylor in discussions of guitar playing prowess. And that is a definite oversight. James Taylor is an absolute gargantuan guitar player. I am not talking about flashy solos or walls of amplifiers blowing people's hair back. I am speaking of real technical intricacies and a seemingly perfect sense of dynamics and timing. For anybody who takes the time to really listen to what he is doing, they'll surely come to the conclusion that James Taylor is a monster musician.

[@williamrobinson7435]

Great to have this insight! Maximum love and respect to James Taylor, and thanks for all the beautiful songs and great performances. ⭐👍

[@neo8802]

His voice and kindness to share...Makes me want to be a better musician. ❤️😉🙏😇

[@monkeyfinger7949]

I really loved this guitar tour! I admit that I am a gear geek, and a rabid James Taylor fan.

[@martinmcgimpsey9750]

Always loved your music and yours songs, Mr. Taylor! And still do! Thank you!

[@dianaisobel6468]

Well, this is just wonderful! 👏👏👏 When you play the first notes of “Something in the Way She Moves” on your Gibson... 😭 Nobody sounds like James Taylor. Nobody! Thank you so much for this video! It is a treasure! 🙏

[@eholland582]

The countless musicians you’ve inspired…including my son! Seeing this video of your guitars has truly brought me, as a fan, full circle. Thank you.

[@LukeMaynard]

This was a pleasure, JT. Thank you for sharing it. On a side note, I grew up learning to play fingerstyle guitar on your records and songbooks. You are holding a guitar on the cover of one of the "James Taylor Complete" songbooks with a big W on the headstock. I thought for years that it was an early Washburn, and "I was today years old," as the young folks say, when I recognized that it must have been your other Mark Whitebrook (it didn't have the tattoo inlay on the headstock, just the W). Your music has meant enough to me over the years that I've remembered all these details. As a lover of guitar and great lutherie in general, It's really a treasure to hear a few more of the stories behind the tools of your trade.

[@tonybandana291]

In Awe Of James Taylor. I never heard a better guitar love tune than "you can close your eyes" (b side of you have a friend) Great guitarist and great voice.

[@markjohnson9485]

Great interview, I have admired James for so long . He is quite the humorous and fun guy there. Really enjoyed this 👌

[@christophermiles6778]

PS: My Dad worked for British Airways in Boston from '77-'01, and I'll never forget him coming home and telling us the story of the loss of your guitar in London. I have never been able to fly with my bass with any degree of comfort since!

[@SteveBrant55]

This was filmed in 2011? I'm delighted to be watching it in 2021. Thank you for telling us these stories. You have a wonderful guitar family!

[@andystagger2906]

Ive been playing guitar for 36 years now because of you mr James Taylor… thank you ❤ for the inspiration ❤🤘you are simply amazing!

[@thomassaylorrealtorlicense8763]

one of the most interesting videos I've seen in a long time. I grew up on James Taylor tunes. Probably he got me really interested in guitar playing. This is not minutia to us. What comes across here is you are not a guitar snob as many others are. You show people that it is possible to make terrific art from very modest equipment. Thanks so much for this, and so much for your art these many years!

[@peterjones4621]

James is such a great storyteller. He's an absolute musical and vocal genius. I can't get enough of the guy.

[@connorallen6021]

6:25 the sustain on that guitar is incredible

[@ManySpiritualPaths]

Hi James. In late summer 1971 I was taking a break from acting and singing in the rock musical Hair to record some songs in SF with my dear friend sound designer Abe Jacob. Abe had just lent me a newly designed pickup for my acoustic guitar which he had called a frap. I loved the pickup which was basically a Barcus Berry design. A couple weeks after using the frap, Abe asked me to join him in Los Angeles for your Hollywood Bowl rehearsal and concert that he was doing the sound for. He said he wanted to see if you would like to use the pickup. And so as it turned out, you liked the pickup as well and Abe gave you the pickup. A guitarist and songwriter myself, I've always followed you and loved your music. I was more than than happy when you added my two dear friends, David Lasley (rip) and Arnold McCuller as your backup singers for so many years. Keep on playing and inspiring the planet James. Much Love, Light and blessings ~ Jonathon Johnson

[@RonoNagorski]

We saw James in Milwaukee in late 2020. First time seeing him live. Do your self a favor and see him next time he's in your town. Guaranteed, you'll have a special evening. Please come back soon James.

[@f3uibeghardt522]

That house and its view are exactly what I imagined James Taylor would live in.

[@Juicing369]

Got to see James in Phoenix last week. A great show but was so disappointed he didn't play "Shower the People".... There is no more important or needed message right now, spnhope you'll add it back- Sweet baby James. 🌷 🌷 🌷

[@777bigbird]

Amazing to see you on KZbin. I'm glad you are so down to earth and told Your story. I've hung on to my 69 J50 for years because of it's playability and sound. It's non electric. I also have a takamine f 960 that I love. Today my favorite is my SL 261 takamine. I'm actually a veteran drummer but I wanted to write so at age 20...guitar. Thank You James for being You. God Bless You Always .

[@julierichardson6193]

mr taylor always a huge fan of you and your music.....julie from canada

[@chuckprindiville1246]

Listen to minute 3:00 its beautiful to hear JT play - Thanks for sharing your life here JT

[@bluesman97]

James is the kind of guy you just want to sit down with and jam.

[@deanc.5984]

2022 December, JT is a treasure, what a nice guy, awesome songs & guitar playing. Some musicians can make any instrsoubd amazing if they have the musical gift.

[@ctheflower7818]

What a Great Share, a Great Story of your Life & "The Family Members" that help you share your Incredible Heart, your Great Talent so wonderfully with all of us, with The World 👍 Very COOL 😎 James Taylor 🤗🎶🤗 So appreciate this share 🤗🎶🤗

[@erikbossard2635]

Love you too much, James. Your songs have made me cry so many times.

[@andeegreen]

That’s a video I could watch week in, week out - even just to hear one of my top 5 vocalists speaking. 👌🏼

[@backauf]

...and that lovely room to sit in and strum - acoustics of that space sound great - slight echo.

[@SnoDawg]

I started high school in 1969. James you’ve always been in my top 5 favorite artist ever since. Thanks for all the incredible music for all these years. Never got the chance to see you live and have always regretted it.

[@geoffoutdoors]

Hey James... guitar player here too (acoustic) ... VERY nice collection...love the stories. Cheers

[@3top5]

Most excellent.❤❤❤❤ Thank you kind sir.

[@charlesallison6932]

I can't play a lick but guitars to me are works of art.

[@graemethorne4540]

Wow great story thanks for sharing your guitar collection with us and there history,I love the tone of that telecaster 🎸.

[@davidguilfoyle]

Wow! I had one of my Lowden guitars repaired by Kenji Okamura. I remember when I visited his studio to inspect his repairs that I started playing 'You Can Close Your Eyes' which he immediately recognised. I had no idea he made a guitar for James Taylor!

[@queerstars1]

Thank you James

[@2cozmick25]

He started pickn and I instantly wanted to put on the lp. Big fan Mr. Taylor, thanks for the hrs. of good listening. Edit: I liked how he picked a different song with each guitar and how he just proved ya don't need crazy expensive guitars to sound great

[@dougjones243]

I remember seeing James play an electric guitar for the first time. He said it was electric oppose to a steam powered guitar! Lol. Then he played some great stuff on it . I would love to see the video of that again.

[@denali9643]

What a beautiful tribute to your best friends. I, myself, have an Applegate SJ (#33). Brian Applegate was an apprentice to Jim Olson in his shop and Jim made the neck on my SJ. I stare at it with endless delight. I did get to pay an Olson SJ once and it was truly an out-of-world experience. JT devotee since ‘78

[@YamKazu6]

I love acoustic guitar too sooo much❤

[@Rockingruvin]

All guitar geeks love this. Some simple designs and builders can make very expressive and tone-full guitars.

[@silver-hammer]

Dear James, you should make a solo or small trio acoustic--y etc album of new songs OR rootsy /trad covers with the old Gibson, that vibe is unique...,and a large part of your legacy to us original fans !

[@NaturalBornDocumentarian]

This seems like an appropriate place to say…I carried a pristine Washburn acoustic in a case from 1987-2013 …then sold it out of desperation to a guitar center for 50 dollars during a desperate time in my life..I wish I would have kept it or given to someone who cared this much! 🙌🏼💯 🤘🏼