Oscar Schmidt Stella 12-String Grand Concert Size c 1920 | SOLD | (c2202) What do you do when your Stella 12-string won't fit inside its case? Why you just give the headstock a quick buzz-cut .. problem solved! That's exactly what some practical owner did to this Stella years ago. So we've nicknamed this one Buzz.
Luckily a buzz-cut didn't ruin the sound or integrity of this grand-concert size Stella 12. Although it may look as if it's been lugged around the back roads of Georgia for a few decades, it's actually structurally sound and plays and sounds fantastic!
The back and sides are mahogany. The top is spruce bound in fancy 'Leadbelly' marquetry and white celluloid binding. The sound hole received the same treatment. The back features the same marquetry in its center strip. The neck is mahogany, topped with a dyed maple fingerboard. The head stock features a Brazilian rosewood overlay. The rosewood bridge appears to be of the period but may be a replacement, since we've not seen a flat-pyramid bridge on an OS instrument. The tuners appear to be replacements from the 60s. The pickguard is a recent addition, and reflects those used on Stellas back in the day. The early yellow Stella label remains inside.
The body measures ~ 14 3/4" across at the lower bout. Scale length is a long scale 26 1/2", which is typical of the OS grand concert and auditorium guitars. The neck measures 1 15/16" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 3/8" across at the saddle. The neck is carved in the typical 'V' of the period.
Besides the buzz-cut, the guitar has seen a few repairs. The neck was reset. At one time there was a tailpiece, now removed. A long side crack, treble side, was glued. There is a side crack/ding near the heel, treble side. There is an onlay on the original bridge plate/brace and two bolts anchor the bridge. The bone nut is original! The action is set nice and low and the guitar plays with ease.
The bottom line is that the guitar is a rare survivor and very much in demand by those seeking the tone found on the early 78 rpm records. It features the best woods and appointments used by the Schmidt factory in its hayday, and produces that deep and dark tone sought by country blues players. Fabulous player in both fingerstyle and slide .. Barbeque Bob approved!
Comes with a soft case (perfect fit!).
Check out the two sound clips!
Luckily a buzz-cut didn't ruin the sound or integrity of this grand-concert size Stella 12. Although it may look as if it's been lugged around the back roads of Georgia for a few decades, it's actually structurally sound and plays and sounds fantastic!
The back and sides are mahogany. The top is spruce bound in fancy 'Leadbelly' marquetry and white celluloid binding. The sound hole received the same treatment. The back features the same marquetry in its center strip. The neck is mahogany, topped with a dyed maple fingerboard. The head stock features a Brazilian rosewood overlay. The rosewood bridge appears to be of the period but may be a replacement, since we've not seen a flat-pyramid bridge on an OS instrument. The tuners appear to be replacements from the 60s. The pickguard is a recent addition, and reflects those used on Stellas back in the day. The early yellow Stella label remains inside.
The body measures ~ 14 3/4" across at the lower bout. Scale length is a long scale 26 1/2", which is typical of the OS grand concert and auditorium guitars. The neck measures 1 15/16" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 3/8" across at the saddle. The neck is carved in the typical 'V' of the period.
Besides the buzz-cut, the guitar has seen a few repairs. The neck was reset. At one time there was a tailpiece, now removed. A long side crack, treble side, was glued. There is a side crack/ding near the heel, treble side. There is an onlay on the original bridge plate/brace and two bolts anchor the bridge. The bone nut is original! The action is set nice and low and the guitar plays with ease.
The bottom line is that the guitar is a rare survivor and very much in demand by those seeking the tone found on the early 78 rpm records. It features the best woods and appointments used by the Schmidt factory in its hayday, and produces that deep and dark tone sought by country blues players. Fabulous player in both fingerstyle and slide .. Barbeque Bob approved!
Comes with a soft case (perfect fit!).
Check out the two sound clips!