Stella by Oscar & Schmidt, anyone have experience

[PK]

Gas has got me...... I must acquire an authentic Stella made by Oscar Schmidt & Co.... Can anyone offer guidance as to what/where/how much? Also, does anyone have experience with said axe? Thanks in advance.

PK

[rjes]

Originally Posted by PK

Gas has got me...... I must acquire an authentic Stella made by Oscar Schmidt & Co.... Can anyone offer guidance as to what/where/how much? Also, does anyone have experience with said axe? Thanks in advance.

PK

Oscar Schmidt & Co. sold it to Harmony in 1938 so the guitars your'e lookin' for at least 70 years old...GOOD LUCK

[ramblin.t]

There's nothing inherently wrong with a 70 year old guitar, PK... you should probably make sure you're educated about the subject a little:

http://fraulini.com
http://stellaguitars.com

The Fraulini guitars site belongs to a luthier in Madison, WI who has done a lot of homework regarding the parlor guitars built in the early 20th century. There are a couple of links there that will be helpful.

The second site belongs to Neil Harpe in Annapolis, MD - he sells a lot of OS guitars, and other makers as well. He also published a small book on OS "Stella" guitars that's worth checking out.

Once you know the territory a bit more, remember that a lot of great guitars from that time period were neither OS built nor had a 'Stella' label - play a bunch, if possible, then pull the trigger on one you like, regardless of the name. My favorite parlor has no markings whatsoever and is about 85-90 years old, but is still a great guitar.

You could also check this site out as well:

http://vintagebluesguitars.com

He's always on the hunt for ladder-braced parlor guitars...

Good luck.

[zombywoof]

Oh yeah!

I love OS made Stellas and have owned several in the past. You used to be able to pick them up for pocket change. Some of the best guitars to ever grace the planet. Biggest problem as someone has already mentioned, is that they can be real fussy do to age. My favorite literally exploded when the glue holding it together gave up the ghost. Kept the pieces in the case for years but when I talked to some folks about having it brought back was told it was time to let her go.

The word on these guitars has creeped out and finding one in good playing condition, especially a 12 string, ain't cheap anymore.

[PK]

Thanks for the replies. I had seen the Stellaguitars.com site but not not the other 2. This may take some time, but for some reason I feel drawn to the old gal. I think it was reading about the old Martin that a poster here brought back to life is inspiring me to dust off the strings and reclaim the glory of an old gal myself. thanks again.

PK