Oscar Schmidt Hawaiian Guitar - Koa

The Oscar Schmidt Company produced guitars by the thousands, and consequently, there is a wide range of examples seen in the vintage market today. Less frequently seen are Schmidt's efforts to gain traction during the Hawaiian music craze that blew through the first quarter of the 20th century.

Among the Schmidt offerings were guitars like this one bearing the "Hawaiian Guitar" label. From the small sample we've seen, these all appear to be pretty high quality guitars. The body is made from beautiful Hawaiian koa, with 'rope' binding around the top and sound hole, and down the back center seam. The neck is mahogany. The fingerboard appears to be black-painted ebonized maple. All this with a quaint label in the sound hole depicting a Hawaiian 'kaamaina' playing lap-style guitar under a palm on the beach. Can you say, "Aloha?"

The guitar has a 26 1/2" scale length (long scale), with a 14 3/4" lower bout. The neck measures 1 11/16" across at the nut, and the neck is profiled in a modern feeling 'C' shape, very comfortable in the hand. There is a replaced ebony pyramid bridge with period end pins. The finish is the original, shiny alcohol-based finish typically seen on the Schmidt koa guitars. A small area of pick wear was touched up, as were a few spots on the body. The finish shows some dullness on back where it was in contact with the case lining. The neck was recently reset, the frets dressed and the action is smooth. No cracks in the body. Tuners are exact period replacments.

The sound produced is among the best we've heard from a Schmidt-made guitar. The range is wide, with deep, thumpy bass, and sparkling trebles. ..way above average, and great for ragtime and country blues picking. A very powerful guitar!

Comes with an older soft case.

Check the sound clip.