1921 Oscar Schmidt Sovereign natural, Very Good, Original Soft, $1,350.00

At the turn of the nineteenth/twentieth centuries, there was a brief craze for double-neck guitars. Many quality instruments were produced during this period, including examples from top makers Gibson and Larson Brothers. Hundreds of mandolin orchestras had a least one harp or double-neck guitar, as evidenced by surviving photos. Guitar factories such as Oscar Schmidt jumped on the band wagon, too. These instruments are mostly a curiosity today, although, thanks to players like Michael Hedges and others, there is somewhat of a demand for these time-warp instruments. Oscar Schmidt listed this model in its 1921 catalog as a 'Double Neck or Contra Bass Guitar'. Six strings are tuned like a typical guitar, and the contra bass strings as a six-sting bass.
The back and sides are described as 'imitation rosewood' in the catalog, which means faux-painted birch. The top is spruce. The guitar appears all original except for the finish, which was redone by Stella historian Neil Harpe. There are a few top crack repairs, and a glued crack in one of the heels. The necks were reset and the guitar plays well, producing an interesting drone effect when the bass strings are tuned to an open tuning. Perhaps best of all, this guitar comes with its original tooled-leather carrying case. If you've ever had the urge to play one, or hang it on the wall as a sculpture, this one is attractively priced.