The Oscar Schmidt Company produced a wide range of highly regarded stringed instruments in the late 19th and early 20th century, often sold under house brands such as Stella. Built in Jersey City, New Jersey, Stella guitars became especially associated with early American blues and folk musicians, valued for their strong projection and distinctive tonal character. Twelve string models from the 1920s in particular remain some of the most iconic instruments of the period, closely linked with players such as Lead Belly.
This 1920s Stella Grand Auditorium 12 String represents the larger body style more commonly associated with Lead Belly, offering the deep, powerful response that made these instruments so well suited to vocal accompaniment and percussive playing. Constructed with a spruce top and what appears to be oak back and sides, it delivers impressive volume and projection, with a rich low end and clear, ringing trebles.
The guitar remains in mostly original condition, with the kind of age related wear you would expect from an instrument approaching a century old. There have been some repairs carried out over time, including top crack repairs which are now stable, along with the installation of carbon fibre reinforcement rods in the neck and a replacement fretboard to ensure continued playability. These are practical, sympathetic updates that allow the instrument to be used reliably while preserving its character.
This guitar has been given a full service & appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 2 year warranty.
