DESCRIPTION

Auditorium size-- just under 15 inches. Very few of these have survived. OS made various brands with general consistency in specs which makes them renown for a dry and woody  old-timey radio tone. The finger style blues guys know what I'm talking about. I've played a number of Stellas and other Schmidts but I've never heard anything to beat this thing. Aside from 100 year old spruce I credit the bracing. This guitar has a very small chamfered bridge plate that occupies less than the foot print of the bridge; just behind this is a thin full width tone bar. The first time I strummed this guitar I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The bad news is that I had to pay a lot to buy this thing. The good news is I am willing to sell it.

Playability is good and fits my hands well. Low E is at 5/32 at the 12th fret. A small bit of relief on the bass side of the neck; dead flat on the treble side. There's no point in trying to describe the tone other that say its LOUD-- dry and woody. It will impress your friend. I've been thru many flat tops over the years including several 30's Martins. I rate this guy as top 5 all-time. I like it better than a 34 OM-18 I had and sold for $9k... but they were really different creatures. Personal taste.

CONDITION

Well played and condition is evident from the photos. It has original finish and parts; no cracks anywhere. The only repair I can find:  the back (birch w/ faux rosewood finish) never had binding. At some point there was shrinkage across the lower bout which left a 1/16" gap from the sides. Someone used a thin line of filler to smooth this. Its pretty innocuous and hard to see even if you are looking. Regarding the case. I'm pretty sure this is a deluxe Geib that would have been standard issue with 12 fret 000 Martins. The interior is beautiful and in excellent condition. The exterior-- not so much. (additional photo by request). Time-worn thru the wood foundation at the  top of the head; covering is tatty throughout. There are people who can restore these things. However, it fits like a glove and it is totally functional  and has a definite mojo as-is.Happy to play it over the phone and give in-hand report. Just call me.

SOLD