~1930 Oscar Schmidt Stella Jumbo Decalcomania

Oscar Schmidt Stella Jumbo 6-String c 1930 | $2795 | (vc2401) A rare example of an OS 'Decalcomania' 6-string 'jumbo' guitar. The Schmidt factory produced their 'Decalcomania' guitars from the early 1900s through the mid-thirties when the factory was sold. The decalcomania technique was developed in the 18th century and involved transferring a print (decal) onto a surface. Although fancy looking, the move to decals from actual purfling inlay was likely a way to produce glitzy guitars for less cost, since inlaying purfling was time consuming and the material cost was likely more than decals. This surely paid off for the factory during the depression, since a decent number and variety of decalcomania guitars survive today. This example offers one of the more attractive motifs from that period; and any Stella 'jumbo' is rare but the decalcomania motif puts this one into the ether.

The top, back and sides are made from slab-sawn solid birch. The top is stained with a dark oxblood finish and features a gold foil decal around the sound hole and a sunburst/floral motif in the lower bout area. The sound hole and top are bound with white celluloid. The top is ladder braced. The bridge is the 'floating' type with a tailpiece. The back features a sunburst. The neck is likely poplar and is carved in a healthy 'V'-shape. The fingerboard is covered with embossed celluloid. The slotted head stock features the embossed 'Stella' logo. The heel cap is white celluloid.

The body measures 15 5/8" across at the lower bout. Scale length is a bit over 26 1/2" (long scale). The fingerboard measures 1 7/8" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 3/8" at the saddle.

The guitar came to us with the following repairs: neck reset; replaced bridge; a few replaced top braces; refretted with jumbo frets; replaced nut. The fingerboard may be a replacement, since it's a bit thicker that what we expect on '30s Stellas. There are no cracks but for a few small ones on the back likely from the back removal; the guitar is very solid. There are various nicks, dings and wear from use. Action set at ~ 6/64".

This is a really rare guitar .. any Stella jumbo, 6 or 12, is unusual, and the floral motif puts this one into a class of its own. But the best part is the sound ... the jumbo body gives it that built-in oomph in spades, and coupled with the tailpiece/floating bridge and ladder bracing, the guitar sounds like no other ... a very deep and woody bass, but with some nasal archtop-like tones in the mids ... very unique tonal qualities! The 'V'-neck and thick board make it a handful, but the sound output is worth the effort, especially when played with a plectrum.

Comes with an older soft case.

Check out the sound clip!