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Oscar Schmidt Guitars – Folk Instruments With Class
The Schmidt History
The Oscar Schmidt line is actually an extension company of Washburn Guitars which is owned by the US Music Corporation. The original company, owned by George Washburn, began in 1883 with the very same focus on folk instruments. The company was on Maxwell Street at the time, in Chicago during the boom in jazz, blues and folk music.
During the 1920s, the entire street of Maxwell had grown in reputation for its kind of club street atmosphere with musicians playing freely in shops and bars. African Americans from the Mississippi were popular in the area and with their community came funk and rhythm. This boom, of course, was opportunity for the Washburn company to make successful instruments for the growing public.
The Schmidt Line
Folk may be the focus of the Schmidt agenda but the variety of instruments that they offer is still quite impressive. With absolutely nothing but quality and moderate prices in mind, Schmidt has more than just banjos and folk guitars for consumers to consider. Besides autoharps, there are several types of guitars to choose from.
Acoustic Guitars
- Modern Acoustic Guitars
- Acoustic Electrics
- Classic Acoustics
- Acoustic Electric Basses
- Bluegrass Guitars
- Latin Guitars
Electric Guitars
- Solid Hollow Body Electrics
- Hollow Body Electrics
- Basses
Setting Them ApartSchmidt guitars are known for their ability to hold their own when it comes to sound, construction and resonance. They are reasonably priced and reviewed as above average in quality. The entire line of Schmidt guitars are made only with high quality wood and are great for beginners and novice guitarists. They are also quite easy to play, easy on the fingers and joints and are easily replaced because of their great prices. There are, however, some very specific models that have touched the hearts of Schmidt users, boosting the Schmidt reputation.
- Oscar Schmidt OG-11CEAN: This cutaway dreadnought has passive pickups and an awesome look. It sounds great and is ideal for folk, funk and jazz though it can also handle a little pop as well.
- Oscar Schmidt OG-312CEB: 20 frets, 12 stringed cut-away Dreadnaught body with a Spruce top and Mahogany back, sides, and neck with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. It has an active under-saddle pickup system, 3 band EQ controls with a volume control and a presence booster.
Reflecting on SchmidtWhen you want to start out on an excellent guitar that won’t singe your wallet, Schmidt is a great choice. They are a little difficult to tune and they aren’t always stage worthy but Schmidt Guitars are comfortable, well priced and have excellent quality that can even be beautifully recorded without a flaw.