c.1925 Oscar Schmidt Flamed Koa Ukulele

Here's one I finished last week. Sorry for the slow updates! This is a c.1925 or so Oscar Schmidt soprano that belongs to the case in the last post. It's built entirely out of flamed (and nicely grained) koa save for the rosewood fretboard and bridge. The major problem with this uke was a top crack next to the bridge which glued up nicely but was frightful to see before.

How about that flame? The original finish is quite intact (though a bit marked up on the back) and gleams nicely. As you'd expect from the wood, this uke sounds awesome. Snappy, sweet, and with a full, rich, sustained tone. Everything on the uke is original.

I like the old OS headstocks: the "crown" has points that all rise to the same height which makes for an old-fashioned shield look.

Comfortable, wide, beautiful rosewood board. Original frets.

Nice color, huh? The rope binding is a plus, too!

Here's the little extension. Fancy. Note the little hole at the 11th fret. On all the OS ukes, mandolins, guitars, and banjos I've worked on there are two holes on all fretboards: one around the 11th and one around the 1st or 2nd. I think they stuck pins through them while the boards glued to keep them in position. It's not noticable but I definitely notice it after working on a bunch!

Bridge with original fret saddle. Due to worn slots I had to enlarge the "pockets" under a couple of the slots to get them to sit right. Methinks someone may have been using a wound G at some point.

Here's that crack all fixed up: stable but not the prettiest as it had been sitting a long time unrepaired.

Label.

Side view.

Beautiful, beautiful grain on the sides, I think!

Original fancy-style Grover tuners.

Tight heel join.

Back.

Back detail. See the rough spots? I think that while it was in the case (where some paper had been) heat damage must have imprinted a bit on the finish. Either that or someone had used tape on the back. Can't be sure.

Headstock again.

Other side.

Nice rich chocolate koa!