c.1925 Stella by Oscar Schmidt Tenor Guitar

Yowza! Here's something I see so very rarely that it must be a sign... to keep it... no! Cannot! Must not! Ok. This is a really fun Stella tenor guitar, c. mid-1920s, and it sounds great, plays perfectly, and is quite punchy and vibrant. It's entirely original, except for a new bone saddle (the old one is stashed in its original, fitted faux-alligator case), and is, well... in stunning shape. I've repaired one hairline crack next to the fretboard extension, and there are places along the back edge where the side has edged away from the back (though they're glued), but otherwise... in closet classic condition.

Cool stamped and painted Stella logo as well as original Grover Champion pegs.

Super celluloid fretboard with original frets!

Top is bound in celluloid and inlaid with multicolored marquetry all along its edge, as well as the soundhole. Check out the cool celluloid "bat wing" pickguard. Original, too!

Rosette.

Original rosewood bridge, small stable hairline crack on it, with original MOP-inlaid bridge pins! Those are always missing! New bone saddle gives it some more zing.

Headstock again.

Side. Now, I'm not sure what wood the top is. It has the look of spruce in the straightness of its grain and the way the finish grain follows it straight up and down, yet it has a sort of look of birch to the top as well. I'm really not sure at all... I'll have to get my mirror out and check underneath... but either way, the wood is entirely solid.

Side.


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Back.

Pegs work nicely.

Celluloid heel cap, too!

Back... the stripe is simply a decal.

Original MOP-inlaid end pin, too.