March 2016

This is a Stella  from the early 1920s. It has concert size with a lower bout of 

33,7cm (13,26"). This type of guitar was included in Schmidts mail order music lessons, the "First Hawaiian Conservatory Of Music": Insrtument included with the course have the "First Hawaiian Conservatory Of Music" label inside and a F.H.C.M.  stamped headstock.

This guitar has the early "Stella" embossed headstock and is in exceptionally good condition. All original (except a new fretwire in the bridge and non original paper label) and crackfree. Interior of the body looks like it is coming fresh out of the Schmidt factory. Finsih is in great shape. It looks like someone did take very much care of it or didn't noticed it at all.  The guitar is from the lower end of Schmidts production, but  it is a piece of solid workmanship. It has no decals and purfling, but  the top and soundhole is bound with white celluloide and the red finish is stunning. Upper bout is 24,7cm (9,72").  Scale length is 63,5 cm (25").

Solid birch top. Top edge and soundhole bound with celluloide.

Solid birch back.

Reseted V-shaped neck with a black stained maple fretboard. Pearloid position markers at the 5th, 7th, 10th and 12th fret. Action is low , a hair under 4mm (0,157") at the 12th fret.

Soild birch sides. Deep body 9,5 cm (3,75")

Stella embossed headstock

Original "plug on" tuners and  original bone nut. Nut wide is 47 mm (1,85"). string spacing 41mm (1,61").

Original black stained maple bridge with fretwire saddle (saddle is non original).

Six pearl inlaied pins.

This is again a very loud guitar. The brass saddle makes it sound a little crisper

and bit more brilliance, than a bone one. All over very balanced with a strong mid range. I great bluespicker. For the video i choosed the great "Kassie Jones"

from Furry Lewis.

Furry Lewis was from Memphis, Tennessee (born in Greenwood, Mississippi). He recorded in the 1920s and was "rediscovered"  in the 1960s. He recorded "Kassie Jones" the first time in 1928 for Victor.  The song was too long for one side of the record, so he recorded two parts The song was realeased on the Victor 21664 record (A and B side)