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