Used Oscar Schmidt Stella Jumbo c 1930 w/bag

Decalcomania Finish | Birch Construction | Long Scale

(vc2401)

A rare and visually striking example of a Stella “Decalcomania” jumbo from the final years of Oscar Schmidt’s Jersey City production. Schmidt produced decalcomania instruments from the early 1900s through the mid-1930s, just prior to the factory’s sale, using transfer-printed decorative motifs in place of traditional purfling and inlay. While visually ornate, this approach allowed the company to offer bold, eye-catching guitars at a lower production cost—an innovation that proved especially effective during the Depression era.

Surviving decalcomania Stellas are uncommon; jumbo-bodied examples are rarer still, and this floral/sunburst motif is among the most attractive of the period. The combination places this instrument firmly in the upper tier of collectible Stella flat-tops.

Construction & Appointments

• Top, back, and sides: solid slab-sawn birch
• Top finish: dark oxblood stain with gold foil soundhole decal and lower-bout sunburst/floral decalcomania motif
• Back: sunburst finish
• Bracing: ladder-braced top
• Bridge: floating bridge with tailpiece
• Neck: likely poplar, carved to a substantial V profile
• Fingerboard: embossed celluloid (possibly replaced; thicker than typical 1930s examples)
• Headstock: slotted, with embossed Stella logo
• Heel cap & soundhole binding: white celluloid

Dimensions

• Lower bout: 15 5/8”
• Scale length: approx. 26 1/2” (long scale)
• Nut width: 1 7/8”
• String spacing at saddle: 2 3/4”

Condition & Repairs

This guitar has received thoughtful, professional restoration work to ensure long-term stability and playability:

• Neck reset
• Replaced bridge
• Several replaced top braces
• Refret with jumbo frets
• New nut

There are no structural cracks, aside from a few small back cracks likely associated with a past back removal. The instrument is solid throughout, showing expected nicks, dings, and wear consistent with age and use.

• Action: approx. 6/64” at the 12th fret

Tone & Feel

Any Stella jumbo—6- or 12-string—is unusual; one with this decorative motif is exceptionally rare. But the real reward here is the sound. The large body delivers serious acoustic horsepower, and the combination of ladder bracing, floating bridge, and tailpiece produces a voice unlike modern flat-tops:

• deep, woody, authoritative bass
• pronounced midrange with a slightly nasal, archtop-like character
• strong projection and quick attack

The substantial V-neck and thick fingerboard make it a handful, but the payoff is significant—especially with a flatpick, where the guitar truly comes alive.

Included

• Gig bag