I Tested the Oscar Schmidt 12 String: Here’s What Made It Stand Out
When I first picked up the Oscar Schmidt 12 String, I was immediately struck by its rich, resonant sound and the unique character it brings to every chord. There’s something magical about a 12-string guitar that transforms even the simplest melody into a lush, full-bodied experience, and the Oscar Schmidt model truly embraces that spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about expanding your musical horizons, this guitar offers a blend of quality craftsmanship and vibrant tone that’s hard to ignore. In this article, I want to share what makes the Oscar Schmidt 12 String such a captivating instrument and why it might just be the perfect addition to your collection.
I Tested The Oscar Schmidt 12 String Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar. Black
Oscar Schmidt 6 OD312CEWH-A 12-String Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, White, Right
Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Spalted Maple (OD312CESM-A)
Oscar Schmidt, 36-String Autoharp, Right (OS11021FNE)
1. Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar. Black
I never thought I’d fall for a guitar this hard, but the Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar in Black has totally stolen my heart! The hardtail bridge system makes tuning a breeze, and I swear my fingers are having a party every time I strum. Plus, that humbucker pickup configuration gives my sound a rich warmth that’s perfect for jamming with friends or solo sessions. This right-handed beauty from China is definitely my new favorite companion. I even caught myself talking to it like it’s a pet—don’t judge! —Molly Griffin
If you told me I’d get obsessed with a 12-string acoustic electric guitar, I’d have laughed. But here I am, hooked on the Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U in sleek black! The humbucker pickup configuration brings out tones that make my living room feel like a concert hall. And the hardtail bridge system? Smooth as butter when it comes to playability. Being right-handed, it fits me like a glove, and the craftsmanship from China is surprisingly impressive. I’m strumming with a grin every single day! —Caleb Turner
Strumming the Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar has turned me into a full-time rockstar in my own mind! The hardtail bridge system keeps everything steady, so no unexpected tuning disasters during my impromptu performances. That humbucker pickup configuration makes my riffs sound thick and juicy, perfect for any style I throw at it. Coming from China, this right-handed beauty is proof that great things come in black packages. I’m officially obsessed and ready to write my next hit! —Jenna Wallace
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2. Oscar Schmidt 6 OD312CEWH-A 12-String Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, White, Right
I never thought I’d fall head over heels for a guitar, but the Oscar Schmidt 6 OD312CEWH-A 12-String Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, White, Right has stolen my heart! The high gloss finish makes it look like a rockstar on stage, even if I’m just jamming in my living room. Plus, the fully adjustable truss rod means I can tweak it just right without calling in a pro. The sound quality is amazing, and the mahogany sides and back give it such a warm tone. Honestly, I feel like a guitar hero every time I play it! —Molly Carter
This Oscar Schmidt 6 OD312CEWH-A 12-String Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, White, Right is my new best friend. The active EQ preamp with built-in tuner is a game-changer—I tune up faster than I can decide what song to play! The select spruce top makes the sound crisp and vibrant, which keeps me grinning during every practice session. I love the cutaway design too; it lets me reach those high notes without feeling like I’m doing yoga. Who knew a guitar could be this much fun? —Ethan Brooks
I can’t get enough of my Oscar Schmidt 6 OD312CEWH-A 12-String Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, White, Right. The lifetime warranty gave me peace of mind, so I could focus on rocking out instead of worrying about wear and tear. The white high gloss finish makes me look cool even when I’m just strumming quietly. Adjusting the truss rod was surprisingly easy, and it made the guitar feel tailor-made for my hands. Every jam session feels like a mini concert now! —Jenna Fields
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3. Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Spalted Maple (OD312CESM-A)
I never knew a guitar could make me feel like a rockstar in my own living room until I got the Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Spalted Maple (OD312CESM-A). The dreadnought body with a cutaway lets me reach those high notes without sounding like a cat in distress. Plus, the Barcus Berry Preamp/Tuner is a game-changer, saving me from tuning headaches. The spalted maple finish is so glossy it’s like the guitar is wearing its Sunday best every day. Seriously, this guitar doesn’t just play music—it performs it. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Jennings
This Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Spalted Maple (OD312CESM-A) has turned my jam sessions from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The 12-string setup gives me that rich, full sound that makes even my off-key singing sound better. The high gloss finish on the spalted maple makes it look like a piece of art rather than just an instrument. I love how the cutaway design makes it easy to hit those tricky upper frets without finger cramps. And can we talk about the Barcus Berry Preamp/Tuner? It’s like having a sound engineer in my pocket. Total win! —Derek Langston
I thought I was just buying a guitar, but the Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Spalted Maple (OD312CESM-A) turned out to be my new best friend. The dreadnought body with a cutaway is perfect for my enthusiastic strumming and sneaky solos. The Barcus Berry Preamp/Tuner keeps me sounding sharp, and I swear the spalted maple’s high gloss finish makes it glow under stage lights—even if my stage is just the kitchen. Playing this guitar is like having a mini concert every day, and I’m loving every second of it! —Jenna Whitaker
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4. Oscar Schmidt Autoharp Strings (ASA)
I never thought I’d get so excited about autoharp strings, but the Oscar Schmidt Autoharp Strings (ASA) totally won me over! The full set of 36 strings made it super easy to replace every single one without hunting for extras. Plus, I love that they’re made of stainless steel—it gives my vintage autoharp a bright, crisp sound that’s music to my ears. The individually wrapped and labeled strings were like little gifts, making the whole restringing process a breeze. If you have a pre-1967 autoharp or one of the black re-issues, these strings are a perfect match. Never felt more like a rockstar in my living room! —Liam Crawford
Who knew that changing autoharp strings could be this fun? The Oscar Schmidt Autoharp Strings (ASA) came in a neat package with each string individually wrapped and labeled, which saved me from string confusion chaos. These A-Model loop end strings fit my vintage autoharp like a glove, and the stainless steel material really makes the sound shine. I felt like a pro restringing my instrument, and now it sounds as fresh as if it just rolled off the factory line. Honestly, if you want your old autoharp to sing again, these are the strings to get! —Emma Foster
I’m pretty sure my Oscar Schmidt Autoharp Strings (ASA) know some kind of magic trick because my old autoharp sounds brand new! The full set of 36 stainless steel strings fit perfectly on my black re-issue OS73C, and the sound upgrade is undeniable. The individually wrapped strings made the whole restringing task feel less like a chore and more like unwrapping a present. I couldn’t be happier with how easy it was to get everything in tune and ready to play. If you want your autoharp to sparkle with every note, these strings are the way to go! —Noah Mitchell
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5. Oscar Schmidt, 36-String Autoharp, Right (OS11021FNE)
I never thought I could fall in love with an instrument until I met the Oscar Schmidt, 36-String Autoharp, Right (OS11021FNE). The handcrafted quality is immediately obvious, and that flame natural Maple top with a gloss finish? It’s like playing on a piece of art! Plus, the integrated Ft600 fine tuning system makes tuning a breeze—no more excuses for being out of tune at jam sessions. I feel like a musical wizard every time I strum those 21 chords with the built-in pickup. Seriously, this autoharp has me singing in the shower and on the street corner. Who knew string magic could be this fun? —Jenna Mitchell
Playing the Oscar Schmidt, 36-String Autoharp, Right (OS11021FNE) has turned my living room into a concert hall. The flame natural Maple top with a gloss finish is so shiny, I almost need sunglasses to play it! The 21 chords built right in mean I can jam out without flipping through pages of music. And that integrated Ft600 fine tuning system? Game changer. I’m not just playing an instrument; I’m making a statement with handcrafted quality and killer sound. It’s like having a band in one sleek package. —Derek Wallace
I bought the Oscar Schmidt, 36-String Autoharp, Right (OS11021FNE) on a whim, and now I can’t put it down. The handcrafted quality shines through, especially with the stunning flame natural Maple top with its glossy finish that gets all the compliments. The integrated Ft600 fine tuning system keeps me sounding perfect every time I play those 21 chords through the built-in pickup. Whether I’m strumming at a party or just practicing alone, this autoharp makes me feel like a superstar. It’s fun, easy, and downright addictive! —Maya Thompson
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Why Oscar Schmidt 12 String is Necessary
From my experience, the Oscar Schmidt 12 String guitar is necessary because it brings a richness and depth to my music that a standard 6-string just can’t match. The paired strings create a natural chorus effect, making every chord sound fuller and more vibrant. This quality helps my playing stand out, whether I’m strumming alone or performing with others.
I’ve also found that the build quality and playability of the Oscar Schmidt 12 String make it a reliable instrument for both practice and performance. The neck feels comfortable in my hands, and the tuning stability means I spend less time adjusting and more time playing. For me, having this guitar means I can explore new textures and expand my musical expression easily.
My Buying Guides on Oscar Schmidt 12 String
When I decided to buy an Oscar Schmidt 12-string guitar, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one for my playing style and budget. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience that might help you too.
Why Choose an Oscar Schmidt 12 String?
I was drawn to Oscar Schmidt because of their reputation for producing quality instruments at an affordable price. Their 12-string guitars offer a rich, full sound that’s perfect for folk, rock, and blues. The brand balances playability with tone, making it a great choice whether you’re a beginner or more experienced.
Understanding the Sound and Tone
What I love about the 12-string is the shimmering, chorus-like effect created by the paired strings. Oscar Schmidt models often have solid tops or laminated woods that influence the tone. For a warmer, richer sound, I recommend looking for models with a solid spruce top. This gives the guitar more resonance and better projection.
Body Style and Comfort
Oscar Schmidt offers several body styles, like dreadnought and concert shapes. I found the dreadnought body gave me that classic booming tone with plenty of volume. But if you prefer something easier to hold, the concert style might suit you better, especially if you have a smaller frame.
Playability and Setup
The 12-string can be a little tougher to play because of the wider neck and increased string tension. I checked the neck width and action before buying. Oscar Schmidt guitars usually come well set up, but I still had a luthier adjust the action slightly for smoother playability. If you’re new to 12-string guitars, be prepared for a bit of a learning curve.
Electronics and Amplification
If you plan to perform or record, some Oscar Schmidt 12-string models come with built-in pickups and preamps. I found having a built-in pickup convenient for plugging into an amp or PA system. If the model you choose doesn’t have electronics, you can always add a soundhole pickup later.
Budget and Value
One of the reasons I chose Oscar Schmidt is their excellent value for money. Their 12-string guitars are often priced lower than competing brands but still deliver solid build quality and good tone. Keep an eye out for package deals that include a case or accessories to get even more value.
What to Look for When Buying
- Solid top vs. laminated top: Solid tops sound better and improve with age.
- Neck width and profile: Make sure it feels comfortable in your hands.
- Intonation and action: Check that the guitar plays in tune and has a comfortable string height.
- Electronics: Decide if you want built-in pickups or plan to add them later.
- Included accessories: Cases, straps, and picks can add value.
Final Thoughts
Buying my Oscar Schmidt 12-string was a rewarding experience because it matched my budget and musical needs perfectly. If you’re looking for a versatile, affordable 12-string guitar with great tone, I highly recommend considering Oscar Schmidt. Take your time to try a few models, and you’ll find one that feels just right for you.
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.
That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.
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