Oscar Schmidt OC1 Serial No. 8909648

by Dallas Mason
(Grand Rapids, MI)

This guitar was found in Michigan's oldest state penitentiary, which was closed down and opened back up dozens of times since the late 1800s. Now I know this guitar is nowhere near a hundred years old, but I am pretty sure its an antique and was always curious about its value and history, or whether its just some cheap mass-produced guitar worth nothing.

Still in decent condition, solid and plays very nice, but some fret wear from being strung with steel strings. Any help in determining what I have will be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER

Hi, Dallas--

With Ocsar Schmidt guitars, the first two digits of the serial number indicate the manufacture date. In this case, the serial number indicates that the guitar was manufactured in 1989.

Here is the general info:

OC1
- classical body, agathis top, mahogany back and sides, nylon strings, available in Natural Satin finish, current mfg.

The pricing info:

Excellent $40 - 60
Average $20 - 30

The guitar is currently selling new for around $130.00

Lynne