New Arrivals at Retrofret Guitars

[Retrofret]

Sovereign Grand Concert Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, made by Oscar Schmidt , c. 1930
http://www.retrofret.com/products.as...D=3568&CartID=
$3000

This is a fabulous example of the higher level of guitars crafted at the Oscar Schmidt factory in Jersey City prior to 1935, and a truly great playing and sounding guitar. While the Schmidt brand name "Stella" is most legendary for its association with acoustic blues players, the "Sovereign" brand was used for the more expensive, upscale instruments like this grand concert-size Koa wood guitar. Oscar Schmidt-built guitars have become increasingly sought after in recent years as awareness of their unique sound and feel has spread beyond the fingerpicking blues fraternity.




Gibson L-0 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar , c. 1928
http://www.retrofret.com/products.as...D=5974&CartID=
$2750

While perhaps not the prettiest example of this model we have had, this is definitely the best sounding small-body L-0 we have heard! The top has been cleanly refinished in a non-obnoxious way with a very thin varnish, leaving the grain mostly open-it is actually much lighter than the original lacquer and a good color match besides! The back, sides and neck retain the original dark mahogany lacquer; the face of the headstock appears original but the thin silkscreen "The Gibson" logo has been polished off.




C. F. Martin 0-18 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1938)
http://www.retrofret.com/products.as...D=6195&CartID=
$4600

This guitar has had quite a bit of use and some old repair work but is an excellent player. There is general finish wear over the entire guitar, especially to the top and the back of the neck.

[Retrofret]

Fraulini Francesca Leadbelly Model 12 String Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (2014)
http://www.retrofret.com/searchresul...x=0&submit.y=0
$4750

This is an absolutely beautiful re-creation of the classic jumbo Stella used by Leadbelly from Fraulini guitars. This one-man operation specializes in unique and superbly built instruments inspired by the Italian-American New York guitar makers of the 1910's and '20's. This guitar is crafted to exacting detail, and is by far the finest Stella-inspired 12-string currently available.



Here is a video of the guitar being played by our repair tech Harry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCDeEPRrVAA

[CoolerKing]

Cool 0-18. I don't see those prewar 14 fret 0-18s that often.

[Retrofret]

Originally Posted by matthewpartrick

Cool 0-18. I don't see those prewar 14 fret 0-18s that often.

It's a very nice one. Not too bright as you would expect from an 0 size guitar. Its got a warmer, bassier sound.

[Retrofret]

Collings D3H Custom Brazilian #4 of 93 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1993)

http://www.retrofret.com/products.as...D=4891&CartID=
$7200
This D3H has premium Brazilian rosewood back and sides that were personally supplied by New York guitar dealer Matt Umanov from his personal (then) 25 year old stash. The Matt Umanov Guitar sticker is still on the back of the headstock. With nearly 20 years of additional aging this guitar has mellowed into a big sounding dreadnought; a unique and very fine example of an exceptionally nice Collings from the early days of the company.

[Retrofret]

C. F. Martin 000-18 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1956)

http://www.retrofret.com/products.as...D=6311&CartID=
$2900

A nicely original if somewhat well-worn 1950's mahogany Martin 000. The finish shows numerous scuffs, dings and pickwear overall but the guitar has no major cracks, just a couple of small open grain seams just above the pickguard edge. The neck was reset solidly but not as cleanly as we might prefer-there is a small repair at the bottom of the heel and finish disturbance around the neck seams. The finish on the back of the back of the neck is worn through in the first few positional, and there is a smoothed-out ding behind the first fret. The tuners, pickguard, bridge and finish are all original. There is a very nice correct-style refret and the guitar plays well with a nicely woody tone; this would make an excellent gigging vintage Martin. Includes a recent molded HSC. Overall Very Good + Condition.