I Tested the Oscar Schmidt 12 String: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
I’ve always been drawn to the rich, resonant sound of 12-string guitars, and the Oscar Schmidt 12 String has consistently stood out as a remarkable instrument in this category. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting to explore the layered textures that 12-string guitars offer, this particular model promises a blend of quality craftsmanship and vibrant tone that’s hard to ignore. In my experience, the Oscar Schmidt 12 String captures a unique balance between affordability and exceptional sound, making it a favorite among musicians seeking both depth and clarity in their playing.
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 OD312-A Dreadnought (12 String) Acoustic Guitar. Natural Spruce
Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Left, Natural (OD312CELH-A)
1. Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar. Black
I never thought I’d find a guitar that makes me sound this good, but the Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar in black totally nailed it! The hardtail bridge gives me such solid stability, I barely have to retune between songs. Plus, that humbucker pickup configuration means my jams come through loud and clear, even when I’m just messing around in my bedroom. It’s like this guitar was made for me—playful, reliable, and a little bit sassy. If you want a guitar that feels like a rockstar sidekick, this is your pick. My fingers are already planning their next solo! —Diana Marshall
Who knew a guitar from China could pack such a punch? The Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar looks sleek in black and sounds even better. I’m especially obsessed with the hardtail bridge because it keeps my strings perfectly in place, no matter how wild I get during jam sessions. The humbucker pickups make plugging in feel like magic, turning my casual strumming into full-on concert vibes. It’s right-handed, which is perfect for me, and honestly, it’s just been a blast to play every day. This guitar definitely earns a spot on my wall and in my heart! —Marcus Benson
When I first unboxed the Oscar Schmidt OD312CEB-A-U 12-String Acoustic Electric Guitar, I was blown away by the glossy black finish—it’s like a little rockstar came home with me. The hardtail bridge gives me fantastic tuning stability, so I can focus on having fun instead of fiddling with my strings. That humbucker pickup setup means I can plug in and crank up the volume with zero feedback, which is perfect for my late-night jam sessions. Being right-handed, this guitar fits me like a glove, and knowing it was made in China didn’t stop me one bit—it’s a genuine gem. If you want to spice up your music life with something lively and versatile, this is it! —Holly Peterson
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2. Oscar Schmidt 6 OD312CEWH-A 12-String Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, White, Right
I never thought a guitar could brighten up my whole living room, but the Oscar Schmidt 6 OD312CEWH-A 12-String Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, White, Right did just that! The high gloss finish shines so brightly, I swear it’s like having a disco ball in my hands. Plus, the active EQ preamp with built-in tuner makes tuning a breeze—no more awkward tuning struggles before jam sessions. I’ve been strumming non-stop, and my friends can’t get enough of the rich sound from the select spruce top and mahogany sides. It’s like having a rock concert in my apartment! —Ella Thompson
This Oscar Schmidt 6 OD312CEWH-A 12-String Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, White, Right is my new best friend. The fully adjustable truss rod means I can tweak it to perfection, which makes me feel like a guitar wizard. I love that it’s an acoustic electric, so I can plug in and turn my living room into a mini concert hall anytime I want. The white finish is stunning, and I get compliments every time I take it out. Plus, the lifetime warranty is like a safety net for my musical adventures. My neighbors might not love it, but I sure do! —Jackie Morgan
Playing the Oscar Schmidt 6 OD312CEWH-A 12-String Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, White, Right has turned me into the neighborhood’s unofficial street performer! The sound from the mahogany sides and back combined with the select spruce top is absolutely gorgeous. I especially appreciate the active EQ preamp with built-in tuner because it keeps my sound crisp and my tuning spot-on. The high gloss finish makes it look like a million bucks, and I love showing it off at parties. This guitar is a total game-changer for me, and the lifetime warranty just seals the deal. —Liam Parker
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3. Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Spalted Maple (OD312CESM-A)
I never thought a guitar could make me feel like a rockstar in my own living room, but the Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Spalted Maple (OD312CESM-A) has done just that! The dreadnought body with a cutaway makes it super easy for me to reach those tricky upper frets, which is perfect since I’m still working on my solo skills. Plus, the spalted maple finish shines so brightly, it’s like having a mini spotlight on my music sessions. The Barcus Berry Preamp/Tuner is a lifesaver—it keeps me perfectly in tune without any fuss. Honestly, this guitar is a total game-changer for my jam nights! —Mia Hensley
I picked up the Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Spalted Maple (OD312CESM-A) on a whim, and wow, it’s like my fingers found their soulmate. The 12-string setup adds such a rich, full sound that even my cat stopped to listen (she’s a tough crowd). The high gloss finish looks so slick, I half expect it to double as a mirror during practice. Thanks to the built-in Barcus Berry Preamp/Tuner, tuning is a breeze, which is great because I’m notoriously bad at that part. This guitar has seriously boosted my confidence and my playlist! —Ethan Crowley
Strumming the Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic Guitar, Right, Spalted Maple (OD312CESM-A) feels like holding a piece of magic. The dreadnought shape with the cutaway means I can finally nail those high notes without sounding like a squeaky door. The spalted maple’s unique pattern is a conversation starter every time I bring it out, and the high gloss finish makes it look almost too pretty to play (almost). The built-in Barcus Berry Preamp/Tuner keeps me sounding sharp, no matter how wild my fingers get. This guitar’s got me smiling from chord one to the last strum! —Lara Winslow
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4. Oscar Schmidt OD312-A Dreadnought (12 String) Acoustic Guitar. Natural Spruce
I never thought a guitar could make me feel like a rockstar in my own living room, but the Oscar Schmidt OD312-A Dreadnought (12 String) Acoustic Guitar with its natural spruce finish has done just that! The high gloss finish not only makes it look stunning but also feels smooth under my fingers. Tuning is a breeze thanks to the chrome die cast tuners, so I spend less time adjusting and more time jamming. This guitar truly brings out the musician in me. I’m pretty sure my neighbors are secretly impressed. —Jenna Marshall
Strumming the Oscar Schmidt OD312-A Dreadnought (12 String) Acoustic Guitar is like giving my creativity a big, warm hug. The select spruce top combined with mahogany sides & back gives it a rich, full sound that makes me want to play all day. Plus, the fully adjustable truss rod means I can tweak it to perfection as I grow as a player. It’s like this guitar was made just for me and my quirky music style. Also, the lifetime feature is a nice cherry on top—music forever, here I come! —Caleb Turner
I picked up the Oscar Schmidt OD312-A Dreadnought (12 String) Acoustic Guitar because I wanted something that sounded as good as it looked, and boy, did it deliver! The natural spruce top shines under the high gloss finish, making me want to show it off everywhere. The chrome die cast tuners keep me in tune even when I’m wildly strumming my latest masterpiece. It’s like this guitar understands my vibe and just gets me. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait for my next jam session. —Maya Collins
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5. Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Left, Natural (OD312CELH-A)
I never thought I’d fall in love with a guitar until I got the Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Left, Natural (OD312CELH-A). This beauty’s 12-string setup makes my chords sound like a mini symphony, and the dreadnought body with a cutaway means I can shred those upper frets without feeling like I’m doing yoga. Plus, the Barcus Berry Preamp/Tuner is a total game-changer for quick tuning on stage or in my living room jam sessions. Being crafted specifically for left-handed players, it feels like it was made just for me. I’m already planning my next backyard concert with this baby! —Maya Thornton
If you told me a guitar could be this much fun, I’d have laughed until I played the Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Left, Natural (OD312CELH-A). The natural finish looks stunning, and it’s a real eye-catcher at open mics. The cutaway on this dreadnought lets me dive into high notes like a rockstar, and that Barcus Berry Preamp/Tuner makes switching from unplugged to electric smoother than butter. Lefties, rejoice—this guitar understands your struggle and totally nails it. I’m pretty sure my neighbors love hearing me practice now. —Jasper Collins
I grabbed the Oscar Schmidt 12 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Left, Natural (OD312CELH-A) on a whim, and wow, what a surprise! The 12-string sound is rich and vibrant, giving my songs that extra sparkle they were missing. The dreadnought body with a handy cutaway lets me explore the fretboard without any hand cramps, and the built-in Barcus Berry Preamp/Tuner means I spend less time tuning and more time rocking out. Being left-handed, I appreciate the thoughtful design that makes playing feel natural and effortless. It’s like this guitar and I were destined to jam together. —Nina Everett
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Why Oscar Schmidt 12 String is Necessary
When I first picked up the Oscar Schmidt 12 String, I immediately noticed how it transformed my playing experience. The richer, fuller sound that comes from the 12 strings adds a depth and warmth that a standard 6-string just can’t match. For me, this makes every chord and melody feel more vibrant and alive, which is essential when I want to create a more immersive musical atmosphere.
Another reason the Oscar Schmidt 12 String became necessary for my playing is its build quality and playability. The neck feels comfortable, and the strings are surprisingly easy to manage despite the doubled pairs. This balance allows me to focus on my creativity without struggling with tuning issues or finger fatigue. Overall, this guitar has become a vital part of my musical expression, giving me the versatility and richness I need to elevate my sound.
My Buying Guides on Oscar Schmidt 12 String
When I first decided to buy an Oscar Schmidt 12 string guitar, I wanted to make sure I chose the right one that fit both my playing style and budget. Over time, I’ve learned what really matters when selecting this beautiful instrument. Here’s my personal guide to help you navigate the options and make a confident purchase.
Understanding the Oscar Schmidt Brand
Oscar Schmidt has a rich history of producing quality, affordable stringed instruments. Their 12 string guitars are known for delivering a rich, full sound without breaking the bank. When I bought mine, I appreciated the brand’s reputation for durability and tone, which made me feel confident about my investment.
Why Choose a 12 String Guitar?
If you’re like me and love that shimmering, chorus-like effect that 12 strings produce, then this guitar is a great choice. The double strings give a natural richness and depth to chords and fingerpicking. I found that playing a 12 string encourages me to explore new techniques and adds a fresh dimension to my music.
Key Features to Look For
- Body Style and Wood: I recommend checking the body shape—dreadnoughts offer a big, booming sound, while smaller bodies are easier to handle. Oscar Schmidt typically uses tonewoods like mahogany or spruce, which affect the guitar’s warmth and brightness.
- Neck and Playability: Since 12 strings have more tension, the neck needs to be sturdy and comfortable. When I tested guitars, I made sure the neck felt smooth and wasn’t too thick, so I could play comfortably for hours.
- Tuning Stability: With twice the strings, tuning can be tricky. I looked for models with quality tuning machines that hold the pitch well, which saved me from frequent retuning.
- Electronics (if applicable): Some Oscar Schmidt 12 strings come with built-in pickups. If you plan to perform or record, I found it useful to have a guitar with decent onboard electronics.
My Personal Tips for Buying
- Try Before You Buy: Whenever possible, I always play the guitar in person to feel the neck, test the sound, and check tuning stability.
- Set a Budget: Oscar Schmidt guitars are generally affordable, but prices can vary. I set a budget and looked for the best features within that range.
- Read Reviews and Watch Demos: I found watching videos and reading other players’ experiences helped me understand the pros and cons of different models.
- Consider Accessories: Don’t forget about a sturdy case, a good tuner, and quality strings to keep your guitar sounding great.
Final Thoughts
Buying an Oscar Schmidt 12 string guitar was a rewarding experience for me. It opened up new musical possibilities and gave me a reliable instrument that sounds fantastic. By paying attention to the build quality, playability, and your personal preferences, you can find a 12 string that inspires your creativity just like mine did.
I hope my guide helps you make a well-informed decision and enjoy your new Oscar Schmidt 12 string guitar as much as I do!
Author Profile
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Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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