A1199 Stella Double Neck Harp Guitar - circa 1910 ...Grand concert size body with a standard six string neck and a second fretless neck with six sub-bass strings. Red spruce top, birch sides and back with faux rosewood finish. Several repaired cracks to the top and back. Original finish throughout. The six sub-bass strings on second neck act as drones, vibrating sympathetically and creating a haunting, almost mystical sound unlike any other guitar I have played. Excellent action and playability. Includes hard-shell case. This is truly a remarkable instrument - and such fun to play!
Amaze your family and friends! Amaze yourself!!
SOLD
Selling for $15.00 in 1921, the No. 507DN Stella Double Neck or Contra Bass Guitar was one of the most expensive instruments offered in the Oscar Schmidt catalog. Until I got my hands on this one, I never had much interest in these strange looking instruments. I figured such an instrument would be ungainly to hold. And the sub-bass strings seemed entirely superfluous for the kind of music I play. I was wrong!
The "sub-bass" strings can be tuned different ways, depending on the key of the tune being played. Although originally intended primarily to be plucked for bass accompaniment, the secondary strings serve another really cool function! They vibrate sympathetically, creating a subtle yet unmistakable echo effect. Far from "ungainly", the instrument feels as comfortable as any standard 6-string Stella grand concert guitar.
This is an amazing instrument to play...perhaps this is the "Ultimate Stella!"
