FAQ

GENERAL FAQ

Are standard Oscar Schmidt models available with custom options?
No, standard models are only produced to catalog specs and custom options are not presently available.

Can I buy an instrument from Oscar Schmidt directly?
Oscar Schmidt products are currently available only through our authorized dealer network. For a complete list of our authorized Oscar Schmidt dealers, please visit our dealer locator.

Are any Oscar Schmidt instruments available in left-hand versions?
Some models are produced in a left-handed configuration. Please contact an Oscar Schmidt dealer for availability.

What is my Oscar Schmidt worth?
Oscar Schmidt does not evaluate or appraise pre-owned instruments, as there are many considerations in pricing that our beyond our references or control. Local market conditions, condition, etc, can all play major factors. Because Oscar Schmidt does not purchase used instruments, we do not track this information and are unable to answer this type of request. To have an instrument professionally appraised, we would suggest the fine folks at Gruhn (Gruhn.com) or any retailer that is in the market of purchasing/trading pre-owned instruments.

How can I get a catalog?
Our website is a great (and environmentally friendly) way to view our current offerings. You can view our catalogs online here.

Where can I get a case for my Oscar Schmidt instrument?
Oscar Schmidt only offers cases for select instruments currently in production. See them here. They are available via special order from your local Oscar Schmidt dealer. There are also a great variety of 3rd party instrument case manufacturers. We recommend bringing your guitar to your favorite local music store for a proper case fitting.

If dimension measurements are required, we recommend measuring the instrument. Oscar Schmidt cannot provide specific dimension measurements on older instruments.

How can I find out prices of Oscar Schmidt instruments and products?
For pricing, please contact your dealer or the international distributor for your country.

How do I get replacement parts for my instrument?
Oscar Schmidt tries to use as many standardized instrument parts as possible, to make field-service easier. Most technicians capable of performing repair work have easy access to them, via a variety of instrument parts dealers/suppliers.

How can I find out the status of my order that was placed through an authorized Oscar Schmidt Dealer?
Only your authorized Oscar Schmidt dealer can provide you with the status of your order. Please contact your authorized dealer, as Oscar Schmidt cannot advise the status of individual’s instrument orders or shipments.

I live in the U.S. How can I find the nearest Oscar Schmidt dealer?
To find the authorized retailer nearest you, please check our dealer locator.

I am an instrument dealer and would love to carry your product!
Great! Send us a request from our Customer Service page and tell us about your store.

MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL

What is the best way to take care of my acoustic instrument?
Acoustic guitars are sensitive to humidity and temperature conditions. Excessive dryness, heat and cold will cause severe damage to an acoustic instrument.

Excessive dryness will cause an instrument to shrink/contract and crack. For owners that reside in a dry climate, we recommend storing the instrument in a good quality hard shell case with a small guitar case humidifier. Guitar humidifiers are relatively inexpensive accessories, and can be purchased through your local musical instrument shop or online.

Your acoustic guitar is ideally stored in an environment with constant 45-55 % relative humidity, and 72-77 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not expose the instrument to a rapid temperature change, as this may cause the finish and wood to crack.

Do not hang or store your guitar by windows, under direct sunlight, or in your car.

Cracking and warping caused by dryness and excessive temperature exposure is not covered under warranty.

I need general maintenance on my guitar. Where can I get information?
There are lots of free resources on the web that can assist you in setting up and maintaining your instruments. Most guitar shops also have technicians on hand that are more than capable of general instrument set-up/maintenance.

Can I send my guitar to Oscar Schmidt for maintenance, repair, or upgrades?
No, the Oscar Schmidt shop does not perform any aftermarket work. The Oscar Schmidt shop only performs warranty repairs (provided there is no factory authorized service center in your region).

Where can I get my instrument repaired?
If your instrument requires a warranty repair, we recommend contacting the place of purchase (if your instrument was purchased locally). If your instrument is not under warranty, then we recommend contacting a local instrument repair shop.

How often should I change strings?
Oscar Schmidt recommends changing strings every 3-4 months, to maintain the best tone and playability. Excessive playing may require more frequent string changing, in the event of breakage or oxidization.

Can I get a wiring diagram?
Most Oscar Schmidt models use standardized wiring concepts. A great resource for wiring diagrams can be found at guitarelectronics.com. Oscar Schmidt has limited references for older models, and unfortunately cannot provide specific wiring diagrams for some older models.

How do I know if my neck needs adjustment?
Generally, if a neck is out of adjustment, string buzz will be more noticeable in either the center of the neck or near the first few frets. There are many factors that can be the source of string buzz, but this is a good place to look first.

Truss rod adjustment is generally recommended to only be performed by a qualified repair technician. Minimal tweaking is key to adjusting an instruments neck. Breaking the truss rod, (applying too much force) and/or stripping the truss rod (using an improperly sized Allen wrench, and/or applying too much force) is not considered a manufacturers defect and is not covered under any warranty. Breaking and/or stripping your instruments truss rod will void the warranty.

I broke my neck. Can you fix it or sell me a new neck? Where do I get it fixed?
Oscar Schmidt does not offer replacement necks at this time. If your neck has cracked due to a non-warranty issue (impact damage, or damage due to improper tuning and/or inappropriate storage of the instrument) we recommend finding a qualified repair technician in your area to fix the existing neck.

WARRANTY

What does my warranty cover?
The Oscar Schmidt warranty provides coverage against defects in manufacturing for the lifetime of the original purchaser. Please note, that most imperfections or problems attributed to the manufacture of your instrument will generally occur or become apparent early on. If you detect or suspect any problems with your instrument, please contact either the dealer it was purchased from or us as soon as possible. If you are an international customer, please contact your dealer or distributor for your country. For a list of our international distributors, click here.

Tuning machines, hardware and electronics are covered for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Oscar Schmidt reserves the right to use or offer currently available replacement parts at the time of service request.

A proof of purchase is required for all warranty service. Damage caused by dropping, scratching, smashing, stage diving, and damage due to improper storage or care of the instrument is not covered under warranty.

Oscar Schmidt reserves the right to repair or replace the instrument, at our sole discretion. If your specific model is no longer in production, Oscar Schmidt will offer a currently available similar model as a replacement option.

Where can I obtain warranty service?
If your instrument was purchased locally and is under warranty, we recommend contacting the dealership it was purchased from. If your instrument cannot be repaired under warranty locally, contact us from our customer service page.

A return authorization number is required for any repairs performed at Oscar Schmidt. To obtain a return authorization number, please contact us at our customer service page.

I am a non-US resident and require instrument service or repair.
Please contact the Oscar Schmidt distributor for your region for all warranty requests.

Instruments not purchased through the Oscar Schmidt distributor network are not covered under warranty in your region.

OLDER MODELS NOT IN CURRENT PRODUCTION

What is my instrument, and what is it worth?
Oscar Schmidt can only provide the current MSRP of new instruments currently in production. The current market value of an older instrument is subject to a variety of market conditions. We cannot estimate this type of value for an older instrument.

I have a vintage Oscar Schmidt. What can you tell me about it?
There are no records or references of this early era of Oscar Schmidt for our customer support staff. We cannot identify or appraise instruments of this early era.

How can I find out if you make a certain guitar anymore?
Only the guitars in our current catalog and website are still in production.