The Oscar Schmidt mandolin, along with its original maker, came from humble beginnings.  The original maker, Oscar Schmidt, migrated to the states from Germany in the late 1800s, and began making the Oscar Schmidt mandolin along with several other types of stringed instruments.   Striving for the elusive American Dream, Schmidt began peddling his humble wares in the early 1900's to a customer base most other business owners would ignore. 

            The Oscar Schmidt mandolin was sold to Americans living in rural areas.  The average income in these areas was less than that of those living in the more urban areas of the time.  The basis for Schmidt's business plan was to produce a product worth buying that would not leave his customer's cupboards bare.  The plan worked, and the Oscar Schmidt mandolin strings were being used to make bluegrass and folk music throughout rural America, especially in the south and Appalachia areas.  In fact, the mandolin can be heard in many of the early recordings of both bluegrass and country music. The mandolin is still used today, and it saw a comeback in the 1980s due to European bands touring in the United States.  

            Oscar Schmidt's success was short lived.  He operated factories in Europe, and a single factory was also built in Jersey City.  The Great Depression, however, soon bankrupted the company.  Unfortunately, Oscar Schmidt was not able to live long enough to see his Oscar Schmidt mandolin rise from the dust of the Great Depression years later.  The company was sold, sold again, and the name was changed as well. 

            Years later, the Washburn company would be the redeemer and savior of the Oscar Schmidt mandolin and Oscar Schmidt's other quality made instruments.  The instruments are now crafted using the same principles and standards of the originals.  The instruments are made exclusively in the United States, sold using the original name, and most come with a lifetime guarantee with free repair and/or replacement.

            The Internet is packed with reviews from all over the country singing the praises of the Oscar Schmidt mandolin.  This instrument has been reviewed numerous times.  It is considered to be a great instrument for a beginner and it is affordably priced.  Prices start as low as $159.00. Do not let the low price deceive you.  The Washburn Company successfully paid homage to the original Oscar Schmidt mandolin and its owner's vision of quality instruments with a low price tag.