Just got this today and after extensive study of smaller classical guitars- I’ve been playing classical now almost 20 years and want a smaller guitar that doesn’t wear me down practicing as much in my feeble old age. The impressive thing about this guitar is the quality of it- very well made, and the sound and resonance exceed my expectations. Because I’ve learned some things about smaller guitars the hard way by researching what i could find on the internet, I want to post some facts.

The guitar is 34" total length- the lower bout measures 11 3/4, the body depth is 3 5/16"- The scale length is exactly 22". The action is fairly low- and there’s a lot of bridge to file down to lower it any more- I’ll probably take it down about a string width, or 1/16 to 1/8 at the bridge- the string tension is not great on a short scale- so it’s otherwise pretty acceptable for most players or beginners.

The one thing I wish was different is the nut width, and the string spacing then. This model has a nut approximately 1 5/8"- as opposed to 2" on a full sized classical. The neck tapers proportionately a little more than traditional classical guitars- and surprisingly it looks as if that’s not so on the Oscar Schmidt 3/4 model. Anyway, between the 1/2 size and the tapered neck, the gap between the strings is rather small- for an adult at least. It’s actually just a bit closer than my steel string guitars and I’m thinking about replacing the nut to get wider spacing.

So if you’re already a classical player and looking for a smaller guitar, I’d recommend the Oscar Schmidt 3/4 model- and you’ll probably have a string spacing closer to what you’re used to. I don’t think a child would have much problem with a wider spacing either, unless very very young, judging by my recent experience with ukuleles- wide spacing is good- it’s the scale length that makes the small body difference.. The scale and body size here are nice otherwise. I’d personally like to also see the body depth stay more deep even though the size is smaller anyway- that wouldn’t affect smaller players and would give a more full-sized sound quality. Haven’t seen that much yet.

This Oscar Schmidt 1/2 classical is a guitar I can sit with on my bed and be comfortable, with my sheet music out in front of me. I wanted the smallest guitar I could be comfortable with otherwise- and this fits the bill except for the close strings. The body is fairly light, especially given the lower price range and it has a nice hollow sound when you tap the body. The finish is flawless and quite attractive. If it was full sized I’d expect to pay twice as much for this quality really. But also look at the Oscar Scmidt 3/4 model- 2 1/2" longer- 36.5" , a scale an inch or so longer and a wider string spacing- and bigger body 13.5" wide.. Not as pretty as this one though- the colorful rosette is especially exceptional. Among name brands- this is made by Washburn- very competitive prices in smaller classical guitars.

A very nice little classical guitar, and one of the only 1/2 size that is really made like a full size. A nice 1st instrument for learning; not a toy.

I bought this guitar to leave in the car at all times, go camping etc. The guitar is absolutely gorgeous and the sound very pleasing; the action and finish fantastic. I own a Washburn Rover also and this little “Oscar” sounds way better! It does not come with a gig bag so plan in ordering one with your order!