The Angelina is a grand concert sized guitar, based on the classic ladder-braced Oscar Schmidt designs of the early 20th century. Robert "Barbecue Bob" Hicks is most closely associated with 12-string guitars of this style. The Angelina has the excellent balance and projection typical of guitars of this size. This results in a tighter and more focused sound than what one can expect from the larger-bodied instruments. The lower bout is 14 5/8", with a scale length of 26 1/2". I also build them with a 25 1/2" scale. The Angelina is available in both six and twelve-string models.
Sound Samples
Here's Paul Geremia with his Angelina, playing his song Kick it in the Country. Paul carried the torch for low tuned 12 strings for many years and was very instrumental in my knowledge of the old guitars and gave me lots of feedback on my building. Paul suffered a stroke in 2014 and has been unable to tour since then. If you'd like to help contribute to his ongoing care, please check out this site youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/something-s-gotta-be-arranged-/241689
Here's my friend Pat Conte with his Angelina, proving that there are no rules. Pat cracked the BBQ Bob code and has his 12 string high strung to open F. It gives it a real ethereal sound. Pat plays all types of music, blues, old time, African and is a master of all stringed instruments. Pat Conte resides in New York and is the curator of the Secret Museum of Mankind.
I once asked Paul Geremia if he knew any good blues players out there in the country who were my age. He said, "There's a guy in New Jersey, Frank Fotusky. He's fantastic! He's the reason I keep practicing." Frank is a smart player who plays the whole guitar. Here's Frank Fotusky teasing the frets of his Angelina 12 string. Check him out at frankfotusky.com
Here's Jerron Paxton with his six string Angelina, tearing it up on the Candyman. Jerron is a fantastic young blues, old time and jazz musician. He's a multi instrumentalist,, proficient on guitar, banjo, fiddle, piano, harmonica, and Lord knows what else. He resides in Los Angeles and New York. If you ever have the opportunity to see him, seize it.
Here's my friend Charlie Parr with his 12 string Angelina. Charlie's guitar has a shorter scale, 25 1/2", and he tunes it to D. Charlie Parr is a singer songwriter and traveling troubador based in Duluth, Minnesota, his songs woderfully capture hardscrabble living. You can find out more about him at charlieparr.com
Here's James Clem speaking at length about his Angelina. James is a blues player based in Portland Oregon. You can find out more about James at jamesclem.com