Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $479

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

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Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960's Silvertone 1448 Short Scale Black Sparkle | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1960's Silvertone 1448 Short Scale Black Sparkle | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960's Silvertone 1448 Short Scale Black Sparkle | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Silvertone 1423 Jupiter played Patrick Sweany by Carter Vintage Guitars

1960 Silvertone 1423 Jupiter played Patrick Sweany

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for An Amp in a Guitar?! A 1960s Silvertone 1487 TG-1 by Premier Guitar

An Amp in a Guitar?! A 1960s Silvertone 1487 TG-1

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for 1960s Silvertone Model 1415 Bronze | CME Quick Riffs | Alex Latus by Chicago Music Exchange

1960s Silvertone Model 1415 Bronze | CME Quick Riffs | Alex Latus

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1960s Silvertone 1457 - Built-In Amp in a Guitar Case?! by Uhlik Music

1960s Silvertone 1457 - Built-In Amp in a Guitar Case?!

Uhlik Music

Uhlik Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1960s Silvertone.

Build quality

  • Silvertone guitars from the 60s often lack adjustable truss rods, instead having a non-adjustable steel rod in the neck.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Neck resets and regluing braces are common restoration tasks for Silvertones, requiring approximately $150 in tools for DIY repairs.

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  • Owners recommend against using lemon oil; suggest D'Addario restore polish and naphtha, followed by mineral oil or boiled linseed oil for wood care.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest replacing the rusted tailpiece with a black one for aesthetic and functional improvements.

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  • Owners have successfully used contact cleaner to maintain the electronics, particularly for pots and switches, enhancing functionality.

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User experience

  • Restoring these guitars can be a rewarding DIY project, with many finding sentimental value in the process despite potential playability issues over time.

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Features and functionality

  • The 1960s Silvertone 1487 features a unique bridge design with two screws for action adjustment and two nuts for tension, allowing the bridge to move freely when not strung.

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  • The gold foil pickup is highly praised for its distinct tonal quality, making it a standout feature even if the built-in speaker fails.

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Comparisons

  • Similarities in neck and headstock shape are noted between the Silvertone 1487 and the Teisco wg-4l, suggesting shared manufacturing techniques or design influences.

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Use cases and applications

  • The built-in amp can be used simultaneously with an external amp, creating unique feedback effects, making it ideal for experimental sounds.

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Other

  • Originally sold exclusively in Sears stores, these guitars were not featured in catalogs, adding to their rarity and collectible status.

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Critic Reviews

Vintage Vault: 1960s Silvertone 1446L - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The 1960s Silvertone 1446L, fondly known as the "Chris Isaak" model, is a gem from the past with its Seth Lover-designed mini-humbuckers and Bigsby tremolo, making it a standout among vintage guitars. Its timeless tuxedo finish and unique features like split pole pieces add to its allure. However, buyers should be wary of common issues in vintage models, such as neck breaks or missing pickups, which can significantly affect value and functionality. Despite potential wear, a well-preserved 1446L remains a desirable piece for collectors, often fetching prices over $1,500.

positive

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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steady

Use it for acoustic slide guitar

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses 1960s Silvertone

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

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Verified via Christies

Eric Clapton owned a 1960s Silvertone guitar, primarily for his collection rather than for playing, as confirmed by Christie's.

See how Phil Shouse uses 1960s Silvertone

Phil Shouse

Singer, Guitarist

Accept

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Verified via Photo

"Happy Father’s Day to this guy! I definitely lucked out in the Dad dept. I did in the Mom dept, too, but today is Father’s Day. And thanks to @ricktaylor4054 for these super sweet @silvertoneguitars Father’s Day present! And yes, I had to have one, too, of course. #fathersday #happyfathersday"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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