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Description

Rediscover the vintage allure with the Danelectro Silvertone 1452 Hornet, a tribute to an era of classic rock and roll. This solid body electric guitar captures the essence of the 1960s with its unique design and sound profile. The Hornet's dual lipstick pickups deliver a distinctive and versatile tonal range, perfect for those seeking an instrument with both character and heritage.

Crafted with a Masonite body and a maple neck, the Silvertone 1452 Hornet is known for its lightweight feel and comfortable playability. The short-scale neck makes it an excellent choice for players who prefer a more compact, easier-to-navigate fretboard. Whether you're jamming in the garage or performing on stage, the Hornet's vintage-style tremolo bridge ensures smooth and expressive vibratos, adding a touch of authenticity to your sound.

The retro charm of the Silvertone 1452 Hornet is not just in its looks; it's in its ability to transport musicians back to the golden age of rock. This guitar is the ideal blend of nostalgic design and modern playability, making it a standout choice for both collectors and contemporary players alike.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction with Masonite and a maple neck
  • Dual lipstick pickups for a diverse tonal range
  • Short-scale neck for comfortable playability
  • Vintage-style tremolo bridge for expressive vibratos
  • Inspired by the classic 1960s design
Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

1967 Danelectro-made Silvertone 1452 "Hornet" electric guitar

Video thumbnail for 1967 Danelectro-made Silvertone 1452 "Hornet" electric guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1967 Danelectro-made Silvertone 1452 "Hornet" electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Video thumbnail for 1966 Danelectro-made Silvertone 1452 "Hornet" electric guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1966 Danelectro-made Silvertone 1452 "Hornet" electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Video thumbnail for Silvertone 1452 Hornet and Christmas Flannel by FannysHouseofMusic

Silvertone 1452 Hornet and Christmas Flannel

FannysHouseofMusic

FannysHouseofMusic

Video thumbnail for 1966 Silvertone 1452 Solid Body Guitar by Danelectro by johnnyangel69

1966 Silvertone 1452 Solid Body Guitar by Danelectro

johnnyangel69

johnnyangel69

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro Silvertone 1452 Hornet.

Mods and upgrades

  • The original bridge, made from bendy aluminum, is often replaced due to distortion issues; many prefer aftermarket solutions for better performance.

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  • Owners have successfully used GFS Kwikplug wiring looms and lipstick pickups for easy, solder-free electronics upgrades.

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User experience

  • Owners find the Silvertone 1452 to be a barebones model that surprisingly delivers high playability despite its simplicity.

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Comparisons

  • The modern reissue of the bridge shares a visual similarity with the original, but the material quality differs, influencing performance under distortion.

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Features and functionality

  • The neck is described as super smooth with well-dressed frets, contributing to high playability, especially for fast playing styles.

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  • The guitar produces an exceptionally twangy tone, ideal for genres like country or surf music, and can also deliver clean jangles when paired with a Vox-style amp.

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Build quality

  • The control plate is made of painted plastic, prone to scratching and paint loss, which owners often rectify with automotive chrome spray paint.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Heavy use of the vibrato bar can potentially break the wooden bridge, leading some owners to remove it and apply hand pressure for subtle vibrato effects.

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  • Restringing with the tailpiece is notably difficult, comparable to restringing a Bigsby, prompting some owners to consider turning the guitar into a hardtail.

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Artist usage

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See how Mark Knopfler uses Danelectro Silvertone 1452 Hornet

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

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Verified via Oneverybootleg

This is the original Silvertone 1452 model, introduced in 1966 and retired in 1968. In an interview, Mark said: "I got into these guitars in a big way through knowing Mike Henderson. The last time I played with him in a Nashville club, women danced on the tables.”

Mark used this in the studio for Boom, like that (Shangri-La 2004), Stand up guy (Shangri-La 2004), Don't crash the ambulance (Shangri-La 2004). On the Shangri-La tour in 2005, he used it on stage to play Boom, like that.

See how Thurston Moore uses Danelectro Silvertone 1452 Hornet

Thurston Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

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Verified via YouTube

In this live performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEwQrvOCy3o&ab_channel=DougAitken Thurston Moore can be seen playing a Danelectro Silvertone 1452 Hornet

Album Usage

The Danelectro Silvertone 1452 Hornet has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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