Silvertone 1448L Model 57

$599.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

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5.0 (13)

$599.00 16 available Used

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Average Price: $599

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Silvertone 1448L Model 57 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Sears Silvertone 1448L Model 57 is more than just a guitar; it's a vintage gem from the '60s that takes you on a nostalgic journey back to the era of rock 'n' roll. Crafted by Danelectro and sold exclusively through Sears, this unique instrument embodies the essence of a bygone musical era, offering not just a guitar but a piece of history. The single lipstick pickup delivers a raw, punchy sound that became the trademark of many legendary artists, like Beck and Mick Jagger, who have wielded this iconic axe.

The amp-in-case design is a standout feature, providing unparalleled convenience and portability for musicians on the go. With its lightweight construction and compact size, the Silvertone 1448L is perfect for both beginners looking to dive into the world of electric guitars and seasoned players craving a classic tone. The simplistic, yet striking design features a short-scale neck, which allows for easier playability and comfort, making it a go-to choice for creating memorable riffs and melodies.

Whether you're a collector, a performer, or someone who simply appreciates a piece of musical history, the Sears Silvertone 1448L Model 57 offers a unique blend of style, sound, and nostalgia that will inspire your musical journey.

Key Features:

Single lipstick pickup for classic, punchy sound
Iconic amp-in-case design for convenience and portability
Short-scale neck for comfortable playability
Lightweight, compact construction
Vintage aesthetic from the '60s era
Crafted by Danelectro, sold by Sears

Product specs

Brand	Silvertone
Model	1448 With Case Amp
Finish	Black
Year	1962 - 1967
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Top-Load
Color Family	Black
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	S
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Silvertone 1448L Model 57 have?: The Silvertone 1448L Model 57 is equipped with a single-coil pickup, which is known for its bright and clear sound, making it suitable for genres like rock and blues.
Is the Silvertone 1448L Model 57 suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Silvertone 1448L Model 57 is often recommended for beginners due to its lightweight design and simple controls, making it easy to handle and play.
What is the neck profile of the Silvertone 1448L Model 57?: The Silvertone 1448L Model 57 features a slim neck profile, which provides comfortable playability for both beginner and experienced guitarists.
Does the Silvertone 1448L Model 57 come with an amplifier?: Yes, the Silvertone 1448L Model 57 originally came with an amp built into its carrying case, providing a convenient all-in-one solution for players.
How does the Silvertone 1448L Model 57 connect to an external amplifier?: The Silvertone 1448L Model 57 connects to an external amplifier using a standard 1/4-inch guitar cable, allowing for easy integration with most guitar amps.

Reviews

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PROS

Produces unique lofi tones, excellent with high gain for a fuller sound
Jazzy sounds thanks to unique pickup placement
Nostalgic design, reminiscent of classic guitars
Amp and guitar combination is highly appreciated
Affordable option due to mass production history

CONS

Short scale (23.5 inches) can feel toy-like to some
Amp quality is often criticized as subpar

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Silvertone 1448L Model 57.

Build quality

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The Silvertone 1448 features a mostly hollow body constructed from a cheap wood frame with 1/8-inch thick Masonite front and back, contributing to its unique "tight cardboard" tone.
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The 1448 features Brazilian Rosewood fretboards, impacting export regulations due to wood sourcing.
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Features and functionality

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The Silvertone 1448 is notable for its amp-in-case design, a quirky feature that provides a unique sound despite being considered a gimmick by some.
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The 1448 amp is simple with only a volume knob, a 5-inch Jensen speaker, and unique power/rectifier tubes similar to those in vintage radios.
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Some 1960s era tube amps may have non-polarized plugs, potentially causing electrical tingles; ensuring the plug is inserted correctly can prevent this.
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User experience

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Despite its age, owners report that the Silvertone 1448 offers a surprisingly nice, crunchy tone suitable for slide playing, though the guitar's 2/3rds size might be limiting for some.
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Owners find the short scale and lightweight body (around 4.5 lbs) ideal for long gigs, enhancing playability.
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Comparisons

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The Silvertone 1448 shares its body shape with the 1449 and 1457 models, with the latter having been reissued but lacking wooden saddles.
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Use cases and applications

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Some owners set up the guitar in G-tuning, resulting in a killer tone when paired with a Fender re-issue Blues Deluxe amp.
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The guitar is highly playable post-setup and is recommended for regular gigging despite requiring tuning adjustments.
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Setup and maintenance

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Neck issues may arise due to lack of a user-adjustable truss rod; shimming the neck with dollar bills can achieve low action.
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Grounding issues can cause a loud hum; rewiring the harness and ensuring continuous ground connections between pot casings may resolve this.
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A multimeter can be used to check continuity of grounds and pickup resistance, which should be in the 1-10K range to ensure proper functionality.
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Mods and upgrades

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Replacing original tuners with Kluson tuners significantly improves tuning stability, especially for gig use.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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serionoserio

1552

over 12 years ago

Beutiful design from Danelectro & Silvertone

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Artist usage

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Daniel Rossen

Singer, Guitarist

Grizzly Bear

Verified via Photo

Daniel can be seen playing a Sears Silverstone 1448L in this photo.

Wayne Kramer

Guitarist

MC5

Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

What was your first guitar? It was a Kay, sold by Sears; a low-end, cheapo version of what Gibson was making; a steel-stringed, acoustic, f-hole guitar. It was very, very rough to play for a 9-year-old, to hold the strings down to make the chords.

When we moved to Lincoln Park, my mother could afford my first electric, a solidbody Sears Silvertone, two pickup, black with white trim, either a Jet or Rocket, some ’50s-era name. It was actually a quality guitar for a $125.