Silvertone Model 1483 23-Watt 1x15 main image

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Silvertone Model 1483 23-Watt 1x15

^# 16

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$995.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (3)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Sears Silvertone 1483

0 wishlisted

5 saved

Page last updated Jun 18, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 18, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (2)

$995.00 5 available Used

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Average Price: $995

Budget/Beginner

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Amplifier Stacks category, Silvertone Model 1483 23-Watt 1x15 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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The Sears Silvertone 1483 is a classic piece of musical history, offering both vintage charm and robust functionality for guitar enthusiasts. Originally manufactured in the 1960s, this tube-driven amplifier has been celebrated for its warm, rich tones and straightforward design. Its legacy as a reliable workhorse for both studio and live performances has stood the test of time, making it a beloved choice among musicians seeking authentic vintage sound.

This amp stack features a two-channel setup, allowing you to switch between clean and overdriven tones with ease. The Silvertone 1483’s all-tube architecture is complemented by a simple control layout, including individual volume and tone controls for each channel, providing players with intuitive sound shaping capabilities. The amplifier's output is routed through a 15-inch speaker, known for delivering a full-bodied sound that can easily fill small to medium-sized venues.

Whether you’re a collector of vintage gear or a musician searching for that timeless tone, the Sears Silvertone 1483 offers a unique blend of nostalgia and functionality. Its iconic sound has been a staple in countless recordings, contributing to its enduring popularity among guitar players of all levels.

Key Features:

Vintage tube-driven amplifier design
Two-channel setup for versatile sound options
Individual volume and tone controls per channel
Includes a 15-inch speaker for full-bodied sound
Ideal for both studio recording and live performances
Originally manufactured in the 1960s, known for its vintage appeal

Product specs

Brand	Silvertone
Model	Model 1483 23-Watt 1x15 Bass / Guitar Piggyback
Finish	Gray
Year	1960s
Made In	United States
Categories	Guitar Amp Stacks
Direct Output	No Direct Output
Effects Loop	No Effects Loop
Electronics	Tube
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts)	23
Power Tube Type	6L6
Reverb	None
Speaker Configuration	1x15"

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Silvertone Model 1483 use?: The Silvertone Model 1483 amplifier uses 6L6 power tubes, which are known for their robust and warm tone, often favored in vintage-style amplifiers.
Is the Silvertone Model 1483 suitable for guitar or bass?: The Silvertone Model 1483 was originally designed for bass guitar but is also well-suited for electric guitars, offering a distinctive vintage crunch when pushed to higher volumes.
How many channels does the Silvertone Model 1483 have?: The Silvertone Model 1483 features two channels, allowing for versatile sound options and the ability to connect multiple instruments.
Does the Silvertone Model 1483 have a reverb effect?: No, the Silvertone Model 1483 does not include a built-in reverb effect, focusing instead on delivering a pure, vintage tube sound.
How many inputs are available on the Silvertone Model 1483?: The Silvertone Model 1483 amplifier provides four inputs, offering flexibility for connecting multiple instruments or different input sources.

Videos

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Living Room GD

I bought the Jack White amp

Living Room GD

Vintage Silvertone 1483 Tube Guitar Amplifier Head and 1x15 Cabinet

Brad

Gibson 335 + Silvertone 1483

Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Silvertone 1483 amplifier vintage Gibson SG Special

Marc Sauceda

Silvertone 1483 (Silvertone 1448 & Strat)

Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Reviews

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PROS

Vintage design with boutique-class features
Excellent point-to-point wiring for superior sound quality
Jensen speakers deliver a powerful roar
Highly responsive to pedals, enhancing versatility
Deep bass sound with smooth volume response
Class A tube amp with channel stacking capability
No reverb or tremolo, maintaining uncompromised tone
Ideal for both studio work and live settings
Unique "Zep grindy" sound similar to Supro Thunderbolt

CONS

Originally marketed as a bass amp, but limited performance with guitar
Can be hard to find in good condition
Increasingly expensive due to rarity
Chipboard speaker cab not recommended

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Silvertone Model 1483 23-Watt 1x15.

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Silvertone 1483 is praised for its suitability in home settings, particularly for songwriting and recording, due to its manageable size and power.
Source
0 0

The 1485’s large 6x10 cab and 120W power make it less practical for home use without a load box or attenuator to manage volume levels.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Owners suggest replacing the original cab's baffle with plywood to improve sound quality without altering the amp's original appearance.
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Build quality

0 0

The original cabinets are known for their thin particle board construction, which can create a brittle, papery resonance, impacting sound quality.
Source

User experience

0 0

The 1483 is noted as a less common model in the 148x series, making it a sought-after piece among collectors and enthusiasts.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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1 star

jimmarchi1

41007

over 7 years ago

unerrated

why this amp was marketed as a bass amp is beyond me, but tis the hidden gem of the dano line... just stage worthy at about 25 watts this amp really gets its mojo from the tube rectifier. it has that Zep grindy thing going on like the Supro Thunderbolt. These are hard to find in good condition and they're getting pricier. Don't bother with the chipboard speaker cab, just buy a head and try it through some 12" celestions.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

max_mars

245

over 9 years ago

Vintage Silvertone 1483 Amplifier

One of these amps was given to me over 20 years ago, and it needed an output transformer. The old guy who did the repair installed a much larger one. This amp still has all the original caps,and other components though I use a variety of speakers with it. It makes a great combo when a Gorilla GG-25 is used as a pre-amp for guitar.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Drummer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Blues

jimmarchi1

41007

9 years ago over 9 years ago

the no-reverb, tube rectified 'bass' model, one of my favorite cheapies! so hard to come by.... try it thru an older marshall cab with lower wattage celestions... a buddy of mine has one of these, head only, and we sued to run her at full tilt thru a one of my old cabs in the studio and the gnarly overdrive never failed to make us smile

bummer that you have a beefed up OT, it probably cleans the sound up a lot, the original runty ones, while prone to failure if the amp is run at 10 a lot, definitely contribute to the compressed overdrive sounds these amps dish out...

I think these are vastly superior sounding to the twin 12s, you're lucky to have one, they are so thin on the ground compared to the 'guitar' models and there's no directly comparable danelectro branded model even though silvertones were dano made

max_mars

245

9 years ago over 9 years ago

Actually, jimmarchi1, the 1483 I have breaks up nicely despite the oversized output transformer, especially with my Gibson EB3L bass.

jimmarchi1

41007

2 years ago over 2 years ago

@max_mars well for bass. I've honestly not used one of these for bass since the 90s.

Artist usage

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Peter Buck

Guitarist

R.E.M.

Verified via Photo

Buck is a longtime user of the 1483, which started showing up on stages later in REM's touring days. This image shows Pete's Silvertone next to a Vox AC30 and an effects rack, covered in toy dinosaurs.

Amir Derakh

Guitarist

Orgy

Verified via Twitter

According to this tweet, Derakh is playing a Gretsch Anniversary Model thorugh Sears Silvertone 1483.

Benjamin Booker

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

In this video, Benjamin Booker does a rundown of his gear on tour, including this amp.

Cheetah Chrome

Guitarist

Rocket From the Tombs

Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

My main recording rig is a ’61 Silvertone 1483 and a ’60s Supro Bantam, split through an A/B box and miked together. I use a Rat distortion for a boost when needed.