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Average Price: $755

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Description

Experience the vintage charm and powerful sound of the Sears Silvertone 1484 Twin-Twelve, a classic 60W tube amp that has captivated musicians since its debut in the early 1960s. Originally available through the iconic Sears catalog, this amp is a beloved piece of history with a sound that rivals its contemporaries. Infused with a distinctive character, it strikes a fine balance between nostalgia and functionality, making it a favorite among modern and vintage aficionados alike.

The 1484 Twin-Twelve is designed with a unique "piggyback" configuration, where the amp head conveniently tucks into the speaker cabinet for easy transport. Known for its robust, vibe-rich tremolo effect, this amp adds an unmistakable texture to your sound. The reverb function, while subtle, provides an additional layer of versatility. Whether you're channeling the gritty tones of Jack White or the eclectic vibes of Beck, the Silvertone 1484 will take your performance to new heights.

Ideal for guitarists seeking a distinctive voice, this amp's 6L6-based tube circuitry delivers a warm, dynamic response that has stood the test of time. Perfect for studio sessions or live gigs, the 1484 Twin-Twelve is a testament to enduring quality and craftsmanship. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of musical history that continues to inspire artists worldwide.

Key Features:

  • 60W tube amplifier with 6L6-based circuitry
  • Unique "piggyback" design for easy transport
  • Rich tremolo effect for added texture
  • Classic reverb function
  • Originally sold through the Sears catalog from 1963-1967

Product specs

Brand Silvertone
Model Model 1484 Twin Twelve 60-Watt 2x12 Piggyback
Finish Gray
Year 1960s
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Amp Stacks
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
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) 60
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb Spring Reverb
Speaker Configuration 2x12"

FAQs

What type of music is the Silvertone Model 1484 Twin Twelve 60-Watt best suited for?

The Silvertone Model 1484 Twin Twelve is renowned for its warm, vintage tube sound, making it ideal for rock, blues, and garage music. Its distinctive tone has been favored by artists like Jack White and Dan Auerbach.

How does the Silvertone Model 1484 handle effects pedals?

The Silvertone Model 1484 does not have an effects loop, but it takes pedals well when placed in front of the amp. Its tube-driven sound provides a rich foundation for overdrives, fuzzes, and modulation effects.

Does the Silvertone Model 1484 Twin Twelve have built-in reverb?

Yes, the Silvertone Model 1484 features a built-in spring reverb, adding a classic, lush ambiance to your sound that is characteristic of vintage amplifiers.

What kind of power tubes does the Silvertone Model 1484 use?

The Silvertone Model 1484 Twin Twelve uses 6L6 power tubes, which contribute to its robust, clean headroom and rich, warm overdrive when pushed.

Is the Silvertone Model 1484 suitable for live performances?

With 60 watts of power and a 2x12 speaker configuration, the Silvertone Model 1484 is loud enough for live performances, especially in small to medium-sized venues. Its vintage tone can cut through a band mix effectively.

Eric Haugen Guitar

Eric Haugen Guitar

Silvertone 1484, Vintage Fender Mustang, and Weber Attenuator

Video thumbnail for Silvertone 1484, Vintage Fender Mustang, and Weber Attenuator by Eric Haugen Guitar

Silvertone 1484, Vintage Fender Mustang, and Weber Attenuator

Eric Haugen Guitar

Eric Haugen Guitar

Video thumbnail for 1964 Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve Vintage Guitar Amp Sears Amplifier by John Aselin

1964 Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve Vintage Guitar Amp Sears Amplifier

John Aselin

John Aselin

Video thumbnail for Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve @ Rocket by RocketMusicTube

Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve @ Rocket

RocketMusicTube

RocketMusicTube

Video thumbnail for Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Tone: 1964 Silvertone 1484 Demo (Love & Sockets) by Premier Guitar

Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Tone: 1964 Silvertone 1484 Demo (Love & Sockets)

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Sears Silvertone Twin Twelve 1484 Major Restoration - Demo Day by Retro Tech & Electronics

Sears Silvertone Twin Twelve 1484 Major Restoration - Demo Day

Retro Tech & Electronics

Retro Tech & Electronics

Reviews

PROS

  • Rich vintage tube sound that enhances guitar tone

  • Tremelo effect offers an authentic "Born on the Bayou" vibe

  • Breaks up earlier for dirtier, gritty sound perfect for garage rock

  • Compatible with brighter guitars for optimal performance

  • Dual 6L6 power tube circuit provides ample power and warmth

  • Nostalgic appeal with classic design and historical significance

CONS

  • Reverb quality is inconsistent and unimpressive

  • Cabinet and knobs perceived as low-quality or "cheesy"

  • Not ideal for darker guitars due to excessive bassiness

  • Requires an upgrade to a grounded A.C. cord for safety

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve.

Features and functionality

  • The amp's actual output is debated; 35 watts RMS and 60-watt peak seem more realistic than the advertised 60 watts.

    Source
  • Earlier models with tube rectification may output 5 to 10 watts less due to transformer limitations.

    Source
  • The Silvertone 1484 uses a unique James-style tonestack, with different behavior in each channel due to varying source impedance.

    Source
  • The amp includes a cathodyne phase inverter, which contributes to a fuzzy overdrive sound, similar to some Tweed- and Brownface-era Fenders.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Plate current and voltage monitoring with bias probes can determine max dissipation, requiring careful handling due to high voltage.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the 1484 is less powerful compared to amps like the Blackface Bassman.

    Source
  • Some users find the maintenance of vintage amps like the Silvertone 1484 burdensome, due to frequent recapping and power cord additions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The amp's design includes two separate outputs for its original 6X10 cabinet, each serving three speakers for potentially 60 watts per pair of 6L6 tubes.

    Source
  • The Zvex Nano head is recommended for apartment use due to its ability to achieve good tone at conversation levels.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Danelectro DM-25, a 20-watt rig from the '60s, offers a similar crunch to the Silvertone 1484.

    Source
  • Fender 5F11 or 6G2 circuits, possibly with modifications, are suggested for achieving a similar overdrive character.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 20 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mrdarkmartini

Great amp with the right guitars

Killer garage rock tone, can nail the Slade sound but definitely prefers brighter guitars. Dark guitars straight in can sound too bassy for my taste but brighter guitars are great and I LOVE the tremolo!

jair_epp

My favorite amp

You can’t beat the sound of a good old classic tube amp. It was a gift from my father and he used to play it back in the 60’s it got better with time

Preferred Settings + Usage:

It has excellent overdrive

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jack White uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Jack White

Singer, Guitarist

The Raconteurs

...
Verified via Photo

He uses this amp live and in the studio very often

See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via YouTube

Billie states him and Jason played them on the trilogy records.

See how Dan Auerbach uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via Photoshelter

Dan is using two Sears Silvertone 1484 Twin-Twelve amps on stage at the 2004 Bonnaroo Music Festival. Jun 11, 2004 Bonnaroo Music Festival Manchester, TN, USA

See how Nick Valensi uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Nick Valensi

Guitarist

The Strokes

...
Verified via YouTube

Nick is using what appears to be a 1963 Silvertone Twin-Twelve amp in the music video for Threat of Joy. The track is from the Future Present Past EP released in 2016. This is the first known instance of Nick using this amplifier. The amp can be seen at 0:52, 1:14 (best shot of it to the left of Fab's drum kit), 1:25, 3:59, 4:25.

See how Frank Iero uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post, Frank celebrates acquiring the Twin-Twelve, even posting a heart-eyes emoji

See how Jonny Buckland uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Jonny Buckland

Guitarist

Coldplay

...
Verified via Photo

On Coldplay's official website, they offer answers to fan questions. On November 26, 2014 it was noted that Jonny Buckland uses a Silvertone Twin Twelve.

See how Brent Hinds uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Brent Hinds

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video published by the Museum of Pop Culture, Brent Hinds is observed using a Silvertone Model 1484 Twin Twelve 60-Watt 2x12 Piggyback Guitar Amp. This can be seen during Mastodon's performance of "Again" by Alice In Chains at MoPOP's Founders Award 2020 event.

See how Ty Segall uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Ty Segall

Singer, Guitarist

Fuzz

...
Verified via YouTube

at 6:58 as well as certain other spots throughout the video, A silvertone 1484 amp/cab setup can be seen behind Ty.

See how Beck uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Beck

Singer, Guitarist

Loser

...
Verified via YouTube

The Sears Silvertone 1484 Twin-Twelve amp can be seen in the video very clear at 0:24. It's mentioned here as well: http://www.silvertoneworld.net/amplifiers/1484/1484.html

See how Lou Reed uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Lou Reed

Singer, Guitarist

The Velvet Underground

...
Verified via Photo

Lou Reed played Silvertones live and in the studio. He played a Twin Twelve live at the Cleveland Public Hall as you can see on the picture.

See how Jake Kiszka uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Jake Kiszka

Guitarist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via Photo

In a photograph uploaded by user LEO_TROVATO, guitarist Jake Kiszka is observed utilizing a Sears Silvertone 1484 "Twin Twelve" 60W amplifier head, connected to a 4x12 cabinet positioned to the left of a 1967 Fender Bassman head. This particular Sears Silvertone amplifier, identifiable by its 6L6 tube configuration, was sold from 1963 to 1967 and features a distinctive "piggyback" design allowing the amp head to dock within its accompanying 2x12 speaker cabinet, not pictured. This image serves as concrete evidence of Kiszka's use of the Sears Silvertone 1484 Twin-Twelve amplifier in his live, Starcatcher-era musical setup.

See how Ben Gibbard uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Ben Gibbard

Singer, Guitarist

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via YouTube

Ben Gibbard can be seen playing a Silvertone 1484 during this performance of Death Cab For Cutie’s song “Title Track” in March of 2000, just weeks before the release of their album We Have The Facts And We’re Voting Yes

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson ES-335
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Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp
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Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head
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2
Guild Starfire III Hollowbody Guitar
Guild Starfire III Hollowbody Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
2
Gibson ES-345 Electric Guitar
Gibson ES-345 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
2
Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Electro-Harmonix POG Polyphonic Octave Generator
Electro-Harmonix POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
2
Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2

Community setups

Show yours
serionoserio

serionoserio

Gear IQ 1552

dgdave

dgdave

Gear IQ 107

jamescassidy

jamescassidy

Gear IQ 900

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newer similar sound cheaper alternative

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similar sound high-end alternative mod

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