Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $755

Budget/Beginner

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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 Cadien Lake James uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Cadien Lake James

Singer, Guitarist

Twin Peaks

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided photo from a "Conan" performance, Cadien Lake James is seen using the Sears Silvertone 1484 Twin-Twelve guitar amplifier.

See how J.D. Simo uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

J.D. Simo

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

JD has an old Silvertone 1484 at his home studio given to him/ left by ex SIMO bassist, Frank Swart. Supposedly when he isn't using the big Marshall, he's using this. Although on his recent 2016 tour, JD has been using more Fender amps.

See how Matthew Caws uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Matthew Caws

Guitarist

Nada Surf

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Live, I always run two Fender-type amps—or Vox-type or Orange or Silvertone—flanking a JCM800. On this last tour in Europe, I had an AC30 on one side and a Deluxe Reverb on the other."

See how Parker Griggs uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Parker Griggs

Singer, Guitarist

Radio Moscow

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Video he uses it paired up with a Gibson Mercury in the back.

See how Matt Hoopes uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Matt Hoopes

Guitarist

Relient K

...
Verified via Photo

Matt shown standing in front of a Silvertone 1484 Amp head and cab. I want to say they use this for recording because i do not remember seeing them with this on stage recently.

See how Christian Lembach uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Christian Lembach

Singer, Guitarist

Whores

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

From the Premier Guitar Rig Rundown "His latest gear acquisition before entering the studio was this 1960s Silvertone 1484 head and cab."

See how Crispian Mills uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Crispian Mills

Guitarist

Kula Shaker

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video of 'Inifinite sun' you can see the amp at 0.39

See how Jack Bottomley uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Jack Bottomley

Guitarist

Marmozets

...
Verified via Photo

On Instagram, Jack Bottomley is shown using a Sears Silvertone 1484 Twin-Twelve amplifier, as referenced in a post by anicedad.

See how Robert Schneider uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Robert Schneider

Singer, Guitarist

The Apples in Stereo

...
Verified via Yahoo

Robert Schneider mentioned in a Yahoo Answers discussion that he used the Sears Silvertone 1484 Twin-Twelve amplifier until the year 2000.

See how Jason Martin uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Jason Martin

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Starflyer 59

...
Verified via Photo

According to the Starflyer 59 Instagram page Jason has used the Silvertone 1484 in the studio. It has been used for both Starflyer 59 and Lo Tom records.

See how Duke Erikson uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Duke Erikson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Garbage

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In this profile from Premier Guitar magazine, the sidebar lists a Twin 12 head and 2x12 cab among Erikson's gear.

See how Kenny Greenberg uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Kenny Greenberg

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of Greenberg's studio, the Silvertone 1484 head is visible.

Used With

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

Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp
Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp Combo Guitar Amplifiers
3
Gibson ES-335
Gibson ES-335 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
3
Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head
Matchless HC-30 Guitar Amp Head Guitar Amplifier Heads
2
Guild Starfire III Hollowbody Guitar
Guild Starfire III Hollowbody Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
2
Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Gibson ES-345 Electric Guitar
Gibson ES-345 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
2
Electro-Harmonix POG Polyphonic Octave Generator
Electro-Harmonix POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
2
DigiTech FreqOut Natural Feedback Creator
DigiTech FreqOut Natural Feedback Creator Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
2
Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2

Community setups

Show yours
serionoserio

serionoserio

Gear IQ 1552

dgdave

dgdave

Gear IQ 107

jamescassidy

jamescassidy

Gear IQ 900

7 alternative and related items for Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve, curated by the Equipboard community.

Silvertone Model 1485 120-Watt 6x10 Piggyback

$842.00 - $1,300.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound mod

The 1485 is a 120 variation of the same circuit, paired with a 6x10 cabinet.

Fender 'Narrow Panel Tweed' Bassman 5F6 (1958-1960)

$99.95 - $2,199.99

Vintage or Discontinued mod

Updated tubes, add 3 prong power cord to help with electric stability

Jackson Audio 1484 Twin Twelve Pedal

$207.99 - $256.00

newer similar sound cheaper alternative

A licensed clone of the 1484's preamp, in pedal form.

JHS Twin Twelve V2

$226.15

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

A JFET based overdrive modeled after the grit of an old SIlvertone.

Jackson Audio 1484 Twin Trem Tremolo Pedal

$249.00 - $299.00

newer similar sound cheaper alternative

A dual tremolo pedal, with one side being modeled after the 1484's original tremolo.

ACME Instruments Acme Silvertone 1484-JQ

 

similar sound high-end alternative mod

A high end, hand-wired clone of the Silvertone 1484, built by amp tech Jesse Quitslund.

More Silvertone Guitar Amplifier Stacks

Accessories & Related Items