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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 Duke Robillard uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Duke Robillard

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

I don’t know… It was a low-wattage amp with a 12? speaker and got a good, sort of distorted, sound. I was always jealous of another guy I knew who had one of those Silvertone amps with the separate head and big speaker box.

It is further confirmed in the interview that he uses the Silvertone Twin Twelve.

See how Ewan Currie uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Ewan Currie

Guitarist

The Sheepdogs

...
Verified via Twitter

August 2015 Tweet from the band thanking Toronto music store for fixing up Ewan's amp. The knob configuration and cab styling clearly identifies it as a Silvertone 1484

See how Reverend Peyton uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Reverend Peyton

Guitarist

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

...
Verified via YouTube

According to Premier Guitar: - 'The fret-burning Peyton sets treble at 3 o'clock, bass at 7 o'clock, and volume at 9 o'clock. "I don't like to run my amp loud," he says. "At these settings, I get a good clean tone with a little break-up, so it's nice and creamy," 'https://www.premierguitar.com/pro-advice/love-and-sockets/reverend-peyton

See how Mark Robinson uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Mark Robinson

Singer, Guitarist

Unrest

...
Verified via Photo

Seen on the cover of Unrest's penultimate album "Imperial f.f.r.r", and also mentioned in the liner notes. It has seen use at many shows from the Unrest era, along with Mark's work with other bands.

See how Dylan Sizemore uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Dylan Sizemore

Singer, Guitarist

Frankie and The Witch Fingers

...
Verified

Sizemore’s 1484, a gift from his girlfriend, is discussed in this November 19, 2017 Musician’s Friend The Hub interview with Frankie and the Witch Fingers. It is also mentioned anecdotally in this August 22, 2019 Reddit post by bandmate Alex Bulli.

Musician's Friend, The Hub, "Vibing with Frankie and the Witch Fingers" (November 19, 2017)

Dylan: I’d say my first piece of real gear was my Silvertone amp—it’s like my baby. It’s a 1484 from like 1965 - It’s my favorite tone in the world.

The HUB: Were you looking for one or did it just kind of come your way?

Dylan: No, I wanted one.

Glenn: I actually went with his girlfriend and we saw it in a music shop in LA. And she was like, ‘Is this a good gift?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah you should buy that for him.’ [laughter] It was pretty awesome, I was like, ‘You guys really like each other!’

Dylan: Yeah she surprised me. I think it was actually Valentine’s Day which is a crazy day to get a 1484.

Glenn: Some people get shot with an arrow and some people get a Silvertone.

Reddit, r/GuitarAmps, August 22, 2019, "Mild Emergency: Best Shop for Vintage Amps in NYC"

Our singers [sic] 1484 Silvertone has been on the fritz for a few days now, and since we’re passing through NYC this afternoon it seemed like the perfect opportunity to pick something up.

See how Paul Moak uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Paul Moak

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Heart

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

At 42:42, a Silvertone Twin Twelve can be seen as a part of Paul Moak's amp collection.

See how Scott Martinez uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Scott Martinez

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via audiocaverecording

used on stage and in studio

See how Larry Winther uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Larry Winther

Guitarist

The Mummies

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo taken at the Knockout in San Francisco, CA on July 11, 2025, Larry Winther is clearly seen using the Silvertone Model 1484 Twin Twelve 60-Watt Guitar Head, as evidenced by the image provided.

See how Jim Peterik uses Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve

Jim Peterik

Singer, Guitarist

Survivor

...
Verified via YouTube

2:14 Jim shows an old photo of him when he played in the Shon Dels and behind him is a Sears Silvertone amp.

Used With

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

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Community setups

Show yours
serionoserio

serionoserio

Gear IQ 1552

dgdave

dgdave

Gear IQ 107

jamescassidy

jamescassidy

Gear IQ 900

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similar sound high-end alternative mod

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