Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $500
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1201+
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 a piece of musical history with the Silvertone 1457 Amp in Case, a legendary instrument that has captured the hearts of musicians since its debut in the 1960s. Originally a mainstay in Sears' Silvertone lineup, this guitar was crafted by the renowned Danelectro, making it a unique collectible for vintage guitar enthusiasts. Its double cutaway solidbody design offers an iconic silhouette and comfortable playability that has stood the test of time.
The 1457 isn't just a guitar—it's a complete package with its signature amp built right into the guitar case. This innovative design means you can take your music anywhere without needing extra gear. The amp features an 8-inch speaker, three tubes, and a tube rectifier, delivering a warm, vintage tone that pairs perfectly with the guitar's two lipstick pickups. Whether you're practicing at home or jamming with friends, this setup ensures you have everything you need to craft your unique sound.
Collectors and musicians alike value the Silvertone 1457 not only for its historical significance but also for its distinct tonal capabilities. With fans including legends like Beck and Jack White, this guitar has a legacy of inspiring creativity across genres.
Key Features:
- Double cutaway solidbody design
- Two lipstick pickups
- Volume and tone controls
- Six-on-a-side headstock
- Amp features: 8-inch speaker, three tubes, tube rectifier
- Integrated amp-in-case design with tone, gain, and tremolo (speed and strength) controls
- Two inputs and foot-switch capability
Product specs
| Brand | Silvertone |
| Model | 1457 with Case Amp |
| Finish | Red Burst |
| Year | 1964 - 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 | Red |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
-
What type of pickups does the Silvertone 1457 Amp in Case have?
-
The Silvertone 1457 features a single-coil pickup configuration, offering a bright and clear tone ideal for vintage rock and blues styles.
-
Is the Silvertone 1457 Amp in Case suitable for beginners?
-
Yes, the Silvertone 1457 is beginner-friendly due to its straightforward design and built-in amp, making it easy to start playing without needing extra equipment.
-
What is the neck profile of the Silvertone 1457 Amp in Case?
-
The Silvertone 1457 has a bolt-on neck construction with a comfortable, slim profile, making it easy to play for extended periods.
-
Can the Silvertone 1457 Amp in Case handle modern music genres?
-
While the Silvertone 1457 is primarily designed for vintage tones, it can be used for modern genres with the right effects pedals and amp settings.
-
How many frets does the Silvertone 1457 Amp in Case have?
-
The Silvertone 1457 comes with 21 frets, providing a classic range for playing a variety of musical styles.
Videos
edglazenow
Silvertone Model 1457 Guitar with Amp in Case 1960's vintag
Reviews
PROS
-
Unique "amp in case" design offers portability and novelty
-
Lipstick pickups provide a distinct, versatile sound
-
Lightweight, semi-hollow design enhances resonance and playability
-
Vintage appeal and historical significance for collectors
-
Affordable entry into vintage guitars with solid construction
-
Excellent tremolo and quick tube amp breakup for dynamic tones
-
Easy to play with a comfortable neck and action
-
Iconic sound used by famous bands, adding to its allure
-
Eye-catching design that stands out visually
CONS
-
Stock bridge may require replacement for proper intonation
-
Amp in case can pose a shock hazard if not handled carefully
-
Slightly darker tone compared to similar designs, may not suit all preferences
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Silvertone 1457 Amp in case.
Features and functionality
Setup and maintenance
-
It's crucial to replace the original two-prong plug with a three-prong plug to prevent electrical hazards.
Source -
Crackling and popping noises often occur when turning knobs, likely due to dirty pots that need cleaning for optimal performance.
Source -
The strings should be wound counterclockwise around the tuning pegs for proper alignment and to avoid string interference.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The pickups are surprisingly adept at producing heavy sounds, adding versatility to this vintage setup.
Source -
A Silvertone baritone from this era contributed significantly to the sound of certain Three Days Grace records.
Source -
The amp excels at producing a vintage sound that pairs well with slide guitar, offering a distinctive "broken up" tone.
Source -
This model is favored as an unplugged practice guitar due to its unique tonal qualities from the lipstick case pickups.
Source
User experience
-
The guitar's pickups are praised for their magical tone, an unexpected quality for such a vintage model.
Source -
The guitar is praised for its exceptional neck, considered among the best by some owners.
Source -
Owners of similar models, like the black single pickup version, report a "snarly" tone distinct to this line.
Source
Build quality
-
The original strings can oxidize significantly, potentially staining the white masonite pickguard over time.
Source
Value and pricing
-
Without its original case and guitar, the amp is generally valued around $100-$150, especially if it retains original Silvertone-branded tubes.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
5455
Wicked guitar+tube amp built into the case?! One of a kind sound
Again, gotta just play & hear it-but I'll do my best to quickly describe it. The guitar? It's got amazing action & as playable as my other "high end" guitars. Plays like butter, but I'm sure it varies from one to another but if you find a good one? Snatch it up.
From article I found:
LEFT: This '60s Silvertone 1457 was built by Danelectro and came with a case that featured a 5-watt tube amp powering an 8" speaker. RIGHT: To use the amp, you had to open the case and stand it on its end. Owning one of these surely made any guitarist the life of the party.
The"Amp In Case"
Fuck yeah one of a kind sound. Honestly I don't use it a ton but when it's right, it's right. It's a tube amp, breaks up fast like you'd expect. Built in tremolo...& add a reverb pedal? Golden.
Seen everyone from The Rolling Stones to local bands play this beauty of a guitar. Look into lipstick pickups and how they got their name for fun if ya want.
If you didn't already pick up on it it's a line commissioned by Sears from Danelectro. Rock & Roll got huge & Sears & many others responded to the market with everything from a guitars to the "all in one" kit via Danelectro. Get one.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW!! *thanks Jim! Quoted from Jim's comment so to make this review more comprehensive*
"be careful, the amp in case (at least all the ones I've had) is a serious shock hazard (like a lot of the dano-made single ended amps that run straight off wall AC with no PT).... even when modded correctly for a polarized, grounded plug these amps are known to hurt people"
I've never had this happen but I definitely have heard about this as well.
This article covers things fairly well:
http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Silvertone_Amp-In-The-Case
41026
be careful, the amp in case (at least all the ones I've had) is a serious shock hazard (like a lot of the dano-made single ended amps that run straight off wall AC with no PT).... even when modded correctly for a polarized, grounded plug these amps are known to hurt people
41026
and Silvertone is Sears, Airline is Montgomery Wards (out of business, those were made by Dano as well as Supro) and Harmony is every other catalog store of the era (some made by Hamrony, mostly the guitars, some outsourced to Kay or Supro) .... my dad started on one of these danos and I've ahd a ton pass through my hands, they're a trip
another interesting catalog guitar of the vintage era is the Recording King acoustics which were a store rband of acoustic but built by Gibson to their high standards with models that hybridize a lot of the Gibby pre-war acoustics
5455
Shit, I knew they were from Sears, I got a little reckless & sloppy few drinks in. I'll fix that up, that's embarrassing. I've got a Stella & a Harmony to get as well & all three I learned all I could about & where they came from. Gonna make a point to be less lazy & wait a bit longer before I hit submit. Thanks buddy.
41026
you've got a Stella too? cool
5455
Yup, I'll get it up here & loads more but LAWD! It's gonna take ages to get everything up. I should spend sometime on guitars tho. Pedals & Plugins will each be monsters.
More Silvertone Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
xaqaryGear IQ 5455
-