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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.

edglazenow

edglazenow

Silvertone Model 1457 Guitar with Amp in Case 1960's vintag

Video thumbnail for Silvertone Model 1457 Guitar with Amp in Case 1960's vintag by edglazenow

Silvertone Model 1457 Guitar with Amp in Case 1960's vintag

edglazenow

edglazenow

Video thumbnail for 1960s Silvertone 1457 - Built-In Amp in a Guitar Case?! by Uhlik Music

1960s Silvertone 1457 - Built-In Amp in a Guitar Case?!

Uhlik Music

Uhlik Music

Video thumbnail for Silvertone Amp In Case (1448 & 1457) by Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Silvertone Amp In Case (1448 & 1457)

Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Video thumbnail for Silvertone 1457 w/ Amp in Case 1965 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Silvertone 1457 w/ Amp in Case 1965 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for Guitar Demo - Silvertone 1457 w/Case Amp by Curtis McLeod

Guitar Demo - Silvertone 1457 w/Case Amp

Curtis McLeod

Curtis McLeod

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

  • The amp is ingeniously built into the guitar case, offering portability and convenience for musicians on the go.

    Source
  • The amp has a vintage tremolo effect, similar to a stronger, louder Fender Greta, ideal for an old "garage" sound or slide guitar.

    Source

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

Other

  • Owners find the amp preferable to certain vintage models like the 1953 Gibson BR-6, citing its unique vintage charm.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: Silvertone 1457 - Two for One

guitar.com

The Silvertone 1457 Amp in Case is a delightful piece of vintage gear that marries nostalgia with functionality. This quirky 1960s gem combines a Danelectro-made guitar with a Valco-manufactured amp neatly packed in a case, making it a charming collector's item. The guitar impresses with its chimey, resonant sound and playful playability, though the glitter finish may divide opinions. The amp, while limited in clean headroom, offers delightful tremolo and overdrive for lo-fi blues and garage punk. Despite minor quirks, this combo is a fun, vintage find that holds its own through modern amps.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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xaqary

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

jimmarchi1

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

jimmarchi1

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

xaqary

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.

jimmarchi1

you've got a Stella too? cool

xaqary

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.

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