Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$499.00
Reverb
5.0 (7)
$875.00 1 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$499.00

Average Price: $593

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Silvertone 1478". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step back in time with a modern twist thanks to the Silvertone 1478 Electric Guitar with Bigsby. This icon of the 1960s has been reimagined for today's musicians, marrying vintage charm with contemporary craftsmanship. At its heart lies a solid mahogany body paired with a maple top, delivering a rich, resonant tone with just the right amount of top-end bite. The genuine Bigsby tremolo system not only adds a classic touch but also enhances the expressive possibilities of your playing.

Crafted for comfort, the guitar features a mahogany neck with a C profile and a smooth rosewood fingerboard, ensuring an inviting feel that suits both seasoned players and newcomers alike. The exact replica single-coil pickups are engineered to capture the authentic sound of the original, offering a warmly articulate tone that's perfect for a variety of musical styles. Whether you're chasing the sound of yesteryears or carving a path of your own, the Silvertone 1478 is ready to join your journey.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with a maple top
  • Mahogany neck with C profile
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Genuine Bigsby tremolo system
  • Exact replica single-coil pickups for vintage sound

Product specs

Brand Silvertone
Model 1478 Reissue
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Silvertone 1478 Electric Guitar with Bigsby best suited for?

The Silvertone 1478, with its vintage-style single-coil pickups and Bigsby tremolo, excels in surf rock, blues, and rockabilly. Its versatile tone makes it suitable for a range of genres requiring both clean and slightly overdriven sounds.

What is the neck profile of the Silvertone 1478 Electric Guitar with Bigsby?

The Silvertone 1478 features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, making it suitable for players who prefer a more traditional feel, providing ease in both chord playing and lead work.

How does the Bigsby tremolo on the Silvertone 1478 affect playability?

The Bigsby tremolo on the Silvertone 1478 allows for smooth vibrato effects, adding expressive capability to your playing. It is ideal for players looking to incorporate subtle pitch variations into their music.

Is the Silvertone 1478 Electric Guitar with Bigsby suitable for beginners?

The Silvertone 1478 is a solid choice for beginners due to its straightforward controls and comfortable playability. However, its vintage tone and Bigsby tremolo also appeal to more experienced players seeking classic sounds.

What type of pickups does the Silvertone 1478 Electric Guitar with Bigsby have?

The Silvertone 1478 is equipped with single-coil pickups, which deliver a bright, clear tone ideal for genres like rock, blues, and surf music. These pickups provide a vintage sound with plenty of character.

GoDpsMusic Live

GoDpsMusic Live

Silvertone Classic Series Electric Guitar 1478 Demonstration

Video thumbnail for Silvertone Classic Series Electric Guitar 1478 Demonstration by GoDpsMusic Live

Silvertone Classic Series Electric Guitar 1478 Demonstration

GoDpsMusic Live

GoDpsMusic Live

Video thumbnail for Silvertone 1478 Electric Guitar by Gear4music Guitars

Silvertone 1478 Electric Guitar

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Silvertone 1478 Reissue | Better Than The Original! | by Uhlik Music

Silvertone 1478 Reissue | Better Than The Original! |

Uhlik Music

Uhlik Music

Video thumbnail for Silvertone 1478 Demonstration with John Inman by Silvertone Guitars

Silvertone 1478 Demonstration with John Inman

Silvertone Guitars

Silvertone Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Distinctive vintage design with a classic Jazzmaster body shape

  • Features a genuine Bigsby vibrato for added versatility

  • P90 style pickups offer warm, clear, and versatile sound

  • Solid mahogany body provides excellent resonance and sustain

  • Rosewood fretboard adds a high-end feel not common at this price

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended play sessions

  • Three-way toggle switch allows for varied tonal options

  • Great overall build quality for a reissue model

  • Eye-catching deep cherry sunburst finish

  • Good fit and finish with smooth-playing neck

CONS

  • Sharp fret ends may require additional work to smooth out

  • Volume/control knob covers feel cheaply made

  • Tight nut slots can cause tuning instability on some strings

  • Guitar manufactured in 2013, might have aged components

  • Plug jack placement may interfere with Bigsby use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Silvertone 1478.

Build quality

  • The neck pickup is mounted to the pickguard, complicating adjustments without spacers.

    Source
  • Owners note that the bound neck and excellent fretwork elevate the guitar's playability, likening it to the quality of a Squier Classic Vibe series.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Tuning stability can be improved with Kluson vintage tuners and a roller bridge.

    Source
  • The stock nut may bind with heavier strings (11s), suggesting a swap to a bone or Tusq XL nut, similar to Epiphone specs, to improve tuning stability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider replacing the Bigsby string bar and filing the arm bracket stop for better functionality.

    Source
  • A string-through replacement bar for the Bigsby is recommended to simplify restringing, and a longer Bigsby arm can improve playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the guitar requires managing expectations for playability and tuning stability.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the availability of non-sunburst color options, like black, providing variety for those interested in aesthetic preferences.

    Source
  • Some models come with a stock roller bridge, while others with a tune-o-matic, indicating possible production variations or previous owner modifications.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is favored for its vintage vibe and modern neck, suitable for surf music.

    Source
  • The guitar's higher string action above the pickguard is similar to older Silvertone models, offering a retro feel that appeals to vintage enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The guitar takes pedals well and is particularly suited for genres requiring vintage tones, although not ideal for heavy metal.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Mint condition models with gig bag are seen as worthwhile around $400, with $300 being a clear deal.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's single coil pickups give a tone reminiscent of P90s, offering a unique sound profile not typically expected from this model.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The body is perceived to resemble a Mustang more than a Jaguar, which might influence those seeking specific ergonomics or tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The Silvertone 1478 is likened to a Fender Jazzmaster in terms of versatility, making it suitable for a variety of styles, though not typically for metal or punk.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Silvertone Model 1478 Reissue Review and Demo – Guitars For Idiots

guitarsforidiots.com

The Silvertone 1478 Reissue is a charming nod to vintage guitars, offering a unique tone with its P90-esque single coils, ideal for blues and garage rock. Priced at $500, it stands out among "pawnshop" style reissues. However, it struggles with fret buzz and design quirks, such as awkward Bigsby placement, impacting playability and versatility. While it may not suit clean jazz or metal, its soulful, imprecise charm is perfect for alternative rock enthusiasts. A solid buy for those craving vintage vibes, but hindered by some quality control issues.

Model 1478 Review: It's wonderful to see a guitar like this hit the market... | Silvertone | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Silvertone 1478 Electric Guitar with Bigsby is a nostalgic nod to vintage aesthetics with its distinct single coil tones and quirky design. It excels in delivering warm, lo-fi sounds suited for high-gain distortion, evoking vibes of The Black Keys and Jack White. However, it falls short with noticeable fret buzz and awkwardly placed control knobs that hinder usability. Despite its stage-friendly attributes like tuning stability and neck comfort, it demands a setup to reach its full potential. Overall, the 1478 is a commendable effort by Silvertone, offering a retro-inspired guitar at an accessible price, but it comes with some quirks that potential buyers should consider.

Silvertone 1478 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Silvertone 1478 Electric Guitar charms with its vintage aesthetics and affordability, making it a great pick for beginners or budget-conscious players. It captures the 60s vibe with modern upgrades like adjustable bridges and a stable neck. Its C-profile neck and quality fretwork make it comfortable to play, while its versatile tones suit surf, punk, and more. The only downside is the small control knobs, but they maintain the guitar's vintage look. Overall, it's a well-priced option that blends old-school appeal with practical playability.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tom Dowse uses Silvertone 1478

Tom Dowse

Guitarist

Dry Cleaning

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

In this article by Guitar.com Tom mentions using a Silvertone 1478 on the first two Dry Cleaning EPs

“The first two EPs I’d done on a Silvertone 1478, with the Bigsby tremolo. It had that really nice twangy sound to it,"

See how Jared Monaco uses Silvertone 1478

Jared Monaco

Guitarist

...
Verified via Pinterest

Here Jared can be seen with a Silvertone 1478 Model.

Also here from Silvertone Artist Relations. https://www.flickr.com/photos/artistrelations/14767072367/

See how Daniel Kim uses Silvertone 1478

Daniel Kim

Guitarist, Composer

wave to earth

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Scott Martinez uses Silvertone 1478

Scott Martinez

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via audiocaverecording

Part of Martinez' studio arsenal

See how Jeff Klein uses Silvertone 1478

Jeff Klein

Guitarist

My Jerusalem

...
Verified via Photo

Jeff Klein talks about his Silvertone 1478 Electric Guitar:

"I love my Silvertone 1478. Just like my vintage 1478, every time I pick it up I feel inspired. These guitars have a lot of stories in them for you to tell. And the wide range of tones, from twang to cream to growl make it perfect for any situation"

The original source of this quote can be found on Silvertone's website.

See how Carley Wolf uses Silvertone 1478

Carley Wolf

Guitarist

...
Verified via She Shreds Magazine

"...From Ernie Ball’s Music Man amps to Silvertone’s reissue of the same model 1478 guitar that I play..."

See how Kim Logan uses Silvertone 1478

Kim Logan

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Kim Logan plays a Silvertone 1478 electric guitar.

See how Steel Beans uses Silvertone 1478

Steel Beans

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

"Featuring my favorite guitar, my original 1964 Silvertone "1478""

See how Rubén Albarrán uses Silvertone 1478

Rubén Albarrán

Singer

Café Tacvba

...
Verified via Instagram

In a video shared on Instagram, Rubén Albarrán is seen unboxing a Silvertone 1478 with Bigsby, as noted by the caption from Silvertone Guitars stating, "Del unboxing al escenario! @ru.albarran Voz de @cafetacvba con su nueva Silvertone 1478!"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Silvertone 1478, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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