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Average Price: $512

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$400

$1001+

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

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Description

Step into the world of classic rock and roll with the Silvertone 1478 Silhouette, a guitar that marries vintage charm with modern enhancements. Originally launched in the vibrant era of the 1960s, this iconic axe has been expertly upgraded to meet the demands of today’s discerning guitarists. At its heart, the 1478 combines a solid mahogany body and a maple top, delivering a sound that is both rich and crisply articulate, ideal for those who crave depth with a touch of bite.

The Silvertone 1478 is fitted with a genuine Bigsby tremolo, allowing for smooth, expressive bends, while the adjustable steel bridge ensures precise intonation and a sharper attack. The neck has been redesigned for a more comfortable feel, and the new neck joint system enhances sustain, ensuring your notes linger beautifully. Not to forget, it proudly houses exact replica single-coil pickups, preserving that authentic vintage tone that made the original a legend.

Whether you're laying down bluesy riffs or shredding a face-melting solo, the Silvertone 1478 Silhouette stands as a testament to timeless design infused with modern playability. It's not just a guitar; it's a piece of musical history, reborn.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with maple top
  • Genuine Bigsby tremolo
  • Adjustable steel bridge
  • Redesigned neck profile and improved joint system
  • Exact replica single-coil pickups for vintage sound

Product specs

Brand Silvertone
Model 1478 Silhouette
Year 1963 - 1966
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Blue, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
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
Scale Length 24.5"

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Silvertone 1478 Silhouette?

The Silvertone 1478 Silhouette features a mahogany neck with a C profile, offering a comfortable and familiar feel that suits various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Silvertone 1478 Silhouette's pickups?

The Silvertone 1478 Silhouette is equipped with authentic replica single-coil pickups, delivering bright and clear tones ideal for genres like rock, surf, and blues.

Is the Silvertone 1478 Silhouette suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Silvertone 1478 Silhouette is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile tone capabilities, making it easy to play and adaptable to different music styles.

What is the body shape of the Silvertone 1478 Silhouette?

The Silvertone 1478 Silhouette features a double cutaway, offset body shape, providing easy access to higher frets and a distinctive vintage aesthetic.

Does the Silvertone 1478 Silhouette have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Silvertone 1478 Silhouette is equipped with a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for pitch modulation effects and adding expressive capabilities to your playing.

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a unique vintage sound that stands out among modern guitars

  • Comfortable slim neck makes it easy to play

  • High-quality pickups deliver excellent sound quality

  • Distinctive inlays and knobs add to the guitar's aesthetic appeal

  • Balances weight well, neither too heavy nor too light

  • Great playability, making it a fun instrument for various genres

CONS

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The guitar's Bigsby requires modification for better hand fit, indicating a need for customization to suit player comfort.

    Source
  • The craftsmanship of vintage models is noted to be superior, with sturdy necks and non-sharp frets, highlighting high build standards of the era.

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  • Original pickups are often riveted to the pickguard but can be identified by their unique press-fit baseplate.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The lack of pickup height adjustment due to pickguard mounting can result in a muddy neck pickup tone.

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  • Tuning stability issues often arise from a cheap bridge, tuners, and poorly cut plastic nut, which can be mitigated with upgrades.

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  • Original wooden bridges can hinder intonation and tuning stability; finding a replacement without modifying the body is challenging.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing stock tuners with Kluson vintage-style tuners and adding a roller bridge enhances tuning stability.

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  • Installing a replacement string bar on the Bigsby improves restringing ease and tuning stability.

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  • Vintage Silvertone models may include a year stamp under the pickguard, assisting in accurate dating for restoration projects.

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  • A tune-o-matic style bridge replaces the original wooden bridge, improving playability and stability.

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Use cases and applications

  • The thin, Fender-style neck is particularly suited for surf music, offering a distinct playing feel.

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User experience

  • The guitar's vintage vibe combined with a modern neck design provides a unique aesthetic and functional appeal.

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Comparisons

  • The Silvertone 1478 Silhouette shares similarities with the Harmony Bobkat but differs in pickup options and features a Brazilian Rosewood fretboard.

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Features and functionality

  • Silhouette models are considered higher-end compared to the budget-oriented Bobkats.

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Critic Reviews

Silvertone Model 1478 Reissue Review and Demo – Guitars For Idiots

guitarsforidiots.com

The Silvertone 1478 Reissue offers a nostalgic vibe with its vintage tone and charming aesthetics, ideal for blues, garage rock, and lo-fi enthusiasts. Its unique single-coil pickups deliver a distinctive sound, though they may lack the punch for genres like metal or clean jazz. While playability is generally smooth, the fret buzz and cheap-feeling hardware detract from the overall experience. The Bigsby tremolo's positioning complicates accessing control knobs, hinting at a design oversight. Despite these issues, it remains a solid choice for those craving that retro offset guitar feel at a reasonable price.

Silvertone 1478 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Silvertone 1478 Silhouette strikes a retro chord with its vintage vibe and reasonable price, making it a solid choice for beginners or budget-conscious players. With a mahogany core and maple caps, it maintains a classic aesthetic while boasting modern playability through stable neck connections and intonation-adjustable bridges. However, the small control knobs might be a minor nuisance, and the guitar could use a catchier name. Its sound versatility ranges from surf to punk, and its Bigsby-equipped model adds some vintage flair. Overall, it’s a stylish, affordable entry into the world of electric guitars.

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