Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $600
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$400
$1001+
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Description
The Silvertone U1 is a classic solid body electric guitar that pays homage to the vintage tones of the 1950s while integrating modern playability. Known for its distinctive "lipstick" pickup, this guitar delivers a unique sonic character that stands out in any musical setting. With a single-cutaway design, the U1 offers comfortable access to higher frets, making it suitable for all playing styles, whether you're strumming chords or executing intricate solos.
Crafted with a poplar body, the U1 provides a balanced tonal foundation, while its maple neck ensures a smooth and responsive playing experience. The vintage-style tailpiece not only adds to the guitar's retro aesthetic but also contributes to its resonant sustain. The Silvertone U1 is an ideal choice for musicians seeking a classic look and sound, combined with the reliability of a modern instrument.
The U1's charm extends beyond its sound and feel—it's also a conversation starter with its storied history and iconic design. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Silvertone U1 stands ready to deliver a timeless performance.
Key Features:
- Solid poplar body with a classic single-cutaway design
- Maple neck for smooth playability
- Distinctive "lipstick" single-coil pickup for unique sonic character
- Vintage-style tailpiece for enhanced sustain
- Retro-inspired aesthetics with modern reliability
Product specs
| Brand | Silvertone |
| Model | U-1 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1961 |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Top-Load |
| Color Family | Black |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Silvertone U1?
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The Silvertone U1 features a slim neck profile, which makes it comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer faster, more agile playing.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Silvertone U1's pickup?
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The Silvertone U1 is equipped with a single-coil pickup that delivers a bright, punchy tone with clear articulation, ideal for genres like rock, blues, and surf music.
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Is the Silvertone U1 suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Silvertone U1 is suitable for beginners due to its simple design, lightweight body, and easy playability, making it an excellent choice for new players.
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What is the scale length of the Silvertone U1?
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The Silvertone U1 has a scale length of approximately 23.5 inches, which contributes to its comfortable playability and slightly looser string tension.
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How does the bolt-on neck construction affect the Silvertone U1's sound?
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The bolt-on neck construction of the Silvertone U1 typically provides a snappier attack and bright tone, enhancing the guitar's overall clarity and definition.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1950's Silvertone U1 Copper | Norman's Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1950's Silvertone U1 Copper | Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
Early 1950's Silvertone U1 Copper | Guitar of the Day
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: Early 1960's Silvertone U1 Black | Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
WILL IT JAZZ? - Silvertone U1
N Stuff Music
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Silvertone U1.
Build quality
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The Silvertone U1 features a body made from Masonite, which contributes to its unique sound and lightweight feel.
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Features and functionality
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The U1 is equipped with a single lipstick pickup known for its distinct tone; the pickup covers are famously made from surplus lipstick cases.
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Original tuners are actually guitar tuners, necessitating the use of short-scale strings with thinner windings to fit through the tuners properly.
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Comparisons
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In its era, the U1 was more playable than many Japanese guitars, providing a unique, quirky option for players.
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User experience
Value and pricing
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A well-maintained U1 can fetch between $600 to $800, depending on condition and market demand.
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Setup and maintenance
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The neck condition is critical; a bowing neck can limit the guitar to slide play unless repaired.
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The original bridge with rosewood doesn't adjust well, often failing to maintain intonation above the 12th fret, requiring careful positioning for optimal string performance.
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The wiring is akin to a standard P-bass setup, using one volume pot, one tone pot, and a capacitor for the tone control.
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It's noted that vintage Silvertone tuners often have misaligned or worn cog teeth, suggesting that replacement parts might be found in local music store stashes.
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Use cases and applications
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Through a cranked Twin Reverb amp, the U1's single lipstick pickup produces a highly praised, "godly" tone.
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Mods and upgrades
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A bridge with highly adjustable saddles is recommended for better intonation, especially if maintaining the original is a priority.
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Kluson tuners are recommended for replacement, requiring careful reaming and polishing to fit the U1's tighter spacing and maintain a smooth headstock profile.
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Artist usage
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In the provided image from Afternic, Dan Auerbach is seen playing a Silvertone U1 electric guitar.
In this post, Danielle specifies that she plays Little of Your Love on a Silvertone U1 through to a Q-tron.
In this video with Reverb, Alana confirms she plays a Silvertone U-1 guitar. The guitar is introduced at 1:31 and can be clearly seen throughout the video. Alana also confirms she played the same model at the 2021 Grammys during HAIM's performance of "The Steps" which can be seen in this picture: https://i.iheart.com/v3/re/new_assets/604ea83edb77cc452cf974a5?ops=contain(1480,0)
In this Youtube video Angel Olsen can be seen playing a Silvertone U1 electric guitar in metallic copper.
RY X is using a brown 1960 silvertone u1 guitar at Union Chapel in Islington on 17/02/14. Dan Aurbach and Seasick Steve also use this guitar.
The sessions for My Morning Jacket were done with limited gear, since James insisted everyone bring only essentials. For Broemel, that meant the Silvertone U1, two Les Pauls, and two Duesenbergs, and for James, it was the plywood Tele, one acoustic, and a prototype Gibson Jim James ES-335. /.../ Not to be outdone, Broemel opted for something vintage with plenty of quirk. "My new fave for the studio is a Silvertone U1," he says. "It's cool, light, plucky, and I used it on probably half of the new record. It's very clean and very low output, so the amps always sound friendly. It was a guitar you bought at Sears for $20. It has a lipstick pickup, a volume and tone knob, and a 3-position switch that in the middle position doesn't do anything, but one way is a low roll-off and the other way is a high roll-off. For a pickup that's that close to the neck, to be able to roll-off some lows makes it more useful to me."
This PG article lists the gear John Jorgensen used on the CD titled „Gifts from the flood”. The list includes this item too.
In the music video for "Just Came Back," Colin James is seen playing a Silvertone U1, as featured on his official VEVO channel.
In this picture, Dexter can be seen using a Silvertone U1 in The Flat Duo Jets.
Album Usage
The Silvertone U1 has been featured on the following albums:
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 U1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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