1962 Silvertone 1448 Amp-In-Case Vintage Guitar & 1457 Tube Amp, Danelectro USA-Made

Up for sale, a 1962 Sears Silvertone 1448 student model electric guitar with a 1457 model “Amp-in-Case” in perfect working order. Built in the USA by Danelectro and featuring a single lipstick pickup and hollow body construction, this short scale 1448 model Silvertone has since been paired with a four-tube, higher-end model 1457 amp/case.This guitar features Danelectro’s masonite top and back construction over a poplar frame and centerblock, with a maple neck capped by a Brazilian rosewood fretboard with prominent, dynamic grain. The natural acoustic tone is remarkably resonant, with a bright, chiming quality translated faithfully by the single lipstick pickup. From the first strum, that jangly ‘60s sound is immediately recognizable, particularly when played through the in-case tube amp. The amp fires up as it should, with a low noise floor and excellent vintage tube tone made all the more versatile thanks to the onboard Tremolo functionality. Featherweight at just 5lbs 1oz, this Silvertone has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action and accurate intonation.The maple neck has a slender C-shaped profile carve with moderate shoulder in all registers, measuring .780” deep at the 1st fret and .885” at the 9th. The Brazilian rosewood fretboard has lightly rolled edges, with medium jumbo frets which are in excellent condition, showing just a touch of wear on the crowns beneath the plain strings on frets 1-2. This Silvertone plays cleanly up the 23 5/8" scale with a straight neck. The original aluminum nut is 1 11/16” in width. On the headstock, the “Silvertone” silkscreen script logo is present, and there is light finish checking along the seam for the headstock wing. The tuners have been upgraded to a set of Grover mini Rotomatics, which turn smoothly and hold steady pitch.All the electronics function as intended on the guitar, with the original CTS pots intact in the copper shielding tape “box," dating to the 42nd week of 1962. The lipstick pickup is governed by Master Volume and Tone controls. Hardware includes the bridge and rosewood saddle, the former of which still retains its bright chrome plating. The original ridged knobs are present, with some very minor wear on the upper lip of the Volume knob, and mismatched graphics on the caps. The gloss Black finish with silver metal flakes shows some honest cosmetic wear from the last half century, including a smattering of minor nicks and dings, particularly on the back, a sliver of edge wear through the gloss, and some missing sparkles on top where the arm makes contact. The original white binding tape is in excellent shape. The gloss finish on the neck profile also displays a number of minor dings, but still feels smooth in the hand.The amp functions well; with dual inputs, Master Volume and Tone controls, and Tremolo Strength and Speed controls. There is also an input for an external footswitch (not included). The original two-prong power cord is present, as is the stock tube complement, comprising a pair of 12AX7 preamp tubes, a 6V6 power tube and 6X4 rectifier, all of which are the original Silvertone-brand tubes. The original quartet of knobs have been replaced, as has the speaker, which is now a Utah V8JC, dating to 1970. The original gray textured covering is present on the case, along with the wheat grillcloth, framed by chrome trim. One latch on the case has become somewhat unreliable and is prone to popping open, but the other is entirely functional and the case remains largely structurally stable. There is some seam separation at one finger-jointed case corner, and some wear isolated spots of through the covering on a few edges. Certainly, care is required, but the internals are entirely protected. The original handle and hinges are present and functional.