Silvertone Model 1304 Wishbook Special Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar, made by Danelectro (1961), made in Neptune, NJ, brown lacquer with sparkles finish, masonite and pine body, poplar neck with rosewood fingerboard, original grey chipboard case.
This fairly rare Danelectro-made Silvertone model was only offered in the Sears Christmas "Wishbooks", paired with a very small amp in the specific years 1958, '59 and '60. This 1960-style model originally listed at $54.90 "Cash" including the amp but without the "sturdy chipboard" case, which set you (or dad) back an extra $6.95. These were clearly intended for beginning electric guitar players, and were the forerunners to the familiar "amp-in-case" models that proved massively popular in the mid-60's. This guitar is dated to the 20th week of 1961 and must have been one of the very last ones produced, perhaps the result of some lingering seasonal orders! It also represents the last of the original single-cutaway 1950's style Danno instruments with the old "Coke bottle" headstock, being replaced by this point with flashier designs. The familiar 1960's sparkle paint finish makes an early appearance here, though over a medium brown base coat it is less flashy than later iterations. The scale is shorter than most Danelectros at 22 1/2" but the neck is fairly chunky, resulting in a very playable guitar. The single center-mounted pickup provides a unique tone, rich in snarly midrange. Overall a cool and unusual Danelectro with a fun story behind it.
Overall length is 37 1/4 in. (94.6 cm.), 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.). All original with some minor wear (most noticeable on the headstock edges) and rubbing off of the sparkles in well-played areas. A very funky-sounding old danno, with the original chipboard case (not $6.95 extra now!). Overall Excellent - Condition.
